[Completed Log] First Impressions
Who: Lee, Gaara
When: August 11, afternoon
Where: SIB offices/walking in the direction of Gaara’s residence
Summary: While on his way to ask about his most recent SIB application denial, Lee makes a new “friend”.
Rating: PG
Warnings: Lee.
Gaara was ready to punch something. He hadn’t been able to get ahold of Kankuro for a while and he hated dealing with his father alone. The man never seemed to want anything more than to use him for the most ridiculous goose-chases nowadays, or to try to get him to do some sort of dirty work. And it was starting to grate on Gaara’s already tense nerves. He was going to snap soon if he wasn’t careful, and usually Kankuro was who he turned to, but the man seemed thoroughly occupied with his new girlfriend. Damn.
Growling in annoyance and mounting frustration, Gaara walked away from his father’s office, not really seeing where he was going as he made his way toward the door. He needed a walk, and he was going to go on a damn walk, even if he was supposed to be “working”.
Lee had dressed in his best suit for the day, hoping to make a good impression at the SIB offices. He had his most recent rejection letter in hand, and was crinkling it nervously as he walked up the steps, heading into the offices, completely oblivious to everything else around him as he re-read the letter for the hundredth. He didn’t even know if he’d be able to get in to see the man who continued to reject his application, but it was worth a shot. If Lee didn’t try every avenue available to him, how was he supposed to get in to SIB? He couldn’t jut expect it to fall into his lap; nothing ever had before, so why would this most important goal be any different?
He had just pushed the door open, and walked in, reading the line about how his application had not been “satisfactory”--a line he had memorized--when he ran headlong into somone walking out. He stumbled back, catching himself on the doorframe, flushing in embarrassment, the letter half hiding his face. “Su-sumimasen! I am so sorry. I did not see you there. Please forgive me! Are you all right?” His gaze traveled up a short way before he was looking into a pair of intense eyes, and the butterflies in his stomach seemed to grow in size. He gulped audibly. “Etto...”
Gaara’s hand immediately flew toward the stranger’s face, expression hiding nothing of the steadily growing anger he felt. Abandonment. Add the conversation he’d just had with his father to that, and anyone who so much as looked at him wrong would suddenly be on his bad side. It wasn’t so much that he was really wanting to hurt whoever had run into him. If he did make contact, however, they’d learn their lesson to watch where the hell they were going, especially if Gaara was in their path.
Lee barely had a second to take in the stranger’s expression, those intense eyes made him feel like a hunted animal. But he was already raising a hand to block the contact, his muscles taking over for his distracted mind. He stared openly, his normally large eyes wider in bemusement, his mouth slightly open. What on earth was that about? He hadn’t meant to bump into the other man! He kept his grip on the other man’s wrist, lightening it after a moment passed in which he had the time to take in the man’s attire. “Oh, dear,” he mumbled. Why he was surprised that the person he very nearly ran over was a member of SIB he couldn’t say, but he was very surprised and very flustered.
He instantly let go of the man’s hand bowing slightly in apology--it would have been lower if he’d had the room, but as it was the two were standing much to close to allow for anything too deep. “I apologize. I did not mean to grab you like that. It was reflex.” He swallowed, scratching the back of his neck nervously, his embarrassment multiplied.
Gaara blinked, staring at the man. Normally, even if he didn’t try too hard, his punches were too quick for most to block. He lowered his arm, head tilting just slightly as he continued to look at the stranger, not understanding the embarrassment. “You’re quick,” he said simply, not bothering to move. Odd, but it intrigued him when others could outmaneuver him.
Lee blinked, flushing. “A-arigatougozaimasu,” he said softly. “I just train very hard, every day. It is important to keep one’s body in the best physical shape possible, especially in my line of work.” He glanced to the side, noting that the other man still hadn’t stepped away from him. “Etto,” he mumbled. Would it be rude to ask the man to move?
“D-do you work here?” he asked instead, because it seemed much more respectful. He already knew the answer, but it would be rude to outright ask him for directions without at least inquiring about the man first. “My name is Rock Lee. It is a pleasure to meet you.” He bowed, again, still not as deeply as he felt the situation called for because of their proximity, but at least he had made an attempt.
“Sabaku no Gaara.” Again it was a simple reply. And that strange, intense gaze, pale eyes cold, but curious. “I do work here. Why are you here?” If the man was a newbie, Gaara may have just found something to do more entertaining than a walk. If not... that was too bad.
Lee smiled kindly. “Sabaku-san,” he repeated, nodding. “I am here to inquire about...” he trailed off flushing. “Well, you see, I have just received another rejection letter, and I came to inquire about it. I do not have an appointment though, and I do not know who I need to speak with about this.” He held up the letter with its slightly crinkled edges, still slightly red from embarrassment. Talking with this man was seriously bad for Lee’s complexion. It was a good thing he did not care about looks.
A hairless brow rose as he looked from the blushing cheeks, to the letter in the man’s hand. “Without an appointment, you may not see him for a while. He’s always... busy... with something.” His eyes twitched as he spoke about his father.
The bastard certainly didn’t like talking to anyone he hadn’t specifically called in. He had to make sure everything that could be on his terms, was on his terms. That was part of the reason Gaara avoided him as much as possible, even though their work offices weren’t far apart. “You’ll have to speak with his receptionist. See if he’ll even meet with you today.”
Lee nodded. He had assumed as much, but he was determined. He would not give up! He would stay all day and all night if he had to! He would do whatever it took to speak with the man in charge! He nodded his determination, a fist raised, and his eyes wide and set, staring past Gaara at nothing in particular--just his own goals. “Well, if he will not see me today, then I shall make an appointment! I will not give up! This is my fifth rejection letter, and not even that will deter me.” Lee’s excitement and enthusiasm had started to get the better of him, and his volume rose as he made his claim. “If he will not see me today, then I shall do... two hundred squats in penance!”
Yes, he most certainly would not fail.
“Fifth?” Gaara blinked again. This guy was crazy, and that was saying something, considering Gaara was the one thinking it. He did follow Lee’s statements and bold proclamations. Mostly. “That... probably isn’t necessary,” he said. A slow grin, and not a very nice one either, came to Gaara’s lips. All right. He couldn’t help being a little mean, though he doubted anything serious would happen.
“If you’re so determined, you could just go talk to him right now. Don’t even bother with an appointment.”
Lee blinked. “Ee? But you just said--would that not be rude? I would hate to impose, and I would not want to make a bad impression in front of my superior, especially when I am trying to do just the opposite. This job is very important to me. After all, it is my dream!
“Are you absolutely sure I can just go in without an appointment?”
“Or, you could impress him,” Gaara said with a shrug, shifting out of Lee’s way and leaning against the wall, almost casually. Except for the tiniest hint of eager, and possibly malevolent, tension in his shoulders.
Lee, ever the trusting fool, very nearly exploded with excitement at Gaara’s words. “I had not thought of that,” he whispered, all awe and excitement. He bolted forward, forgetting all about propriety, before he skidded to a stop. “Which way do I go?” he asked, speaking quickly, and turning wide, innocent eyes on Gaara.
Smirking a bit wickedly, Gaara said, “Down the hall, third door on the left.” He had no idea why his dad had rejected Lee. The man seemed... capable? He wasn’t really sure. However, if he actually followed through with this whole thing, Gaara would be impressed, even if his father was not. And maybe he’d keep Lee in mind in the future. Who knew, really?
Lee barely gave Gaara the chance to finish telling him the location of the office before he had run off in the direction indicated, calling out over his shoulder, “Arigatougozaimasu!!!” Lee arrived in front of the door, his suit slightly crumble, his chest heaving with youthful excitement. He did not even bother knocking, he simply barged right in, announcing his arrival loudly.
“I am Rock Lee, and I wish to speak with you in regards to my most recent rejection letter!!!” He bowed deeply, already standing in front of the desk of the man he assumed was in charge. Lee did not dare glance up, doing his best to show respect despite having just barged in unannounced.
The man behind the desk stared at the bowed, ebony head in front of him for a long moment. If looks could kill, Lee would be dead, several times over. No one ever barged in on him. Not even his own children. Whoever this stupid fool thought he was had another thing coming.
“Was there some sort of confusion?” he asked, voice acidic.
“Confusion, sir?” Lee asked, doing his best not to let his voice waver. He chanced a glance up, barely moving out of his bowed position to see the face of the man. He looked vaguely familiar, not that Lee had ever met the man before, but there was definitely something about him that seemed familiar to Lee. And the way he was looking at Lee sent shame coursing though him. The man’s gaze was intense and intimidating, and he was not at all impressed, Lee could see.
Oh, dear, he thought, swallowing a lump in his throat as his heart plummeted.
“Usually my letters are quite clear. Perhaps the fact that you have continued to ignore them implies some sort of mental deficiency on your part, Lee.” Still that voice was cold and cruel, the gaze becoming harder. “I suggest you leave now, if you wish to apply for a sixth time and get something more than a flat-out, no. Especially after this little... intrusion,” he said, rising and watching Lee, as if waiting to see if the other would even dare to stay.
Lee opened and closed his mouth, several times, still staring down at the floor, bent at the waist. He swallowed hard, again, holding back the shameful tears. “Ha-hai. Please forgive me. I will be on my way.” He stood up abruptly, his gaze firmly rooted on the desk, where he saw a half obscured name plate. The only thing Lee could see that was not hidden by odds and ends was the name Sabaku. Lee’s eyes went wide.
He glanced back up at the man, then at the name plate, swallowed hard again, and held back more tears, before he turned and walked stiffly from the room.
Sabaku was Gaara’s family name, wasn’t it? That’s what he had said. He had known. He had told Lee to do this, despite how badly it would look. Why would he do that? And to have the man he was hoping to impress look down at him that way, rub it in his face that he was a failure--Lee sniffed, walking sedately down the hall he had come, heading for the exit.
Lee’s vision was slightly blurry, but he could still make out Gaara, leaning against the wall, watching him. His fists balled, the scars on his knuckles stretching and turning white, and blunt nails digging into his palms, his own shame mingling with anger. He could not understand how anyone could be so cruel? Why? It was so unfair! Who did he think he was? Just because he worked in this office and his father was the head that did not give him the right to treat people so horribly! Perhaps he had seen Lee and instantly known just by looking at him how much of a failure Lee was. Perhaps he’d just thought Lee looked too weird to be allowed. He sniffed again, a few tears making their way down his face as he neared the exit and the man who had sent him on his doomed mission.
“I take it he wasn’t impressed,” Gaara mused, falling into step behind Lee, expression not giving any of his thoughts away. The man was clearly upset, which meant that his father was upset. That in itself was enough to amuse Gaara, especially considering all the shit the man had recently been putting him through.
“Are you leaving then?”
Lee took in a shaky breath, doing his best not to yell. He was angry; he hadn’t been this angry in years, and he couldn’t ever remember being this angry at anyone in particular the way he was now. He clenched his fists and unclenched them, the letter crunching in his hand. “I have embarrassed myself quite enough for the day, thanks to you. I think it is best if I leave,” he said shortly. His voice shook, despite his best efforts not to let it shake, and a few more tears slid down his face.
He just couldn’t understand. What had he done to deserve that? Did Gaara hate him? Was Gaara just... mean? He didn’t seem to be even the slightest bit bothered by how his actions had affected Lee. He swallowed, fighting back tears, but his arms were shaking as he stepped onto the street. He stopped abruptly, his head down, his bowl-cut hanging in his face. The tears were flowing more freely now, and he turned abruptly, looking at Gaara with wide, hurt eyes. “Why did you do that?”
“You were more interesting when you were making your strange proclamations,” Gaara pointed out, still following Lee. He peered up at him with the slightest hint of a smile, something barely visible to most people, having noticed the building tension, the clenching fists.
He paused behind Lee when the man stopped. If he was really upset with the redhead, Lee would have told Gaara to leave him alone. Since he hadn’t, Gaara didn’t worry about going with him.“You intrigued me.” It was a simple statement and he added a half-shrug to it as though that might help Lee. “Especially when you actually barged into his office,” he added.
Lee’s eyes went wide, his cheeks, already pink from his anger, darkened, and his tears stopped abruptly. That was not the answer he was expecting, not in the least. Gaara had a strange way of showing his curiosity, Lee noted, but beyond that he was flattered. He was still upset, but the wind was taken out of his anger, and he deflated, wiping at his eyes, his muscles relaxing. “I intrigue you,” he repeated softly, looking down at the ground. He smiled sadly. “Well, thanks to your intrigue I am sure to have a much harder time getting accepted here. But eventually, I am sure I can surpass even this hurdle.”
He looked back up at Gaara, staring down at the shorter man, his own curiosity piqued. This was by far the strangest run in with someone he had ever had, but Lee was not the sort to hold a grudge, and when he did finally get accepted into SIB, he would be prouder for his boldness, and for making the challenge that much harder. “Etto, forgive me for being so nosy, but the man who I just thoroughly embarrassed myself in front of, he is a relative of yours?”
“You... impressed me. And that doesn’t happen often.” He crossed his arms and turned a cold gaze up to where his father’s office window was. “Personally, I don’t think it matters what that bastard thinks,” he explained calmly. Strange, he found himself thinking suddenly. Normally he wasn’t so open with new people. Then again, most of the people he met were idiots, or didn’t deserve to be doing what they did. That, or they were criminals. Perhaps a combination of all three.
Blue-green eyes blinked and he shook his head, looking back at Lee almost distractedly. “What are you doing now?”
Lee really could not remember a day where he had blushed quite so much. He tried to think of one, but could not remember any instance, and then Gaara was looking at him again in that way, his intense eyes and serious expression making Lee lose focus again. He had noticed that Gaara was attractive before; it wasn’t exactly something you just missed, but Lee had been very distracted and altogether flustered by bumping into the man, but now that he had failed, and was thoroughly depressed by it and in need of some cheering up and a good, long work out, he was actually able to pay attention to the simpler things in life. Like intense jade-coloured eyes.
Lee blinked. “Huh? Oh, uh, well, I do not have plans as such. I have today off from work, so after this I was probably going to work out, or... I do not know. I am usually in the office all day, and patrolling nights.” He shrugged, looking away. “Etto, are you doing anything?” He was probably reading into things; why would anyone, let alone someone as attractive and intimidating as Gaara, be asking Lee out? Surely that’s not what it was. And Lee was most definitely not asking him out, because that would be presumptuous and far too forward. It was just a casual question. Internally, Lee nodded, agreeing completely with his logic.
Gaara frowned. Lee talked too much. He was used to his brother, who could be quiet when Gaara wanted quiet. Lee didn’t seem the type. Too energetic for him really. At the same time, though, the redhead found it comforting...? Soothing? He didn’t know. It seemed like it had been a while since he’d had anyone’s company. In truth, it probably had only been...
The frown was back. He really wasn’t sure. His sleeping schedule, or lack thereof, meant that oftentimes days melted together. He’d lose track of the passage of time easily.
“I was going to walk. Join if you want,” he offered finally, turning away from the office and starting down the street. Hopefully, if Lee was really interested in following, he would.
Lee very nearly scrambled to follow after Gaara. It was a very strange way to put his request, more a command really, or perhaps granting permission, but Lee had nothing else to do, and while Gaara had done something rather cruel to begin with, Lee liked to have faith in people and give them the benefit of the doubt. Lee also thought Gaara was interesting, and he didn’t want to miss the opportunity to ask questions and find out about this person.
He walked alongside Gaara, taking off his suit jacket as it was rather warm out. He’d done his best to look nice to make a good impression, and it had all amounted to nothing. He almost wanted to go home and grab his spandex suit and go running. That would definitely let off steam. He glanced at the redhead, and decided that he could pass up a nice, long run for something more calming. “Where are we walking to?”
Gaara shrugged again. “I don’t plan where. I just walk.” It was true. Whenever he wanted to think, to be alone, to get out, or to de-stress. He didn’t like being in one spot for too long, especially when he was feeling antsy. And right now, he was feeling antsy.
“Why do you want to join SIB?”
Lee nodded in understanding, and though he usually had a goal in mind whenever he went anywhere, he could understand the sentiment. He paused, thinking over the over question seriously. “Well, I like being on patrol, but I want to do more. I feel that if I can become better and stronger and do more to help people, then I should, and SIB would allow me to do that.
“It would also help me figure out what happened to my parents, and maybe put a stop to that kind of thing ever happening again.” Lee was, in a word, honest to a fault. It was partially due to his intensive martial arts training, and partially due to the person who had taught him all of it, and then still due to his own sense of right and wrong. He saw no reason to hide something that someone in SIB could easily look up, and what was the point of keeping things from people? How could you expect to make friends if you kept everything so close to you and never let anyone in? So Lee had no problems admitting to someone he had only just met, someone who had also done something rather mean at the off, this personal information. This did not necessarily mean he wanted to take a walk down memory lane, and he certainly did not expect Gaara, who seemed rather quiet and closed off, to be as forthcoming with the stories.
“What about you?” he asked. “If you do not mind me asking, that is, but why are you working in SIB?”
Listening in silence, Gaara offered only the faintest nod. He waited entirely until Lee had stopped speaking before he said anything. He tended to listen more than anything else usually. Why he suddenly felt talkative was beyond him, and it annoyed him somewhat.
“Family business, I suppose.” If what he had could really be called “family”. He gave a small sigh and shook his head, glancing somewhat stiffly and warily at Lee. “And there are some things I think only I can handle.”
Lee nodded. “I see. Well, I am sure you are very good at what you do, and SIB is an honourable position. I was very surprised when I ran into you. Your hand came up so fast! You must be skilled in martial arts--or is that presumptuous of me?” he asked, suddenly self-conscious.
“I’ve trained in a lot of things, since I was young,” Gaara murmured, eye twitching at the mention of his position in SIB being "honourable". “Martial arts happens to be one of them.” He stopped abruptly, turning and facing Lee in a swift movement, looking up at the other man with that intense, curious gaze. “There aren’t many who can block one of my punches.”
Lee flushed, scratching the back of his neck in humble embarrassment. “E-etto, I have been practising martial arts for many years. And I do very intense workouts. I was always--Well, I suppose I was a failure,” he said softly, avoiding Gaara’s intense gaze by looking up at the sky, a wistful, slightly sad note creeping into his voice as he continued. “Everyone called me hot-blooded; no one thought I would amount to much, so I pushed myself harder than anyone. It is only after years of hard work and determination that I am as strong and fast as I am now, and as skilled as I am at martial arts.”
He shrugged, dropping his gaze. “It is really not that impressive. I am sure you have seen more impressive people in your line of work, Sabaku-san.”
“I suppose you’ve gone back to those people and shoved it back in their faces?” He continued to peer at Lee with a small smirk. It was what he would have done, had that ever actually happened to him. On the other hand, depending on the situation, he probably would have done more.
A frown came to the pale lips at Lee’s last comment. He scoffed slightly and turned around to continue his walk. “Take a compliment. I don’t give them. Ever. Especially not to strangers.”
Lee’s eyes widened. “De-demo--I-I appreciate the compliment, I really do, but I cannot discard the reason that you are giving it to me. Without all the work I put in, I would not be good enough to have received it in the first place.” He swallowed, looking away. “I-I thank you, very much, for the compliment though. I am flattered that you think so.” He bowed slightly, feeling his cheeks warm further.
“And as to going back to those people...” He trailed off, straightening up. “I have not gone back. While their comments were rude and hurtful, without them I might not have had the same drive. In a way, it was thanks to that hurt that I grew stronger. And while they may have been unnecessarily mean, I would never do something like that. Martial arts taught me humbleness and respect, and the best way to, as you say, ‘shove it back in their faces’ is to become better not only as a martial artist, but as a person. My sensei taught me the values of being a Nice Guy, and to that I hold true, no matter what.” He nodded decisively, grinning slightly at Gaara. Normally, he would have taken that moment as an opportunity to strike his favourite pose, but he was feeling too self-conscious under Gaara’s intense scrutiny to go so far as that.
Gaara had paused to listen to the speech, and once it was over started walking once more. He shook his head. “You’re a strange guy, you know?” Strange and someone that interested Gaara more than he would have liked. He didn’t understand how someone who apparently had had a rather difficult life (in it’s own way, he guessed), could be so perky and optimistic. “I don’t think I understand you at all.”
Lee frowned. “I am very sorry for the confusion, then,” he said solemnly. “I assure you, you are not the only person to have found me strange or... off-putting. Most people do; it is something I am used to, but that does not mean I should let it get me down.” He grinned, glancing down at Gaara from his peripheral vision, noting the intense expression on the other man’s face. “But regardless, and despite your earlier attempts at making a fool of me, I think you are one of the nicer people I have met.” And he smiled again, more brightly, turning to look fully at the redhead, the sun catching his smile, and then he could contain himself no longer and gave Gaara a thumbs up. “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for that.”
Again, Gaara blinked, feeling confused and therefore frustrated. That was an odd response to receive. He did pick out something particular that made him tilt his head and look at Lee with a sideways glance. “I think you misunderstood the meaning of that... little test,” he said honestly, voice low. That and no one really considered him nice. “No one barges in on that man. The fact that you did...”
The grin that came to Gaara’s lips was anything but nice. “It was amusing,” he said wickedly.
Lee bristled. Perhaps he had spoken a bit too soon, then, but he really did think Gaara was, if not nice, someone he could get along with, if only Gaara didn’t do things like that to him on a regular basis; Lee was plenty gullible, he would fall for it every time. He did his best not acknowledge the comment, but it was difficult, and he crossed his arms, pouting slightly, as he avoided looking at the redhead. “Hmph,” was all he could manage for a long moment.
“Well,” he finally said, voice just a bit tight, “I am glad I was able to entertain you. I will be sure to be on guard around you in the future.” Perhaps it was a bit uncalled for, and maybe just the slightest bit petty. But Lee was, by no means, perfect. He was human, and he was just as susceptible to emotion, and he was rather emotional. However, Gaara was his surperior, even if they did not work directly together. He bit his lip, regretting the comment instantly. “I-I apoligize for my rudeness,” he muttered, running a hand through his hair.
Gaara again raised a bald brow, peering at Lee with intrigued amusement, though it was a little tight. The redhead wasn’t known for being amused by much, let alone showing it. The average person would probably even miss it, because as soon as Gaara realized it was happening, the look disappeared.
“Don’t apologize. It’s annoying. And unnecessary.” He sighed. “And you should always be on guard around me anyway.” His voice was completely empty as he said it, sounding something close to tired. However Lee took it was up to him. As far as Gaara was concerned, Lee was now warned. Though, he wasn’t honestly sure he would see him again. Unless he came in with an appointment to see his father.
“The point of my test was to see what kind of man you were. Anyone who is defeated five times and comes back for more is... different from what I’m used to. I wanted to know why someone would do it.” He shifted, glancing around for a moment before taking an abrupt right and heading down a different street. “Talking with you hasn’t helped much.”
Lee frowned, cocking his head to one side, to look at Gaara better. “What is it about talking with me that is not helpful? Was there something in particular you were hoping to gain by this conversation?” His frowned deepened, thick eyebrows drawing together. “Honestly, if you had wanted to know what kind of person I am, you could have just asked me. I promise I would answer any question honestly.
“And I have to disagree. Apologizing was necessary. Even if your comment was not very nice, as someone above me in position, I should not have spoken to you that way, Sabaku-san.” Lee could not help wondering why Gaara would suggest that he needed to be on guard around him though, but he felt that might be too nosy, and kept that question to himself for the time being. Hopefully, he would see the man again after today. He admittedly liked his company, even if he was more flustered and self-conscious than not while speaking with him.
“I don’t usually talk this much. So this whole situation...” He frowned as he glanced up at Lee. “Punching you really would have been much easier.”
Lee laughed at that, because not only was it funny, but it was also very true. He laughed loudly, doubling over, tears in his eyes. He couldn’t remember anyone saying something like that to him, ever, but he was sure there were plenty of people who shared the sentiment. Even his sensei had had to, quite literally, knock sense into Lee on several occasions. But having someone vocalize it was a completely different thing.
His laughter finally subsided, and he wiped tears from his eyes, breathing slightly uneven as he continued to chuckle. “I should feel honoured then that you would be so chatty with me, ne?” he asked, a note of teasing in his voice. He stood up straighter, looking down at Gaara with a smile on his face. “I think I know what you mean though. I have always been a much more physical person. Communicating with words can be tricky. Although, I guess I am rather talkative, huh?” He laughed again, scratching the back of his neck. “Still if you had punched me, I would have blocked it.” His eyes went wide as a thought hit him. “We should spar together!” He grinned, all wide, innocent eyes down at Gaara, leaning forward slightly in his excitement, his cheeks a light pink from his earlier laughter.
The laughter was unexpected and gave Gaara reason to pause, as if he had to make sure Lee was actually okay. “If I had actually been trying, or focused, I can’t imagine you would have been able to block it,” he said, not cocky, simply stating a truth that he knew. “I wouldn’t suggest sparring however. You may end up seriously hurt.” Slowly, that grin came back, a glint in his eyes as he watched for Lee’s reaction.
“Or dead, if I’m not careful. That might be bad for both of us.” He had already figured out, quite quickly, actually, that Lee was the type to not back down from anything. It was painfully obvious. Then again, it also meant that if they did meet up again, Gaara was in for something far more exciting and fascinating than doing some half-assed assignment his father had thrown together last minute, simply to keep him busy.
Lee deflated slightly, stung just a bit by Gaara’s lack of faith in his skills. Wasn’t it Gaara who had pointed out that Lee was one of the few who could block his attacks? That was unacceptable. Lee would not lose! His mouth was set in a determined frown, and he gave Gaara a very earnest look. “Please, Sabaku-san, I ask that you not doubt my abilities. I am sure you are a very skilled martial artist, but I am also skilled, and would ask that you respect that. Especially as you have not yet seen me fight.” His nostrils flared slightly as he finished, feeling indignant and hurt, and just aching at the sound of challenge in Gaara’s voice.
“If that is a challenge,” he added, his grin returning, “I would gladly accept it. I do not fear a stronger opponent. In fact, if you are better than me, I would be more eager to face off against you.” He inclined his head respectfully, excitement flaring up and making him want to run a hundred laps around the park. Oh, if only he had his suit with him! He would go change right after this and start training! He was sure Gaara would be a formidable opponent, and would not take him for granted.
“I suppose we’ll just have to wait and see, then. You know where to find me, if you’re really serious about facing me,” Gaara said, shrugging and glancing around to get his bearings for a moment. He frowned. Somehow, subconsciously he supposed, he’d ended up heading toward home. Perhaps part of that was due to his day. Or perhaps it was that he hadn’t seen hide nor hair of his brother in a while, and that bothered him.
For a moment, he forgot he actually had someone with him and it was only after noticing that Lee was still following that he stopped and faced the taller man, brows knitted and expression distant. “I’m going home now. Perhaps I’ll see you around again,” he said.
Lee was buzzing with unexpressed excitement at Gaara’s subtle acceptance of his challenge. He was already planning his training regimen as he and Gaara walked, listening with half an ear to the man’s footsteps as they continued on. He blinked, when Gaara turned to face him, staring perplexedly down at the shorter man, before nodding slowly. “Okay! Then I shall see you again very soon! Give me a week to prepare, and I shall be waiting eagerly outside the SIB offices to face off with you!” He struck the Nice Guy pose, grinning so broadly it almost hurt. “I promise I will be a most formidable opponent! Oh, and we could use my sensei’s dojo! Or my backyard,” he rambled on, completely oblivious to Gaara’s desire to leave. He shook himself from his excited daze, still grinning over enthusiastically. “I cannot wait to see you again, Sabaku-san! I hope you have a good week; it was very nice meeting you!” He bowed respectfully, and very nearly ran all the way back home, but managed to contain himself (but only just), and walked as sedately as possible, waving and smiling at Gaara over his shoulder.
Yes, he could not wait to see Gaara again. This was definitely the start of a beautiful friendship!
When: August 11, afternoon
Where: SIB offices/walking in the direction of Gaara’s residence
Summary: While on his way to ask about his most recent SIB application denial, Lee makes a new “friend”.
Rating: PG
Warnings: Lee.
Gaara was ready to punch something. He hadn’t been able to get ahold of Kankuro for a while and he hated dealing with his father alone. The man never seemed to want anything more than to use him for the most ridiculous goose-chases nowadays, or to try to get him to do some sort of dirty work. And it was starting to grate on Gaara’s already tense nerves. He was going to snap soon if he wasn’t careful, and usually Kankuro was who he turned to, but the man seemed thoroughly occupied with his new girlfriend. Damn.
Growling in annoyance and mounting frustration, Gaara walked away from his father’s office, not really seeing where he was going as he made his way toward the door. He needed a walk, and he was going to go on a damn walk, even if he was supposed to be “working”.
Lee had dressed in his best suit for the day, hoping to make a good impression at the SIB offices. He had his most recent rejection letter in hand, and was crinkling it nervously as he walked up the steps, heading into the offices, completely oblivious to everything else around him as he re-read the letter for the hundredth. He didn’t even know if he’d be able to get in to see the man who continued to reject his application, but it was worth a shot. If Lee didn’t try every avenue available to him, how was he supposed to get in to SIB? He couldn’t jut expect it to fall into his lap; nothing ever had before, so why would this most important goal be any different?
He had just pushed the door open, and walked in, reading the line about how his application had not been “satisfactory”--a line he had memorized--when he ran headlong into somone walking out. He stumbled back, catching himself on the doorframe, flushing in embarrassment, the letter half hiding his face. “Su-sumimasen! I am so sorry. I did not see you there. Please forgive me! Are you all right?” His gaze traveled up a short way before he was looking into a pair of intense eyes, and the butterflies in his stomach seemed to grow in size. He gulped audibly. “Etto...”
Gaara’s hand immediately flew toward the stranger’s face, expression hiding nothing of the steadily growing anger he felt. Abandonment. Add the conversation he’d just had with his father to that, and anyone who so much as looked at him wrong would suddenly be on his bad side. It wasn’t so much that he was really wanting to hurt whoever had run into him. If he did make contact, however, they’d learn their lesson to watch where the hell they were going, especially if Gaara was in their path.
Lee barely had a second to take in the stranger’s expression, those intense eyes made him feel like a hunted animal. But he was already raising a hand to block the contact, his muscles taking over for his distracted mind. He stared openly, his normally large eyes wider in bemusement, his mouth slightly open. What on earth was that about? He hadn’t meant to bump into the other man! He kept his grip on the other man’s wrist, lightening it after a moment passed in which he had the time to take in the man’s attire. “Oh, dear,” he mumbled. Why he was surprised that the person he very nearly ran over was a member of SIB he couldn’t say, but he was very surprised and very flustered.
He instantly let go of the man’s hand bowing slightly in apology--it would have been lower if he’d had the room, but as it was the two were standing much to close to allow for anything too deep. “I apologize. I did not mean to grab you like that. It was reflex.” He swallowed, scratching the back of his neck nervously, his embarrassment multiplied.
Gaara blinked, staring at the man. Normally, even if he didn’t try too hard, his punches were too quick for most to block. He lowered his arm, head tilting just slightly as he continued to look at the stranger, not understanding the embarrassment. “You’re quick,” he said simply, not bothering to move. Odd, but it intrigued him when others could outmaneuver him.
Lee blinked, flushing. “A-arigatougozaimasu,” he said softly. “I just train very hard, every day. It is important to keep one’s body in the best physical shape possible, especially in my line of work.” He glanced to the side, noting that the other man still hadn’t stepped away from him. “Etto,” he mumbled. Would it be rude to ask the man to move?
“D-do you work here?” he asked instead, because it seemed much more respectful. He already knew the answer, but it would be rude to outright ask him for directions without at least inquiring about the man first. “My name is Rock Lee. It is a pleasure to meet you.” He bowed, again, still not as deeply as he felt the situation called for because of their proximity, but at least he had made an attempt.
“Sabaku no Gaara.” Again it was a simple reply. And that strange, intense gaze, pale eyes cold, but curious. “I do work here. Why are you here?” If the man was a newbie, Gaara may have just found something to do more entertaining than a walk. If not... that was too bad.
Lee smiled kindly. “Sabaku-san,” he repeated, nodding. “I am here to inquire about...” he trailed off flushing. “Well, you see, I have just received another rejection letter, and I came to inquire about it. I do not have an appointment though, and I do not know who I need to speak with about this.” He held up the letter with its slightly crinkled edges, still slightly red from embarrassment. Talking with this man was seriously bad for Lee’s complexion. It was a good thing he did not care about looks.
A hairless brow rose as he looked from the blushing cheeks, to the letter in the man’s hand. “Without an appointment, you may not see him for a while. He’s always... busy... with something.” His eyes twitched as he spoke about his father.
The bastard certainly didn’t like talking to anyone he hadn’t specifically called in. He had to make sure everything that could be on his terms, was on his terms. That was part of the reason Gaara avoided him as much as possible, even though their work offices weren’t far apart. “You’ll have to speak with his receptionist. See if he’ll even meet with you today.”
Lee nodded. He had assumed as much, but he was determined. He would not give up! He would stay all day and all night if he had to! He would do whatever it took to speak with the man in charge! He nodded his determination, a fist raised, and his eyes wide and set, staring past Gaara at nothing in particular--just his own goals. “Well, if he will not see me today, then I shall make an appointment! I will not give up! This is my fifth rejection letter, and not even that will deter me.” Lee’s excitement and enthusiasm had started to get the better of him, and his volume rose as he made his claim. “If he will not see me today, then I shall do... two hundred squats in penance!”
Yes, he most certainly would not fail.
“Fifth?” Gaara blinked again. This guy was crazy, and that was saying something, considering Gaara was the one thinking it. He did follow Lee’s statements and bold proclamations. Mostly. “That... probably isn’t necessary,” he said. A slow grin, and not a very nice one either, came to Gaara’s lips. All right. He couldn’t help being a little mean, though he doubted anything serious would happen.
“If you’re so determined, you could just go talk to him right now. Don’t even bother with an appointment.”
Lee blinked. “Ee? But you just said--would that not be rude? I would hate to impose, and I would not want to make a bad impression in front of my superior, especially when I am trying to do just the opposite. This job is very important to me. After all, it is my dream!
“Are you absolutely sure I can just go in without an appointment?”
“Or, you could impress him,” Gaara said with a shrug, shifting out of Lee’s way and leaning against the wall, almost casually. Except for the tiniest hint of eager, and possibly malevolent, tension in his shoulders.
Lee, ever the trusting fool, very nearly exploded with excitement at Gaara’s words. “I had not thought of that,” he whispered, all awe and excitement. He bolted forward, forgetting all about propriety, before he skidded to a stop. “Which way do I go?” he asked, speaking quickly, and turning wide, innocent eyes on Gaara.
Smirking a bit wickedly, Gaara said, “Down the hall, third door on the left.” He had no idea why his dad had rejected Lee. The man seemed... capable? He wasn’t really sure. However, if he actually followed through with this whole thing, Gaara would be impressed, even if his father was not. And maybe he’d keep Lee in mind in the future. Who knew, really?
Lee barely gave Gaara the chance to finish telling him the location of the office before he had run off in the direction indicated, calling out over his shoulder, “Arigatougozaimasu!!!” Lee arrived in front of the door, his suit slightly crumble, his chest heaving with youthful excitement. He did not even bother knocking, he simply barged right in, announcing his arrival loudly.
“I am Rock Lee, and I wish to speak with you in regards to my most recent rejection letter!!!” He bowed deeply, already standing in front of the desk of the man he assumed was in charge. Lee did not dare glance up, doing his best to show respect despite having just barged in unannounced.
The man behind the desk stared at the bowed, ebony head in front of him for a long moment. If looks could kill, Lee would be dead, several times over. No one ever barged in on him. Not even his own children. Whoever this stupid fool thought he was had another thing coming.
“Was there some sort of confusion?” he asked, voice acidic.
“Confusion, sir?” Lee asked, doing his best not to let his voice waver. He chanced a glance up, barely moving out of his bowed position to see the face of the man. He looked vaguely familiar, not that Lee had ever met the man before, but there was definitely something about him that seemed familiar to Lee. And the way he was looking at Lee sent shame coursing though him. The man’s gaze was intense and intimidating, and he was not at all impressed, Lee could see.
Oh, dear, he thought, swallowing a lump in his throat as his heart plummeted.
“Usually my letters are quite clear. Perhaps the fact that you have continued to ignore them implies some sort of mental deficiency on your part, Lee.” Still that voice was cold and cruel, the gaze becoming harder. “I suggest you leave now, if you wish to apply for a sixth time and get something more than a flat-out, no. Especially after this little... intrusion,” he said, rising and watching Lee, as if waiting to see if the other would even dare to stay.
Lee opened and closed his mouth, several times, still staring down at the floor, bent at the waist. He swallowed hard, again, holding back the shameful tears. “Ha-hai. Please forgive me. I will be on my way.” He stood up abruptly, his gaze firmly rooted on the desk, where he saw a half obscured name plate. The only thing Lee could see that was not hidden by odds and ends was the name Sabaku. Lee’s eyes went wide.
He glanced back up at the man, then at the name plate, swallowed hard again, and held back more tears, before he turned and walked stiffly from the room.
Sabaku was Gaara’s family name, wasn’t it? That’s what he had said. He had known. He had told Lee to do this, despite how badly it would look. Why would he do that? And to have the man he was hoping to impress look down at him that way, rub it in his face that he was a failure--Lee sniffed, walking sedately down the hall he had come, heading for the exit.
Lee’s vision was slightly blurry, but he could still make out Gaara, leaning against the wall, watching him. His fists balled, the scars on his knuckles stretching and turning white, and blunt nails digging into his palms, his own shame mingling with anger. He could not understand how anyone could be so cruel? Why? It was so unfair! Who did he think he was? Just because he worked in this office and his father was the head that did not give him the right to treat people so horribly! Perhaps he had seen Lee and instantly known just by looking at him how much of a failure Lee was. Perhaps he’d just thought Lee looked too weird to be allowed. He sniffed again, a few tears making their way down his face as he neared the exit and the man who had sent him on his doomed mission.
“I take it he wasn’t impressed,” Gaara mused, falling into step behind Lee, expression not giving any of his thoughts away. The man was clearly upset, which meant that his father was upset. That in itself was enough to amuse Gaara, especially considering all the shit the man had recently been putting him through.
“Are you leaving then?”
Lee took in a shaky breath, doing his best not to yell. He was angry; he hadn’t been this angry in years, and he couldn’t ever remember being this angry at anyone in particular the way he was now. He clenched his fists and unclenched them, the letter crunching in his hand. “I have embarrassed myself quite enough for the day, thanks to you. I think it is best if I leave,” he said shortly. His voice shook, despite his best efforts not to let it shake, and a few more tears slid down his face.
He just couldn’t understand. What had he done to deserve that? Did Gaara hate him? Was Gaara just... mean? He didn’t seem to be even the slightest bit bothered by how his actions had affected Lee. He swallowed, fighting back tears, but his arms were shaking as he stepped onto the street. He stopped abruptly, his head down, his bowl-cut hanging in his face. The tears were flowing more freely now, and he turned abruptly, looking at Gaara with wide, hurt eyes. “Why did you do that?”
“You were more interesting when you were making your strange proclamations,” Gaara pointed out, still following Lee. He peered up at him with the slightest hint of a smile, something barely visible to most people, having noticed the building tension, the clenching fists.
He paused behind Lee when the man stopped. If he was really upset with the redhead, Lee would have told Gaara to leave him alone. Since he hadn’t, Gaara didn’t worry about going with him.“You intrigued me.” It was a simple statement and he added a half-shrug to it as though that might help Lee. “Especially when you actually barged into his office,” he added.
Lee’s eyes went wide, his cheeks, already pink from his anger, darkened, and his tears stopped abruptly. That was not the answer he was expecting, not in the least. Gaara had a strange way of showing his curiosity, Lee noted, but beyond that he was flattered. He was still upset, but the wind was taken out of his anger, and he deflated, wiping at his eyes, his muscles relaxing. “I intrigue you,” he repeated softly, looking down at the ground. He smiled sadly. “Well, thanks to your intrigue I am sure to have a much harder time getting accepted here. But eventually, I am sure I can surpass even this hurdle.”
He looked back up at Gaara, staring down at the shorter man, his own curiosity piqued. This was by far the strangest run in with someone he had ever had, but Lee was not the sort to hold a grudge, and when he did finally get accepted into SIB, he would be prouder for his boldness, and for making the challenge that much harder. “Etto, forgive me for being so nosy, but the man who I just thoroughly embarrassed myself in front of, he is a relative of yours?”
“You... impressed me. And that doesn’t happen often.” He crossed his arms and turned a cold gaze up to where his father’s office window was. “Personally, I don’t think it matters what that bastard thinks,” he explained calmly. Strange, he found himself thinking suddenly. Normally he wasn’t so open with new people. Then again, most of the people he met were idiots, or didn’t deserve to be doing what they did. That, or they were criminals. Perhaps a combination of all three.
Blue-green eyes blinked and he shook his head, looking back at Lee almost distractedly. “What are you doing now?”
Lee really could not remember a day where he had blushed quite so much. He tried to think of one, but could not remember any instance, and then Gaara was looking at him again in that way, his intense eyes and serious expression making Lee lose focus again. He had noticed that Gaara was attractive before; it wasn’t exactly something you just missed, but Lee had been very distracted and altogether flustered by bumping into the man, but now that he had failed, and was thoroughly depressed by it and in need of some cheering up and a good, long work out, he was actually able to pay attention to the simpler things in life. Like intense jade-coloured eyes.
Lee blinked. “Huh? Oh, uh, well, I do not have plans as such. I have today off from work, so after this I was probably going to work out, or... I do not know. I am usually in the office all day, and patrolling nights.” He shrugged, looking away. “Etto, are you doing anything?” He was probably reading into things; why would anyone, let alone someone as attractive and intimidating as Gaara, be asking Lee out? Surely that’s not what it was. And Lee was most definitely not asking him out, because that would be presumptuous and far too forward. It was just a casual question. Internally, Lee nodded, agreeing completely with his logic.
Gaara frowned. Lee talked too much. He was used to his brother, who could be quiet when Gaara wanted quiet. Lee didn’t seem the type. Too energetic for him really. At the same time, though, the redhead found it comforting...? Soothing? He didn’t know. It seemed like it had been a while since he’d had anyone’s company. In truth, it probably had only been...
The frown was back. He really wasn’t sure. His sleeping schedule, or lack thereof, meant that oftentimes days melted together. He’d lose track of the passage of time easily.
“I was going to walk. Join if you want,” he offered finally, turning away from the office and starting down the street. Hopefully, if Lee was really interested in following, he would.
Lee very nearly scrambled to follow after Gaara. It was a very strange way to put his request, more a command really, or perhaps granting permission, but Lee had nothing else to do, and while Gaara had done something rather cruel to begin with, Lee liked to have faith in people and give them the benefit of the doubt. Lee also thought Gaara was interesting, and he didn’t want to miss the opportunity to ask questions and find out about this person.
He walked alongside Gaara, taking off his suit jacket as it was rather warm out. He’d done his best to look nice to make a good impression, and it had all amounted to nothing. He almost wanted to go home and grab his spandex suit and go running. That would definitely let off steam. He glanced at the redhead, and decided that he could pass up a nice, long run for something more calming. “Where are we walking to?”
Gaara shrugged again. “I don’t plan where. I just walk.” It was true. Whenever he wanted to think, to be alone, to get out, or to de-stress. He didn’t like being in one spot for too long, especially when he was feeling antsy. And right now, he was feeling antsy.
“Why do you want to join SIB?”
Lee nodded in understanding, and though he usually had a goal in mind whenever he went anywhere, he could understand the sentiment. He paused, thinking over the over question seriously. “Well, I like being on patrol, but I want to do more. I feel that if I can become better and stronger and do more to help people, then I should, and SIB would allow me to do that.
“It would also help me figure out what happened to my parents, and maybe put a stop to that kind of thing ever happening again.” Lee was, in a word, honest to a fault. It was partially due to his intensive martial arts training, and partially due to the person who had taught him all of it, and then still due to his own sense of right and wrong. He saw no reason to hide something that someone in SIB could easily look up, and what was the point of keeping things from people? How could you expect to make friends if you kept everything so close to you and never let anyone in? So Lee had no problems admitting to someone he had only just met, someone who had also done something rather mean at the off, this personal information. This did not necessarily mean he wanted to take a walk down memory lane, and he certainly did not expect Gaara, who seemed rather quiet and closed off, to be as forthcoming with the stories.
“What about you?” he asked. “If you do not mind me asking, that is, but why are you working in SIB?”
Listening in silence, Gaara offered only the faintest nod. He waited entirely until Lee had stopped speaking before he said anything. He tended to listen more than anything else usually. Why he suddenly felt talkative was beyond him, and it annoyed him somewhat.
“Family business, I suppose.” If what he had could really be called “family”. He gave a small sigh and shook his head, glancing somewhat stiffly and warily at Lee. “And there are some things I think only I can handle.”
Lee nodded. “I see. Well, I am sure you are very good at what you do, and SIB is an honourable position. I was very surprised when I ran into you. Your hand came up so fast! You must be skilled in martial arts--or is that presumptuous of me?” he asked, suddenly self-conscious.
“I’ve trained in a lot of things, since I was young,” Gaara murmured, eye twitching at the mention of his position in SIB being "honourable". “Martial arts happens to be one of them.” He stopped abruptly, turning and facing Lee in a swift movement, looking up at the other man with that intense, curious gaze. “There aren’t many who can block one of my punches.”
Lee flushed, scratching the back of his neck in humble embarrassment. “E-etto, I have been practising martial arts for many years. And I do very intense workouts. I was always--Well, I suppose I was a failure,” he said softly, avoiding Gaara’s intense gaze by looking up at the sky, a wistful, slightly sad note creeping into his voice as he continued. “Everyone called me hot-blooded; no one thought I would amount to much, so I pushed myself harder than anyone. It is only after years of hard work and determination that I am as strong and fast as I am now, and as skilled as I am at martial arts.”
He shrugged, dropping his gaze. “It is really not that impressive. I am sure you have seen more impressive people in your line of work, Sabaku-san.”
“I suppose you’ve gone back to those people and shoved it back in their faces?” He continued to peer at Lee with a small smirk. It was what he would have done, had that ever actually happened to him. On the other hand, depending on the situation, he probably would have done more.
A frown came to the pale lips at Lee’s last comment. He scoffed slightly and turned around to continue his walk. “Take a compliment. I don’t give them. Ever. Especially not to strangers.”
Lee’s eyes widened. “De-demo--I-I appreciate the compliment, I really do, but I cannot discard the reason that you are giving it to me. Without all the work I put in, I would not be good enough to have received it in the first place.” He swallowed, looking away. “I-I thank you, very much, for the compliment though. I am flattered that you think so.” He bowed slightly, feeling his cheeks warm further.
“And as to going back to those people...” He trailed off, straightening up. “I have not gone back. While their comments were rude and hurtful, without them I might not have had the same drive. In a way, it was thanks to that hurt that I grew stronger. And while they may have been unnecessarily mean, I would never do something like that. Martial arts taught me humbleness and respect, and the best way to, as you say, ‘shove it back in their faces’ is to become better not only as a martial artist, but as a person. My sensei taught me the values of being a Nice Guy, and to that I hold true, no matter what.” He nodded decisively, grinning slightly at Gaara. Normally, he would have taken that moment as an opportunity to strike his favourite pose, but he was feeling too self-conscious under Gaara’s intense scrutiny to go so far as that.
Gaara had paused to listen to the speech, and once it was over started walking once more. He shook his head. “You’re a strange guy, you know?” Strange and someone that interested Gaara more than he would have liked. He didn’t understand how someone who apparently had had a rather difficult life (in it’s own way, he guessed), could be so perky and optimistic. “I don’t think I understand you at all.”
Lee frowned. “I am very sorry for the confusion, then,” he said solemnly. “I assure you, you are not the only person to have found me strange or... off-putting. Most people do; it is something I am used to, but that does not mean I should let it get me down.” He grinned, glancing down at Gaara from his peripheral vision, noting the intense expression on the other man’s face. “But regardless, and despite your earlier attempts at making a fool of me, I think you are one of the nicer people I have met.” And he smiled again, more brightly, turning to look fully at the redhead, the sun catching his smile, and then he could contain himself no longer and gave Gaara a thumbs up. “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for that.”
Again, Gaara blinked, feeling confused and therefore frustrated. That was an odd response to receive. He did pick out something particular that made him tilt his head and look at Lee with a sideways glance. “I think you misunderstood the meaning of that... little test,” he said honestly, voice low. That and no one really considered him nice. “No one barges in on that man. The fact that you did...”
The grin that came to Gaara’s lips was anything but nice. “It was amusing,” he said wickedly.
Lee bristled. Perhaps he had spoken a bit too soon, then, but he really did think Gaara was, if not nice, someone he could get along with, if only Gaara didn’t do things like that to him on a regular basis; Lee was plenty gullible, he would fall for it every time. He did his best not acknowledge the comment, but it was difficult, and he crossed his arms, pouting slightly, as he avoided looking at the redhead. “Hmph,” was all he could manage for a long moment.
“Well,” he finally said, voice just a bit tight, “I am glad I was able to entertain you. I will be sure to be on guard around you in the future.” Perhaps it was a bit uncalled for, and maybe just the slightest bit petty. But Lee was, by no means, perfect. He was human, and he was just as susceptible to emotion, and he was rather emotional. However, Gaara was his surperior, even if they did not work directly together. He bit his lip, regretting the comment instantly. “I-I apoligize for my rudeness,” he muttered, running a hand through his hair.
Gaara again raised a bald brow, peering at Lee with intrigued amusement, though it was a little tight. The redhead wasn’t known for being amused by much, let alone showing it. The average person would probably even miss it, because as soon as Gaara realized it was happening, the look disappeared.
“Don’t apologize. It’s annoying. And unnecessary.” He sighed. “And you should always be on guard around me anyway.” His voice was completely empty as he said it, sounding something close to tired. However Lee took it was up to him. As far as Gaara was concerned, Lee was now warned. Though, he wasn’t honestly sure he would see him again. Unless he came in with an appointment to see his father.
“The point of my test was to see what kind of man you were. Anyone who is defeated five times and comes back for more is... different from what I’m used to. I wanted to know why someone would do it.” He shifted, glancing around for a moment before taking an abrupt right and heading down a different street. “Talking with you hasn’t helped much.”
Lee frowned, cocking his head to one side, to look at Gaara better. “What is it about talking with me that is not helpful? Was there something in particular you were hoping to gain by this conversation?” His frowned deepened, thick eyebrows drawing together. “Honestly, if you had wanted to know what kind of person I am, you could have just asked me. I promise I would answer any question honestly.
“And I have to disagree. Apologizing was necessary. Even if your comment was not very nice, as someone above me in position, I should not have spoken to you that way, Sabaku-san.” Lee could not help wondering why Gaara would suggest that he needed to be on guard around him though, but he felt that might be too nosy, and kept that question to himself for the time being. Hopefully, he would see the man again after today. He admittedly liked his company, even if he was more flustered and self-conscious than not while speaking with him.
“I don’t usually talk this much. So this whole situation...” He frowned as he glanced up at Lee. “Punching you really would have been much easier.”
Lee laughed at that, because not only was it funny, but it was also very true. He laughed loudly, doubling over, tears in his eyes. He couldn’t remember anyone saying something like that to him, ever, but he was sure there were plenty of people who shared the sentiment. Even his sensei had had to, quite literally, knock sense into Lee on several occasions. But having someone vocalize it was a completely different thing.
His laughter finally subsided, and he wiped tears from his eyes, breathing slightly uneven as he continued to chuckle. “I should feel honoured then that you would be so chatty with me, ne?” he asked, a note of teasing in his voice. He stood up straighter, looking down at Gaara with a smile on his face. “I think I know what you mean though. I have always been a much more physical person. Communicating with words can be tricky. Although, I guess I am rather talkative, huh?” He laughed again, scratching the back of his neck. “Still if you had punched me, I would have blocked it.” His eyes went wide as a thought hit him. “We should spar together!” He grinned, all wide, innocent eyes down at Gaara, leaning forward slightly in his excitement, his cheeks a light pink from his earlier laughter.
The laughter was unexpected and gave Gaara reason to pause, as if he had to make sure Lee was actually okay. “If I had actually been trying, or focused, I can’t imagine you would have been able to block it,” he said, not cocky, simply stating a truth that he knew. “I wouldn’t suggest sparring however. You may end up seriously hurt.” Slowly, that grin came back, a glint in his eyes as he watched for Lee’s reaction.
“Or dead, if I’m not careful. That might be bad for both of us.” He had already figured out, quite quickly, actually, that Lee was the type to not back down from anything. It was painfully obvious. Then again, it also meant that if they did meet up again, Gaara was in for something far more exciting and fascinating than doing some half-assed assignment his father had thrown together last minute, simply to keep him busy.
Lee deflated slightly, stung just a bit by Gaara’s lack of faith in his skills. Wasn’t it Gaara who had pointed out that Lee was one of the few who could block his attacks? That was unacceptable. Lee would not lose! His mouth was set in a determined frown, and he gave Gaara a very earnest look. “Please, Sabaku-san, I ask that you not doubt my abilities. I am sure you are a very skilled martial artist, but I am also skilled, and would ask that you respect that. Especially as you have not yet seen me fight.” His nostrils flared slightly as he finished, feeling indignant and hurt, and just aching at the sound of challenge in Gaara’s voice.
“If that is a challenge,” he added, his grin returning, “I would gladly accept it. I do not fear a stronger opponent. In fact, if you are better than me, I would be more eager to face off against you.” He inclined his head respectfully, excitement flaring up and making him want to run a hundred laps around the park. Oh, if only he had his suit with him! He would go change right after this and start training! He was sure Gaara would be a formidable opponent, and would not take him for granted.
“I suppose we’ll just have to wait and see, then. You know where to find me, if you’re really serious about facing me,” Gaara said, shrugging and glancing around to get his bearings for a moment. He frowned. Somehow, subconsciously he supposed, he’d ended up heading toward home. Perhaps part of that was due to his day. Or perhaps it was that he hadn’t seen hide nor hair of his brother in a while, and that bothered him.
For a moment, he forgot he actually had someone with him and it was only after noticing that Lee was still following that he stopped and faced the taller man, brows knitted and expression distant. “I’m going home now. Perhaps I’ll see you around again,” he said.
Lee was buzzing with unexpressed excitement at Gaara’s subtle acceptance of his challenge. He was already planning his training regimen as he and Gaara walked, listening with half an ear to the man’s footsteps as they continued on. He blinked, when Gaara turned to face him, staring perplexedly down at the shorter man, before nodding slowly. “Okay! Then I shall see you again very soon! Give me a week to prepare, and I shall be waiting eagerly outside the SIB offices to face off with you!” He struck the Nice Guy pose, grinning so broadly it almost hurt. “I promise I will be a most formidable opponent! Oh, and we could use my sensei’s dojo! Or my backyard,” he rambled on, completely oblivious to Gaara’s desire to leave. He shook himself from his excited daze, still grinning over enthusiastically. “I cannot wait to see you again, Sabaku-san! I hope you have a good week; it was very nice meeting you!” He bowed respectfully, and very nearly ran all the way back home, but managed to contain himself (but only just), and walked as sedately as possible, waving and smiling at Gaara over his shoulder.
Yes, he could not wait to see Gaara again. This was definitely the start of a beautiful friendship!