Bear Hugs ⟩⟨ Naruto & Lee
Returning to his daily training routine had been a welcome relief for Lee. A month ago he was forced to break his dogma of exercising in favour of staying with his teacher, which he accepted gladly. As tribute to Gai’s sacrifice and his now fragile body, Lee put off training and instead decided to assist his sensei and anyone else he could find. This proved to be almost equally taxing some days. With Gai fed and sleeping, Lee had offered to do any number of tasks: delivering groceries, offering emotional support, helping rebuild a caved in roof. Many were injured in the war and it seemed there weren’t enough genin to help them all.
After a while the village began to relax into a semblance of what it was before, and Gai began to push Lee to fully return to his training. It was very strange to train every day by himself, and very sad knowing he would be doing it for a long time.Tsunade promised prosthetics, he told himself. At the very least he should walk again. Right?
He often pushed those thoughts away, replacing them with gratefulness and plans for a wonderful future for Konoha. Lee smiled now as he imagined a happy life, filled with happy friends. Sakura was improving so greatly. Tenten was considering settling down, though she seemed to train just as hard. Lee had seen little of Naruto, however, and was wondering how he was adjusting. It was the man himself that caused Lee to start in surprise and tumble to the ground with a yelp. He had been so caught up in his own thoughts and the rhythm of running on his hands that he’d forgotten to check the path in front of him, nearing knocking over them both over. Lee quickly recovered and sprung from the ground, throwing himself with open arms at his old friend. “Naruto-kun!”
"LEE!" Naruto shouted happily as he hugged his old friend. How long it had been since he had seen the crazed black-haired male running about. He was almost waiting to see Gai come springing up from the surrounding bushes but the dawning realization hit home. Over exerting yourself can cause great consequences. Gai however lived but was unable to train with Lee. Or as far as he knew. A grin creased his lips as he let go of the hug to study his friend.
"Training as usual I see 'ttbayo!" He clapped his hand over Lee's shoulder almost forgetting that one of his arms was gone. The familiar aura around Lee was astounding as usual. He had grown up to be stronger than he had ever anticipated. He was glad to call him his friend.
"So what have you been up too as of late Rock Lee?" Catching up never hurt. For old times sake, he wouldn't mind to let loose a little.
