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Disclaimer: Is Lee getting chased by Seme's that want him as their Uke? No? Then I don't own Naruto.

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Title: Cherry Lotus

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Lee whimpered as he woke up. He automatically pushed himself up, distantly realizing that his arms were shaking. He kept his eyes closed as his head was pounding. Shikamaru had warned him that the jutsu was experimental but he didn't think it would hurt so much... Lee fell back onto the bed and pressed his hands against his aching head.

"This is no-" Lee began to mumble to himself but froze as something sounded very not right. His eyes snapped open and he found himself staring at an unfamiliar ceiling.

"...What?!" Lee whispered in horror, his gaze darting around him. This wasn't his room -he didn't know when he was but he never had a room like this- and this definitely wasn't his voice.

Lee shot up, disregarding the pounding in his head and his heart squeezed in horror as he didn't see black hair in his peripheral but pink. There was only one person he knew that had pink hair and that wasn't him. Lee swallowed roughly and slowly brought his hand up to touch his hair and brought it in front of his eyes.

Pink. It was still pink.

Shakily, Lee stood from the bed and walked to the mirror next to an unfamiliar desk. What he saw made his legs crumble beneath him. He stared in absolute horror at the figure in the mirror.

Haruno Sakura stared right back at him, echoing his horror.

"Oh kami-sama." Lee gasped, bringing his- Sakura's hands up to her face, "Naruto-kun...what did you do...?"

'Who...who are...you?' A voice echoed in his head and Lee jerked in surprise. He looked around but didn't see anyone else.

"W-what?" Lee muttered

'Who are you!' The voice came stronger, angry and scared sounding. It made Lee jump but he felt a squeezing in his heart too.

"I-I am sorry!" He said, "I am Lee...who are you?"

'I...I am Inner. Where is Sakura? Why are you here?'

"A pleasure to meet you." Lee automatically said, bowing. Then he bit his -Sakura's- lip and continued, "I...I do not know where Sakura-chan is. I was meant to come back in my own body but something must have gone wrong...I...I am so sorry."

'...Will you let me look? Since you are here, I can probably look through your memories...'

"Yes! Maybe you can find something then..." Lee said, his heart beating faster, "If you can, I would welcome any chance to return to my own body and have Sakura-chan back."

'Inner' didn't reply but Lee guessed that she was looking through his memories. He didn't mind, he had nothing to hide anyway.

"Sakura! Are you up? You're going to be late!" A woman's voice came, slightly muffled by the closed door. The sound made his heart jump in surprise and he tensed.

Sakura's mother! She would be able to tell that he wasn't Sakura. No, everyone would be able to tell! He didn't act anything like Sakura and he didn't even know when this was!

Lee scrambled to his feet and quickly searched the room for something that would tell him the day. He spied a clock on the bedside table and lunged for it. He fell a little short, not used to his new size but grabbed it after crawling forward. He turned it and felt relief wash over him as he saw the extra numbers. Then the relief turned halfway to uncertainty.

It was team selection day, for Sakura.

Lee turned his gaze onto the desk and it was confirmed. A new Konoha hiate-ate laid on the wood.

'At least I did not have to do the jutsu's to pass for Sakura-chan.' Lee thought to himself, his relief growing.

"Sakura?" The woman's voice came again and Lee jumped once more.

"I-I am up!" He called out then cringed. He might have Sakura's voice but he didn't talk like Sakura. Then he cringed again. He had to change.

Lee felt 'his' face burn red but he got up anyway. He determinedly went to Sakura's wardrobe and opened it. There were different versions of the red shirt-dress Sakura had worn during the Chunin Exams.

The Chunin exams...oh Kami. That was the start of all of their problems, and Sakura wasn't even close to being able to pass like him. Lee wasn't arrogant but he knew he could have passed if it wasn't for Gaara -not that he blamed the man...boy? Like he told the current...future? Kazekage, he forgave him soon after being injured-, and Sakura was going to face the Snake Sannin with Sasuke and Naruto.

He had to train Sakura's body as soon as possible! Even if they found a way to put him back in his own body, it would never hurt to help Sakura get stronger.

Lee nodded and pulled out Sakura's clothing, laying them on the bed so he could choose the best to continue in. The black spandex shorts were good though he would have preferred pants. Still, he pulled out the ones that would go to his knees and set them down in the to wear pile. Next, he chose a short skirt, knowing that Sakura always wore something over her spandex. It was enough to cover his -her- lower half but not enough to be in the way and it had two slits up the sides so it would allow him the most flexibility.

Was Sakura flexible?

Lee grimaced and quickly tried to check by balancing on one foot and bringing his other leg as high as he could. It didn't go too high though, it went chest height instead of completely over his head into a vertical split. Lee sighed, it was another thing to work on.

He went back to choosing an outfit and chose a shirt that had sleeves to his biceps and had a white circle right under his clavicle. When he stood back and looked at the outfit, it reminded him of what Sakura wore when he replaced Sasuke on the mission to protect the prince of the Land of the Moon, Michiru, if he remembered correctly (Third Naruto Movie: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom). Only, instead of the shirt leaving his -her- stomach revealed, it was a longer version and covered it.

Now he had to get the underwear.

He was so glad he had Tenten as a team mate or he would be completely lost.

Lee chose the first things he could, his face burning as he grabbed panties and a sports bra. He determinedly didn't look anywhere but the clothes and the wall as he changed. He breathed a sigh of relief when he was done and quickly braided Sakura's long hair. He knew she had it long until the Exam's and he wasn't rude enough to cut it as it wasn't truly his hair.

He looked at the hiate-ate next and automatically tried to tie it around his waist.

It wasn't long enough. It was meant to be tied as a headband but Lee already took care of that by braiding Sakura's hair. No, it was better to do that. He was already changing too much just by putting on different clothes, and he'd rather not be too different since his pattern of speech was different too, not to mention his posture.

Lee tied the hiate-ate as a headband then looked at himself in the mirror.

'Soften yourself.' Inner suddenly said, surprising him, 'You're right when you thought you didn't act like me-her. Loosen your body, you look like you're ready to fight at the drop of a pin.'

"Ah, Inner-san." Lee murmured even as he followed what she said, "Did you finish already?"

'Yes, also, you can project your thoughts to me if you want to talk. It's better than talking out loud.' She seemed to sigh, 'I feel like I just aged ten years...Anyway, it was Naruto and Outer who did the jutsu. At least that explains why Outer. If something happened, of course you would end up in this body. Naruto already has-...has the Kyuubi in him. There probably isn't enough room for another soul. So that left Outer.'

'...But I was meant to be sent to my own body...' It took a little while but Lee was able to send his thoughts to Inner.

'I can't explain everything since I was only watching from your body, but maybe we can figure something out later. For now, we have to get to school or else someone could get curious. I'll help you act like Outer. Just remember, keep your body loose. Habit will hopefully take care of the rest.'

Lee nodded determinedly and kept his stance loose as he finally left Sakura's room. He walked downstairs, consciously learning how Sakura's body naturally walked. Light with her steps but not as light as they could be. A slight sway to her hips which was natural for a woman. Lee hummed to himself as walked lighter so he made no noise. It was better to gain that habit instead.

'Good enough. Since we graduated already, it wouldn't be too out of character to walk like how a shinobi should.'

'Thank you.'

"Oh, Sakura! I didn't hear you! Good job!" A woman said as she turned, "You sure took your time. you must eat quickly if you want to make it."

'Say: Sorry! I just couldn't decide what to wear! Thanks mom!'

Lee repeated Inner's words, feeling strange as the combined words sat oddly on his new tongue. He ate quickly, feeling even stranger as he'd never had anyone cook for him like this. He was an orphan, a mothers' cooking wasn't exactly something he'd had before. Still, he forced himself to act 'natural' and shouted his goodbye as he ran out.

'I am going to train Sakura-chan's body starting now. Will you continue to help me and tell me if you think I am acting too differently?'

'Yeah, you can count on me! Let's be badass!'

'Language!' Lee slightly scolded and suddenly got the feeling that Inner was sticking her tongue out at him. It made him smile.

He sprinted the entire was to the academy, slightly disappointed when he felt tired half way and was out of breath by the time he got to his destination. He panted hard, slightly bent over as he caught his breath. When he felt better, he made his way to the classroom with Inner's help. He subtly looked around as he opened the door and quickly caught sight of the members of the Rookie Nine.

Which also included Shikamaru.

Lee kept his expression neutral as he stared at the Nara heir and he thought, 'I think it would be a wise idea to inform Shikamaru-kun about our situation. He might not be the future Shikamaru-kun but he is still a Nara.'

'...He could help but let's not give ourselves up too soon. What if the wrong people overhear or Shikamaru doesn't believe us and think we're spies? We could be brought into questioning. No one would believe us because memories could be tampered with! Let's get some trust first.'

'Understood.' Lee bit the inside of his cheek then looked for some empty spots. There was one between Naruto and Sasuke then one between Shikamaru and another girl. There were many others but only because there were girls crowding around Sasuke's table, trying to sit by him.

'...Where would Sakura-chan sit?' Lee asked, feeling a slight panic

'This would be a good time to make certain changes so you won't get found out so easily. Sit anywhere you think would be good.'

Lee nodded to himself and began walking into the room.

"Hey Forehead!" Lee heard someone call behind him but he didn't register it as someone talking to him.

'Ino's calling us!' Inner said and Lee's eyes widened as a hand landed on his shoulder. He barely stopped himself from tensing as his own habits from the war tried to spring up. He was turned around and found himself facing an angry Ino.

"I-Ino-s"

'Pig! Say pig!'

"chan!" Lee fumbled then felt a growing horror.

'Idiot! Sakura always said Ino-pig! Why didn't you say that?!'

'I-I am sorry! It was just so rude! I could not do it!'

Ino looked at him confused then suddenly crossed his arms, "What are you playing at?"

Lee said the first thing that popped into his head, "Nothing. We are Shinobi now Ino-chan. Now is not the time to do something so meaningless as name calling." He smiled as warmly as he could, "So would you like to start over with me?"

Ino's eyes widened then she looked away. She seemed to be thinking hard then turned narrowed eyes onto him, "You're not just doing this to get Sasuke-kun?"

Lee's eyes widened in surprise then he sharply remembered that he was supposed to be Sakura and Sakura loved Sasuke. He hid his nervousness and slowly said, "I...still love Sasuke-kun but-...like I said, we are to be real Shinobi now. I do not even know if I will be on the same team."

Yes he did but he couldn't say that.

"If I am then I will be happy but I want to concentrate on training more than anything right now. If you are on his team then I will be happy for you." Lee finished.

"...You changed For-...Sakura." Ino said then slowly smiled as a bright smile formed on Lee's face, "I'm still going to sit next to Sasuke-kun though!"

Lee laughed and it came out like a giggle. He could see the playful challenge and happily agreed to play, "Not if I get there first!" he winked then turned on his heel and raced a laughing Ino to the desk.

'That was a good save. This gives us more room to move too.' Inner muttered and Lee felt a rush of relief and happiness. Though...he was wondering if it was so good to change Sakura's personality so much. What would happen when they finally fixed their bodies?

'Don't worry about it. I'll take care of it when the time comes.' Inner assured. It was slightly vague but this was Sakura's Inner person and she had seen his memories. He decided to trust her.

When they got to Sasuke's desk, he saw Naruto look up. Naruto's expression turned from annoyed to excited.

"Sakura-chan!" The blond said, slightly standing from his seat. Lee hid his surprise at the warm welcome and different name. He had to get used to reacting to Sakura's name instead of his own.

"Good morning, Naruto-kun." Lee said, just barely stopping himself from bowing as he knew Sakura wouldn't. He watched Naruto's eyes widen then a big happy smile stretched his lips and he was...blushing?

'Oh, Naruto-kun likes Sakura-chan. I...forgot.' Lee swallowed nervously, not really knowing what to do. He should have remembered that Sakura would have admirers. That love was still there in the future as well! Now Lee really felt like he was thrown into the deep end of a raging river with ten times the weights he normally wore.

Weights. He needed to get some for Sakura.

"Ha! I win!" Ino suddenly said and Lee looked up to see Ino sitting next to Sasuke. She looked so victorious that Lee had to laugh.

"I admit defeat, this time." He said, smiling. Then he went up and took the seat behind Ino, right between Shikamaru and the girl he didn't know, "I hope you do not mind me sitting here?" he asked, looking at the two.

Shikamaru blinked in vague surprise then just shrugged and propped his head up with his hand, "Doesn't matter to me."

"Go ahead." The girl added, looking indifferent at least until Lee smiled his thanks. She smiled back then quickly looked forward again.

Lee sat down then looked towards Naruto as the boy turned to him.

"I-I really like your hair, Sakura-chan! A-and your outfit!" He said, then his face turned red, "I-I mean, not that it was bad before!"

Huh...Lee had never been complimented on his looks before -only Gai-sensei had complimented him-. Then again, this was Sakura's body. Of course she would be complimented, she had brains and beauty. So Lee smiled at Naruto and said, "Thank you, Naruto-kun."

"Huh...at least one girl mellowed out." Lee heard Shikamaru mumble and turned his now green gaze onto him. He tilted his head in question but Iruka suddenly came in and all conversation quieted.

The man called out the new teams and their numbers and just like he knew, Sakura was placed into Team Seven alongside Naruto and Sasuke. Lee smiled fondly as Ino pouted but he was glad that nothing changed on that point. Now all they had to do was wait for their new sensei's.

"Ah! Why couldn't I be on Sasuke-kun's team!?" Ino whined as she turned to him, "You're so lucky Sakura!"

"Well, if you think about it, you have the better team Ino-..." Lee consciously dropped the 'chan' as Ino wasn't using it for Sakura. At Ino's confused expression, Lee explained, "You are going to be with Shikamaru-kun and Chouji-kun. You have known them for all of your life plus, like your parents, you form the new Ino-Shika-Cho team, correct? You have that trust already built and if you three work on it, you will be incredibly strong."

Lee paused and thought about it. From the passed around stories, it was different for Sakura, "I do not have nearly the same closeness with Naruto-kun and Sasuke-kun. It will take a long while to build up the same trust."

"Wha-?! You can trust me Sakura-chan!" Naruto quickly said, having eavesdropped on the conversation.

Lee automatically smiled, "Of course Naruto-kun, but can you trust me?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, can you trust me to watch your back when we get missions on the outside? I am not strong and I do not have many skills. I am a liability. You might be the lowest ranking in class but you have tricks, traps, and determination on your side. Then there is Sasuke-kun who ranked as top rookie. He has the power to be a heavy hitter just like you."

Sakura was a heavy hitter as well but even he knew it took a long time and the Lady Hokage to teach her. Though, Lee wondered why it took so long. Someone should have seen Sakura's potential and trained her sooner...maybe...maybe he could go to Gai-sensei some time? It would allow him a reason for Sakura getting stronger and when he got his own body back, Inner would be able to tell Sakura what was happening and Sakura could help him as well.

'You're lucky Sakura is the top of the class in academics. If this was anyone else, you would have blown your cover long ago. Even your way of speaking is odd but not too odd since Sakura has a vast vocabulary.'

'I know Sakura-chan is incredibly smart. It was the first thing I noticed about her besides her looks. Hopefully, this will get others to listen to her more when we fix our body problem.'

'Hm, I should give you more credit. Sorry. It's just...'

'It is alright, I do not blame you. This is difficult for anyone to accept. I am having difficulty as well. Not only am I from a, hopefully, different future, I am also in a girls' body when I am actually a man. There are many things I will have to get used to quickly as we do not have the time not to. I promise that I am doing my best though.'

"When did you start showing off that big brain behind that big forehead?" Ino said but her voice was teasing. Lee smiled and said,

"Like I said before, we are shinobi now. It is best to start acting like it."

"How troublesome." Shikamaru grumbled and Lee turned his gaze onto the Nara.

"You say troublesome but you-" Lee began but paused as Inner sent a sharp feeling of 'Don't' through him. Only, Shikamaru was now looking at him and he couldn't leave it there. So he changed his words around.

"Would you put Chouji-kun and Ino in danger just because you thought it was troublesome to be a shinobi?" Lee asked though he knew Shikamaru wouldn't.

The Shikamaru he knew and admired would think of every possible way to save them then do it, because no matter how much he complained, he also had the Will of Fire. That was why he liked the man so much.

"You are smart Shikamaru-kun and if you actually did the work and tests, you would rank first instead of me." Lee continued, playing his part as Sakura and knowing because he was part of the Konoha Eleven -what had been left of it at least- and stories of the past were all they had in the end to keep them sane, "While I could probably think of a hundred ways to save myself and my friends, you could think of a thousand."

Lee smiled happily at Shikamaru, "Personally, I think you would be one of the best team mates to have."

Shikamaru stared at Lee with slightly wide eyes then looked away, his ears warming, "Troublesome...don't put too much pressure on me." he said but Lee knew that Shikamaru didn't really mean it in a bad way.

"Sakura!" Ino suddenly gasped, startling Lee. He looked at her in surprise as she continued, "You can do so much better than that lazy bum! Don't you dare settle!"

And now Lee was confused.

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