Tenten had fallen in love with Neji Hyuga.

Had it been a surprise? Not exactly. Neji was, tall, dark, and handsome, as far as the generic title goes. Not only that, but he was one of the most talented young shinobi of his time.

But this was different. Really, really different.

Neji had asked Tenten to the annual New Years Festival. Well, not exactly asked. It was more of a demand, non-negotiable.

"Tenten." He said in that commanding voice, the tone that made her heart skip a beat. "We're going to the New Years Festival together. Wear something nice." She only nodded slightly, turning away to hide the darkening blush on her face.

As he walked away, she couldn't help but sigh in relief, both because she was glad he didn't see her blushing, and because he chose her. Over all the other women in Konoha that were currently swooning over him, he chose his favorite Weapons Mistress. Not that she minded.

'Though he could be a little more polite when asking someone on a date..." She thought. She was still trying to get the information to sink in as she, Ino, Sakura, and Hinata were making a last-minute run to help Tenten find a Kimono, or some dress worth buying.

"I-I'm very happy he asked you finally, Tenten-san. He really does like you a lot." Hinata smiled softly. "Of course he likes her, Hinata-chan! He's been eying her since forever. He's just too stubborn to admit it." Ino grinned playfully when Tenten blushed darkly.

"For a while, I thought he would never ask you out. I guess he finally racked up the courage to ask you." Sakura giggled. "Okay, back to business, ladies! Let's find some dresses, Shikamaru will lose it when he sees me~!" Ino smiled mischievously, making Hinata and Tenten giggle as Sakura just shook her head.

"…Hey, Ino, have you talked to Chouji lately?" Sakura asked. Ino's eyes fell, shaking her head. "Not really, no. He's been spending the majority of his time training, missions, and visiting you-know-who* in the hospital. I think he's just been trying to keep his mind preoccupied…" She sighed. Tenten nodded understandingly. "I miss her."

"We all miss her." Hinata spoke softly. "Okay, enough of this! We're ruining the good mood. Today is all about Tenten~" Ino laughed. "Check it out! It looks like there are still some dresses left! We lucked out, girls!"

They hurried into the shop, skimming through the few dresses that were left. Almost immediately Ino found a skinny black long-sleeved dress, purple and gold glitter, and a single purple stripe down the left side of the dress. "This is PERFECT!" She squealed, running over to the dressing room. Sakura rolled her eyes and smiled. "It does suit you, Ino. And… I think I might have found one for myself!" She grabbed the dress off the rack, examining it. It was a strapless red dress; the bottom flowed into a pinkish tone, resembling a Cherry Blossom. There was a small red belt that tied into a bow in the back.

"I-I think I found one, too…" Hinata blushed, holding up a modest-looking Kimono. It was a pale lavender color, embroidered with small blue flowers that complimented the colors. "W-what about you, Tenten?"

Tenten grinned, holding up a dark blue high-collared, sleeveless qipao*, silvery roses decorated the dress. The back of the dress was cut low, much to her chagrin. Hinata nodded and smiled. "I think it will look great…" She said happily. "Are you kidding me? She'll look fantastic!" Ino laughed, walking out of the dressing room. "Gosh, Ino-pig, that looks great on you! But of course, I look better." Sakura teased, doing a little twirl. Ino grinned. "You look really pretty, too, billboard brow."

"Ah! Hinata! That looks beautiful on you!" Sakura exclaimed, glancing at Hinata. She blushed hard. "Do you think Naruto-kun will like it?"

"He won't be about to keep his eyes off you." Ino smiled widely, only making Hinata blush even darker shades of red. "Hurry up, Tenten! We don't have all day!" Ino complained playfully.

'Maybe this wasn't such a good idea…' Tenten thought to herself. She looked herself over, realizing how revealing the dress was. 'No… It's for Neji. I just hope he doesn't end up being a closet pervert… Now's a good a time as any to prove that I'm good enough for him.'

As Tenten stepped out, the girls let out a chorus of "oohs" and "aahs". "Tenten-san… I-lt looks wonderful!" Hinata smiled. "I didn't know you had it in you, Ten." Ino teased. "You look absolutely gorgeous."

"I agree. Neji will be aaaaall over you if you wear that." Sakura grinned mischievously. "Y-you really think so?" She blushed, looking herself over once more. She had to admit, it did fit her very nicely.

"Absolutely. Now change and get these, we need to hurry if we don't want to be late for the Festival!" Ino spoke quickly, already somehow in the dressing room. Tenten smiled thoughtfully.

'I hope you're right, Ino…'