Greetings, Happy New Year and all that good stuff. So basically, I started this story years ago and I finally figured out where I want to go with it. All my previous uploads has been edited and is ready to be uploaded with a few minor changes. Formatting this story has become an issue. So, this a test run of sorts. With that being said enjoy.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
Chapter 1:
Neji stopped dead in his tracks once his eyes caught a glimpse of his green clad comrade. The Taijutsu Specialist was a wreck to put it nicely. Lee's hair was messy. Dark bags were visible under his bug like pupils. His clothes were wrinkled and covered in dirt. And aside from all of this is body language screamed distress. It was like Neji was looking at an entirely different person.
Lee picked his head up making eye contact with the Hyuuga prodigy. His eyes were lifeless; nothing like the youthful young man grew up with. Lee has always been the overly dramatic type but this time; Neji knew this wasn't the case. He recognized that look in Lee's eyes, underneath all of the emotions. There was fear. His stomach dropped.
"Lee what happen?' asked Neji.
"She was ambushed" replied Lee. His lack of enthusiasm was scary.
"When?" asked Neji
"A little over Two week ago" informed Lee.
"How is she now?" asked Neji
"She's in a coma, Neji" confessed Lee.
Lee voice was low and hollow; almost un-hearable. Back peddling the young prodigy stumbled backwards until he came in contact with one of the hospital walls. It was cold and calming; almost.
He braced himself up against the wall. Closing his eyes and he took a deep breath. The last thing he needed right now to lose his edge.
But Lee continued…...
"I found her Neji…Had Chiharu not been with me….we…we would be attending a funeral rather than having this conversation." Lee admitted in uncontrollable whisper.
Neji chest tightened. He instinctively placed his hand over his heart.
"I don't know what happen but when we found her. There were bodies all over the place. She managed to take majority of them out. Aside from two of them, which Chiharu and I took out. "Lee managed to reveal before his voice started cracking. Tears started leaking from his eyes.
"Those last two men, no monsters ...HAD intention other than just killing her. Their eyes were filled with lust. What type of shinobi much less a man would ever sink so low?" " Lee clenched his fist tightly.
Neji took a deep breathe. As he watched his friend go through all these emotion he was feeling.
"Do you know where she was coming from?" asked Neji
"She went to go see HIM. One last time" revealed Lee.
ooOoo
"
Neji, you can go and see her now" Lee ushered Neji into Tenten's hospital room.
Neji walked inside and Lee followed in suit. The sunlight beamed through Tenten's bedside window. Neji stopped at the end of the bed and shared at his unconscious best friend. Lee stopped behind Neji because he couldn't bring himself to look his friend in the face. It hurt too much. Lee placed his hand on Neji shoulder in attempts to Neji.
"The swelling in her brain went down. They say she should wake up any day now" Lee offered this information.
"But what if she doesn't wake up" asked Neji. "Then what? Lee grips his shoulder a bit tighter.
"I do not want to hear that. Especially from you" Lee spat
"I know Lee. We need to think positive" Admired the normally pessimistic young man
The little bit of resolve Neji was holding on too melted away. The beeping machines, her oxygen mask, bandaged body and the weeping teammate hovering behind him. Neji chaste himself for letting these emotions seep in. He was as Hyuuga; he was stronger than this. He could hold it together, No he needed to stay strong. No avail, he felt his body become heavy. He couldn't fight this anymore. Before he knew his knees buckled and he found himself on the floor. His hair cascading over his face.
"This is all my fault." said Neji breaking the silence
Lee looked down at his comrade stretched out on the floor. Not knowing what to expect exactly.
"Neji, what are you talking about?" asked Lee.
"She came to me for help and I turned my back on her without a second though" Neji shamefully admitted.
"Neji, I do not understand. How is this you're fault?" asked Lee
"Tenten asked for my help. I was so absorbed in my own stubbornness that I missed it. How could I be so stupid" Neji slammed his fist on the floor.
"There is no way you could have known this would happen" assured Lee.
Lee took a sit on the floor next to his former team mate.
"I know Lee. If she asked you? Wouldn't you have gone?" pressed Neji
"In a heartbeat" confirmed Lee "What is done is done? We cannot change the past I'm afraid.
They sat in silence a while longer.
"Tenten is always there when I need her; expecting nothing in return. And the one time she confines in me I flip her off. You know as well as I do how hard it must have been for her to ask. I failed her. Do you know what that feels like?"
"I am afraid I do not. I am not sure how to respond to that either" spoke Lee
"If your angry with me because of this. I understand" finished Neji.
ooOoo
Neji convinced Lee to go home and rest. And the only thing left to do was wait. Some of the tension is his chest subsided. But fear still churned in his stomach. For the first time in a long time felt like crying. How could somehow as strong as Tenten be in such a fragile state? He fought the urge to touch due to the fact she my actually break if he did so.
Konaha's weapons mistress was stubborn and independent; just as he was if not more so. But in her case, these qualities were nothing but trouble on most occasions. By the look of things more stress is the last thing she needs at the moment. Truth be told, Neji wasn't sure whether or not he could handle any more bad news.
That still left another matter at hand.e
Why Neji? Relationships and Love were more Lee's department than Neji. Only logical reason Neji would trump Lee in an emotional situation was due to how he would react. Tenten's track record with the male population wasn't pretty. Lee was and still is over protective when it comes to his youthful flower. Neji felt this fury more times than he's like to admit. But he always came out on on top. Unfortunately, some of Tenten's possible suitors haven't been so lucky.
Flashback
The past few days Tenten has been acting strange. And it was obvious to me, Lee and even Gai Sensei. But she continued to act as though nothing was wrong. He could always just be up front and ask but her. But Tenten liked her privacy and more than likely would blow him off. So, he decided to get to the bottom on it on his own.
It didn't take long for Neji to then realize she was hiding from someone. Who? He hadn't figured out yet. But she skipped out places she frequently shopped or hung out. She even seemed to be steering clear of her apartment. But no it was getting late; she wouldn't be able to keep this up any longer. Neji, decided he would address what he saw tomorrow when they met for training. Neji turned around to head home but unexpected guess appeared.
"Tenten, we need to talk" Yelled Kenji as he ran to Tenten out of breath
"Look, I don't have anything else to say to you" admitted Tenten
"I'm sorry, let's start over. I promise I'll do better" begged Kenji
"I can't do this anymore. Why would I want to be someone who doesn't trust me? " replied Tenten
"It's not you, I don't trust. It's them. "Corrected Kenji
"Seriously…." Tenten stared at him in disbelief
"I know you've been staying with Lee" Replied Kenji
"And you've been stalking me? "She repeated in disbelief
"I was worried. I wanted to make sure you were safe" said Kenji
He walked closer to her.
"I'll forgive you if you promise to move in with me" Kenji Suggested
"This conversation over" Tenten turned around to storm away.
Kenji grabbed Tenten by her shoulder and spun her around and started feverishly kissing her. Tenten was disgusted. She pushed him away knocking him on the ground just as fast.
"What the hell is your problem?" She yelled at him before trying make her get away.
"I love you and I want to give you great gift greatest gift imaginable" he spoke genuinely
Kenji got agitated and tackled Tenten on to the concrete.
He flipped her stomach and latched his arms around his. He used his body weight to pin her to the ground. And before Neji could react Lee came to her rescue.
"Tenten chan. I will save you". Screamed Lee
Neji admitted the young man deserved every lick. So, he took his time pulling Lee off.
ooOoo
Lee would do almost anything for Tenten; no questions ask. But the last thing she would want is to burden anybody. Especially those close to her. But more so, it was a matter of pride; such a stubborn woman she was. He let out a long sigh and sat back in his chair.
Neji watched her in disbelieve. The fact that he was here right now was surreal. Why Tenten? Why not somebody else? No, Neji wouldn't wish this situation on is worst enemy. How did other shinobi deal with pain? Truth be told, he was barely holding on. He wished he could just cry and release some of frustration. Maybe then, he could function and be the man he normally was. He needed to distract himself for a little while. So how would be accomplish that? Bingo
He spotted the clipboard with the information of her treatment. Neji slide it off the bed and stared at it a bit. Maybe he was better off in the dark. Lee obviously, though he was because he provided minimum information. Just thinking about her taking any more damage was enough to pain the young man. So, he decided the best thing for him at this moment would be sleep.
Maybe some sleep will help. Neji closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.
The two days came and went in a similar fashion. Neji waited, waited and waited some more. Tenten still hasn't awaken but some progress was made. She was breathing on her own now. She was somewhat responsive; moving her fingers, wiggling her nose and her eyelids twitched at times. Neji wanted to believe these were positive changed but double still tingled in the pits of his stomach.
Unbeknownst to Neji, a visitor has arrived. His eyes darted towards the door and all cautious was to the wind when he made eye contact with his cousin. The smile at him before walking over to where he was seated by his teammate's bed. Neji was honestly glad to see her. Over the years, they've became close and he valued her opinion in high regard.
"Hinata, what are you doing here?" asked Neji a hint of surprised slipping in his voice.
"How is Tenten doing?" asked the Hinata.
"Okay I suppose but she still hadn't woken up "Neji replied.
"Well, are you okay?" asked a concerned Hinata.
"Yes. Why wouldn't I be?" He lied nodded.
She placed her hand on his shoulder to provide some emotion support. She knew he wasn't.
"Have you tired talking to her?" Questioned Hinata"
He said nothing.
"Maybe, she'll come back sooner if she knows someone's waiting on her" pointed out Hinata
Neji was never much of talker. And Tenten has always been a sensitive topic for him. The young female Hyuuga expected he wouldn't be forth coming. At this moment, that was probably what he needed most. His troubles were written all over his face. That fact that he wasn't trying to hide behind his normal stoic mask spoke volumes. For her cousins sake; she prayed that the weapons mistress would wake up soon.
."Neji Nii-san. When was the last time you've eaten?" She asked
"This morning" answered Neji
"Real food?" questioned Hinata
"A Few Days Ago" he admitted
"I thought so. I brought food and change of clothes. I'm sorry I cannot do more" spoke Hinata
"Thank you. You have no idea how much this means too me" he spoke truthfully.
"Is there someone waiting for you?" asked Neji, letting his curiosity get the better of him.
"Naruto Kun" She revealed
"Naruto" Neji arched his eye brow.
"Yes I ran into him on my way here actually" revealed Hinata
"You should go to him then" Neji said gesturing her towards the door with his head
"Will you be okay by yourself? I can meet with Naruto later on" replied Hinata
"I'll be fine" affirmed Neji
Hinata handed Neji the basket of she brought him. Using the other hand she handed him the bag with his change of clothes. She and Neji said there good byes and off she went. Neji has to admitted, he was happy for his cousin and bit peeved at the same time. Naruto was a great guy but he was still a guy. Neji knew Naruto cared about Hinata and wouldn't do anything to purposely hurt her but he wasn't exactly the brightest bulb on the tree either. So, he wasn't wrong for being a bit leery but he'd allow it.
ooOoo
Some Time Later...
Maybe, she'll come back sooner if she knows someone's waiting on her. Hinata's word rang in Neji's ear. Maybe she was on to something regardless how strange it sounds. He always found comfort in talking to his best friend. So, I mean it couldn't hurt to try? Right? Neji gripped the bridge of his nose trying to relieve the tension. He couldn't believe it was about to do this.
"Tenten, I don't know whether or not you can hear me "Grabbing her hand closes to him. He clasped it between both of his hands and continued talking to her. Contact is good right? He removed of hands and let it drop to the ground before contining.
"Lee, Gai sensei and Hinata, there all worried about you… I'm worried" he admitted. Some of the tension in his chest waned away.
"I have a lot I want to say to you. I'm sorry, for not being the friend you deserved. So, I'll wait on you this time" finished Neji
To his surprise, Tenten squeezed his hand and Neji heart skipped a beat. A small smirk crept across his face briefly.
Not realizing it before, but the entire time Neji was absent mindly stroking the backside of her hand with his thumb. Her hands were so small and look tiny in comparison to his. Her skin was still surprisingly soft considering her chosen combat method. He found this gesture soothing and he couldn't help but wonder would she too? Neji knew better. Had Tenten been awake! This would have turned awkward very quickly. Tenten would have most definitely freaked out but she could have easily gone either way. But he sure, at some point a weapon or two to be hurled in his direction. This caused another slight smirk; he was amused with the idea. Her spunky-ness was something he'd always admired about her.
When it came to Tenten, things were never boring. So, indulging himself once more wouldn't hurt right?
Neji, leaned forward and planted a kiss on her hand.
A knock on the door followed and it slide open soon after. Neji turned his attention to the new arrival. Lee stepped inside with his girlfriend Chiharu in tow. Neji released her hand and shifted his full attention to his friend and former team mate.
"Neji" Said Lee furrowing his eye brows. "How is she?" Lee asked.
Neji pondered this? How was he supposed to answer that?
"Not sure how to answer that but she's still sleeping if that is what you mean?" Answered Neji
He didn't have the energy to play his normal devil's advocate type role.
"I'll be back in a short while" followed Neji before exiting the room.
Neji leaned up against Tenten's room door it in relief after shutting it. What the hell was he thinking? I mean was he even thinking at all? The answer to that was clear but what he did? Was it really that bad? Yes and No. Neji knew his affectionate gesture was harmless. He merely wanted to soothe her. Who was he kidding? He kissed her because he wanted too. He needed too. On the flip side; he also felt like he was taking advantage of her. Truth be told; He was better off not worrying about pointless things.
Wait? Did Lee see? He couldn't have seen everything? Much of anything oether then a quit glance of him her hold her hand. He might have not seen that? But the look on his face was odd? So maybe he did notice? Lee isn't subtle about anything. He deal with the problem if anything surfaced.
Neji, found her talking with other staff in the triage. He waited for her finished before talking.
"Mr. Hyuuga. Is something wrong?" asked the Tenten's doctor
Neji stopped and directed his attention toward his friends doctor.
"No Dr. Suzuki…" Admitted Neji " But there is something that I'm curious.."
"NEJI" Neji heard his name being screamed as it travelled through the long hospital corridors.
And off he went.
So, what did you think? Let me know via comments or DM. Feedback or comments are nice. Once I fix the formatting issues the rest of the story will follow. Anyways, Thanks for reading.
S. Hollyhood 02/14/2015