1) When Tenten saw him on their first day in the academy it was from behind, and she ran right up to him addressing him as a girl, confused by his long, sleek hair. He turned, and her brown eyes met his; purple ones so deep and filled with anger she felt she could fall into them. Tenten felt a chill down her spine, although at the time she thought it to be from the intensity of the stare. She apologized quickly and took her seat.

Oh well, one person hates me; it won't matter.

2) There she stood, best aim in their graduating year, waiting for their new sensei. Neji never really noticed her before; they'd spoken once, a couple of years ago, but he couldn't remember what about. She'd seemed weak before, but now there was a confident gleam in her eye as he approached to join in the wait.

We're team mates now. I wonder what that will be like...

3) Was he sorry? He ought to be. Tenten couldn't believe what he'd just done. He'd broken a promise to his family, to his uncle, to his father, and especially to himself. He walked past her and although he wasn't smiling, she could tell he was proud with himself. Disgusting. Tenten didn't congratulate him, no one did, not even Gai-sensei.

She's your cousin, Neji. Your flesh and blood. If she dies, I'll never forgive you.

4) Neji opened his eyes in the hospital. How was he not dead? The sound ninja with the six arms had shot two holes right through him. But right now, that didn't matter, because there was Tenten, smiling at him, with relief shining in her brown eyes, along with something else. The smile was followed by a warm hug, which seemed to surprise her as much as it did him.

"I'm so glad you're okay."
Thank you, Tenten. I'm glad you care.

5) The day came, just like she knew it would, that Neji announced he made Jounin. She tried to be happy for him, but inside she knew that their team was never going to be the same again, not without Neji there. Yet on the very next mission, there was Neji standing at the village gate waiting for his old teammates.

"I'm coming."
"Why?"
"To be with you."

6) Neji was bleeding badly after having taken out yet another enemy on an A rank mission. His breathing was labored and he felt as if he wouldn't be able to take on another. Tenten quietly helped him bandage his wounds. Neji watched her intently. As if sensing his stare, she looked up. Purple eyes met brown. Neji couldn't remember if he kissed her, or she kissed him, but afterwards, he felt as if he would take on a hundred more enemies right then and there.

...for you.

7) Another mission. They both knew it could as well be their last. They were back to back, surrounded by enemies, fifty to two. It was now or never.

"I love you."
"I love you, too. I always have. Always."