Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
Christmas Reunion
It was dawn in Konoha. A new day was beginning, a special one indeed; not for the fact that the day was bitterly cold, but because the people of the village was busy with preparations for that night. Night which children enjoyed more than anyone else and which had been waiting all year. Besides, on that date people tried to forget their own problems and the daily problems of the village to gather with family and friends and feel, even at that time, a little peace.
Of course not everyone saw it that way. Neji Hyūga was one of them. He didn't like celebrating that kind of parties, didn't care about those things; he considered it a waste of time and less in a situation like that was going on Konoha, where his enemies could attack at any time. To Neji, that was going to be a day like any other… or so he thought…
The sunlight came through the window of his room, illuminating his face, pale than normal… Or perhaps it was the harsh winter that made it look whiter? Maybe was that. Maybe not.
Lazily he opened his eyes. He had slept more than usual because he was exhausted due to the last mission: nine days back the Hokage had been assigned him a B-rank mission which consisted in transporting some documents to the Land of Birds. The team was made up by Neji, as a leader, and three Genin. The mission itself didn't bring too many complications, and despite that they were ambushed in the middle of the road, the Hyūga had no trouble coming out victorious. But the reason for his fatigue was one of the Genin who was under his care got into a mess after another constantly. The boy almost burned the documents by accident when they were resting in front of a fire, if it wasn't because Neji rescued them just in time; or for example, when the Genin stumbled falling off a cliff, being saved by his leader; or when the same boy activated the traps that his teammates had placed, just to mention a few. Oh yeah, that boy was definitely a problem, so hyperactive like Naruto.
She was walking through the crowded streets of Konoha, leaving footprints behind her footsteps. At last it had stopped snowing! Those last days unexpectedly had snowed too much. People were going here and there at any store they had in front, buying ingredients for their meals or any gift they had forgotten. But she ignored it and everything that was going on around. Her mind was focused on finding her teammate and also thought about how she was going to convince him of that.
She jumped on a branch to see better the training area and, as expected, there he was sitting under a tree meditating. He kept the torso straight and eyes closed, while his long hair was moving slightly by the fresh breeze. He looked so peaceful. She had to recognize the opposite that they were; she couldn't stay still more than a minute. But despite that and over the years they had built a friendship that may go beyond camaraderie and teamwork, not to mention that she wished there would exist something else between them.
"It's useless try to hide, Tenten." Neji said coldly, still with eyes closed.
Immediately, the brown-haired girl came out behind some bushes and walked calmly to face him "Hi Neji, glad to see you too."
The young man perceived the ironic tone that she used toward him "Hmp…" was all he said.
Slowly, he opened his eyes placing his opal look at hers.
Neji stared at her for a few seconds. Those almond eyes had always caught his attention. Some other would say that they were ordinary eyes, but Neji, being as observant as he was, could see the characteristic brightness that they possessed, making highlight on others. He was surprised to see her smile after the words exchanged -of course his face did not expressed such surprise- and that smile, along with the midday sun illuminated her face, made her look even more cheerful. Somehow he liked what he was seeing, didn't know why, but he liked it.
That eye contact continued a few minutes more in which Tenten, expressing curiosity, noted that the Hyūga's eyes were whiter… whiter than usual. She wasn't sure, but it looked different, brighter, so she thought… or perhaps was the snow that made them look so beautiful? Maybe was that. Maybe not.
"What?" Neji asked her.
"Nothing" She replied shrugging and then sat by his side. "I thought you would return today, but Hinata told me you came back yesterday evening."
"Hinata-sama?" Neji said surprised.
It was unusual that Tenten mentioned his cousin, and even more they could be related. Neji was sure -until that moment- there was no bond of friendship between them or anything like that. However during the last weeks the Hokage had instructed him missions to distant lands, so such relationship could have gone unnoticed for him. Whatever the reason, it was something Neji didn't mind at all, so he choose not to give importance to the issue.
Tenten nodded. "This morning I went to visit her and we were talking for a while. She told me that you were already back in the village." Her lips formed a faint smile. "We really had a good time, I like your cousin."
Neji said nothing and turned to look forward. Then there was a silence between them, only it heard the wind began to blow with increasing force.
"So… how did it go?" Tenten asked, referring to the mission.
"Good."
As always, Tenten didn't expect him to say something that wasn't a monosyllabic response.
"Yeah… I supposed that" She admitted cheerful.
None of them said a word for several minutes. Neji waited for her to tell him the reason why she was there, but seeing that she didn't do it he decided to ask the question directly.
He sighed, and looking her with a straight face, muttered "Tenten, what are you doing here?"
Tenten startled because the Hyūga had taken her off guard. "Huh? Well… I came to see you, Neji. What were you thinking?"
The boy didn't seem very satisfied with her answer, as he stared at her arching an eyebrow.
"Since you've been promoted as Jōnin you've had missions without rest practically, not to mention the fact that majority are A or S rank."
"It's our duty as ninja." He explained as if was the most obvious thing.
"Yes, I know that…" The kunoichi grumbled just like an annoyed child. Immediately she looked away from him. "I just wanted to know how you were…" She whispered.
Neji stood up. "None of your business." He mumbled frowning.
Tenten snorted upset, crossing her arms. "Of course it is! After being teammates for so many years I have reason to worry about the health of you." She protested, standing up. "Both yours and Lee's."
After some seconds, the Hyūga's voice was heard again. "You don't answer my question, Tenten." She looked at him confused. "I know you came here for another reason. When I asked, you started to look in several directions. You got nervous, thought of an excuse to conceal what you really were going to say to me."
Tenten looked down. She should have known Neji would discover her, he could see through her; nothing escaped his eyes. Even so it hurt Neji still treat her with that cold and dry tone, sometimes it seemed that their relationship was like when they first met. But she was strong and wouldn't be intimidated by those words, so she gathered courage and laid her almond eyes on the whites of him.
"Would you like to spend this Christmas with us?"
"No." As direct and sharp as a kunai.
"It's just a simple dinner." Tenten said, ignoring his answer. "It's been a long time since we are not all four together. Guy-sensei has asked about you the other day." She said innocently.
"Tenten, you know I don't like that kind of meetings."
"C'mon, Neji! Don't be boring! A little distraction doesn't hurt anyone." She said childishly pulling on the sleeve of his shirt.
"Don't insist!" He warned, getting release from her grip while something fell from the tree.
From a moment to another the young shinobi had his head and shoulders, as well as part of his hair, covered in snow. Tenten tried to stop a laugh covering her mouth, but couldn't help and burst out laughing.
Neji got irritated and began to remove the snow of him. "Stop doing that."
Slowly the kunoichi ceased after laughing at him for like a minute. "Oh sorry, but you don't have an idea how funny was! You should see your face." Tenten smiled tenderly as she removed the snow that had fallen through her teammate's hair.
Neji didn't reply, but when Tenten finished he turned his back to her starting to walk. "I must go."
"We'll be waiting for you at my house tonight!"
"I'm busy." He said walking away.
"Yeah… you're always busy…" Tenten murmured to herself, despite the Hyūga overheard.
The kitchen gave off a sweet smell, a blend of vanilla and cinnamon, and it was because she was baking cookies. Carefully she opened the oven door and found that it had already been cooked. When felt the pleasant smell, she wanted to taste one -anyway she had cooked enough- and discovered that it was delicious. She couldn't believe that none of the cookies had been burned because she wasn't a cooking expert. After all, Hinata was good at giving culinary tips.
—Flashback—
Hinata came into the room carrying a tray with two cups of tea. Then she saw that her guest, standing on the other extreme of the room, turned her head from side to side watching curiously everything around her. The scene seemed comical and giggled as she leaned the tray on a small table.
"Sorry for the delay, here I bring tea."
Hearing Hinata's voice, Tenten startled and immediately approached her.
"Oh, thanks." She accepted the cup Hinata offered. "Your house is huge and so beautiful."
The blue-haired girl thanked her and invited her to sit. "What a surprise to see you here, Tenten-san." Said with a smile.
"Really, isn't it"Tenten chuckled placing the arm behind her head. "Well… you see, I came to…"
"You've c-came to visit… Neji-niisan… right?" Tenten surprised to hear the roguish voice that the shy and quiet Hyūga used in her words, so it caused she blushed. "But… I'm afraid he is not here today…"
"I know that, he comes back from a mission today." Tenten said and then drank the tea.
"Well… Tenten-san, you see… Actually Neji-niisan returned yesterday during the evening, but left early today." Hinata explained.
"I see. After all… he's Neji."
And it was true. She shouldn't be surprised that his teammate, being who he was and how he was, even managed to complete a mission within the expected time. Not for nothing was called 'genius'.
For a while both girls say nothing, but they delighted with the singing of the birds while the sun through the window, providing some heat on that winter morning.
"Actually Hinata, I came to see you."
"To see… me?"
Tenten nodded smiling. "I need a favor."
After Tenten explained to her the matter, Hinata kindly took paper and pencil and began to write a recipe as she gave her some tips.
"And that's all, Tenten-san."
"Thanks Hinata!" She exclaimed cheerfully, looking at the piece of paper. "And please... don't call me 'Tenten-san'. Just call me Tenten."
"O-ok… Tenten."
They were chatting friendly for a while longer.
"Well, I gotta go. I'll buy what I need and later cook." Tenten said, standing up. "Thank you for everything, the tea was delicious."
"It was a pleasure. By the way, those cookies are… my cousin's favorite."
"What?" Tenten replied, opening her eyes widely.
"Neji-niisan doesn't like too much sweet foods. But every time I bake these, he always takes some."
"I never would imagined it…"
—End Flashback—
Tenten stopped remember to return to the present. Then she checked that everything was ready, everything in order; dinner was ready, only would need to warm when the guests arrived.
Guests… At that word, the name and figure of one of them came to her mind unconsciously. Neji. She wondered if he would come but… knowing him, the most probably would be not, so it was useless being excited. Those were the kunoichi's thoughts, and finally -trying to forget the subject- she went to take a hot shower.
The streets of Konoha were lit up with small, colorful lights shining in perfect contrast with the dark night, by which a young Jōnin walked thoughtfully.
At that moment, some approximately eight years children passed beside him. They chattered so joyful they got the Hyūga out of his thoughts who watched them for some minutes.
"Soon it will be Christmas, I'm very happy. I love Christmas!" Said one of the kids.
"Sure, you say so because your uncles are coming from Suna and as they have much money, they'll surely give you many gifts."
"That's not true, it's not because of the gifts. I like Christmas because it is the only time we're all together during the year, because my parents are ninja and they don't have too much free time. Also, my older brother moved with my uncles and finally I'll see him again. Besides…"
Suddenly Neji felt something crashing against his leg, and looking down at his feet he saw a little girl who had tripped over him falling to the ground. Looking at Neji's face -which didn't express anything, but for a child that could be intimidating- the little girl scared started to cry as her mother approached her.
"Miku! Are you ok?" The woman said as she helped the child to stand up. "How many times do I have to tell you to notice where you're going? Oh sir, I'm so sorry. Please, forgive her. My daughter is very reckless." Neji raised an eyebrow upon hearing that he had been called 'sir'.
"Miku, apologize to the sir."
"But mum…"
"Now! Otherwise Santa won't bring you anything."
The girl looked at him frightened. "I'm… I'm s-sorry… sir."
The Jōnin, uncomfortable with the situation -and after he had been called 'sir'- nodded slightly and then get out of there as quickly as possible.
Once far enough, immersed in the quietness, a war of thoughts and memories took place inside his head:
"I love Christmas!" "…your uncles are coming from Suna" "Santa won't bring you anything"
"…I have reason to worry about…" "I came to see you, Neji"
"it is the only time we're all together"
"Would you like to spend this Christmas with us?" "I just wanted to know how you were…" "…you're always busy…"
"Tenten…" Neji whispered.
"Christmas isn't just Santa Claus and gifts, Neji. It's more than that. It's a day to spend with family and people we loved and are important to us…"
"Father…"
He closed his eyes and his lips formed a twisted smile. "So that's what Christmas is all about, right father?"
He returned to quicken the pace keeping hands in his jacket pockets, feeling the cold wind hit his face.
The temperature began to decrease, and also Tenten's hopes about her teammate. She went to the small chimney of the living holding out her hands to warm them a little, rubbing softly. She laid her sights on the Christmas tree, more specifically in one of the gifts that lay beneath the branches; a red package, neither too large nor too small.
*Ding Dong
A little smile formed on Tenten's lips. "They're here." She muttered.
"Yahooo! I did! I did it! Yeahh! I got it!" The Chūnin of bushy brows shouted euphoric, jumping around with their hands up.
"Well done Lee! You've exceeded your own record. I expected no less from my student." He exclaimed in a deep voice making his 'nice guy' pose.
"Ossu, Guy sensei!"
"Although I'm afraid, my boy, you arrived half a second after I did."
"You're right, Guy sensei, I could not have done better than you."
"So Lee, get ready for the reprimand. How about 400 laps to the village?" He said with a sparkling grin.
"Excuse me sensei, but you are being very soft. 500 laps will be carrying 100 kilos on the back!"
"Magnificent, Lee! That's a great rule. Oh Lee, I'm so proud of you." Guy said with flood of tears in his eyes threatening out.
"Guy… Guy sensei…" Lee replied almost in tears.
"Lee…"
"Guy sensei…"
"Lee…"
"Guy sensei…"
"Lee!"
"GUY SEN…!"
"Are you planning to stay long out there?" From the apartment door a female voice interrupted them, which both shinobi recognized as:
"TENTEN!" Sensei and pupil exclaimed in unison, while this last hugged her warmly.
"Lee…" She tried to say but was suffocated by the boy.
"Oh Tenten you don't know how happy I am to see you!"
"Tell me, Tenten. Do we arrive too late?" Guy said.
"No… no, not at all…" She said letting go of the grip of her friend. "You've arrived on time; you're so punctual as always."
"Of course. Punctuality is essential for a shinobi."
"By the way: what were you doing?" Tenten asked curiously, although she was sure she would regret later.
"Well, Lee and I decided to make a race from the entry of the village to here walking with our hands. Never waste any opportunity that presents itself to train and improve our skills as ninja." Guy explained.
"So that's why your hands are frozen Lee!" Tenten reproached him by holding his hands noticing how cold they were. "Let's come in or you two will freeze."
As they entered they took off their coats and she kept them, but not before telling them to get comfortable.
As part of the Christmas tradition, they had brought some presents that Guy placed under the tree along with others that were already there. Meanwhile Tenten turned on the oven for dinner.
"Tonight you look particularly beautiful, Tenten." Lee complimented her honestly.
"Thanks Lee, but you exaggerate." She said smiling sweetly.
Though certainly she had taken this opportunity to wear something different from what normally used, unlike her baggy clothes, something perhaps more feminine: blue pants, a red sweater outlining her figure and let in sight part of her abdomen, V-neck and guards in green, pink and brown in the bust area and at the ends of the sleeves, as her hair was pulled in her usual two buns but this time with red ribbons attached. She wasn't wearing her forehead protector, since by order of the Fifth Hokage that day no one would use it. Of course Lee and Guy were the exception; they wouldn't take it off for nothing.
"And… Did you get a chance to talk with Neji?" Guy asked.
The brown-haired girl instantly remembered the meeting she had with the Hyūga that morning.
"Yes… I talked to him. I tried to persuade him but he refused saying 'I'm busy'." She said the last words imitating his voice. "That Hyūga is hopeless…" She added with a sigh.
"Oh my dear pupil." Guy said as if remembering the past. "Neji is a great shinobi, but he should explode more the flame of youth. Not only in missions and training. He is wasting a beautiful stage of his life."
"Wise words, Guy sensei!"
For more than Guy was ridiculous and exaggerated -both in their actions and in his words- this time Tenten had to admit that his sensei was right.
"Well it's his life. If he wants that way, is his choice. Let him do what he pleases." She said dismissing the topic.
"Don't be like that with Neji." Lee said. "I know what you feel for him, Tenten."
"What are you saying?"
"Oh love!" continued Guy. "That was what was missing in our team. Love is so wonderful… and it's also complicated at the same time. Oh I can feel the romantic atmosphere…"
"What the hell are you two talking about?" Tenten pretend not to understand, but the flush on her cheeks did not go unnoticed.
"Neji… he… you like him, right?" Her teammate smiled at her.
"WHAT?" She said getting all red. "T-That's not the subject!"
The two men laughed accomplices making Tenten feel more uncomfortable and nervous yet.
"Stop saying nonsense! That happens for training much. See? You already reached at the edge of madness." Suddenly she remembered something. "Geez! I have to take out the trash."
"I'll do it for you." Her sensei said.
"Ok."
Didn't pass more than a minute when…
*Ding Dong
"Lee, can you open the door to Guy sensei? I have to turn off the oven."
"Sure."
The bushy brows shinobi opened the door, but the person who was on the other side was not their sensei.
"Neji!"
Hearing the voice of her friend, Tenten paralyzed.
Neji raised an eyebrow at Lee's reaction, who looked at him with stupid face (he says).
"If you don't stop doing that…"
"Neji." Lee spoke with a seriousness that the longhaired could never have imagined. "Since we were in the same team, I considered you my rival and at the beginning we didn't get along any good."
"What is this speech?" The Hyūga wondered.
"But eventually we learned to work together along with Tenten becoming one of the best teams in Konoha. Now I left behind the rivalry and I respect you as the great shinobi you are. So…" Lee extended his hand to him with a friendly smile, all seriousness aside. "Long time no see, buddy."
Neji said nothing at first, but then he smirked. "Yeah…" He said while shaking both their hands in greeting.
A few feet away, a silent Tenten watched them smiling tenderly.
"I can't hold my flame of youth anymore!" Lee pulled the Hyūga to hug him in his own particular way.
"Lee… let me go…" He mumbled in a voice not very nice.
Among his struggles and laughter of Tenten, Neji managed to release. "Idiot." He said adjusting his clothes.
"Never change Lee." Tenten said walking towards them. "So finally…"
"THE ENTIRE TEAM!" Guy finished her sentence with deafening shrieks running to meet them.
It was then when Neji discovered that he had left the frying pan to fall into fire….
He didn't know when, but suddenly he was surrounded by arms that began to choke him. Neji had already enough with, he said, Lee's exaggerated show of affection and now should add the even more exaggerated from his sensei. Then he wondered what he had done to deserve such a team. But soon he noticed that someone else shared his misery: just like him, squeezed, Tenten tried to smile to hide how uncomfortable she was. On the other hand, Neji's face expressed how irritated he was, quite contrary to Lee and their sensei who, embracing the rest, cried excited exclaiming things about youth and other nonsense like that.
In the same spirit that showed their joy, Guy and Lee entered the girl's apartment, followed by her and the newcomer.
"So finally you decide to come, or should I say… Finally you are not busy?" She said resting her hands on her hips.
Tenten knew very well that the Hyūga didn't like jokes, especially if these were directed to him; but despite this, Tenten wanted to play around with him.
Neji crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. "Is it supposed I must answer?" He said with his opaline eyes on her; he knew very well the little games of his teammate.
"Oh no! There's no need!" She chuckled. "Anyway, it's a pleasure for me and a great honor that you're here in my humble house, Hyūga-san." She did a bow.
"You act like a kid." He lectured her in a tone of superiority before entering the apartment.
While Lee helped Tenten to set the table, Neji sat in front of Guy, so that Lee sat beside his sensei and she next to the Hyūga. Once all were seated, chatting pleasantly they began to eat.
She must confess that she felt nervous because it was the first time she was the hostess, and such nervousness was reflected in the moment the cutlery slipped her hand falling to the floor. Immediately she leaned her torso extending the arm to grab it, but didn't realized that Neji did the same to reach the object, which meant that their noses were touching and instantly they looked into the eyes of each other. Feeling the breath of another against their skin, both flushed.
A moment that for the two seemed an eternity.
Neji was the first to react grabbing the object and then incorporated slowly followed by her.
"Thank you…" She whispered taking the cutlery that he extended to her, to which he replied with a simple nod.
Later, Tenten walked into the kitchen to bring dessert, several traditional Christmas dishes.
Guy and Lee chattered animated; Neji's head rested on his right hand supporting the elbow on the table, overwhelmed by the other two (almost had to cover his ears). Tenten was going here and there between the kitchen shelves without being aware of a white stare that closely watched her.
He couldn't deny that the outfit she wore for the special occasion had drawn the attention. Neji had never seen her that way, she usually wore loose clothing, comfortable to battle; and he had never noticed about the voluptuous curves that the girl possessed. Suddenly a strange feeling emerged inside of him, something unknown to him, he felt like… "Don't!"He mentally slapped himself while his cheeks blushed. What was he thinking?
Neji looked away quickly when Tenten came with dessert.
The four continued talking about their lives, especially the last five months in which they had rarely seen. Guy and Lee saw each other more often than the rest, always training and improving. Tenten sometimes joined them.
Neji however, recently promoted to Jōnin, kept busy doing missions most of the time; and when it was not like that, he trained hard in the Hyūga compound, with either his uncle or his cousin. Despite this, he took advantage of the little free time he had to meditate or do anything he like, or else training along with Tenten as previous years.
First, Guy spoke about the new victory in the latest clash with Kakashi, then Lee and Tenten told about their missions and teams they had to lead.
"Yes, they are very nice children." Lee said about the Genin. "Did you have to lead any group, Neji?"
The aforementioned almost spat the tea he was drinking as he recalled his last mission. The other three stood looking at him, waiting for his reply.
"Yes… Konohamaru, Udon and Moegi in the last mission."
"Oh they're Naruto's little friends, aren't they?" Tenten said, remembering how they looked.
"I don't want to remember them, especially Konohamaru." He sighed. "He is just like Naruto."
The Hyūga told about that mission and 'difficulties' he had because of one of the Genin, obtaining in exchange the laughter of his teammates and sensei.
Tenten stood up to make more tea and before returning to the table noticed that Neji was eating the cookies that she had so carefully made. Also she noticed that he no longer had that always serious attitude, he no longer showed that cold look quite the opposite; he looked calm and serene.
She returned to her place. This time was Guy who told anecdotes, but Tenten was not listening; her mind briefly traveled back in time.
Her parents died in middle of a battle when she was only a child, so she was always alone and had to cope as she could. But since she met her sensei and her teammates, the feeling of loneliness had begun to decrease. Now that they were sharing a Christmas dinner, Tenten recognized that they had become her family.
A smile full of happiness appeared on her face.
They were so entertaining that they had lost the notion of time. Noises like explosion that came from outside caught their attention.
"Fireworks?" Lee asked.
"It's Christmas!" Tenten cried looking at the clock on the wall.
The girl, along with Lee and Guy hugged each other exclaiming the typical sentence of 25 December.
"Merry Christmas, Neji." Tenten said hugging him warmly and feeling his heartbeat accelerated. He corresponded, although somewhat more reserved.
Quickly, they separated and she grabbed the present Rock Lee gave her.
"It's from Guy sensei and myself, for our beautiful flower." Lee smiled friendly.
"Oh it's beautiful!" She said admiring a pair of purple gloves. "Lee, Guy sensei, thank you so much." Then she took three gifts which lay under the Christmas tree. "Here, Guy sensei… and this is for you Lee. Neji, this is yours… hope you liked it." She smiled sweetly.
The young Hyūga took the red pack from her hands and proceeded to open it, finding a blue wool scarf. He stroked it with the fingers to feel its softness.
"You made it?" He laid his eyes on hers.
"Yes…" Tenten answer just looking away. "I had been doing for a while. You like it?"
"Yeah, it's cute. Thanks…" He said almost in a whisper.
Tenten was shocked; she didn't expect a straight answer from him. Doubtful, laid her eyes on him to see what she had heard. But she found a smile that decorated his face, small and imperceptive to some, but not for her. After so many years, she knew his gestures and expressions.
Probably, Tenten was the only who knew him better than anyone. Although the Hyūga was still a mystery for her because only on rare occasions he had let out his feelings afloat and she knew little about his likes and preferences. But Neji was like that and she wouldn't ask him to change; the contrary, she loved him as he was, with his virtues and defects.
"Well, this young and handsome shinobi must leave. They're waiting for me at another party." Guy said with his 'nice guy' pose.
"Young?" Neji thought in disgust.
"Handsome?" Tenten said to herself imitating the Hyūga's face.
"Party?" Lee replied.
"That's right. A celebration among the Jōnin of Konoha and I promised to attend."
"I also have to go." Lee said.
"You're going with Guy sensei?" Tenten inquired.
"No, I want to greet Sakura. She probably feels lonely because Sasuke and Naruto are not in the village."
"I see. Then go to rescue your princess from the loneliness." She said with a laugh.
"Thank you for the dinner, it was delicious, and for this wonderful night too."
"You don't have to thank. All of you are the only family I have. You're like a brother to me, Lee."
"Tenten…" Lee said with tears in his eyes. "You are like a sister to me too!" He exclaimed embraced her.
"Neji, you are also invited." Guy said to him. "It was organized especially for the Jnin."
"No thanks, I'll stay. In a while I must go back to the Hyūga compound."
"See you then!" Lee said.
Tenten closed the door and when she turned, saw Neji near the fireplace in the living room extending his hands to warm them.
She leaned against the door and contemplated him in silence. Neji was wearing black trousers and a simple light blue sweater. He neither wore his forehead protector, but didn't leave his forehead exposed; a white bandage around his head covered neatly the curse seal.
Tenten was saddened to think of all that he had lived and suffered; his fatalistic way of seeing the world, his belief in a destiny decided at birth, contempt and hatred towards the main house of his clan… all because of that seal.
"What's wrong?" Neji spoke at her profile.
"No, nothing!" The kunoichi said, waving her hands. Then she walked to him. "Why didn't you go with them? I mean, surely that party would be funnier…"
"Deafening music, getting drunk, being surrounded by strangers, horseplay due to alcohol, and the next day woke up sick besides not remember anything the night before." He paused. "That's not my concept of 'fun'."
"You're always so correct."
"You asked and I gave you my answer." He said, shrugging.
"Then why did you dined with us?"
"Lately in the clan made similar meetings."
"Then it was by discarding." It wasn't a question. "You only came because you had nowhere to go." She raised her voice a bit, pointing at him with the finger.
"What?" He said trying to find logic to her words. "You invited me to dinner with you and so I did. Is not that what you wanted?"
"Not when you don't do it by choice." Her voice was anguish. "It seems that for you all is an obligation, just for commitment."
She couldn't help answer him that way, and it is she who tried getting everything ready for that night, so everything went well and was special, resulting in a nice reunion… and he barely was grateful. She really believed that this time, if only for once, he would show a bit more interest.
"Where do you get such conclusions?" He couldn't believe what she just said.
"They are the only I can get when you don't express anything." She said staring at the floor.
Perhaps she was very direct. Perhaps she had said things without thinking, perhaps it wasn't the right time. But her thoughts were out of her mouth without realizing it.
Maybe she had offended him. Maybe he would get angry and walk away from her, something Tenten never would have wanted. But regardless of the consequences at some point she had to say it; although how painful it was, was true. And that truth to Neji fell like a bucket of ice water.
They were silent for a while; an awkward silence was broken only by the crackle of wood burning in the fire.
He walked two steps to her, being face to face. "Tenten. Look at me." Neji asked while holding her by the shoulders, forcing her to raise her head and look at his eyes. "I came because I wanted to. It was no commitment; I wanted to be with you. I'm still not entirely comfortable in the Hyūga complex; there are only a few who I recognize in the term 'family'."
The almond-eyed girl listened in astonishment. She seemed to see sadness in his white eyes.
"Christmas is not important to me but I know it is for you and the rest." Slowly he removed the hands from her, closing his eyes.
"Neji…" Tenten murmured wondering what to do.
"You know me, Tenten." He added, reopen his eyes. "You know I'm not very expressive."
"Forgive me, Neji." She spoke in a soft tone. Then she grabbed her left arm with the opposite hand and directed her gaze to the side. "You're right, I know you for a long time, and so what I said makes no sense. I did it without thinking. Sorry if I offended you, it wasn't my intention."
"You didn't… and forget it, it wasn't your fault."
Tenten didn't answer.
"I'd better go." He headed for the door followed by the kunoichi a few steps behind.
"It's snowing very strong." Tenten said looking through the window. "Not a good idea to go out in this weather. Don't you want to stay overnight?"
"It's late. I gotta go."
"Stay, I don't want to be alone." She clung to his arm. "Please…"
The Hyūga stared at her and felt the tenderness radiating from those almond eyes. Without knowing exactly why, he was surrendered to that look.
"Alright…" Neji said with his face relaxed faintly smiling, to which she replied with the same gesture but with more grace.
They sat on the couch near the fire.
"Can I offer you anything else?"
"No, it's ok. Although…" He hesitated. "Those cookies… were tasty…" He confessed with a slight blush on his cheeks.
"Glad you liked it." She said as she brought the dish. "Here you go." She gave him a star-shaped.
"Those people in the photo…" Neji looked towards the picture frame which rested above the fireplace, where it could be seen a man and a woman embracing, and in the middle of them a child with a big smile. "Are your parents?"
"Yeah." She smiled nostalgic. "They were my parents."
Neji nodded. Then added, "When I walked over there just now it caught my attention. It seems that all three were very happy, especially you."
Tenten turned to look in the same direction as him. "That picture we took in spring, months before they died during a mission."
"How old were you when… that happened?"
"Um…" She directed her view up supporting the thumb and index finger on the chin, as if she was thinking. "I was about six years, if I mistake." She looked back at her teammate.
"You never told me about it." He said putting the arms behind his head, looking upward.
"I guess I didn't feel the need to do it." Tenten said sincerely. "When I met you, I didn't suffer too much for their absence. Since I was little I learned to take care of myself, to survive." She paused. "And when we were placed on the same team along with Lee and Guy sensei, I didn't feel as lonely as before." She gave him a beautiful smile.
"I see…"
"Can I ask you something?"
Neji looked at her profile, letting her know to continue.
"Have you ever celebrated Christmas? I mean when you were little, or with your family…"
"The only time I remember was with my father."
"How old were you?"
"Four." He replied, looking back up.
"Four years? You were very young… Only that time?"
"Yes. After the death of my father I lost total interest in that sort of things. It is assumed that one spends Christmas day with family and friends. I held a grudge against the main house and never felt appreciation or anything like that by any member of the branch house. So while everyone was celebrating, I stayed in my room." He remained in silence for a few seconds. "Why the question?"
"I had some curiosity."
At that moment pictures of that particular night came to Neji.
—Flashback—
A large pine decorated was the center of attention of the living room. A few prying eyes reflected in one of the spheres that adorned the tree.
"Are you eager to open your gift?" Said a man approaching.
The little shook his head. "Father, if Santa Claus does not exist… then what is Christmas? I don't understand very well."
At such young age, he had already discovered that Santa Claus was not real, and like the child he was, he questioned everything around to satisfy his curiosity.
The man was amazed at the question of his son. Though he knew the kid was very smart, it had taken him by surprise. Hizashi bent to be at the same height as his firstborn.
"Christmas isn't just Santa Claus and gifts, Neji. It's more than that."Hizashi said stroking the child's head. "It's a day to spend with family and people we loved and are important to us. Do you understand now?"
"Hmm I think so…" The little Neji doubted wrinkling his fair forehead clean of any brand. He looked down, thinking about his father's words.
"Why don't you go to play with Hinata-sama? Surely she must be in the gardens."
"Okay!" He exclaimed joyfully.
"Just remember back to dinner." Hizashi said standing up.
"Yes, father!"Neji replied, and without wasting time he ran out.
—End Flashback—
"Neji? Are you listening? NEJI!" Tenten called a distracted Hyūga.
"What?" He said, reacting instantly.
"You didn't listen to me, didn't you?" She narrowed her eyes, pretending to be angry.
"Of course I did." Neji answered with certainty. "You were talking about that last week you went to buy flowers to Yamanaka's store and you found Sakura arguing with Ino and Shikamaru complaining, while you wanted to say something but nobody pay attention." He calmly said without hesitation, leaving a gaping Tenten. "Up to here you spoke."
"Well… your version is more concise. But how is that…? Ah never mind, forget it."
The young man smirked at her answer.
"Okay, as you wish." Then he remembered something he was turning in the mind for a while. "Then, I want to ask you something."
"What?"
Neji leaned forward and rested the arms on his legs. "You said Guy and Lee were like a family to you, that Lee was like your brother. What do I mean to you?"
"You? What do you mean to me?"
The Hyūga nodded. Tenten said nothing a few seconds before answering.
"Well, Neji… I don't think of you as a brother. You are my best friend." She smiled warmly. "You mean a lot to me."
Yes, he was her best friend. The person with whom she trained and perfected her techniques, that who knew her weaknesses and strengths. But not just that. He was the person who best knew her. She thoroughly enjoyed his company and although he was not a great talker, he always listened.
Neji Hyūga was her best friend and also the one who Tenten loved in secret.
The reply from the girl caused an involuntary blush on the young Hyūga.
"Why the question?" She questioned playful, repeating the sentence said before for him.
"I had some curiosity."
Then neither spoke a word, allowing the hush falls over the environment.
Each lost in thought. Time was passing slowly for them.
"It's doing a terrible cold." Tenten said to break the silence, while she rubbed both arms. Then she stood up. "Can I borrow it?" She asked, pointing to the blue scarf she held in her hand.
"Sure."
"I had never knitting before. I had to practice before knit it." She said after sitting on the couch and put the scarf around the neck.
"I… forgot about the gifts. I didn't bring anything." He said uncomfortable.
"It doesn't matter." She said quickly. "The best gift I could receive was that you came tonight and you'd stay keeping me company."
"Really?" Neji raised an eyebrow. "I think this is going to like you more…"
Gradually he was closing his eyes as he approached her. Tenten tried to say something but he stopped her. She didn't know how it happened, or when it was exactly the moment he joined his lips to hers. She didn't believe that was true until Neji grabbed her face with his left hand to intensify the kiss. Tenten closed her eyes and rested the hands on his chest, feeling the sweet caress. Softly and slowly, both enjoyed the experience, new for the two of them.
A loud noise as a result of fireworks, made startle the girl. She separated just enough to look each other at the eyes.
"Damn brats…" The Hyūga growled, angry by the interruption.
"Neji… you… you knew that I…" She said with difficulty due to lack of air.
"Yeah… I knew it." He smiled. "Merry Christmas." Neji whispered.
Tenten leaned over Neji, resting her head on his shoulder, while he put the arm around her.
"Are you still cold?"
"Not now." She said.
Thereby they continued talking for a long while, though the conversation was mainly based on what she told and the comments that could add Neji.
"Next time he will do better." He said.
He waited for her to talk but she didn't. Instead, Neji felt a greater burden on his shoulder.
"Tenten." He called her, no response. "Tenten?" He called again.
Neji inclined his head to look at her, finding that she had been totally asleep. He called her once more moving gently but seeing she didn't wake up, he preferred to leave her like that. She must be tired.
She opened her eyes slowly, leaving at sight beautiful almond eyes. Yawned, stretching her arms and she realized that she was covered with blankets and lying on her bed as well.
"How did I…?"
"I see you already woke up." Neji said coming into the room.
"Neji. Did you bring me here?" She asked while incorporating on the bed.
"You fell asleep over me." Neji said crossing his arms.
"Are you serious? Wow, I didn't realize." Tenten giggled.
The Hyūga shook his head in disapproval.
"How nice I slept!" She said after getting out of bed.
"It's almost noon"
"Um and… what do you want to do?"
Suddenly, a scene came to her mind. That kiss… what happened was real, she could not believe it. Never in her best dreams she had imagined anything like that.
"Hmp." He smiled crookedly. "I deduce by your expression you want to do something wrong, maybe some perversion."
"What are you saying, Neji! I wasn't thinking about that…"
"Why don't we train? A single battle. Long ago that we don't do it."
"Okay. But be warned I'm going to be serious, I'll not do it easy for you."
Once they were ready, they went to the old training area.
They positioned facing each other, keeping a distance.
Without any warning, Tenten started to run towards him, jumped up and, being in the air, she unrolled part of the big scroll she carried on her back and threw a barrage of kunai and shuriken. Although she was wearing wool gloves, she released all weapons skillfully direct to her opponent. Immediately Neji activated his Byakugan and dodged every one of them, even ones that grazed his face and the blue scarf he was wearing. He picked up a kunai in the air and used it to block other three coming in the same direction. Tenten landed on her feet holding the scroll.
"You don't waste time." Neji spoke.
"I told you I was serious." She smiled confidently. "Second attack!"
However she had no time to run her next move.
"Never neglect your rearguard." Neji murmured behind her, placing the kunai he had grabbed near her neck.
Tenten summon a Bō with which quickly blocked the kunai throwing it to the ground, then she turned around moving the weapon around her to give impulse to the next attack directed at Neji, who covered himself with the arm. This was followed by an exchange of blows at close range: Tenten attacked with her Bō and Neji with his bare hands, whose fingers ejecting chakra, threatened to hit her chakra network.
For them bad luck (or good, as seen), Tenten slipped on the snow, causing her to stumble over Neji and they fell to the ground. Instantly Neji deactivated his Byakugan and both remained static with their eyes fixed on the other.
"Guys, here they are! We found them!" A familiar voice was heard a few meters away along with barks. "Well done, Akamaru!" The owner said stroking his dog.
"Finally, man… This was getting bored." Another one complained.
Moments later, eight people were watching the peculiar scene: a scroll and hundreds of weapons scattered in all directions. Neji lying on the floor with one leg flexed and arms relaxed beside his body. Tenten above him, between his legs supporting both arms over his chest. Their faces flushed being very close to each other.
"Sorry if… we interrupt your 'training'…" Kiba scoffed.
"Go Neji! Explode the power of your youth!" Lee exclaimed raising the thumb.
Everybody started to laugh while Neji and Tenten, embarrassed, incorporated quickly.
"Idiots…" The Hyūga mumbled.
"Guys! What are you all doing here?" Tenten spoke; trying to hide her shame, by the time she began to collect her things.
Ino, Hinata and Sakura helped her.
"Well, we were looking for you two…" Hinata began to explain.
"But I see you were busy, it wasn't our intention to bother." Ino interrupted her, with a mischievous smile.
"Not at all, we were training just a little."
The blonde shook her index finger denying. "Oh dear, don't try to hide it. That is called L-O-V-E…"
"Ino! You're wrong." Tenten said, waving her arms. "This is all a misunderstanding."
"True, Ino." Sakura intervened trying to act with maturity. "What Tenten does or does not do with Neji doesn't concern us."
"No Sakura, it's not what you're thinking." Tenten said nervously.
"Look who's talking, you billboard brow." Ino scoffed. "You're one of the most gossips around."
"You, Ino-pig!"
"Hinata help." The brown-haired begged in vain, since Hinata stood watching the scene funny.
"They began to argue again… What a drag…" Shikamaru said after yawning.
"What are you doing here?" Neji questioned authoritatively.
"Hey, you think that's way of speaking? After all we walked to find both of you." The Inuzuka replied.
"First, we went to Tenten's house, but seeing you were not there, we thought you would have gone to some bar." Lee explained.
"That's was your idea." The Nara protested. "If all of you would have listened to me, we could arrive here hours ago. But Lee said that was probable that you two would be taking a romantic breakfast. So we walked all the bars and cafes in the village."
"Romantic… WHAT?" Neji said with a twitch in the eye.
"My dear friend… I didn't think you were so slow, Neji." Lee shook his head disappointed. "At least a bouquet of flowers."
"I don't know what you're talking." The Hyūga crossed his arms and looked away, trying not to lose his sanity.
"It's useless to try to deny it. Everybody knows." Kiba said.
"You don't understand anything! We were training, what you saw was just an accident." Neji cleared quickly, at the same time he blushed to mention that particular incident.
"Guys, sorry to interrupt." Shino spoke for the first time, amid the laughter of others. "But the Hokage is waiting for us."
"Did something happen?" Tenten asked.
"Tsunade-sama summoned the entire village for a Christmas celebration."
"With a banquet extra special! We can eat all we want." Chōji added.
"The Fifth also sent special invitations to Suna for Gaara, Temari and Kankurō." Shikamaru said. "They'll arrive in the afternoon."
"It will be a fun party. Let's go!" Sakura encouraged.
Everyone started to walk, except Tenten and Neji who stayed behind.
"We've walked so much that I'm hungry." Chōji said.
"Hey Kiba! I challenge you to race to the Hokage tower." Lee said enthusiastic.
"Bad luck, mate. You won't be able with us, right Akamaru?" He said climbing into the back of the dog.
"If I don't arrive first to the tower, then I will do a thousand push-ups."
"Those two never change…" Ino said.
Hinata stopped and turned to look back. "Neji-niisan, Tenten. Are you coming?"
Both looked at each other and then at Hinata. "Yes, we soon reached you!" The brown-haired said, and then she directed the view to the shinobi at her side. "We'll have to leave the training later. Let's go, Neji?"
"I guess it will be fine for a while." He replied, looking away.
Tenten laughed happily and took his hand, forcing him to quicken the pace.
"Neji…" She called him after some minutes.
"Hmm?"
Tenten hesitated a moment before speaking, she wasn't sure how to face the issue. "What happened… last night… eh… that kiss…"
"What about that?" The longhaired asked very calm, unlike her who was nervous.
"Was just that, a kiss? Or is it… meant something to you?" Tenten ventured to ask.
Neji looked at his left, where she walked beside him.
"No." Neji answered, to which she bowed her head. "It meant a lot to me."
Tenten opened her eyes in amazement, and her gaze automatically went to seek his; and she found with an honest smile that Neji devoted to her.
It didn't need say anything else. There was no need for them; their eyes expressed all what they felt, even what they could not express in words.
She clung to Neji's arm and kissed his cheek.
Neji Hyūga was never interested in parties and celebrations, and less by Christmas. To Neji, that was going to be a day like any other. He was wrong. Perhaps Christmas wasn't too bad after all…
"Did you see that, guys?" A pink-haired girl spoke.
"They're so obvious." Shikamaru said.
"I always knew there was something between those two." Ino said smugly.
"They… they look cute t-together… don't you think?" Hinata said with a soft chuckle.
A/N: Well, first of all: Merry Christmas to all of you! I hope you've had a nice Christmas.
I wrote this fic a few months ago in my native language (as you can see in my profile), and as finally I'm on holiday, I decided to translate it for you. I'm learning english, so if there is any mistakes, sorry :)
Please review! I'm writing a sequel, so if I get many reviews I'll upload the second part. ;)
It's all I have to say for now, so I hope you like it.
Happy New Year!
