Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Heaven's Tale.

Have you heard of a story

Of loss…of anguish…of contentment

It is a tale about many but heard by one

A heaven's tale


The sky... It's so bright, so overwhelming that it blinds you. The light as pure and ethereal as the heavens above. A hand, my hand shielded me from the overpowering rays of the sun. It was on a day like this that I had met, Neji. He came, like an angel, his skin almost translucent, and his eyes as pale and pure as light. It was hard not to notice him…

We met on the bus… a public bus to be exact. We were only 14 then. I remember it like it was just yesterday…

The trees passed by me in a green blur for the bus was careening down the tar road. I squinted my eyes slightly, my russet eyes focusing on the azure sky. It was beautiful… life was all around me. Flowers grew in full bloom signifying the season of Spring. Birds flew across the horizon towards the burning sun. The view was picturesque, like it came out straight from a painting.

My brother, Lee was beside me while Sakura and Naruto was sitting across from me. As I continued to gaze out the window, I could hear them arguing. I sighed softly. There were times that I wished for some peace, but, I smiled, I wouldn't have it any other way.

" Lee, Naruto… Calm down. Tenten and I can hear you know. You don't have to 'emphasize' each word," Sakura told them in annoyance. My hand landed on Lee's shoulder, my way of telling him that I am listening and that Sakura was right. Naruto and Lee grew silent.

" Arigatou, Sakura-chan. They were getting out of hand," I said relieved.

" I think we should make a new rule," She gave them both the critical eye. " No talking about youth or Ramen," she stated. Sakura turned to glance at both Naruto and Lee to see their expressions, Naruto gave her a cute pout while Lee's eyes slightly watered. " Oh please, do you really think that that'll work on me. I'm immune to it by now."

Both of them turned to me, giving me their most innocent expressions and I felt my defense falter slightly. "Tenten… don't fall for it." Sakura warned.

" I doubt that they'd do it again…" She rolled her eyes. " Besides, I'm sure they're sorry…very sorry." I nudged Lee beside me and kicked Naruto on the shin, they nodded eagerly, agreeing with my reasoning.

" Fine… just don't let it happen again. I've been getting migraines because of you three," She pointedly said. I nodded, noticing a vain throb on her forehead.

I continued gazing out of the window, when, suddenly, the bus stopped abruptly. I fell forward into Naruto's lap, him cushioning my fall. I, achingly, sat back in my seat. " Gomen ne, Naruto-chan. I wasn't paying attention." I said apologetically.

A few passengers came on board the bus. Since most of the seats were taken, those passengers stood up.

He gave me a foxy grin. " I knew you liked me, Tenten-chan. But, I never expected you to throw yourself at me." I rolled my eyes, feeling the heat come into my cheeks. Sakura whacked him on his head. " Ouch…" Naruto yelped. " What was that for?..." He whined at Sakura.

" For the joke… It was the worst I've ever heard. You're losing your touch."

" But I made her blush," He argued back, pointing at my red cheeks.

" She's wearing blusher," Lee defended me.

" Oh yeah, sure. That's the reason." Naruto said.

" Are you saying that girls don't wear make-up?." Sakura said, hyped-up.

" No… no. I'm saying that people don't wear blusher on their ears," he said, waving his hands in front of him. When Sakura becomes rallied up about something, she can be a tad scary and persuasive.

I touched my ears lightly at his statement. This was so ridiculous. I can't believe that they're arguing because of this. " Guys…I have hyper-active capillaries that's all." I said, wanting to end the conversation. People were listening and I didn't want the attention. Sakura rolled her eyes while Naruto and Lee gave a small laugh.

Suddenly, I could feel somebody staring at me. I glanced up to notice a guy, with pale eyes. His long hair was tied up in a loose, low ponytail. He gave me the smallest hint of a smirk but I still managed to catch it. I was transfixed by him…

I haven't seen him before… I gave him a one-over. His school blazer showed that he was from Konoha Private High School while I was from Konoha High School. So that means he was a rich kid. What was he doing on this bus?...

" Yeah, sure, Tenten-chan. Hyper-active capillaries. That's real original." Naruto laughed out loud. I averted my gaze towards Naruto. "Just make sure you don't get too hot, or you'd burn." He joked. His finger touched his butt, and made a sizzling sound. He received a knock on his head. " Ouch.. what did I do again?.." He whined.

" That was one of the most lousiest jokes ever. It didn't even make sense," She stated, Lee nodded, his freshly gelled hair, bobbing along with his head.

" Don't worry, my fair blossom, we'd get his youth back. I will ask otou-sama on his justly opinion," Lee declared.

" Lee…" I said, exasperated. " We shouldn't worry otou-san or bother him. He's busy with managing the dojo." Lee nodded in agreement, pondering on the issue.

" Then, maybe we can go to the bookstore. I saw this youthful book that's called Jokes for Dummies. It would be sufficient enough in bringing out Naruto's youthfulness," Lee said, grinning widely at his opinion. Sakura and I laughed. It was funny.

" Yeah that's it… laugh… laugh at me. Three against one. That's fair isn't it," Naruto said helplessly. A small giggle was heard. Naruto, Sakura, Lee and I turned towards the source. It came from a girl that had similar eyes as the guy beside her.

" G-gomen…" She stuttered apologetically, blushing under all the attention and embarassment.

I shook my head. " It's ok. We're pretty outlandish at times."

" Ahh… pretty maiden. May I have the honour of knowing your name?" Lee asked. I noticed the guy beside her, gave an intent glare at him.

" H-hinata Hyuuga.." She said meekly. Her blush growing into a deeper shade of red.

The bus halted to a stop. " Hinata, Neji… This is our stop," A red-head said, his voice a deep baritone. I didn't notice him at first. His quiet nature made his presence unnoticed by me. He was handsome in a dark way, a tattoo was embedded on his forehead and the way he wore his uniform, with his pants hanging loosely on his hips and a black shirt beneath his blazer made him seem like he just stepped out of the magazine.

" Hai… Gaara-san." Hinata answered, not making a move. She continued to look at us or rather Naruto in uncertainty. She wanted to talk to him but no attempt was made. Her mouth was opened in a gaping motion and I wondered whether she was too nervous in doing so. Alas, the opportunity never came.

Neji nodded his head, pulling Hinata with him. She stumbled out of the bus, her backpack forgotten, laying on the floor. I picked it up and was about to chase them, when Neji came back and took the backpack from my hand. His hand lingered on my own for a few moments until a cough could be heard from an elderly woman. He grasped the bag and slung it over his shoulder. I stood there in a daze as he walked away, off the bus, his warmth a scar on my skin.

" Tenten…" I looked down at Naruto. " You can sit down now."

I nodded, feeling foolish. I shifted my gaze onto Sakura. " Are you ok?… you've been unusually quiet."

" Yes, I'm fine." She said, pulling a strand of her rose-coloured hair behind her ear. The light blush on her cheeks went unnoticed by me.

A few minutes passed by… and we returned home to our apartments. We happened to live near each other, just a few floors away. We stayed at the Konoha Matsumoto Apartments and were childhood friends since young. We were inseparable…But that was going to change soon enough…

After all, ties are meant to be broken.


The day after…

Sakura slumped in her seat tiredly, a sigh of appreciation came out from her lips at the sudden comfort. " Kakashi-sensei was really harsh today. I'm wiped out."

" Really… I feel energized. The exercise was really rejuvenating." I turned to Lee and Naruto. " Right?..." I asked. I sighed softly as both of them dozed away in their seats. Lee snored softly while Naruto mumbled a little in his sleep. Maybe the exercise was a bit too rigorous today.

Sakura gave me a wide grin. " I told you so. Even the guys are worn out which is unusual." I gave her a small pout. " Please, Tenten-chan… Not everyone is as active as you."

I crossed my hands. " What does that mean?"

" Well…you're in the archery club, the track team, the swim team, basketball team and volleyball team. Plus, you're in the karate and kendo club. It just proves that not many people have the stamina of a horse like you," She told me, her hands folded in her lap neatly with her head cocked to one side.

I breathed in sharply. " Are you complimenting me or insulting me?" I asked, my lips in a firm line.

" Depends on how you see it."

I raised an eyebrow at her. " You just compared me to a horse."

" I'm complimenting you. What do you think?" She told me, exasperated.

" I know… I know… relax. It's just that, you also described me as a tomboy. Which I am not."

" You are a tomboy," she stated, pointing at my clothes.

" Tomboys don't wear pink," I told her flatly. Since Konoha High School student's does not require to wear uniform, I always wear a pink chinese top and a pair of jeans.

" It takes more than wearing pink to be able to be called feminine." She argued back. " Maybe if you were to wear your hair down instead of pulling it back into those two buns and wore a skirt instead of pants, you'd be more in touch with your feminine side."

"Well, I think pants is more appropriate to wear than skirts. As for my buns it's practical, I don't have to brush it whenever a gust of wind happens to pass by and mess with my hair," I joked. She gave me a knowing smile.

" There will be one day when you will regret on being a tomboy. Especially when you meet a guy that you like."

" Being a tomboy is not a life and death situation. Besides, he would have to like me for who I am."

" That is so cliché. You can't find a guy like that these days. They go for looks not personality."

" So they prefer bimbos." I asked.

" No… They'd rather be seen with a girl who has an advantage physically and mentally."

" I see… Well, not everyone is Haruno Sakura."

She gave me a look. " Please… I'm not describing myself. It's general knowledge…the very essence of a teenager's life."

" Right…well sorry for not stuffing tissues into my bra to make it a C cup and swaggering my hips till it breaks." She gave me a huff in annoyance.

" Look, Sakura. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be sarcastic. It's just that underneath the so-called boyish clothes and brash personality, I am a girl. I am comfortable with my own skin." She nodded her head, my sarcasm forgotten.

" Let's just forget about this topic. I'll never mention it again," Sakura said weakly. I gave her a bright smile and she smiled back in return.

A moment of silence ensued and I fidgeted with the hem of my shirt. It was getting really boring and home was just 20 minutes away. Voices could be heard behind me and I turned around to notice the teenagers from yesterday deep in conversation. I quickly faced forward again, my heart thumping loudly against my rib cage.

" Neji nii-san… w-what are you g-getting for tousan?" Hinata said, fiddling with her fingers.

" I've an idea but I doubt that I can find it here." He replied, his face remaining passive.

" S-souka.. I wonder w-what it is?" Hinata stuttered.

" A rare katana from the ancient times of Japan. It is intricately designed and made by a weapons specialist during the Sandaime Era."

Hinata gave a small smile. " Tousan will be pleased with the gift."

" That is if I can find the katana," He said in monotone. " Gaara…" He shifted his gaze to the tattooed guy beside him.

" My people have yet to find it. It is one of a kind," Gaara neutrally said.

" Hnn.."

That was the only response. I knew that he was disappointed even though his face remained the same. He was good at hiding his own feelings. I could tell…

" Sakura-chan…" Sakura turned her attention towards me.

" Hai…" She yawned.

" Let's go to the Tamaki Antique Weaponary Store tomorrow." I told her, my voice raised slightly to make sure that Neji could listen in on my conversation. " You know the store that's slightly hidden at the alleyway of Naburi Road."

" I know which one…" She rolled her eyes, oblivious of my intentions. " Why? Don't you have enough weapons at home to kill a whole army."

" Don't exaggerate, Sakura," I told her laughing nervously. " You're making me sound like I'm deranged."

"Maybe you are. Not many people have a fetish with weapons like you do. They should make it illegal."

" How can they make hobbies illegal?"

" Not hobbies but the idea of a 14 year old owning a dangerous weapon…" She pressed. I gave her a small pout, crossing my hands in slight anger. Sakura threw her hand in the air, admitting defeat. " Ok…ok.. We'll go tomorrow. What do you want to buy there anyway?"

" Nothing…" I admitted. " I just want to admire them from afar. I can't afford them now. I'm broke." Sakura looked at me like I'm a lunatic. " Can't I just look at the stuff there. Mr Tamaki let's me look at all his rare weapons. He's really proud of his collection. He's got all sorts of stuff from kunais to senbons to katanas…" I babbled on.

" Ok…ok… I get it," Sakura cut in. " We'll go tomorrow. Happy."

" Very." I smiled in bliss." Don't worry I'll pay you back when the time comes."

Sakura smiled back. " Oh, really. How?"

I gave her a sly smile. " That's for me to know and you to find out…"


A week passed by…

I dragged the heavy garbage out of the apartment, slowly. My shoulders were sore from carrying it and my movements sluggish. " My beautiful flower, let me help you. You shouldn't burden yourself with these responsibilities."

" Tousan… Don't worry, it's just a few floors down to the main garbage disposal area. I'm going to take the lift anyway." I told my overly expressive father, Maito Gai. Ever since, okaasan died, I decided to carry the responsibilities that a woman should do. I cooked for both my brother, Lee and otousan and did the household chores.

Gai hesitated. "Once in a while, Lee and I can help you." He said quietly, concern etched all over his face. " you shouldn't tire yourself."

" I'm not wearing myself out like you think." I needed to end this conversation quickly. I glanced at my wrist watch. " Don't you have a class to conduct in a few minutes? A martial arts sensei is never late." I reached out to press the buttons and waited for the elevator to arrive.

His eyes grew as wide as sauce pans. " You are right, my dearest daughter. I shall go now. Don't overexert yourself." He reminded me, bouncing down the flight of stairs.

No matter what otousan says, I will always carry the responsibilities of that of a guardian to this family. His own duty as a single parent and a father is difficult enough as it is. Often I would hear him cry at night, when he thinks that both Lee and I are asleep, drowning his sorrows in a few bottles of sake.

Since then, I decided to ease a little bit of his pain by helping him in ways that I could even if fatigue and hardship will forever surround me. He will only be reminded of his responsibilities as a father and not of a mother. Both Lee and tousan will forget of the void that was missing in their lives…okaasan. It seems cruel but it is what I have to do for the family.

I brushed my bangs aside, drips of sweat plastered on my forehead, with the back of my hand. I held the garbage bag more firmly, entered the elevator and waited for it to reach it's destination. A small 'ting' and I made my way out of the lift towards the dumpsite. I threw the garbage onto the other piles of rubbish and went to the elevator again.

I pressed a finger to the number '6' button, my destination, as my apartment was situated there. The elevator door started to close automatically when a hand interrupted the movement by holding one side of the door back. In a haste, I pressed the open button to assist him or her.

"Gomen," I said, bowing slightly, a sign of regret. "I didn't know that you wanted to enter as well." I told the stranger, politely. I inclined my head and my heart beat quickened. White eyes stared blankly at me and I could feel my face heat up under his gaze. It was him…

It was Neji.

TBC
Ok…so that's the first chapter. There will be more. I know that I'm straying from my well angst origins. ( I'm an angst/tragedy writer) but I want to try something new. However, it doesn't mean that there'll be no angst. It will be at the second chapter. So don't worry. I've got everything planned out. There are going to be other pairings in here other then well Nejiten.

So ( awkward silence), my humour sucks doesn't it…lol. Oh well. I tried. I'm trying. I want to be versatile. But starting from the second chapter I'm sticking to my angst roots well not fully. I want this fic to be well balanced. You know to show Tenten's growth character-wise. Anyway, I must say that these types of stories is fun to write. My fingers just flew across the keyboards…lol.

Please review. I want to know if you enjoyed this or not. You don't have to be a member to review. Just click the button below.

Oh and for all those who read For Redemption. Thanks . You guys are the best.

naash