A.N.
Revised June 11, 2006
Neji liked to think he was beyond emotions even though Tenten often teased otherwise. However, after years of her gentle teasing, he admitted that he was quite capable of feeling emotions, but, he superiorly announced, only a few and the most basic of them. Tenten just nodded agreeably and said, "Of course."
Neji never noticed that he looked at her with tenderness every time she indulged him, but Tenten always did.
Then, on a particularly warm and pleasant day for Konoha, Neji learned he was also able to feel devastation.
Neji had just stepped out into the heat of the sunlight, having finished reporting on his latest mission. Two male Jounins passed him by before stopping and turning to glance at him. Neji's brows drew together as he watched the two Jounins nod at each other and one retraced his path to where Neji stood while the other continued on his way.
Standing awkwardly in front of him, the Jounin hesitantly placed a hand on his shoulder. Neji recognized the gesture as one of comfort. Frowning, he opened his mouth to object. "I'm sorry Neji-san, she won't be coming home." At this, Neji quickly closed his mouth and examined this man's face carefully, trying to discern what he meant. With understanding, a substantial part of his world came crashing down.
Later, Neji learned that he felt despair as he traced her engraved name, her fatality written in stone.
Nine months later, as he stood at Konoha's gate with Lee and two other ninjas, one male and one female, ready to leave on a mission, Neji learned what forlorn felt like. Hitching his bag up on his shoulder with a sigh, Neji turned towards the road and learned that shock happened in a flash. However, shock was quickly replaced by overwhelming joy, as a familiar female figure made her way up the path.
"Tenten!"
Two weeks later, Neji learned that he had always ardently loved his team mate and new wife. And when she was finally settled into his home, Neji felt the world was as it should be.