Warning: Slightly angsty. NejiTen lovers, please don't hate me :D
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or associated characters. This story however, is mine.
Pairings: One sided NejiTen, TenOC
Rating: I'll say K+ for safety.
...
"I don't know who else to ask. You're the closest thing she has to family."
...
She is fidgeting nervously with a black satin dress and she chews her bottom lip in that familiar way. She stands in front of a floor length mirror and turns from left to right , holding the dress tightly to her front.
"I don't know if this is the right one," she says to him and continues to contemplate her reflection. He is sitting at the edge of her bed, his hands clasped in his lap tightly, his knuckles are white.
"It's perfect," he says.
...
"Do I have your permission?"
...
She smiles at him through the mirror and nods. "OK, if you say so," and she sighs nervously. Again. "I'm just going to change in the bathroom. Make yourself comfortable, I'll be right back."
Neji releases the tension from his hands and brings them to his face. He feels... defeated.
...
"Tenten is special. She needs someone to take care of her, whether she knows it or not. I can do that, I know I can."
...
She re-emerges a few minutes later clad in the dress and her hair is out of its bun, cascading down her back in ripples of pure chocolate and honey. "What do you think, Neji?" she asks and she looks self conscious.
"Beautiful," he says and she smiles gratefully.
...
"I know you care for her a lot, that you treat her as a sister... but I love her. I'm good for her. I make her smile."
...
"He'll be here any minute," she says happily, sitting on the sofa beside him. "I'm so excited, it's been exactly two years since we met."
Neji nods politely. "It's a big deal."
"He's taking me to our favourite restaurant on the off street. It's so nice there, quite and cosy, you know?" she says.
...
"I understand that you have concerns. I really do. But I promise you that Tenten will be happy. We'll raise a family, have pets and whatever else she wants."
...
When a knock comes to the door, Neji is out of his seat and at the door before Tenten even stands. Her lover of 19 months stands outside with a bouquet of flowers; lilies, her favourite, Neji knows. A silent conversation occurs between the two and the older man smiles, then nods.
Tenten is behind Neji now and she is positively glowing. "Hi," she says breathlessly, as much in love with him as she was 19 months ago. "Come in, I'll just get my purse."
The two men sit side by side on the small sofa, one drinks some juice, the other remain stoic. Abruptly, Neji turns on him.
"You will love her, protect her and care for her unconditionally?" he asks.
The older man nods. "With all my heart."
Tenten and her soon to be fiance leave a few minutes later and Neji remains in her small house a little longer. Her lover is a good man, he knows, one that will stick to his promise. Still, he can't help but feel the stabbing pain of grief, like he's losing something precious.
...
"... You have my permission."
...
Yes, Neji will continue to watch and crave.
And love.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
That last part was taken (and slightly changed) from IncessantOblivion's chapter 6 of "Exceptions"; By far, the best NejiTen story I've ever read.