Chapter One:
Little Talks
Neji Hyuga had grown up with the perception that he couldn't change his destiny. Having been ostracized from the rest of his clan, Neji grew up alone and filled with rage. Not just at his family, but at the world and his fate. At a young age, he went on to become a ninja to complete the destiny that was laid out for him. However, he didn't know that his ultimate destiny was to fall in love.
Neji had passed the Genin exam with flying colours and was placed on Team Gai along with fellow Shinobi, Rock Lee and Kunoichi, Tenten. The three sat in an open field outside of Maito Gai's home and training ground. Boy, was Gai-sensei eccentric, Neji thought to himself. They tuned out their new sensei awhile ago. Well, except for Rock Lee. As Gai went on and on about the power of youth and what not, Neji couldn't help but notice Tenten.
There was something about her that he was attracted to, but couldn't figure it out. He remembered seeing her in his classes, but never really got the chance to talk to her. She was gorgeous, for one. Her brunette hair sat in buns gracefully on the top of her head. She obviously did not try to impress anyone with her looks, but Neji was really impressed. He noticed her big, brown eyes looking over at him. Noticing that he had been staring, he quickly turned away from her. Tenten looked away, still smiling.
After the new team had completed their team exercise, Neji sat alone in a nearby tree and watched the sun set. "Room for one more?" he heard a voice ask. He looked over to see Tenten crouching next to him. "Oh, uh yes. Here, sit." He said quietly. Tenten sat next to him and played with her hands. "So that was pretty boring, right?" She asked. Neji smirked and scoffed. "Yeah, tell me about it." Tenten laughed. "So, you're a part of the elite Hyuga clan, huh?" Neji nodded and turned to her. "What about you?" he asked. Tenten looked down. "I live alone," she said, "I was abandoned as a child and was raised by my grandmother. She died not too long ago. I don't really no what my true powers are. But until I figure out my real strengths I can control weapons." Neji looked down. Great, Neji thought to himself, you blew it. "Don't feel bad," Tenten insisted, "everything's fine. I like living alone. It's liberating."
The two talked until the moon was high in the sky. Tenten stood up. "I'd better get going," she said, "I have some things I need to get done before tomorrow." Neji stood up and the two hopped down from the tree. "Well, it was nice getting to know you." Neji said. "Likewise," Tenten smiled, "I'll see you tomorrow, Neji Hyuga." Neji smiled back at her. "Until tomorrow, Tenten."
Neji got home late that night. Since the majority of the clan members weren't immediate family, other than his late father's siblings, they didn't really care when or if he got home. Neji cleaned himself up and laid in bed. He kept thinking about Tenten. She was smart, beautiful, strong and daring. He liked that in a person. He rolled over onto his side and fell asleep. Still thinking about his new found friend.
