O-miyage
NejiXTenten. He's a stranger. And she's falling in love with this stranger, again.
I still do not own Naruto.
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Since that day, he never smiled. And though he never smiled when they were younger, someone has found a way to get through to him. He was and still is, so straightforward- except towards that someone, towards her. Her, she, defined as the only reason for his face to lighten up.
She left that day for a mission, leaving him with a blunt kunai that she was supposed to sharpen. If only she wasn't so suddenly called for that mission, she could have sharpened its blade. She could have still remembered him- because there is no way she would forget, he believes.
He gave a simple good bye as she waved cheerfully and told him to not lose her favorite weapon. Of course, it's impossible for him to misplace it. He's not irresponsible. But she was. And when she returned, she lost years of smiles, laughter, and tears. She lost 'them'.
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Hinata placed a cup of tea before him, looking at him intently. He's been ever stoic, ever isolated. It's his way of punishing himself, his way of asking for Tenten's forgiveness. He had often mentioned how things could have been different if he was included in that mission. But she thinks he's so wrong.
"You're going training?" She asked when she noticed a bag beside him.
"Yes."
"You're not going to see her?"
He stared at the cup of tea before him. It used to be like that. He would see her everyday and tell her stories until she starts hating him for his persistence. And true enough, it has been weeks since the last time he talked to her. She was tired of his efforts though he wasn't.
"No."
"But…" She trailed off.
She recalled what happened before he stopped seeing her. Tenten threw him out of her apartment. She was unbelieving of his stories. She complained that it only gave her headaches and called it senseless. Even at that, they all know he's the only one who can help her.
"I'm sure her memories will return eventually…"
There's no point in convincing him any further. All she can do is encourage him with such kind words. Just as she always told him that there is no need to punish himself or seek forgiveness. It's not his fault. No one is blaming him- definitely not Tenten.
"Thank you." He said as he stood up.
She nodded. And sometimes she wishes she could do more.
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She kicked the dried leaves scattered on her path as she made her way to that clearing. It was strange how she naturally heads towards that place. It was probably a routine from before because she just keeps on going there for no reason at all. It was even stranger that he's always there at the exact time that she arrives. Maybe all his stories were true. What motive does he have to lie anyway?
She always watched him from a distance as he moved- smooth and fluid. She often thought that it will probably be even more beautiful if he had a partner, and she wondered if she would make a good partner for his dance.
But he wasn't dancing that afternoon. Neither was he visiting her anymore. Did she really mean it when she said she didn't want to see him again? At that point, yes. But then she started missing him and his annoying and confusing stories- though they can be cute sometimes.
She walked towards him, tired of just watching. He was sharpening a kunai- obviously so well kept despite its rusty surface. She made enough noise to catch his attention and let him know she's there but he didn't respond whatsoever. Did he finally give up on her?
"What's that for?" She asked.
"It's your favorite kunai." He said without looking up at her.
She paused for a brief moment, thinking why her favorite item is with him. But she wasn't really interested with that. She wanted to ask him something else.
"You're not… dropping by anymore…"
"You told me to stop going."
She bit her lower lip. Right, she told him to leave her alone. How is she going to tell him that she was just upset at that time? Upset because she was starting to like him, an unknown person. It was weird and scary- liking someone so strongly. All the more because it's someone she doesn't recognize, someone who's so vague.
"Give it a try." He said as he handed her the kunai.
She took it nonchalantly and aimed at the wooden target. She could use the change in topic. She must be doing something wrong because he was suddenly holding her hand, assisting her with the proper way of holding the weapon. She felt feverish.
Proximity has always been an issue. They were teammates- that much she knows. And yet, she was feeling something else- something more- whenever he's around. It bothered her. She really likes this stranger too much. Was that from before too?
She struggled to focus. She was worried that he felt the sudden rise in her body temperature. Despite that, the kunai hit the target- as always, bull's eye. She heard him chuckle.
"What's so funny? I did it right, didn't I?"
"Yes you did."
"What's so funny then?"
"You didn't forget that part, at least."
Now if only she could explain it to him that there was something else she didn't forget. Rationale and logic defies her case. Just how is it possible to like, even love someone you don't know.
"I'm jealous." He muttered to himself as he went to get the kunai.
It was a mere whisper but it was enough for her to hear. Jealous, she thought. So they like each other from before? Her lips curved to a smile. She still couldn't remember. But for some reason, she wasn't scared anymore. Perhaps, that's all the confirmation she needed.
"Here." He said as he approached her.
She shook her head.
"I'm giving it to you."
"Are you sure?" He had to ask.
"I think I know why you have my favorite kunai." She said, smiling.
He looked at her, blankly. He hasn't seen her smile for the longest time- it was infectious.
"Neji…"
"Hm?"
"You think you can tell me those stories again?"
"I thought you hated them?"
"Those are our stories… I want to hear them."
A smile made its way across his face as he shifted his stare towards the horizon.
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Did I confuse anyone? It's random, I know. But thanks to someone who told me not to hesitate XD
Btw, o-miyage - souvenir.
Well, I appreciate your taking time to read the fic. Thank you.
