Hey everyone! Chapter Two is up and running pleas review my lovelies!
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto!
-X-
"That's enough training for today," Neji announced firmly, de-activating his Byakugan.
Tenten straightened from her defensive stance before frowning at the Hyuga prodigy. She was breathing rather heavily after such a gruelling training session yet Neji looked like he hadn't even broken a sweat. It angered her that he seemed rather unaffected from this training session. He had pushed her harder today than he ever had before yet Tenten got the distinct feeling that he was holding back. Neji caught her expression and raised a discerning eyebrow.
"You're angry."
It was a statement not a question.
Tenten sighed but inwardly smiled. How well he knows me.
"No I'm just tired, Neji. You really kicked my butt today."
"You're improving."
Tenten blushed ever so slightly and her stomach churned with butterflies. It was rare for her to receive complements like these from Neji no matter how vague they were.
"Well I have a pretty good mentor," Tenten smiled meekly, internally kicking herself. Neji didn't need that sort of flattery and reassurance. He already knew.
When he didn't reply, Tenten cast her gaze downwards and bit her lip. Great, he now probably thinks I'm some crazed fan girl. God, I'm so stupid!
When she finally lifted her head she found the white eyed prodigy staring at her intently. Tenten felt rather inferior under his scrutinising gaze. She felt like a naïve child being judged by a cynical adult. She, however, could not help but marvel at the boy. He really was handsome with his pale lavender eyes, long, dark hair and distinct, sharp yet perfectly angular features. Most people had an acquired sort of beauty – the more you knew them and the better you loved them the more attractive they became. But, Neji had unfairly skipped to the end of the game, all handsome and regal looking, not needing any love to get there. The entire air around him seemed to tremble with his power and authority. This was a man who was honoured by hundreds in the village, a true warrior – proud, stubborn and cold. This was a man who didn't need love to get to where he wanted to be and most certainly didn't need pathetic girls such as herself to reassure him of his greatness.
After a few wordless minutes, Neji was the first to break the silence.
"Let us go. I shall walk you home."
Tenten smiled weakly, shaking her head.
"There's no need, Neji. I can walk by myself. Your house is in the opposite direction anyway."
Neji stared at her with a blank expression before repeating, "I shall walk you home."
Tenten's smile broadened ever so slightly.
"Neji, it's really unnecessary. Besides I promised to meet Ino, Sakura and Hinata for dinner."
"Then I shall walk you to dinner," the Hyuga stated with a sort of finality that Tenten knew she wouldn't able to win the argument.
"Alright, Hyuga, you win" Tenten laughed, inwardly grateful that she would be able to spend just a few more moments with Neji.
She took off down the hill towards the heart of the village with the white eyed prodigy right behind her.
-X-
Neji and Tenten wandered silently through the still crowded streets of Konoha. The sun had almost set behind the mountains, transforming the sky into a brilliant multi-coloured horizon of blacks, reds and oranges. Tenten was happy to walk wordlessly next to the Hyuga prodigy, staring in awe at the many shimmering lights and stalls that lined the street. She knew Neji preferred the silences to stay silent, full of thought and empty of words.
As if to prove her wrong, without looking at her, he spoke quietly, "what are you thinking?"
Tenten raised a surprised eyebrow. Neji's trying to make…small talk?
"I was thinking that the village looks really pretty with all the lights and everything at night," she answered truthfully.
Neji turned his head to gaze at her amusedly.
"The village looks like this every night. Shouldn't you be used to it by now?"
Tenten pursed her lips and frowned.
"I don't usually come to town at night," she said. "I live down the other end on the village so I rarely get to come here. Besides, it's too expensive for me to shop –"
Tenten stopped abruptly and mentally smacked herself. There was no need to make out how poor she was in front of Neji who lived in pure luxury at the Hyuga manor. He probably thought she was pitiful in being so poor that she took delight in trivial things such as lights.
When Tenten didn't speak again, Neji looked at the girl who was gazing downward and biting her lower lip as if she had said something she shouldn't have. Neji knew that she wasn't rich and now he instantly regretted his remark as he stared at her saddened expression. Tenten didn't grow up with the luxuries he had so of course the type of things he took for granted she would take delight in. He had been careless with his words.
"I'm sorry," he muttered low enough for her to hear. "I didn't mean to upset you. I'm sorry for my thoughtless remark."
Tenten opened her mouth in shock at the Hyuga's apology. She had not been expecting him to apologise to her and her heart fluttered with hope.
"It's fine, you didn't upset me Neji," Tenten said hurriedly. "No need to apologise."
"If you say so."
And the silence fell again. Tenten sighed in disappointment. He didn't really care about her, he was just trying to be decent.
"Tenten, Neji!" a familiar voice called.
Ino was grinning broadly, waving at the couple from one of the restaurants. The pair walked over to the blonde and much to Tenten's surprise, found the rest of the Rookie Nine plus Lee seated at a large round table.
"Hey, Ino," Tenten greeted the blonde. "I thought I was just meeting up with you Sakura and Hinata."
Ino laughed and waved her off.
"You were, but I thought why not add a few more people. The more the merrier right?"
"Tenten, Neji, you guys finally made it!" Naruto yelled with delight, raising his glass as if he was giving a toast.
"Watch it teme!" Sasuke grumbled as the contents in Naruto's glass splashed on the table.
"Naruto, look at what you did!" scowled Sakura as water began to drip off the table and onto her lap. "Go get some towels and clean this mess up!"
The blonde hurried away and Tenten took his place at the table.
"I think I'll take my leave now," Neji announced coolly before turning to leave.
"And where do you think you're going?" Ino objected. "We've got two empty spots!"
"I have better things to do with my time."
"Oh yeah? Such as what?"
"Anything's better than hanging around here with all of you," Neji replied deliberately.
"Just sit down Hyuga," Shikamaru yawned from across the table, stretching his arms behind his head. "I didn't want to come either but she won't let you go without a commotion, trust me. I'd rather not be embarrassed in a front of a bunch of people tonight."
The Hyuga prodigy glowered at the blonde who accepted his challenge with an icy stare. After a few moments of the silent raging battle between the two, Neji closed his eyes and gritted his teeth.
"Fine," he snapped, drawing a chair before sitting down and glaring at the table, indicating that he would remain non-verbal for the rest of the evening.
"I'm back with the towels!" Naruto beamed before mopping up the sopping mess and throwing it in a bin. "Tenten you stole my seat!"
The brunette shrugged unapologetic.
"Sorry," she grinned.
"That's ok I'll just sit with Hinata then. You won't mind will you, Hinata?"
The shy Hyuga blushed crimson and shook her head almost violently as Naruto sat down next to her.
"Oh, how youthful it is to have us all together at last!" exclaimed Lee with joy. "I am so glad you decided to stay with us Neji-kun. It would not have been complete without you!"
Neji remained silent but sent a threatening death stare to the green clad boy which went unnoticed.
"Thank you all for coming, it's great to get together again," Ino proclaimed. "The food is on me tonight. My parents won some vouchers for this restaurant so feel free to order as much as you want!"
Everyone cheered, Choji and Naruto the loudest of all, and raised their glasses in appreciation before scanning the menu.
"Wow, these all look so delicious I can't even decide," Sakura chimed. "How about we all just order something different so we can have a taste of everything?"
There was a murmur of consent from the table as Sakura indicated that they were ready to be served. A pretty, blonde waitress rushed over to the table, her eyes lingering on Neji and Sasuke before smiling warmly.
"Hello, my name is Aimi and I'll be your hostess today. What would you like to order?" She said with unnecessary warmth.
Sakura frowned before listing their order at an almost incomprehensible speed. When the hostess was finished taking the order she turned towards the Hyuga and Uchiha prodigies and asked pointedly, "Is there anything I can get you two this evening?"
The two boys shook their heads in response without a second glance at her before she took off looking slightly disappointed.
"Jeez, desperate much." Ino scoffed in disgust. "She has no dignity whatsoever."
"Oh please, like you can talk Ino," Sakura snickered. "Remember that's what you used to be like."
"Whatever, I'm just happy she didn't have the gall to hit on my Shika or I would've knocked her block off," Ino huffed before gazing affectionately at her teammate. "Thank you're lucky stars you're not at attractive as Neji or Sasuke, or you'd have girls hovering over you 24/7."
"I'm not sure whether I should feel complimented or insulted at this point," Shikamaru drawled as the table erupted in laughter.
The chatter drifted into training and missions with Naruto belting out far-fetched stories from his latest rescue missions. The food arrived in no time and the table fell silent until Choji, Naruto and Lee challenged one another in an eating contest much to the annoyance of everyone else.
"That was the best meal I've had in a long time," Kiba patted his stomach and Akamaru barked in approval. "Thanks a bunch Ino!"
"Yeah, that was great Ino," Tenten murmured in agreement feeling rather full. "I think we ordered enough food to feed the entire village."
Sakura's eyes lit up in excitement as if she had just remembered something important.
"Talking about the village," the pink haired girl said mysteriously, "I heard from Lady Tsunade herself that she's holding a massive festival in honour of the Third Hokage's passing next week! There's going to be games, stalls, prizes, fireworks and even a dance!"
"Oh, sounds inviting. Well we will certainly be there." Ino giggled indicating to her teammates.
"Hell yeah! So will we!" Kiba shouted animatedly. "I'm sure Hinata wouldn't want to miss out on seeing Naruto."
Kiba winked across the table at Hinata who looked like she was going to pass out from embarrassment. However, Naruto looked up from his plate and said, "What? Did someone say my name?"
"Baka," Sasuke muttered shaking his head.
"What about you Tenten? Will you be coming?" Sakura inquired.
"Of course! Who doesn't like a good festival? It should be great fun."
"Indeed, our beautiful blossom!" Lee proclaimed joyously. "Neji, will you attend with us?"
"I don't have time for such things," he replied simply.
Tenten felt her heart plummet at Neji's words. Did her and Lee really mean so little to him that he wouldn't even attend the festival with them as friends? It hurt Tenten to think that. After all these years she thought Neji would at least consider her and Lee friends. But then again this was Neji Hyuga we're talking about.
"T-the clan will m-most likely b-be in attendance to th-the festival," Hinata piqued. "I'm sure y-you'll be expected to c-come either way Neji-nii-san."
"See most youthful Neji-kun? Won't it be wonderful to join us in these festivities?" Lee pleaded.
"Fine, I'll come," the white eyed prodigy sighed, closing his eyes in exhaustion.
Tenten inwardly smiled feeling grateful Neji was going to attend the festival with her and Lee. She could tell he was very tired and wished to go home and it must have taken much tolerance for him to stay and have dinner tonight so she could not complain. After a few more minutes of chatter the group began to disperse and head home. Tenten bid the others farewell with hugs and murmurs of 'goodbyes' before turning to leave.
"I'll walk you home," she heard Neji state calmly.
Tenten turned her gaze on his beauty before sighing.
"Really? This again, Neji?"
"I insist."
"I'm perfectly capable to walk home on my own, you know," Tenten huffed, furrowing her eyebrows.
"It's quite late. I'll sleep better knowing you arrive home safely,"
Tenten raised an unbelieving eyebrow.
"Really, now?"
Neji stared at her for what seemed like an eternity causing the brunette to look away.
"Do you really think I'm heartless?" he asked plainly.
Tenten had not been expecting him to ask this and was taken aback by his question.
"I-I don't...no –" she spluttered, scrambling to find words in her confusion.
"I would like to think that you had more faith in me." Neji's eyes bored into hers. "I do care about you. We are teammates after all."
Teammates. That's right. Tenten's heart caved in once again. They were only teammates in his all-seeing eyes. Not lovers, not even friends, just teammates. Well at least he didn't hate her, right?
When she didn't answer he said once again, "I'll walk you home. Or would you rather stand here all night?"
Tenten resisted the urge to poke her tongue out childishly at the Hyuga who was watching her expectantly with a hint of impatience.
"Fine, let's just go. Just to ease you're conscience," Tenten brushed past Neji and walked out of the restaurant, though he caught up to her stride in a heartbeat.
"Did you enjoy tonight?" Tenten asked thoughtfully as they continued down the golden lit street.
"I didn't mind," Neji replied, "However, I wish Naruto and Lee would keep their antics down to a minimum."
Tenten laughed wholeheartedly, "They're such kids. They like a good challenge and Naruto is a really good guy. I can see why Hinata likes him.
"She would be a lot stronger if she focused more on her training instead of those other pointless things," Neji scoffed.
"There's more to life than training you know, Neji."
"Not if you want to be the best. You can't let things such as love and friendship come in the way of your true goal."
"That's not true!" Tenten protested hotly. "Look at Naruto and how far he has come. And he still appreciates those values. It's not to be taken lightly. Everyone needs love and support to get through things and to push us further. In my opinion, friendship and love make you a better shinobi."
"We have very different opinions," Neji stated simply.
"Maybe you should change yours," Tenten suggested innocently.
Neji laughed humourlessly before falling silent. The couple had walked into the north side of the village which was eerily quiet and desolate. The couple walked silently until they reached Tenten's flat.
"Thanks, Neji," the brunette smiled softly before unlocking the door to the apartment. "Did you want a cup of tea or something before you leave?"
Hope fluttered in her chest. She knew she was stretching his limits; he had stayed for dinner, promised to go to the festival and walked her home which was more than she could have asked for.
However the Hyuga shook his magnificent head.
"I'm sorry, I need to return home. Lord Hiashi will be wondering where I am."
"Oh," Tenten said, trying to mask her disappointment. "Well maybe next time then! Have a good night, Neji!"
The Hyuga prodigy nodded politely before taking off down the dark street. Tenten watched him sadly from her door, feeling lonelier and more unloved than ever. What is wrong with me?
A/N – Chapter two is over folks! Thanks everyone who reviewed the first chapter it really helps the story writing. Please review, give it a thumbs up or down just let me know! Chapter Three will be coming soon!