Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto

Chapter summary: Written in Tenten's voice; about the unluckiest day of all.

A/N: This chapter wasn't one of my best, but it was a pretty good first attempt at first-person narrative. Chapter __ turned out a lot better though. Still, I don't think I like writing in first person. It's easier to write because you don't really have to work at describing things as much, but… at the same time it has it's own challenges.

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Friday the 13th

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Some people might call me superstitious, but that's not true; I'm just really cautious. Bad things happen on Friday the 13th; you take my word for it. That's why today, on July, Friday the 13th, I've decided… I'm not leaving my house. AT ALL!

Now, normally I wake up very early each morning. I get dressed, do my hair, and then I head out to the training grounds to meet with my team. But today, I've decided, I'm going to stay in bed all day.

Well… at least that was the plan...

'BANG BANG BANG!' A heavy pounding at my front door wakes me up.

Three guesses who that is.

Of course I know who that is, and there is NO WAY I am going to get up and answer it.

"TENTEN!" The booming voice of one VERY pissed off Hyuga yells from the other side of my door.

Normally, Neji really isn't one to yell. In fact, he rarely ever speaks; period. But when he's mad… well… all bets are off.

And the one thing that makes Hyuga Neji mad? … Interrupting his training.

Since I am his training partner, my NOT being there this morning, well that means *I* am interrupting his training.

"OPEN UP TENTEN, OR I'LL KNOCK DOWN THE DOOR!" Neji yells from the other side of the door.

I wouldn't put it past him either. My poor defenseless door, that never did anything to anyone; nonetheless, he's knock it down without a second thought… he's already done it at least a half a dozen times before.

A part of me is tempted to open the door. Any other day, I probably would have; an angry Hyuga is a dangerous Hyuga. But not today. Today I won't open the door; I absolutely refuse! If he really wants me, he's just going to have to come in here himself!

Perhaps if I ignore him, maybe he'll just go away.

"Tsk yeah right." That would never happen.

Of course, there is always the option of hiding, but… with the Byakugan, that would be kind of stupid.

I know! I can pretend I'm sick.

A quick trip to the bathroom, a look in the mirror, a splash of water on my face to look like sweat, and messy hair, and presto, I'm ready!

Quickly, I put my plan into action as I ready myself for the performance of a lifetime. Cautiously, I make my way toward the door; careful to act as sick as possible, just in case he was using his blood-limit to see me from the other side.

"Good 'cough' morning 'cough' Neji." I moan, as I open the door; hoping he'll buy it.

"Cut the act, Tenten, I can tell you're not sick." Neji glares at me with his Byakugan activated.

"Fine." I huff. "So, to what do I owe this honor?"

"You're late." He growls, as he deactivates his Byakugan.

"Neji. I'm not coming." I reply. Believe me, it was quite a challenge too. Normally I wouldn't go against Neji like that, but… Friday the 13th. Even my fear of Neji's wrath isn't as bad as going outside on a Friday the 13th.

"And why, exactly, not?" Neji asks; through clenched teeth. I can tell he is really getting mad now.

"It's a bad day for me." I reply.

"What?" Neji intensifies his glare.

"Umm… it's a bad day… it's…" I search my mind for a good excuse. "It's my time of the month." I quickly lie.

"…" Neji stood there; frozen in place. All the rage and anger I'd seen in his eyes just moment's earlier, completely vanished.

"Yeah… so… I can't train today," I begin pushing him out the door, "Bad cramps and all, but I'll be better tomorrow. See you." I close the door behind me; waiting to hear the footsteps, that eventually come, walk away from my apartment.

For a moment, I can't believe that worked. But it did! And I'm ecstatic! I'm going to have to remember that one for next time I don't feel like getting pounded into the ground.

Well, now, with Neji taken care of, all I have to do is make it through the day without leaving my small apartment. I think I can manage that…

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THE END

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