A/N: Took me a while but here ya go :D
2. Sunrise
Unlike most people, Tenten loves waking up early. After weeks of being prodded by Neji to wake up early for daily dawn trainings, Tenten found something that makes it all worth it: the sunrise. It was still dark outside and soon enough, the sun would rise, waking up the village. She looked forward to seeing the sky painted in different pastel colors, in contrast to the more vibrant colors of sunset. It was the beautiful start to a hopefully beautiful day.
Fastening the giant scroll to her back, she set off to the training grounds, still dreaming along the way.
There were other things that are lovable about the morning, aside from the light colors. While Tenten is used to the pleasant din in the marketplaces, she admits she likes the silence of the village in the early morning. She could hear the crow of the rooster in the distance and the chirping of the crickets hidden in the grass. The village's normally warm temperature is down to several degrees and she delighted in the cool breeze. It was this time in the morning that Tenten loved the most. Being with two of the craziest, most hyperactive people who often prove they lack common sense made her appreciate even one minute of peace. Recently, she can't have peace even in her own home because at any time of the week, Lee and Gai would barge in and randomly propose a team sleepover or dinner, behind them, a disgruntled Hyuuga. When they had those, the dynamic duo paid attention to neither Neji's complaints nor her attempts at dropping subtle hints that a sleepover involving someone who is unwilling to participate, only one female and the two of them is hardly appropriate.
Soon, she could hear more roosters crowing and the people moving in their houses. One started banging around in the kitchen. Passing another house, the muffled shout of "SHIKAMARUU! WAKE UP, YOU LAZY BUM!" reached her ears and she giggled. It was ironic to know that everyone except his own mother recognizes Shikamaru's true skill and talent.
Only a few more steps 'til I reach the training grounds, she thought.
She felt the grass beneath her feet and just like always, she had the urge to take off her sandals and feel the grass tickled her feet and the dew wetting her toes. Then, she saw the silhouette of her teammate, not being near enough to see his face. He stood in the center of the area, perfectly poised. It was as if he was going to pounce on her, not even giving her a chance to guard. But Neji is never the type to do that. It was too uncivilized for someone of his name. As she moved closer, she saw more of him. His arms were folded across his chest and his head was bowed down, as if he was asleep. His eyes were closed but she knew he was aware she was there. Behind him, the sun started to rise. She released a breath she didn't realize she was holding.
It was not the colors that made her want to wake up early.
It was not the silence of the village that motivated her to train.
It was not even the grass, or the crisp air, or the dew.
It was Neji. Seeing him basking in the pale light, she knew instantly there was nothing more beautiful. As Neji opened his eyes, she smiled.
Perhaps the sunrise was never a bad thing after all.