Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto

Chapter 2: Eyes Open

"Tenten?" the lavender-eyed boy asked.

"Shhh, Neji, I'm concentrating," Tenten scolded as she kept her focus on the binoculars between her two hands.

Neji Hyuga was a prodigy, which some even considered a genius, but when it came to understanding the female brain, especially if that female was Tenten, he was the same as any other teenaged boy in the world- completely clueless. He didn't understand why they were hiding in a bush along the side of a heavily traveled road. He didn't understand why Tenten was spying on Hinata with a pair of binoculars. But what perplexed him the most was the fact that he was here. Tenten could have easily asked someone else to stalk Hinata with her, preferably another girl. Why should the Neji Hyuga be here awkwardly spying on his cousin? If Hinata ever found out, he would-

"Umm...N-Neji? Tenten?" a small voice squeaked from behind the two teenagers.

The two members of Team Gai jumped. Tenten inwardly cursed at Neji for distracting her. After she lost the sight of Hinata in a large crowd, Tenten desperately tried to locate the Hyuga girl again. Now Tenten had to think of a foolproof excuse for why her and Neji were spying on her from behind a bush.

"Oh, why Hinata, hello! What a surprise to, uhh, see you here," Tenten said cheerfully unsuccessfully hiding the nervousness in her voice.

"Good afternoon, Hinata. You see, Tenten and I were looking for," Neji paused thinking of an appropriate alibi. "Tenten's missing earring. She lost it earlier today when she was going to train."

"Yes, exactly," Tenten said nervously, secretly thanking Neji for his impromptu cover up. "And that's why I have binoculars. It helps to search for small items from a higher peripheral view. So I think I will climb in this tree and use my binoculars to find my earring. Bye Hinata!" Grabbing Neji by the arm, Tenten leaped onto the branch of the nearest tree, completely out of view of the Hyuga girl.

"But T-Tenten," Hinata said as the two hurriedly left the girl alone, "you don't own earrings."

"That was a close one," Tenten said letting out a sigh of relief.

"I thought you said we were going to train," Neji said bluntly.

"We are! Only after we stalk Lee!"

"Instead of stalking him, why don't we just straight up confront him?" he reluctantly suggested, trying to avoid another embarrassing encounter.

"That's a brilliant idea. It totally beats sitting in a tree. I guess that's why they call you a genius." Tenten said with a wide grin.

After walking around town for a while, Neji and Tenten finally spotted their teammate. "Hey Lee!" the eighteen year old girl said enthusiastically.

"Why, Tenten and Neji! How are my two youthful fellow teammates doing?" Lee asked.

"We're just fine. Thanks. But how are you?" Tenten said raising her eyebrows.

"Me? Well, I am absolutely vivacious and full of vigor and energy! I feel so youthful, it's a great feeling" the teen in the green jumpsuit energetically proclaimed.

"Soooo, Lee. Are you seeing anyone?" Tenten asked awkwardly.

"Yes, I am. I see you and Neji and later I will hopefully see Guy Sansei."

"Umm, that's not what I meant," Tenten said uncomfortably, "What I meant was that, uhh."

Neji cut in, "Lee, are you dating anyone? Does any girl appeal to you?"

As Neji finished his sentence, Lee's face instantly turned bright red. "Why Neji, my eternal rival, you sound so smooth and cool when you address the topic, which even our youthful flower has a difficult time of discussing. But I must admit, there is someone who tickles my fancy."

"Tickles your fancy? Who says that anymore?" Tenten groaned slightly agitated from Lee's comment about her.

"Who is it?" Neji asked assertively.

Returning back to his frantic state, Lee became flustered. His face became redder than before and sweat began to form on his black caterpillar eyebrows. Squirming a bit, he avoided eye contact with his teammates.

"Actually there is this girl," he started uncomfortably, "she's a strong ninja, much stronger than she thinks. She underestimates her strengths and primarily focuses on her weaknesses. That's what keeps her humble, I suppose. She's incredibly youthful and has a smile that puts the stars to shame. Her eyes shine brighter than the sun. When she speaks, she knows exactly what to say to make you feel better and cause your heart to soar. Her beauty surpasses angelic beings. And she's the most caring and kind person I have ever met in my entire existence. And...and her name is-"

"Lee! I was just about to run 500 laps around Konoha, would you like to accompany me?" Guy stated, rudely interrupting his students' conversation.

"Yes Guy Sensei!" Lee exclaimed, automatically snapping into a soldier stance while saluting. "Sorry, my fellow teammates, I must train with Guy Sensei. I will converse with you later."

As he ran off with his teacher, Tenten angrily slapped her forehead with her had, leaving a conspicuous bright red mark. She sighed but quickly recovered. "Neji, didn't you hear Lee? It sounded as if he was describing Hinata!" she said excitedly, gazing into his crystal eyes.

With much thought, Neji didn't respond at first as he stared off into space. After a brief moment of silence, he spoke, "Tenten, I don't think he was describing Hinata."

"Huh?" the confused girl asked, "What do you mean?"

"Tenten," he said returning her gaze, "He was talking about you."