Unwritten

When Lee appears, youth is bound to occur!
Seriously, when are the two lovebirds going to get together?
YET, they claim to be BEST FRIENDS, but we all know better, DON'T WE?
YOSH! LET THE FLAME OF YOUTH IN YOU BURN BRIGHTLY!

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Disclaimer; I'll be content WHEN (Kishimoto better) Sakura and Sasuke get together!!! Oh, and I do not own Naruto, and this song; Always on my mind by Michael Bublé!!!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I am Rock Lee, the beautiful green beast of Konoha! Together with Gai-sensei,
-insert screams of 'Lee!' and 'Gai-sensei!'-
We will wear our beautiful and youthful GREEN jumpsuits
To show our passion for being the ambassadors of YOUTH!
May the flame of YOUTH be forever burning bright in your soul!

-

Little things, I should have said and done

I just never took the time

But you were always on my mind

You were always on my mind

-

Unwritten; Chapter 3

-

This jumpy feeling inside of me,
My heart races when you look at me.
Butterflies in my stomach when you talk to me

It's weird. Seriously weird.

As much as I hate clichés, I'll say it.
It feels like the realization has hit me like a ton of bricks.

I've known Neji for years, we've sparred together, we've killed together, we've done a lot of things together, but sometimes my legs feel like jelly whenever he looks at me.

I'm not the girly type, but that doesn't mean I'll deny my sex. I'm a girl, through and through, and that includes being attracted to guys.

But what sucks is the guy I'm attracted to.
Why, of all people, dear mind, did you have to fall for Neji? My best friend?

Best friends aren't supposed to get together, but hey, isn't it totally cliche?I mean, even though I hate clichés, life is full of these things.

Here's the scenario, and please note that I'm on a crazy, frantic mindset with a dab of sarcasm. Okay, calm, Tenten. Draw out a list:

-Tomboy falls in love with her best friend, a yummy piece of man meat.
-Best friend is an icicle in disguise, and clearly does not feelings for said tomboy.
-It gets awkward, and they're not really best friends anymore.

'Noooooo!' I moan to myself. I don't want it to get awkward with Neji! And not best friends?! 'Tenten, what's wrong with your brain?!'

Now here's what I wish:

-The best friend, being the boy wonder he is, figures out that he is in love with the tomboy.
-He dramatically and romantically proclaims his love for her
-They start dating
-They eventually get married

I'm kinda giggling to myself hysterically at this point. I mean, Neji romantically proclaiming his love for me? If he loves me? Oh, I'm such a nut.

I looked around the car nervously, seriously, what is wrong with me?!

Neji broke the uncomfortable silence, and I jumped a little.

"Tenten," he turned to look at me, and I cursed my legs for turning to jelly, "are you feeling alright?"

I mentally slap myself (repeatedly) for looking like an idiot, what with my shaking hands locked together and all. "Y-yeah, I'm fine." I reply unsurely.

When he turned around again, after years of being around with him, I knew he was unconvinced, and trying to reassure him, I added "I'm fine. Pinky promise." He rolls his eyes at me, suitably appeased. I give an invisible sigh of relief.

To tell the truth, I was curious as to why Neji would take me out to dinner, sincewe hardly went out. Of course, we did go out forthe occasional Chinese food, but really, we hardly went out togetherother than for the friendly spars. "Why are we going out today?"

I was half relieved and half disappointed that he kept his gaze at the road, "To celebrate your birthday."

Again, I gripped my hands nervously

-

I hope he won't reject me.

My mind went into fan-girl override when Sasuke's—Sasuke's!—jacket fell around my thin shoulders.

I don't know what happened to me, but my cheeks heated up when he smirked at me, oh-so-sexily.

It made me furious at the same time, but then… I was wearing his coat, so I dropped it and looked away.

Seriously, the whole scene made me feel as if I was starring in some drama series.

- PAUSE! –

EVIL AUTHORESS: -CACKLES- OH SHE HAS NO IDEAA!

- PLAY! -

As the wind whipped at my hair, the strands of hair that weren't held down by the messy bun flew around my faceand tickled my ivory rose-stained cheeks.

Irritated, I tried blowing them away, refusing to use my frozen fingers that were hiding within Sasuke's sleeves.

Of course, it never worked. The moment I blew them away, the wind crashed them into my face again, tickling my nose and blinding my eyes.

I blew hard, stubborn and persistent.

The car screeched to the stop, and surprised, I looked at Sasuke.

He scowled, and placed the few stubborn strands behind my ear, and then stepped on the pedal.

Staring dumbly at him, colour rushed to my cheeks and I swiftly turned away.

'What was that?!'

I stayed silent and unmoving for the rest of the ride.

Sakura was annoying.

And very much like a monkey named Naruto.

When she wasn't rambling and gushing about something, she would be blowing her hair away.

It was distracting, and annoying.

So I stopped the car, pushed her hair back, and stepped on the pedal.

It wasn't something I'd usually do… this girl made me do such unusual things.

I know I'd never pick up Watanabe, or lend her my coat or anything.

She's just so annoying.

-

-

-

We arrive, and at the car park, she pushes the coat into my arms, and as I raise my eyebrows at her, because no ordinary girl would pass it back to me, I was preparing to lose it already-

And she says, "I wouldn't want Ino to get any ideas."

I nod, pleased (because Naruto's probably inside as well, wouldn't want him to get any ideas too), yet feeling rather bitter.

I narrow my eyes, 'This girl is making me feel things I shouldn't feel.'

After passing Sasuke's coat back to him, the cold came back to me.

Even if I had only worn it for a few minutes, I couldn't help but sniff at it.
And it smelled good.

As in, really good.

Taking a look at Sasuke, I couldn't help but notice his chiseled face, which had very defined features, like his high cheekbones and pretty eyes, yet, he was masculine.

No wonder he was so popular with the girls, I thought as I remembered Ami from this afternoon.

A mischievous grin grew on my face, and he looked down at me, an eyebrow raised.

My grin was eradicated as a scowl grew when I noticed that he towered over me. He was tall!

He seemed to realize what I was thinking when he smirked.

I scowled harder and immediately made a mental note to wear heels more often.

-

-

-

As we reached the doors of the bar, he pushed the door open, and just when I was about to enter, slipped in before me.

'So much for being a gentleman', I glared.

When he turned around and saw (to see) my reaction, he let out a low velvety chuckle.

Realizing I was being made fun of, I pouted, stomped off and looked for Ino.

-

Ino was seated at the bar with Shikamaru, who looked like he wasn't having a very fun time with Ino.

I sat a couple of seats away from the duo, and ordered a slightly alcoholic drink.

That's when Ino noticed me and probably told him that she was going to greet me. From him reaction, I could almost hear him say 'troublesome' and so could Ino, as she hit him on the head.

Looking at him, I sort-of felt sorry for the poor guy.

"You're finally here!" She exclaimed as we hugged each other quickly.

I smiled, and asked her a question in reply.

"So… how's it going with Shikamaru?"

Her eyes glinted, and she started talking.

"My plan is currently in action. You know, the 'Snag Shikamaru Away From Temari One', yeah. That one."

I nodded knowingly, even though I had really stopped paying attention to such plans before.

Better to pretend then to let her tell me all of the evil little plots she was about to perform.

Besides, if Ino really wanted Shikamaru, not just because she hated Temari, she wouldn't need to 'steal' him. Knowing Shikamaru, she just had to be herself, not over- overbearing, if you know what I mean.

It's just, sometimes, I think she tries to hard. I think they'd be so cute together, but if Ino could just relax…

Don't get me wrong, we're best friends, and I love her lots, and I want her to be happy. I just don't think she always does it right, but then again –she wouldn't be Ino without her plots.

And looking at that tired smirk that's playing around Shikamaru's lips right now, I wonder if maybe I'm just overanalyzing.

"What a YOUTHFUL CELEBRATION! I am admiring the youthful effort you girls have used to make this party for Tenten!" I shout youthfully as I scan the place.

The banners were bright and vivid, very YOUTH-LIKE indeed!

Since Gai-sensei and I had gone for a training trip for three months, I have missed out on many (no doubt, exciting) things!

But not to worry, Naruto has promised to fill me up with the news!

And besides, training with Gai-sensei is always youthful and promising!

As I looked around, I spotted Sasuke-kun (I always knew he had the party thing in him), Shikamaru-kun (sleeping keeps the youth in you!) Naruto-kun (eating vigorously is DEFINITELY YOUTHFUL), and Hinata-san is definitely pumped up by YOUTH!

Look at those reddish cheeks!

There is Ino-san and she sure looks excited, and -!

Who is that PINK-HAIRED GODDESS!?

I flinched when I saw him.

A weird guy in a green spandex ran up to me, saying, "May I ask the lovely lady what her name is?"

Not expecting such audacity (as he was a total stranger), my cheeks flared up and I probably unconsciously gaped while answering to him, "It's Sakura."

And, as the guy (who had a bowl cut hairdo) had interrupted Ino, she tried telling him to back off as she wasn't done telling me about her plan.

I was freaking out when he continued talking, because he had really scary eyes, and he was talking through Ino.

"Dearest Cherry Blossom, you certainly live up to your name! May I have the honor of asking you ou-"

And there was a crash, followed by Naruto's voice cutting through his request, "FUZZY EYEBROWS! HOW WAS YOUR TRAINING WITH GAI-SENSEI?"

I sighed in relief, mentally thanking Naruto, because even if I told him, he wouldn't understand anyway. Typical Naruto.

"We're here." Neji's cool, resounding voice spoke out; as we stood before the pub the ANBU would crash at most times. Forceful as usual, though not rough, he took my wrist and placed it onto the door's handle, and I forced my blush down, quite successfully, I might add.

Though I felt rigid and stiff, I forced my hand the push the door open when he asked me to "Open it." At the same time, one thought kept pushing its way to my mind.

'I wonder if he feels the same…'

-

Upon entering, the pub was silent and pitch black, wary of danger, I kept my guard up as I began to slide my hand into the hidden compartment where I kept my weapons, and suddenly, a flick was heard and all the lights came on, it's brightness burning at my eyes, as popping sounds and confetti flew about and familiar voices shouting out "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TENTEN!"

Astounded by their kind thoughts of actually celebrating my birthday with me, a warm sensation filled me, and the corners of my lips tugged, forming a smile.

That moment, I felt grateful and (just so) blessed for having such great and thoughtful friends; Ino and Sakura led me to a table, where plenty of Chinese takeout was placed.

Yum.

I could already smell the noodles.

-

And then I heard.

"YOSH! A PARTY SUCH AS THIS IS PERFECT FOR MY BELOVED TEAMMATE!" A familiar voice shouted out. Grinning, because no one else would say that line, I looked around trying to spot Lee, and there he was, clad in his usual green spandex.

Except… he actually added on a green tie for this event.

But damn, they never told me he was back! Those stupid, idiotic friends of mine.

I stomped around, looking for someone (particularly Naruto) to vent my anger on.

And there, Naruto and Lee were seated by a table, grinning madly.

They kept me in the dark. They really like pointy objects, don't they?

Sakura.
She's smart, witty, not a pushover but tries to be nice, considerate and beautiful in her own way.

Seated on a couch next to the sleeping Nara, I take a good look at her.

Her face is red from laughing at Naruto and Lee's expense as Tenten had decided to give the both a good poke.

She looked like she was having a good time, as she took shot after shot, probably relieved at getting both Lee and Ino on her case.

She makes me feel things I usually don't.

She makes me do things I don't do.

She gives me reactions I don't expect.

She's surprising

She's special.

-

I want to slap myself. Where is this damned attraction coming from?

I wince as Sakura tipsily sits next to me, her mop of pink hair falling onto my lap.

I know she's not that drunk, so I ask, "What do you want?" rather harshly and instantly regret it.

"SING, SASUKE-KUUN!" She yells happily. I roll my eyes.

"No, Sakura."

"Please?"

"No."

"Please?"

"No."

"Pretty please?"

"No, Sakura." God, I love saying her name.

"Pretty please with a cherry on top?" Damn it, maybe she is really drunk. She's practically climbing all over me! With a mental sigh, I lift her petite form off of me and set her on the seat next to me.

"No, Sakura."

I wrinkled my nose at Sasuke for his constant refusal to sing.

He couldn't be that bad at singing.

Hell, Ino and I can barely stop screeching, yet we're so enthusiastic about karaoke.

He's such a party pooper.

There is studied patience in his latest refusal, but good lawd, I love the way he says my name.

I watched a one-sided argument as Naruto was trying to provoke Sasuke into singing along with us.

"Teme, just SING!"

"No."

"WHY NOT?!"

"Hn."

A sudden realization hit me.

Oh my god.

He was shy!

Looking at his sulking form, I giggled at him.

-

He was so adorable!

"I love you."

(I love you. I love you. I love you.)

I laugh and ridicule the girls who get rejected by the 'loves of their lives.'

They were sluttish, bitchy… well at least most of them were.

But here I am, having my heart returned gently. I'm not saying I'm a slut or a bitch—everyone says I'm the farthest from, but still, good people get rejected too.

The… pain is excruciating.

He doesn't want to give me false hope, and he's being gentle, yet it feels like my heart has been ripped up, stomped on, and returned…in pieces.

I always felt that (if I ever found one,) my significant other would love me for who I was, not who, or what I looked like.

Apparently, I was right.

But Neji liked me, he didn't love me.

Rejecting me was probably the kindest he could do.

I draw in a deep shuddering breath and force myself to look into his pearly-lavender eyes, the ones I love so much, the ones that haunt my dreams, the ones I'll never look into again without seeing discomfort.

I love him.

But he doesn't love me.

"I'm sorry." I whisper, before he can apologize, before he can hurt me more.

I hate people beating around the bush, and if he says that he is sorry…

Neji looks at me with an unfathomable emotion in his eyes.

Is that…longing? Or am I just grasping the straws to keep myself from falling?

He struggles with himself for a moment before pulling me close, burying his face in my hair like he's never done before, and being for the first time…

my best friend.

Nothing more, nothing less.

Tears trickle down my cheeks.

Sobs are choked up and I can barely hear anything as I watch my world crumble around me.

I miss his whisper, I miss his remorse when he says…

"I can't."

I love you
I love you,
I love you

Author: Kawaii IceCream
Beta: Winter Thunder (the awesome-est Aly-chan.)
Dedicated To: Winter Thunder (because I cannot do without her.)

A/N.
(1) Sorry for the short and silly evil authoress part, couldn't resist, xD

(2) I don't like stating the POV's, but I try my best to make the character distinctive enough for you to know who it is. :D

(3) And oh, because I know I really take forever to update. Just wanted to tell you guys I might be making a collection of oneshots, where I'll be accepting requests, depending… on the pairings. Send me a PM if you want one.

Bloopers

-!-!-!-

"Hey Uchiha."
"Hn."
"You sure don't have the guts if you didn't dare to sing."

-Sasuke is shocked-

"I hit the bullseye." Neji smirks.

-Sasuke regains his composure-

"I wasn't supposed to sing. It was in the script."
"…"
"…"
"…maybe you just have a lousy voice." Neji nods sadly.
"In many band stories, I'm the lead singer." Sasuke smirks.

"…you realize those stories don't do very well?"
"…whatever."

-!-!-!-

"You guys really like pointy objects… don't you?"
Clearly confused, Naruto blinked.

Lee shrieked after a few moments, "Naruto-kun! We must run away!"
"Why?"

"Becau-"
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

"TENTEN! THAT HURT!" Naruto held on to his butt, hopping around.
"TENTEN-SAN. PLEASE STOP THIS!"

"Ah, sorry. It just slipped from my fingers."
"YOU DON'T EVER SLIP!"

They both pointed a finger at her.
"Also, I happened to hear a scandal about me and Neji…"

"TENTEN! I DIDN'T DO IT! LEE DID!"
"NARUTO-KUN! YOU…BETRAYED ME!" Lee had tears streaming down his face.

-!-!-!-

Reviews are love, as usual.

I just realize I was supposed to update this for the New Year, but LOOK at the date! It's already March, I'm just so-so sorry. I got caught up in life, well, my studies, I really am busy. And… I realized that I might not be able to update all my stories by the 28th of March, but I'll try. Seriously.

Ja!
IC-chan