A/N: Chapter 4! Sorry I couldn't update last week. I was busy, lol. Enjoy!
Oh my god, who has seen Shippuuden episode 18? I loved it so much even if nothing really happened. The Team Gai thing was wonderful and Neji's reluctance was so hilarious. So far it's my favorite episode and episode 14 is close behind because of the NejiTen-ness near the end. NejiTen FTW!
Disclaimer: I don't own.
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Chapter 4
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Tenten
I'm feeling a little frustrated here.
After communicating with Anonymous for the past four weeks via letter I still don't know much about him besides the fact that he's a shinobi and a Konoha resident. I'm assuming on the Konoha resident thing because the guy says that he talked to Tsunade-sama, but, I'm not too sure on that. Ugh. I didn't think his identity would bug me so much but it does. I can't stand not knowing. Sometimes I wonder if it's one of the non-shinobi citizens playing a trick on me or it's some pedophile who's writing me back.
Shiver.
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My friends are acting strange—stranger than usual—and I'm getting annoyed.
"What are you guys doing?" I ask. Ino, Sakura and Hinata flinch under my intense scrutiny and I see a glimpse of paper, which Ino throws her arm over, and a gorgeous kunai set. "Oh my god!" I exclaim in mock surprise, eyeing it with want. "That kunai set is amazing!"
Sakura groans, saying to Ino and Hinata, "I told you I sensed her this time."
"Yeah? Well you said that five other times before." Ino snapped.
"Y-You weren't s-supposed t-to find out, Tenten." Hinata stammers with a smile.
I grin uncontrollably and gush over the weapons. "I can't believe you guys got these for me! My birthday's not for six days!"
"Now you know why we were trying to be secretive," Ino drawls. "It worked like a charm, didn't it fore head?"
Sakura rolls her eyes. "You like them, right?"
I throw my arms around each of them in turn and then read the card.
Happy 17th birthday, Tenten!
It's a new kunai set but don't go shoving every weapon up Neji's ass, ok?
Love,
Ino, Sakura & Hinata
"You guys are the best!" I cry, running my fingers over the cold metal. "But I can't promise that I won't shove them all up his ass."
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After thanking the other kunoichi for the early birthday gift I come to Team Gai's training area and see Gai-sensei and Lee huddled close together and talking to each other. Normally they're jubilant and loud but right now they're serious and quiet, which unnerves me to no end. I can't hear from all the way over here and I can't read lips. God, I wish I had Sharingan eyes! Not only are they good for copying random jutsu, they're also good for spying.
I watch them for another five minutes and in that time Neji's appeared, standing by my side quietly and watching the two knuckleheads as well.
"What are they doing?" he asks.
"Talking about something." I reply. "They haven't noticed that we're here."
Neji leans against a tree and stares at the two Green Beasts of Konoha with a bored look. After ten more minutes he's too impatient to wait any longer. "I'm leaving." he says, turning on his heel. "Tell them I came."
I roll my eyes. "I'm not your servant."
He stops and then gives me a sidelong glance. "No," he replies, voice monotonous, "you'll be my wife."
I can't say I'm not shocked by this. It is the first time he's acknowledged that we're engaged and that I'll be his wife. I actually don't know what the Hyuuga want in a bride and Hinata's told me that the Hyuuga are very old-fashioned, long line of tradition and what not. The whole time I'm thinking about this Neji leaves, as quietly as he came, and Lee and Gai come over and stand around me.
"Tenten?" Lee asks, looking worried.
"Huh? What?"
"Tenten, oh beautiful flower, you were lost in your thoughts!" Gai cries. "We've been trying to get your attention for the past few minutes!"
I frown. "Really? Oh, sorry."
"Tenten, Gai-sensei and I must go into Konoha to buy a youthful gift for you!" Lee says elatedly.
I can't help but smile. "You don't have to do that—"
"You only turn seventeen once!" Gai yells, waving off my protests. "It is a youthful age! Ah! Come, Lee!"
They race off into Konoha and I shake my head.
They're two of the weirdest people I know, but they're so sweet.
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Neji
Going to our training area was a complete waste of my time. All Gai and Lee did was talk and whisper amongst themselves while Tenten and I watched. Oh, this morning I overheard Hinata talking with her friends about Tenten and about how her birthday is in six days. She never mentioned anything to me and I wonder if I should get her something. Is it customary? I must talk to Hiashi-sama about this.
Geez, I've never given anyone a birthday gift before.
Perhaps weapons since she's a weapons' specialist.
Or . . . Something else.
This is making me irritated.
I must go work off my frustration.
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Three hours of beating the crap out of a wooden dummy works wonders for me. I actually feel looser and more relaxed now, all of the tension in me is gone.
"Neji, I need to talk to you."
Those seven words just brought it all back.
I turn to Hiashi and bow respectfully. "Yes, Hiashi-sama?"
He stares at me for a second and then asks, "Have you thought of a gift for Tenten's birthday?"
I lie—it's not a total lie—and say, "I wasn't aware."
Hiashi narrows his eyes at me and says, no, commands, "Buy your fiancé a gift. You have six days." When I nod in understanding he seems satisfied and leaves me to myself.
Dammit.
Dammit.
Dammit.
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Tenten
I'm testing out my new kunai on a sheet of paper, slicing my name into it with sharp, even strokes. Damn, I love these things! The handles are black and red and there are kanji etched in gold and silver down the sides.
Earlier today I received Anonymous' reply to my last letter and he was as cryptic as usual.
Tenten,
I swear on my life that I am not trying to get the goods on Konoha. What would be the point of getting information on my own village? And if I was a missing-nin I wouldn't be in Konoha in the first place. Please think about your questions before you write them.
I'm glad you won't stop writing to me. I enjoy reading your somewhat intelligent responses . . . I can imagine the look of anger on your face right now and it's well worth it.
Tell me about yourself. I'd love to get to know you.
-Anonymous
Once again, he didn't tell me his name.
I sigh in disappointment.
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Anonymous,
What are you talking about? My questions are all valid! And you're right, I did get angry when I read that particular part of your letter. Do you do this on purpose? Are you trying to provoke me or something? If you are, it's working. I was testing out my new kunai set and I was thinking about slashing your letter to bits.
You want to know about me?
Ok, fine, but you have to tell me about yourself in your response.
I am currently a Chuunin and I live in Konoha. I am on Team Gai with Maito Gai, Rock Lee and my fiancé Hyuuga Neji who I somewhat like and usually argue with. I am sixteen but I'll be seventeen soon and my blood type is B. Um, there's not much else really. I live by myself and I like astrology. Oh, and sweet things.
Your turn.
-Tenten
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A/N: Tenten and Anonymous are getting to know each other better and Neji must get Tenten a birthday gift! Please review? Reviews are my crack!