"Sir," addressed Neji as he faced Tenten's aunt and brother. "if it is possible, may I take Tenten— "
"Like on a date?" retorted Garin. "Ha. But that is not even close to possible!"
"Garin!" His aunt scolded. "You are not his legal guardian…"
"…and therefore not allowed to make decisions for Tenten" Garin continued lazily and by heart. "I know, I know"
Tenten's stern aunt suddenly turned to Neji with a friendly face. She observed the man, and finding no fault (except for the eyes… and who cares because Tenten can't see) with him, or his manner of speaking, nodded.
"It may result to a bitter ending, you Hyuuga" The aunt warned. "I shall have Kasuki drive both of you. Now"
"But Ma'am…" reasoned Neji. "Wouldn't it be nice for Tenten to inhale fresh air? A walk to the beach won't be that far"
"I allowed you to take her" the aunt said, the menace cleverly hidden in her tone. "Don't make me change my mind"
Neji nodded in defeat. Then, and surprisingly, his date went running down the stairs, ready for the beach. Smiling, she hugged her aunt.
"Thank you!" She kept on repeating.
--
The sound of the waves crashing on the shore was something that never fails to calm down Neji. The sight of Tenten enjoying the sand beside him made him even more at peace. Her smile, as if nothing but sand existed, was too much for him.
And he tried to stop himself from saying those three words.
"Hey Tenten?" he distracted himself.
"Yes?" She stopped her childish frolicking and turned to him
"Would you like to stay like this, forever?"
"Whoa. Mighty question." Tenten smiled. "Stay with you forever? If I'm allowed, yes"
Neji melted.
