Disclaimer: I dont own Naruto
Snapshot Date
Neji
He couldn't hide it anymore. He couldn't lie.
He loves her.
He's able to mask his feelings whenever she's around. But when she's gone, he can't stop thinking about her. When she smiled he was happy. When she cried it broke his heart. When she looked at him for even a second, his spirit soared. Neji never knew himself to use these Sakurish words, yet he truly felt this way. And Lee knew he did too.
"Neji, sometimes you can be so clueless!" Lee scolded him. Neji listened against his better judgment. Hyuuga men don't rely on others for anything, least of all love. But Neji…he needed all the help he could get. "This is what you have to do, make her happy. No matter what," Lee explained. "But be subtle, too!"
Tenten
The brown haired kunoichi was just about to leave her home when she nearly tripped over something that lay on the ground on her doorstep. Tenten froze at the sight of it. Beautiful and romantic came to mind. Tenten picked up the beautiful bouquet of pink roses. There were no thorns and it looked perfect! Turning it over she noticed there was no card. Tenten blushed.
"Who would send me a bouquet?" She smiled and returned inside to put the flowers in water, unaware the person responsible for the wonderful gift was still watching her.
When Tenten walked back outside she was met by her best friends and the ominous intruder had gone.
"Tenten, what took you so long? We've been waiting for almost half an hour and when you didn't show up we came to pick you up instead!" Ino fumed. Tenten smiled apologetically.
"Sorry, but something held me up,"
"Something or someone?" Sakura asked slyly. Tenten blushed. "I knew it! Ino hold her down while I check her apartment! Maybe that someone is still hiding!" Sakura said. She rushed in as Ino held on to Tenten. Tenten knew her friends were just teasing, but squeezed out of Ino's grasp and ran in after Sakura. Sakura stood stock still as she stared at the bouquet set in the middle of Tenten's living room.
"Tenten, those are beautiful! Where'd you get them?" Ino asked. Tenten blushed.
"Someone left them at the door." Sakura and Ino exchanged knowing glances.
"Tenten, someone is obviously infatuated with you." Tenten rolled her eyes.
"Gee, I never knew!" Tenten said sarcastically.
The next second, both girls had grabbed her friend and dragged her out the door.
"Wait, where are we going?" Tenten yelled.
"We're getting you a new wardrobe!" Ino yelled triumphantly.
The Guys
"What the hell am I doing here?" The Hyuuga asked himself angrily. He and a few friends, if you could call them that, were gathered in front of a movie theater. Kiba, Naruto, Shikamaru, Lee, and Sasuke waited with him. Lee meanwhile was fiddling with a camera.
"Hinata said to meet us all here, for you know, a group date or something," Naruto said in answer to Neji's question. Neji just continued to scowl.
"I don't think she'd want to see me right now," Neji muttered.
"Oh yeah, I heard about your fight a few days ago." Kiba brought up nonchalantly.
"Really? What'd you do to make Tenten so mad?" Shikamaru asked.
"She found out about…or rather…we found out about her mission and she was embarrassed…I think." Naruto said. Of course that wasn't the real reason Tenten had gotten angry but what he didn't know won't hurt him.
"Hey, Sasuke-kun,"
"Shikamaru-kun!"
Ino and Sakura yelled as they neared the theater. They were both overdressed for the occasion. They were wearing leather skirts that ended way above their knees and wore tops that exposed their midriffs. Lee took a few test shots of Sakura and Ino. They posed and smiled sweetly into the lens. Flashes of light, almost as blinding as being around both Lee and Gai-sensei, filled the vision of all around them. Sasuke looked away embarrassed as Sakura threw her arms around him and kissed his cheek. Although the two were a new couple Sasuke still had to get used to constant PDA. Shikamaru threw an arm around Ino's waist and looked around.
"Where's Hinata and Tenten?" Sakura pouted.
"Hinata! Tenten! Hurry up and get over here! We're all waiting for you!" Sakura yelled. In answer, Hinata came walking down the road Sakura and Ino appeared. Of course she was more decent in a denim jacket and a longer skirt but she still looked beautiful. Lee snapped a shot and had to turn away to avoid the death glares Naruto and Neji sent him.
"Good afternoon, Naruto-kun," Hinata said shyly as Naruto looked her up and down. She blushed.
"You look great, Hinata-chan." Naruto told her. They held hands as the others looked on.
"Let's get going guys! The movie is going to start soon," Sakura said and attempted to pull the group with her.
"Wait, Tenten's not here yet," Ino said impatiently. Sakura froze.
"Oh, come on, Tenten. You're gonna have to come out sooner or later."
"Oh fine!"
An exasperated Tenten appeared in a puff of smoke. When the smoke disappeared everyone stared in shock. Tenten was wearing a tube top that was definitely more exposing than Ino and Sakura's outfits. She was wearing flat sandles which for her was a relief (everyone knows how much trouble she goes through wearing heels!). But she was also wearing a mini skirt that showed off her long beautiful legs. Tenten blushed and glared at the ground as Lee snapped more and more pictures. Ino and Sakura silently applauded their hard work (talk about conceited), and observed the reaction (hormones) of the Hyuuga. The point of Tenten's late appearance was to see which of their friends was affected the most.
He had had his back turned but on the sudden appearance, or rather debut, of Tenten's new wardrobe, all sense of dignity abandoned him. His mouth had gone slack and his eyes traveled all over her. Everyone saw this. Well, except for Tenten who was still glaring at the ground. Lee nudged Neji but to much avail.
"Everyone we should hurry. We're going to be late." Hinata spoke up.
Everyone regained their senses and began to walk as a group towards the theater, or tried to. Ino dragged Shikamaru by his arms trying to get in line first to pick the movie. Sakura tried to divert everyone's attention from the love struck couple left behind. Naruto grinned. Neji was really whacked out today. He wasn't even hitting Naruto for holding Hinata's hand.
Neji realized too late that he'd been staring and looked away. Tenten blushed again.
"Um…they're waiting for us," Tenten mumbled. Neji nodded and turned his back on her feeling his temperature rise.
She looks so…good. No, that's not it. She looks…better than good. Sexy…
Neji felt embarrassed using these more Sakurish words but he knew it was true. Too bad he couldn't tell her how he felt.
The Movie
Ino had chosen to watch Mission Impossible: 3. The perfect movie for the ten ass kicking ninja. Tenten knew the seating arrangements had been manipulated so that she and Neji had a row to themselves. So while everyone sat in the front Neji and Tenten sat together in the back. During the movie, Sakura, Ino, and Lee kept stealing peeks at the two and were met with vicious glares. But really, they were only trying to help. Neji felt pressure on his shoulder as Tenten suddenly nodded off. Was she sleeping?
Neij kept looking at her from the corner of his eye. When the girls had shown up, Sakura and Ino had been covered in make-up. Hinata too but not as heavily applied as the hyper kunoichi. Just a little blush there, some gloss here, and she was fine. But Tenten hadn't put on an ounce of make-up. She was even more beautiful without cosmetics. Neji liked that. She preferred her own natural beauty. Or perhaps she didn't know her beauty captured his attention. Had she wanted it to? Did she even think they were on a date? She was dressed up for one, but it was pretty clear that her friends had forced her into wearing that outfit. At least this time he hadn't had a nosebleed…
Tenten jerked with a start as she realized she had been sleeping…on Neji's shoulder.
After waking up, Tenten found herself looking at Neji a little more than necessary; a little more? Okay, she had always looked at him when he wasn't looking, and she always secretly enjoyed what she saw. This wasn't just any junior crush anymore, it was definitely more than that. She had always liked him, a little more than just friends. But what about now? Did she love him? Would she risk her life for him? As ninja, their lives were risked every day, and more so Tenten often risked her life for him. Neji had always thought it was just a collaboration. But her real reason had always been that little feeling buried deep inside of her. Crying out for him every time he was hurt but never showing it. Sometimes having to show that she was happy he was hurt whenever, and there was only one time, she beat him in one of their spars. But what was this more intense feeling?
The two occupied in their own thoughts snapped to attention when they noticed that Sasuke, Naruto, and Shikamaru all had their arms around their girlfriends. Neji shuddered. Would he have to do that too? Would he have to show that he had feelings for a girl he'd been working with for three years? Tenten felt a shiver go down her spine. Was it cold in here or what? Oh gosh, what's going to happen? The both of them could see the constant PDA being exchanged. It was definitely something to look at. Lee turned in his seat and gave Neji a look of encouragement.
"Ten-chan,"
"Hmm…?"
"Let's go." Tenten looked at him in surprise.
"What? Leave?" Neji gave her a look that made her recoil, the usual look that he always wore when she questioned him.
The movie was half finished when Ino turned in her seat to see how the lovely couple were doing. What? They're gone? Ino jumped up and growled in fury.
"Ino, what are you doing? Sit down, you're being so troublesome," Shikamaru groaned struggling to pull Ino back into her seat.
"Where'd they go? They ditched!" Ino growled but sat back in her seat.
"If they want to be alone let them," Sasuke muttered.
Neji and Tenten
"The movie must be over now," Tenten commented.
"Hnn…,"
They had ditched their friends four hours ago and didn't know where they were doing now. The movie had been boring compared to the looks Tenten caught Neji sneaking. He had thought she was asleep but she had only leaned on his shoulder because Kiba hadn't taken off his hoodie and Akamaru was perched on his head blocking her way.
All they had done the whole day was stroll through the village and then after eating ramen at a shop had come to rest at the side of the lake in the forest of Konoha. The sky was an illuminating pink and orange color and it's reflection in the water made Tenten want to suddenly jump in.
"It's so beautiful,"
What? Did Neji just say that? Tenten looked at him. He was lying on his back beside her staring up at the sky. She was sitting at the edge of the dock dangling her legs over the water.
"Did you just say 'beautiful'?" Tenten asked him.
"So what if I did?"
Tenten smiled and looked away.
"In denial as much as ever, aren't you?"
If only you knew just how much…
"Yes, it is beautiful." Tenten said. She looked into her reflection in the water. Some strands had escaped the buns on the top of her head. She was wearing Neji's coat, he had offered it to her when she hugged herself to keep warm while they were strolling. She despised the little piece of cloth covering her chest. Neji's coat covered her to her ankles. If she tied it people would think she were stark naked under it! Of all the clothes in Sakura and Ino's closet, why did she have to wear this little thing? And the skirt! It was so short she could feel every breeze that flew through Konoha!
"You look…great," Neji said lamely.
But if Neji liked it she'd wear it!
"I look like a Saku-No look-alike."
"When…when I saw you wearing those clothes…I didn't see Sakura or Ino. I saw only you,"
Tenten blushed in spite of her being angry about the small amount of cover up.
"Are…are you worried?"
"About what?"
"About…who I'm going to marry?"
Neji sat up. He kept his real thoughts to himself. I want you for myself.
"No,"
"Why not," Neji could hear hurt in her voice. Neji cursed himself for making her feel that way but he knew he had no choice. He shouldn't involve himself with her when she is already promised to someone.
"We both know you can take care of yourself,"
"Whatever," Tenten knew she wanted him to care, wanted him to worry. But he probably didn't even share the same feelings she had for him.
Neji looked at her when she stood up. She was looking anywhere but at him.
"I should get home. It's late and…," Tenten trailed off and turned to leave but her sandle got caught in a nail and as it stuck she lost her balance and fell…straight into the lake!
Out of shock from how cold the water was, Tenten hesitated from trying to save herself. The fall from the dock was far and it plunged her far into the depths (okay, the lake isn't that deep). But hesitation was all that Neji needed to jump in after her. With his accurate vision Neji was able to see through the darkness as the sun had already set and the water was murky. The lake was clean but at night it was really foggy looking.
The lake water stung their eyes as they twisted in it. Tenten's hair had come undone making it even harder to see. Neji wrapped his arms around Tenten's waist and kicked back up to the surface.
The water still blinded her as they swam to the edge of the lake. She still couldn't see as Neji carried her to the shade. It was almost dark. The fireflies had come out and streetlights flashed on. The full moon shined down on the two of them. Tenten bent over and coughed out as much water as she could.
When her coughs and wheezing subsided she allowed Neji to help her up. Neji brushed her wet locks out of her eyes and face. Tenten could still feel the burning sensation of water in her throat. Neji gripped her shoulders.
"Are you okay?"
Tenten reveled in his voice. He sounded so concerned, worried. About time!
"I'm fine, really." She insisted. "Thanks, I was just clumsy."
"You were more than clumsy. You were just being you," Neji teased. Tenten laughed. Then she became aware that his arms had slipped around her hips. Tenten didn't have to look to know that her skirt wasn't on. Thank Kami she was wearing bikini panties! I mean honestly! At least they look good right!
"Neji, you pervert!" Tenten laughed. Neji took the straps of the coat and tied it tightly around her body.
Suddenly they were caught in…'the moment'. Despite the fact that they were both drenched in lake water and Tenten was half-naked, Neji leaned in toward her.
What? What is he going to do now? Oh damn, thank goodness we're alone! But Neji decided not to push it further. He planted a kiss on her nose.
"You're going to catch cold. I'm taking you home," He said firmly but before he could get away from her again, Tenten placed her hands on his shoulders.
"No,"
"No is not an option. You're going home before you get sick." Neji said.
Tenten tiptoed and whispered, "Too late." I'm already lovesick.
She lifted her face to his and enjoyed his touch around her body. His lips were gentle and his kiss sweet. His wet hair caressed her fingers as she wrapped her arms around his neck, trying to get as close to him as possible. It felt so good just to be with him. In his arms, alone. Just her.
"Finally! I swear those two are just so dense!" Ino said exasperatedly. The remaining eight ninja crouched in the branches of a tree among the millions in the forest. A flash of light set off beside them as Lee focused his lens on the pair near the lake.
"Lee, you idiot!"
"Turn off the flash!"
"Idiot, what the hell are you trying to do? It's too freakin early to be smiling still!"
A/N: hey guys! i swear it has been a super long time since i last updated! i kno two weeks is a long time to not update but last week i had that conference, this week i have S.A.T. 10, and next week i have exams! like OH MY FREAKIN GOD! lol gosh i sound like a freakin ditz. well the point is im not even supposed to be online...i had to sneak on again! anyways...i hope you like chapter! PLEASE REVIEW! I LOVE READING UR REVIEWS!
for those of u who care the seating arrangements were, from left to right:
Lee, Kiba, Naruto, Hinata, Ino, Shikamaru, Sasuke, Sakura
then in the row behind them were Neji and Tenten
p.s. by the way, that three day conference was so freakin AWESOME! i met a lot of people from eleven to seventeen. there were like a four hundred other teens there. it was sooo fun! some of my frends from skool were there also...yea...im gonna volunteer to join the staff too! anyways...
preview:
Neji ran back to the sitting room as fast as he could. The sooner he met Tenten's fiance the sooner he could stop his heart from beating so fast! He rounded the corner and suddenly stopped. He heard genuine laughter. He knew that laugh. It was Tenten.
"Thank Kami, you're my fiance. If it was someone else I didn't know what I'd do! We know each other so well and I think I'm already falling in love with you," Tenten giggled as she talked.
Anger and jealousy bubbled up in Neji's veins. Completely forgetting about his Byakugan, Neji gripped the cold hard metal of the the door's handle and wrenched it open.
