Neji was waiting in the forest for Tenten to come for their daily sparring session. He suddenly saw her running toward him with one hand behind her back, the other waving at him, and her trademark smile that always warms his heart, even if it doesn't show.

"Hey Neji!" she yelled at him.

"Hn. You're late." he responded. He had a hard time saying this calmly with that beautiful smile on her smile.

"I know, I know. But I have a good reason! I have a special surprise for you!" she said proudly.

Hmmm… a special surprise, huh? Wonder what it is… Neji thought.

"Okay, ready? Surprise! Happy birthday!" she yelled! She held out her hands and in it, an ugly, brown, dirty, thin box.

"Um, thanks?" He really didn't want it, but took it into his hands anyway. At least it reminded him it was his own birthday.

"Well, are you going to open it?" She looked up at him hopefully.

"To tell you the truth, it's kind of ugly. I don't think I want to open it. Let's just spar." he replied coldly.

Her eyes started to water and she brought her head down.

"I understand, but I don't think I can spar today. I kind of hurt my hands and I don't feel so good. I think the food I ate this morning was past its expiration date. Bye." And with that, she ran off to her apartment with tears about to burst out her eyes. She ran so fast, he didn't even bother to chase after her. He just stared at the scraggly box. He sighed.

"Let's see what's in you, eh?" he said to the box. He took off the cover and inside, and found the most beautiful shuriken he had ever seen. It was a white almost exactly the same color of eyes. A note fell out, so he read it.

Dear Neji,

Happy birthday! I hope you appreciate the gift. I made it myself out of white steel. It is the rarest material I have left. I used it all on your gift. Please use it well. I cut my hand trying to make it. Most of my money went into making this gift. That is why the box isn't very pretty, but remember, 'It might be bad on the outside, but on the inside, it's always good.' That is what my dad used to always say.

Sincerely,

Tenten

Right before the Sincerely, there was something that was scribbled out that Neji could make out as Love.

There was a really big knot in Neji's stomach now.

"Damn guilt!" he muttered. He ran towards the direction of Tenten's place.

When he arrived he knocked on her door.

"What do you want?" a tear streaked faced Tenten answered when she opened the door.

"I'm sorry." was the surprising answer that came out of Neji's mouth. Hyugga Neji never apologized.

"What?"

"Don't make me repeat it Tenten. Your hopes have been fulfilled. I really do appreciate your gift, okay? I love it." He could not believe that last part came out of his mouth, but it was too late. Another heart warming smile appeared on Tenten's face. She jumped on him, squeezing him.

"Thankyouthankyouthankyou! I worked so hard! I was hoping you would like it!"

"T-Tenten?" He couldn't believe what he was about to say to her, but he had to.

"Yes?" She was curious as to why he was stuttering.

"This g-gift has m-m-made me realize something. I-I-I…"

"Just spit it out already!" She REALLY wanted to know what he had to say that was so important, that it made the 'Great Hyugga Neji' stutter.

"I-I l-l-l-love y-y-you." Whew! He was finally able to spit it out.

"I-I-I-'' That was all she could say. He was heartbroken. He thought that meant she didn't feel the same way. Stupid Neji!

"It's okay Tenten. I understand. Bye." He said disappointedly. He turned around to leave only to be grabbed by the arm. And then a mindblower happened. She kissed him on the lips and he blushed! All in a few seconds! She pulled away and went up to his nose and kissed it, and then slapped him.

"Do you know how long I have been waiting to hear that from you? BAKA! And then you thought I didn't feel the same way! Ugh!" She was about to babble on, but Neji's lips found their rightful place. He pulled away.

"So, do you feel the same way?" he asked.

"Of course! BAKA! I. Love. You." She emphasized the 'I love you' part to get it through his head. She looked up at him as if he were crazy. But then that look disappeared and kissed him. Again.