I felt like I haven't updated this story in a while so,
I just threw this one together.
I hope everyone likes it ;)
Thanks to all my reviewers XD

Pairings:Nejiten, Shikatema, Sasusaku.

Disclaimer:I don't own Naruto.


Someone Other Than Yourself

Chapter 11

By: turtlechick

Tenten-

When Neji and I got home I had forgotten that we hadn't told anyone where we had been all day, so were slightly reprimanded when we got home, mostly by Temari. I was able to quickly change the subject when I asked about her mecha. Apparently they had fixed it and it was all ready for our race tomorrow against Kankerou's team. If it wasn't obvious, I was able to get a good night's sleep, knowing that we wouldn't have to forfeit the race and I learned a little more about Neji today.

XxX

We able to get to the track on time the next day because Temari didn't have to change her outfit thirty times, it helped that Sakura suggested for Temari to pick out an outfit the night before. So today she only changed her outfit about ten times. We were all suited up waiting for the announcer to instruct us to go to the starting line. We almost didn't know what to do with all the extra time.

"Hey you guys ready!" Coming in the hangar was Gaara was and Kankerou in their matching racing suits, both of them held their helmets at their side.

"Well look who the cat dragged in." Temari said after giving each of her brothers a hug, you could tell it was forced on Gaara. It was hard to believe they were brothers because they were so different. Kankerou is so out going and happy while Gaara mostly keeps to himself. "So what are your team's standing?" Temari asked, she was serious now.

"We haven't lost once." Kankerou said proudly. "So you guys better watch out." He let out a slight chuckle.

"Will the two teams get to the starting line." Here we go again.

Kankerou and Gaara started to leave but Kankerou stopped and turned to me. "I'm coming for you Tenten." He winked at me, I could feel my cheeks getting hot.

"Kankerou, shut up! You're going mess her up!" Temari yelled at Kankerou as he ran off to catch up with his brother.

"That's the idea!" He yelled over his shoulder, I was still stunned.

"Tenten don't worry, that's just what my brother does to mess with your mind." I wasn't worried just… anxious. There was some part of me that wanted to get out there and prove to Kankerou that I could beat him. I hadn't felt this excited for a race in a while. I pulled my helmet on and followed the others to our mechas.

XxX

The race was pretty boring the first lap but I kept Kankerou's comment in the back of my mind.

"I'm coming for you Tenten."

When he did come for me, I would be ready.

Their team went like this; Gaara and Sai were their two forwards while Shino was the defender and of course Kankerou was the attacker. They hadn't lost once and if we lost this race we would be out. That wasn't a good feeling. My stomach churned as we passed the start line and the second lap began.

"Tenten just stay in front if you can. We'll just have to play this by ear." That was Neji's plan? Play it by ear? I don't think that plan was very good to be in the position we were in.

"Ok." I was still wary of his decision. I could see Sai and Gaara hovering behind Neji me but they didn't make a move. I wonder why. What were they waiting for? In the tiny screen to my left I could see and hear Temari laughing her ass off.

"You little snot. Now I know why I like Gaara better." Well at least she was keeping Kankerou occupied. Sasuke had gotten past Shino, somehow, Neji had told me that he was the best defender in the league. Sasuke debated by saying he was the best attacker. He could be a little full of himself at times, but this was Sasuke we were talking about. He spent more time on his hair in the morning than I ever did.

"Tenten continue to keep moving ahead." It was Neji.

"Neji I think something's up. Why aren't they trying to pass either of us?" It didn't make sense to me at all.

"I don't know but we should take advantage of their stupidity. Just keep advancing. I'll watch behind."

"Ok." I didn't get either of their plans. Gaara and Sai weren't making any sense and Neji wasn't thinking clearly and strategically like he usually was. Temari was still holding off Kankerou.

"Damn it!" She laughed again. "I haven't had that much fun in a while, but Tenten watch out Kankerou's coming." Both of the attackers could clearly be seen. Sasuke was moving in on Gaara and Kankerou was gaining in on me. I kept trying to go faster but it felt like whatever I did, he just kept catching up. I would be ready for him. I also hadn't noticed Neji staying very close to me. He didn't say anything about this in the plan. Maybe he just wasn't paying attention, but that wasn't like Neji at all either. Something about him was off today.

I could see Kankerou crouch down and getting ready for his attack as we passed the start line for lap three. I would be ready. I steadied my self and watched as he sprung into action. For a moment I squeezed my eyes for impact but it never came. I looked around and saw Neji and Kankerou pushing up against each other. Had Neji stopped Kankerou from finishing his attack? Why did he do that?

"Neji what are you doing?" I yelled into the mic built into our helmets.

"Just keep going I'll catch up." His screen shook with another push from Kankerou. This was absurd.

"Just wait for Temari to hold him off." He was acting stupid.

"Tenten just go." Behind the action Sai was starting to gain on both of us. I guess Sasuke had gotten to Gaara. And behind Sai was Temari.

"Look she's coming Neji just let him go." The finish line was in sight now. He if he screwed this up we were going to lose. I cursed under my breath and pushed my throttle harder and gained speed. I was going to at least get us some points, if Neji was just going to screw up what we had all worked for. And besides that was my battle to fight. Why did he have to stick his perfectly shaped nose into it?

We finally made it to the finish line with me in first and Sai in second and Neji came in third. He came close to ruining everything. I was going to have to yell at him when this whole thing was over.

"And the winner is team Katsuyu!"

"Hell right we won!" Temari yelled into the mic. I saw both and Neji and Sasuke flinch from the noise.

XxX

In the hanger I went straight for Neji, teeth bared and claws ready. "Neji what the hell was that! That could have lost the us the race!"

"We won didn't we?" As much as I liked Neji as a friend, he could be extremely infuriating sometimes.

"Well yes but that's beside the point. Why did you do that?" The whole team had gathered for our dispute.

"What?"

"Taking that hit for me? That's what!"

"Hn." He just walked off.

"What the heck was that?" Why didn't he answer me. If he did it there must be a reason so why didn't he tell me.

"Tenten we won. Just calm down." Sakura said trying to pacify me. I let out a sigh. I guess that was a good thing. As it stood now out of the six teams who started two were out, teams Sound and Kyuubi. Out of the other four teams three of them had one loss and were on the verge of disqualification, teams Hawkeye, Subaku, and our team, Katsuyu. The remaining team, team Akatski, was undefeated.

Our next race was against the all girl team and would prove to be a tough race, but first Temari suggested a celebration. Well that was a big surprise…not.


Sorry it was so short but at least I updated right?
The next race will be in a few chapters so keep an eye out for it. :)
I bet we all know why Neji took that hit for Tenten. ;D

Please review and even if you don't check out some of my other stories.
Like my new story Protection. XD

turtlechick...out