Lesson #19: Secrets
Secret: something that is kept unknown from others.
Secrets are commonly used as a way to signify one's trust in the other. Usually, secrets would be kept to the person who held the secret but on many occasions, these secrets are commonly shared with someone the person holds utmost trust in. Tenten, like many ninjas, is not foreign to the idea of secrets. By getting her to share one of her secrets with you, you are able to confirm her trust in you. More often than not, secrets allow closer bonding to occur.
Goal: Learn a secret or two about Tenten.
Tips: Let her make the first move this time. You don't want to suddenly humiliate yourself and end up spilling a secret of your own.
They rested languidly on the tree; Tenten was lying comfortably on a branch not to high off the ground as she crossed her arms behind her head to use as a pillow, whilst Sasuke leaned against the trunk of the tree, crossing his arms as he basked in the sunlight. After another one of their daily spars, the two were taking a much needed break. It seemed that after the progression of their relationship, they seemed to push themselves farther than before, as if wanting to prove themselves worthy of the other.
As Tenten closed her eyes, Sasuke took this chance to glance at her slumbering form, a small smile playing on his lips as he noticed the familiar peacefulness her face exuded when she surrendered to sleep. He had only seen it once before, when he sneaked into her apartment early in the morning to wake her up for an early training session but he had unfortunately gotten himself kicked out. But even so, the image of her sleeping face was vividly etched into his mind, an image he had no thoughts of ever forgetting. He was captivated by the rare display of peace exhibited on her features, considering that ninjas never really got to experience peace due to the constant dangers always faced.
"You can stop staring now you know," Tenten suddenly remarked as she lazily opened an eye, watching his slightly stunned expression. His brows furrowed in disbelief. How did she catch him? He thought she was deep in sleep but he guessed he thought wrong. However, he decided not to let these feelings of disbelief show as he coolly brushed it off with a flick of his hair. "I wasn't staring," he stolidly replied, his voice monotonous.
Tenten rolled her eyes as she slowly sat up, using her arms for support. "You don't have to be so embarrassed you know. I stare at you all the time too so we're even," she commented with a shy smile. She didn't know why she suddenly confessed that but she guessed she had to finally let him know that she hadn't been that ignorant of his presence nor good looks. Tenten was a silent appreciator, she didn't comment on anything that attracted her, just brushing it off with her usual bubbly personality. She guessed she was kind of shy that way.
Sasuke raised an eyebrow in surprise at the sudden confession, his eyes locking with her own, expressing his shock. "Really now?" He asked, still not comprehending her words fully.
She puffed out her cheeks in annoyance, not wanting to repeat herself because she found it embarrassing. "Yes really. You think you know everything about me but you don't. I have my own secrets too you know," she responded.
Sasuke decided to take full advantage of this situation, wanting to find more about her than he already knew. She was always full of surprises, something he enjoyed greatly. "And what kind of secrets are they?" He asked slyly, hoping that he would indeed be able to hear one of her well kept secrets.
Tenten paused for a moment, wondering if she should really tell him one of her secrets or not. Telling someone a secret always meant that you trusted the person and she was absolutely certain she trusted him. But still, she didn't want to share one of her secrets yet if she didn't, he would take it the wrong way and think she didn't trust him after all. What should she do? Her silent deliberation came to a conclusion when she finally reached a resolution. Tenten moved back so that she could lay her back on the trunk, getting closer to his current position.
"Hmm, I'll tell you a secret that no one else knows," she began mysteriously, perking his curiosity even more. He decided to stay silent and wait for her to continue, not wanting to ruin the suspense.
Taking a deep breath, Tenten gazed deeply into the pits of Sasuke's obsidian orbs and spoke, "I used to have a crush on Neji."
Sasuke didn't even bother hiding the shock in his features as he jaw dropped slightly and a flash of pain came across his face. She– She liked the Hyūuga? He felt as though his world came crashing down upon him, like he would once again revert back to his old depressed ways. Ever since Tenten stepped into his life, he forgot more about the depression and loneliness he used to face. Instead, feelings of happiness and joy finally radiated off him in waves, something he had not exhibited in a very long time. Sasuke slumped down on the tree as worries filled his mind. What if she still liked the Hyūuga? What if she decided to leave him then and there? Was that why she suddenly confessed her past (or maybe present) feelings for the Hyūuga?
Tenten watched in guilt and remorse as she watched the one she had only ever had strong feelings for wallow in sorrow at the sudden revelation. She noticed that flash of pain on his face. It was as clear as day, making her feel even more guilty than before. Why she had decided to tell him that one secret, she didn't know? Maybe she felt that she didn't want to hide her past affections from him, wanting to become honest from the very beginning. Even so, she still felt extremely guilty for saying that. She needed to clear things up. She couldn't stand seeing his sorrowful face any longer. It made her feel sad too.
"Do you still like him?" Sasuke mumbled, making her feel ten times more remorseful than before. Tenten had never seen him looking so sad, it was strange considering he only did look either stoic, smug or maybe even happy around her.
"Silly boy, of course not. Why would I like Neji if I have a boyfriend?" She asked, keeping a close eye on his form. Sasuke's head snapped up as he looked into her amber eyes, searching for the truth. He could only see sincerity and true warmth in her gaze, meaning that she was telling him the truth.
"Boyfriend huh?"
She frowned. "Why? You don't want to be my boyfriend anymore? I'm hurt Sasuke," she said in mock hurt. He rolled his eyes at her antics but even so, he felt extremely happy as the depressing feelings melted away. He had felt himself immediately brightening at her words, joyous to even hear her say the words and announce him as her boyfriend. "Who's the silly one now? Isn't it obvious that I want to be your boyfriend?"
Tenten's lips formed a wide grin as she looked brightly at him. "Hah, so you do admit it then. Well, I can't say no to that," she answered perkily. She continued smiling at him until she suddenly realised something.
"Hey, since I told you of my past crush, who was yours? You can't have possibly had no past crush," Tenten mentioned, truly curious of his past crushes. She had thought he was possibly gay before considering that he never did show interest in any of his fangirls nor any other girl before her. But she had to admit, if she were him she wouldn't have been interested in the fangirls either. They were just plain annoying.
A light blush tinged Sasuke's cheeks, shocking Tenten in speechlessness. Was the Uchiha really blushing? Or was she finally going mad? Tenten blinked her eyes to confirm that she was not just seeing things and that he was really blushing. "So you did have a crush before," Tenten uttered, a roguish smile playing on her lips.
"It's not a crush anymore, considering that I've past that stage with her already," he finally answered, still avoiding her gaze. Tenten was confused for a moment before realisation dawned on her and she was now sporting a matching red hue on her cheeks.
Lesson Outcome: She had a crush on the Hyūuga...
Feedback: Punch the Hyūuga when you ever have the time. Possibly break a few bones too.