Hanabi thoroughly enjoyed her time in Suna. She certainly understood why her sister spoke highly of their summer trip. She was still bitter about not getting to stay longer but she took what she could get. Beside it's not like she wouldn't be able to tag along with Neji now and again. It was much too fun to give her cousin a dose of high blood pressure.
Not to mention their new friends in Suna were a hilarious bunch.
Temari and her brother's couldn't get rid of Hanabi fast enough. Tenten adored the teenager to bits. No one shared her sentiments. One day while Neji was in the office Tenten brought Hanabi over to the Sand Sibling household.
They were not mentally prepared.
Hanabi skipped over to Gaara and Kankuro as they played on their Playstation. Both boys couldn't run away as they were playing online with strangers. They couldn't show weakness in front of strangers.
Temari pulled Tenten aside and gave her a stern talking to.
"Look just because you're trying to score extra brownie points with your future in laws doesn't mean we have to suffer."
Tenten flushed red. "S-Shut up. The kid is cool to hangout with."
"Then take her out. Not to my house!"
"You and Neji are overreacting. She's fine!"
"Better yet just leave the dogs here and take Hanabi to the mall or something. I don't need any more stress on my fragile heart."
"You're made of bricks."
"And you're full of sexual tension. Listen, I'm only willing to watch the kid if you jump Neji's bones. If that's not happening then get out."
Tenten shoved her best friend. If steam could come out her ears then Tenten would be a train. Temari took no offence and merely winked. Suddenly the once loud living room filled with gunshots and explosives died. Both women turned around to see Kankuro openingly weeping and Gaara with a murderous gaze toward the young girl. Hanabi was minding her business on her phone.
"What the heck happened?"
Kankuro cried harder and Gaara shifted his murderous aura toward the other women in the room.
Temari sighed heavily, "I mean this in the nicest way possible. Get out."
Tenten pouted, "but we just got here."
Hanabi showed Kankuro and Gaara her phone screen.
"See it kinda looks like this but more gloomy."
Kankuro shrieked and ran to his room. Gaara closed his eyes as he tried to take calming breaths. Hanabi grinned and returned to her phone. Temari felt her eye twitch from irritation.
"Tenten-"
"Hey Hanabi fancy going to the dog park?"
Hanabi shrugged. "Sure I don't mind. We can get dinner with Neji afterwards."
Temari didn't allow Hanabi back into her home until she apologized to her brother's for whatever she did to them.
She did not.
Neji apologized on her behalf. Kankuro swore he didn't cry in front of a young girl while Gaara shared the many ways he knew how to dispose of a body. Neji apologized seven more times with a promise to them both a nice steak dinner the next time he was in town.
Any time Tenten had to go over to Temari's house, Hanabi still wasn't allowed in. She either waited in the car or outside the front door. Gaara would glare at the teenager through their window and Hanabi happily smiled and waved. Kankuro wouldn't dare show his face. Not that he was scared or anything, because he wasn't.
Neji was overly embarrassed.
Naruto was just glad that no funny business was ever done in their new home. Although that didn't stop him from sleeping with ear plugs on just in case. Or stop him from nervously peering every corner in their new apartment just to make sure his innocent eyes didn't get defiled by someone's buttcheeks.
Of course when it was time to head home the lovebirds were devastated. Hanabi almost had a temper tantrum. She pleaded with her father on the phone to extend their stay. Hiashi refused. Neji was needed back to the office and Hanabi would be starting school soon. Hanabi cried onto Tenten's shoulder at the airport. Neji pouted as he waited for his turn.
Dash was crying of a broken heart yet again. Sugar couldn't care less about the waterworks around her. Hanabi finally let her cousin hug his girlfriend goodbye. She bent down to say her goodbyes to the furry babies.
Neji hugged Tenten tightly.
"I feel like I'm going home sadder than the first time."
Tenten laughed weakly. "Yea I know what you mean."
"I promise to visit as soon as I can."
"Remember we're still Skyping every night if possible."
"Of course," Neji kissed her. "I wouldn't miss our talks."
"Take care of yourself. I will use Hinata to keep an eye on you."
Neji smiled "she does that without you asking."
Tenten held back tears as best she could. She could feel them form around her eyes. She wasn't going to cry. She promised herself she wouldn't. She didn't want Neji to feel any worse about leaving from this short trip.
"Tell your Uncle thank you. I'm sure he didn't have to send you back here for 'business'."
"It was equal parts seeing you and having Hanabi finally visit. She wouldn't stop dropping hints to him."
Tenten slowly unwound her arms around Neji. She turned to Hanabi and hugged the girl goodbye. "It was nice seeing you again."
"Don't think for a second that we won't be back in like a week."
Both Tenten and Neji laughed.
"I will hold you to that."
Hanabi grinned "if we're not back by next month I'll just mail Neji to your place."
"I'm ok with that."
Neji frowned slightly, "I would rather take a bus."
"Fine a train it is."
Neji rolled his eyes and Tenten laughed again. She gave Hanabi one last hug and Neji a kiss. She and her two canine companions watched as they bored their private plane. They stayed at the gate until their plane took off into the sky. She waved until she could no longer see the aircraft. Both dogs could sense her sadness and kissed and nudged her hands. She absentmindedly stroked behind their ears. It was going to be another long painful separation until Neji came to visit again. Tenten still couldn't understand how Temari and Shikamaru managed to make it work. She felt her heart rip in two once again.
Still she had to keep going. She couldn't sit still and wallow in sadness all day. Neji wouldn't want her too and she also had to be strong for him. Or else he would be a miserable wreck and then he really wouldn't be able to see her anytime soon.
So everyone went about their lives as best they could. Both Temari and Tenten would talk to their significant other everyday if possible. They now had something else they could bond and relate too. Granted any time they did talk about their boyfriends it did make the sadness creep up, but then they were able to make positive of the situation.
Temari would talk about their phone sex.
Tenten would retell Neji's horror stories of Hanabi's pranks.
The boys would feed them chocolate and pizza anytime they had these talks. Safe to say that everyone suddenly gained 6 pounds from this poor diet. Hinata would talk to Tenten at least once a week. She would reassure Tenten that Neji was, in fact, taking proper care of himself. His short trip to Suna gave him a boost to keep working hard to see her again.
Then just after the New Year Shikamaru showed up at the Sand Siblings house. Unannounced.
Of course Temari was overjoyed. Tenten was happy to see her friend so happy. Even if secretly she was a bit jealous. Of course when Neji found out he was equally upset.
"Some friend he is. He could have at least let me tag along this time."
Tenten smiled sadly. "Don't be like that. He's only here, in town, for the night. He has to travel to Kumo in the morning. Really he's making more work for him. I guess he has some conference to attend. He'll have to leave at like 1am to make it on time."
Neji still scowled, "One night is still worth the trip."
Tenten flushed. That was exactly what Shikamaru said to Temari when she lectured him about this decision.
"Look I'm sure he would have if he had the time."
"I hope he knows that he won't be invited the next time I go."
Tenten laughed lightly. "Something tells me he'd find a way."
"He could crawl and beg on his knees and I still wouldn't let him."
"Hinata would."
Neji fumed silently. Tenten blew him a kiss to heal his bruised feelings. Suddenly Tenten's phone ringtone went off. She frowned and silenced her phone.
"Are you sure you don't need to get that?"
Tenten shook her head "It's Temari. Don't worry she'll text me if it's important."
"Maybe that's why she is calling you?"
"Don't worry about it, Neji. Our friendship is very different from most people. She-"
Her ring tone once again went off.
Tenten looked at her phone "ok that's a bit odd."
"I don't mind if you answer it. It could be important."
"But she knows we have our talks at this hour. She better be dying." Tenten scowled as she answered her phone. Neji didn't want to be rude so he picked up his phone to look through some emails.
He was thoroughly distracted until he heard Tenten scream. Neji jumped and his laptop nearly fell off his lap and onto the floor. Luckily he slammed both his hands down onto his keyboard, thus saving the life of his machine. He could hear more screaming and Tenten loudly talking but he couldn't make out the words clearly.
Neji frantically readjusted the laptop back onto his lap. "Are you ok? What happened?!"
Tenten ignored him as she continued to talk on the phone.
"I knew it! I so fucking knew it! He doesn't have lazy swimmers afterall."
Neji was extremely confused. Did someone almost drown? Who would be swimming at this hour?
Tenten noticed Neji giving her a lost puppy look. She squealed once more before hanging up the phone. Tenten shook from excitement.
"Guess what!"
"Temari isn't dying?"
"Nope! The opposite!"
Neji blinked slowly. "Clearly she's alive."
"Oh God I can't...she's pregnant!" More squeals of happiness.
"By who?"
"Shikamaru who else?"
"Well-"
"Don't finish that sentence. This is a super happy moment!"
"Is that the real reason he visited?"
"That was just a happy coincidence." Tenten lightly shook her laptop screen. "This makes me a godmother!"
"Don't the parents have to make that decision?"
"You act as though Temari has any choice."
Neji snorted, "my apologies. The answer is clearly you."
"Choji is likely to be the other godparent. At least I know the kid will never go hungry."
Another snort from Neji.
"Don't be a spoilsport. I can't believe this!"
"Neither can I…"
Tenten the change of tone in his voice. "Hey you ok?"
"It's just odd when someone you're close in age with is having a child. Soon they'll be married." Neji shuddered. "Just odd."
"You're weird."
"As are you."
"Touche."
Neji did feel odd after he heard the news. Was he unhappy that his friend was having a child with his lover? No. Of course not. He was very excited for the two. In fact he had to physically restrain the man from buying any object that said 'baby' on it. Shikamaru's mother was over thrilled and his father couldn't be prouder. But still, Neji was left with an odd feeling in his gut. He couldn't place it.
Until a sparring match with Lee when his best friend knocked him off his feet.
"Oh how youthful for our friend. Soon I hope to see you and Miss Tenten with a child!"
Neji was so caught off guard by the comment that Lee threw his rival over his shoulder and down onto the mat. Neji lost his breath for a moment but the odd feeling went away. Lee shouted at his victory then offered his hand to help his rival stand.
Suddenly it was clear.
Neji didn't share his realization with anyone. For the time being he kept it to himself. He would share this bit of information when he was ready. Perhaps when the next ice age comes.
Spring weather melted the snow. Chilly mornings with a warm sun in the afternoon. Life continued on. A few weeks after the announcement that Temari was expecting a child did Neji find his life changed once again.
This time in the form of Shikamaru asking for his and Lee's help. Lee happily agreed to help out a friend in need, even if he didn't know what the task was. Neji agreed as well but found it extremely odd that Shikamaru wouldn't say what he needed help with.
"Just come by my apartment around 1pm."
Neji never liked surprises. He sulked the entire car ride while Lee chatted enthusiastically about their youthfulness for helping out a friend in need. Arriving at Shikamaru's apartment the two best friends were met with a mountain of boxes by the front door. Lee quickly jumped into action and picked up four large boxes and brought them inside. Neji angrily glared at the cardboard and walked into the apartment, not bothering to lift a single thing.
"Nara you better start talking. What the hell-"
"Geez Neji you couldn't have brought in a single box? Do some manual labor for once in your life."
Neji's sour mood tanked further into the depths of the underworld.
Shikamaru could sense the impending squabble and stepped out from within his home.
"Thanks for coming guys."
"Of course my friend! Anything to help out a fellow man!"
"So you wouldn't help out a woman?" Temari asked, slightly annoyed.
Lee gasped and clutched his chest. "That would be most unyouthful! If I have given you that impression then I sincerely apologize! To atone for my lack of youth I shall run 200 laps around the city!"
"Uh no that's not nec-"
"Yosh! And I shall beat my previous record as well! Neji, will you join me in my run?"
"No."
"That is fine!"
Temari turned to Shikamaru. "What is happening?"
"Lee before you run off into the sunset let me introduce you to my troublesome woman. Temari this is Lee, Neji's best friend. Lee, this is Temari the mother of my child."
Lee began to cry uncontrollably.
Neji sighed heavily "Lee please pull yourself together."
"T-This is such a blessing!" Tears falling like a waterfall. "It is an honor to meet the lady Shikamaru holds in such high regard. If you need anything, anything at all, I will be in your service!"
"Fucking hormones," Temari not so discrettly wiped away a few tears. "It's very nice to meet you Lee."
"So you're moving to Kohona?" Neji took in the disaster zone that was the living room. Boxes littered every corner and items were scattered everywhere. It was amazing the four people in the apartment had room to step on the floor.
Shikamaru practically radiated sunshine with the giant grin on his face. Temari looked away to glare at the neighboring wall but her cheeks held a pink hue. "It's that obvious?"
"I'm glad."
Temari flushed a darker red and Shikamaru patted Neji on the shoulder.
"Thanks."
Since Shikamaru refused to allow Temari to lift anything she was left barking orders left and right. Lee with his incredible speed was able to break down all the empty boxes and chucked them outside to be disposed of properly. Neji glared at Shikamaru the entire time he helped with opening and unpacking the boxes.
An hour into their hard labor Ino and Choji arrived with food. Neji was only mildly surprised that the two women were holding a civil conversation. It wasn't rainbows and cotton candy but there were no death glares or snide comments.
Shikamaru hugged Ino and kissed Temari.
Neji was extremely happy for his friend.
After a long day of backbreaking work Neji was finally able to rest at home. Lee didn't ask for a ride home because he was going to keep his promise of running around the city. Temari nearly dropped her dessert when the energetic man sprinted off into the sunset. No one else was surprised but Temari didn't think he was being serious, at all. Neji assured her that he was alright by himself.
Once Neji was in the safety of his home he quickly took a shower. It was almost time to have his nightly chat with Tenten. Dressed in pajamas Neji grabbed his laptop and began his nightly routine to lay in bed and talk with Tenten into the early morning.
Firm knocking on his bedroom door put a pause on his plans. If Neji were a lesser man, say someone like Naruto, he would have thrown his laptop at the wall in frustration. Neji counted backwards from 10 and set his laptop down onto his bed.
The universe loved making his blood boil. In Tenten's words, someone better be dying.
Neji opened his door a little too quickly and shot the unwelcomed person with the stink eye. He quickly calmed his emotions when he found his uncle standing in front of him.
"Hello Uncle. Is there something I can assist you with?"
"I won't keep you long. I know you speak with Miss Tenten at this hour. I'm here merely to give you this." Hiashi surprised Neji with a train ticket to Suna.
Neji stared at the ticket dumbfounded.
"I don't understand."
"The partners in Suna are very impressed with your work ethic. They also like how you run their team. They asked if I could spare you for the next 2 months to work alongside them on a project."
Neji's brain short circuited.
"By all means you do not have to go-"
"Thank you very much Uncle. I will pack immediately."
"They don't expect you there until-"
"The sooner the project is done the sooner I may enjoy another vacation in Suna." Neji thanked his uncle once more and shut his door. Hiashi laughed. Well at least his nephew was happy.
Neji would have preferred his usual transportation, private jet, but he would happily take this train ride. He would just disinfect his hands and clothing once he made it to his hotel. At least his Uncle had the decency to get him priority seating.
Tenten greeted him at the train station with a hug and a giant kiss. Dash showered him with slobbery kisses and fur. Sugar patiently wanted for the whole ordeal to be over with. Neji placed his suitcase into Tenten's car and the four went off to Neji's hotel.
While Neji would love to have stayed with Tenten, he certainly didn't want to intrude on Naruto. No doubt the knucklehead wouldn't mind but if things got steamy he didn't need an audience. The dogs didn't count. Tenten understood. She was just happy to have him back in Suna. When Temari moved to Konoha to be with Shikamaru, naturally she was devastated. Neji helped fill the hole in her heart.
Neji conducted business with the partners during the day and spent most nights with Tenten. Occasionally those nights were spent with Naruto, Gaara, and Kankuro to help with their sadness as well. But for the most part the boys knew better than to get in the middle. Usually Neji was the one to suggest hanging out with her brothers.
That gave brownie points to everyone.
It was another late night for Neji working on his computer. Tenten was over at his very large and fancy hotel room. The dogs were left back at the apartment with Naruto to make sure he didn't burn down the place. Tenten was surfing the web on her phone as she relaxed on his bed made out of clouds.
Neji sat at his desk typing away and answering emails from the partners. He did feel guilty for not paying much attention to the beautiful woman a few feet away from him. Tenten must have sensed his mood and flashed him a dazzling smile.
"I'm almost done. I apologize for being a bore."
"Don't worry about it. Take all the time you need. I'll be here no matter what."
Neji felt a warmth start from the center of his chest and slowly fill the rest of his body. Any work he had left be damned. He stared at Tenten. She flushed under his intense stare.
"Everything ok?"
Neji continued to give her a heated look. He slowly closed his laptop.
Tenten felt her body temperature skyrocket. Oh boy she knew what was coming next. She was equal parts excited and nervous.
Really Neji didn't plan any of this out. But once he had an idea there was nothing stopping him. In his head he was finally going to be with Tenten in one of the most intimate ways. He was going to shower her with affection. He was going to leave her breathless. He had planned to stalk over to her and pin her to the bed. Then hours of passionate sex.
At least that was his plan.
He had mistaken how far away he was from the bed. Instead of landing on the soft bed, he ended up on the hard ground. Tenten couldn't help herself. She was more than ready for some steamy action, not suddenly seeing Neji topple to the ground. She erupted into a fit of laughter. She clutched her sides as she tried to apologize.
Neji felt embarrassed but he had already planned too much into the future. He had to see this through the end. Tenten managed to crawl to the edge of the bed. Face red from laughing and some tears on the edges of her eyes.
"A-Are you" a fit of laughter, "a-a-are" more laughing. She couldn't finish her question.
Neji reached up and pulled her down. Once again Neji didn't plan on how much gravity was going to help him that evening. Tenten came crashing down on top of Neji. He was left a bit winded and Tenten laughed some more.
Neji laughed along with his girlfriend. What an unusual night.
The two love birds did eventually have a long night of passion. It was an intoxicating night.
After that night Neji was practically glued to Tenten. She still found the entire situation hilarious and was quick to share the news with Temari. Temari, of course, also found everything hilarious. She had something else to tease Neji about.
Neji didn't have a care in the world. Shikamaru was right. There was nothing more special than being in a relationship with the woman you love. If the two love birds were close before they were practically inseparable now.
Naruto teased in a semi serious tone that if she wasn't careful she too would end up pregnant. Tenten tackled him to the ground for that comment. Neji got revenge by throwing out his reason for not staying at their apartment. Naruto had to sleep with industrial ear plugs for a few nights.
Hiashi went down to Suna on Neji's last day there. He met his nephew at his hotel room. He shouldn't have been surprised when his nephew opened the door shirtless and covered with love bites.
Neji coughed to try and hide his embarrassment. "I didn't expect you for another hour."
"I believed you would have welcomed the news I brought. But I will walk down the hall and back to give you both some time to look presentable."
Neji just nodded as he shut the door awkwardly. As Hiashi walked away he laughed out loud. A bit out of character for him. He hadn't seen Neji this happy in years. He truly was glad.
Walking back from his detour, Hiashi once again, knocked on the door. This time Neji was better prepared and welcomed his uncle in. Tenten was still blushed as she sat on the end of the large bed.
Pleasantries were exchanged as Hiashi got himself comfortable on a lounge chair. He stared at the two young adults before him. They were radienting. It reminded him of his younger years with his late wife.
Hiashi gave them a small smile. "Neji as you are aware the partners are very pleased with your work here."
"Thank you Uncle."
"I'll make my visit here short. I do have a dinner meeting with some from the company later this evening. Neji how would you like to stay here in Suna?"
Both Neji and Tenten were stunned. They glanced at each other briefly before Neji spoke. "B-But the business in Konoha-"
"Will continue to be there. Hanabi will take over with Hinata as guidance when she is old enough. Besides both girls will still have you for support as well."
"I don't know what to say."
"You are happy here, yes?"
Neji grabbed Tenten's hand. "Yes."
"Then I see no problem. Beside the partners would be more than thrilled to have you on board. They've hounded me for some time to be honest."
"I don't know how I will ever thank you."
"Continue to be happy. Miss Tenten I give you a serious task. Please take care of him."
"I-I will. I promise." Tenten wiped away the tears forming.
Hiashi stood up, "I will take care of the boring paperwork. As far as this transfer is concerned you are now a permanent member of the Suna branch."
Neji stood as well. He hugged his uncle. "Thank you."
"Your father would be so proud."
The following weeks that followed were hectic. Neji now leading the Suna branch had to find a new home. The hotel was nice but he needed an actual place to call home. Luckily he had not only Tenten helping him look but the guys as well. Every hour someone would send him photos of houses for sale along with realtors who could help him.
Neji finally made his choice in a slightly (in his eyes) upscale neighborhood. Everyone teased him about famous neighbors. Neji merely rolled his eyes. It's like they've never lived next door to a council member of the city government.
Wait.
Oh.
That was the joke.
But that didn't stop anyone from dropping by his house like they owned the place. Frankly Neji was still a bit unnerved how the guys, Tenten was obviously the exception, made themselves so comfortable in his home. Maybe he needed to set his alarm to kill mode.
Tenten was at his home almost everyday. The dogs absolutely loved the enormous backyard. She used that as an excuse to come and visit. Not that she needed one. Neji loved having them around. Yes he even admitted that he liked having the drooling beasts around. After that statement Tenten made the bold decision to invite herself to stay, permanently. If he was ok with that.
Neji personally packed all her belongings from her old place to their new home together. Naruto was sad at first but was quick to smile and hug the air out of Tenten's lungs.
"If he ever annoys you to hell your room will always be here."
Without anyone's knowledge the boys, Temari was also in on this, made a bet to how long it would take Neji to get Tenten pregnant. Gaara won the bet. Not that they would tell anyone.
Months went by as Neji and Tenten got used to living in the same space together. Neji managed to convince Tenten to leave her terrible part time job to come work for his company. Tenten was wary of course. She didn't want to seem like she got the job because her boyfriend was basically the boss. Neji assured her the partners liked her organization skills. Her sharp eyes were a valuable asset.
"You're just saying that because you like my ass." Tenten joked.
Neji rolled his eyes. "Of course I do but that is beside the point. You wouldn't be working under me. It's another department. You could work from home if you liked or in the office. The hours are very flexible."
"Are you trying to make me a housewife?"
"Of course not. You're much too independent for that. The job has better pay, work conditions, and hours. I wouldn't trust just anybody with important information."
Ok so Neji sweet talked her into the job a bit. But who wouldn't want to stay home and work with your dogs? (Oh the irony of today)
For the most part Neji would leave for work early in the morning. Tenten would see him off as she would take the dogs on an early morning run. If she needed to really focus on work then she would head into the office after a shower. If she felt a bit lazier than she would stay home and work in her office. Yes she had her own office. The dogs had their own room, not that they used it. The house was that big.
Everyone made the trip to Konoha in September for the birth of Temari and Shikamaru's child. Hinata and Hanabi met them at the hospital, even Uncle Hiashi stopped by to say his congratulations. No one in the hospital room had a dry eye.
It was during this time that Naruto and Hinata spent more quality time alone. By quality time, Naruto's bright idea was to go around and taste ramen and compare it to his favorite back home. Hinata didn't mind one bit. It was how the duo somehow got into a ramen eating contest. Hinata won.
Everyone was extremely surprised and impressed that she ate more than Naruto. Her picture on the wall, and a couple of free T-shirts, were proof that she had an even bigger stomach. That's when Naruto fell in love with the shy heiress.
Neji adjusted to life in Suna just fine. With the support of his loving girlfriend and her family he never felt alone. He kept daily, if not weekly, contact with his family and friends. He couldn't ask for more. He was happy.
After a particular long day of work Neji walked tiredly from a convenient store to his car. (Yes his beloved Bumblebee Camaro) Tenten was in the mood for chocolate so Neji, the ever loving boyfriend that he is, stopped to pick some up before heading home.
On his way back he stopped by a small group of people outside. They were handing out flyers and chatting with whoever would listen. Neji grabbed a flyer and looked to see it was an adoption event.
Someone was trying to inform him of all the animals they had but Neji walked past them and entered the building. He was met with the smell of animals and the loud noises of barking and people talking. Neji wasn't even interested in looking for another animal. Dash and Sugar were plenty of trouble.
Tenten probably wouldn't oppose another drooling mutt. Neji lazily scanned his surroundings. People stood by or in front of cages that housed dogs, cats, rabbits, and even a snake or two. Neji was still extremely exhausted from work. Why was he here?
He heard someone swoon over 'cute puppies' that caught his attention. Everyone was cuddling small fluffy puppies. He did notice one puppy isolated from the rest. All white with a black nose. The puppy was standing on his hind legs as his front paws scratched at the wire bars. He was crying. Begging for someone to look at him.
Neji and the puppy made eye contact. The puppy stopped moving. His eyes pierced deeply. Neji walked over and the puppy sat down. He wagged his tail. Neji fit, as best he could, his fingers through the bars to pet the small puppy. The puppy licked his fingers and his tail went off like a bullet with how fast it was moving.
A worker from the adoption event came over.
"I'm sorry sir this puppy isn't available."
Neji was a bit disappointed. "Oh so he has found his family."
"No it's not that. It's a medical reason."
"He's sick?"
"Well technically yes but it's just a skin condition." The young man pointed to a sign near the kennel door. "He's got mange. It's not life threatening but it's a long process to clear out. At least 2-3 months. Most people don't want the hassle to fix him so we're holding on to him until he's better."
"That's stupid."
"It's understandable."
"If people don't want him now as he is then what's to stop them in the future if he gets injured or sick?"
"Well-"
"I'll take him."
The young man was visibly shaken. "B-But he isn't-"
"I don't mind the skin condition. My girlfriend and I will continue his treatment."
"I can't-"
"Who is in charge?" Neji asked annoyingly.
"I'll get her." The young man scurried away.
The puppy let out an excited yip and began to scratch at the bars again. Neji once again did his best to pet him through the cage. The puppy happily licked at his fingers.
"Sir I'm told you're interested Diego?"
"Not interested. I will take him."
"You were told he isn't available due to a medical reason."
"If no one else wants to take him as he is now then they shouldn't take him when he's better."
"Even if it's a policy that I can't give you a sick animal?"
"I would hardly call a skin issue an illness. He isn't dying of the plague."
"He'll likely have skin issues for the rest of his life."
"This mange condition is permanent?"
"No. He's coat is white. He'll be more prone to sunburns, severe allergies due to his skin color and being a Pitbull. Sir he's a walking medical bill. He's not going with just anybody."
"Then I'll be walking him to the vet with him everyday if need be." He takes out his phone to show a picture of a smiling Tenten, a drooling Dash, and an indifferent Sugar.
"As you can see we have quite a bit of experience."
"Sir I don't mean to be rude but so does everyone else who has shown interest in him."
"And how many have stayed when you told them of his medical bill?"
She stayed silent.
"If I wanted him for any 'evil' purpose I would simply buy a puppy. Both of our dogs are strays from the street. Completely vaccinated, micro chipped (this was made sure of when Dash ran away), and sterile. As you can also see their ears have remained natural."
"You are a very hard headed man."
"Yes my girlfriend reminds me of that fact often."
"Bless her heart."
"Indeed."
The woman sighed heavily. "If you really want him then come back in 2 days. He has another vet check up tomorrow to assess his mange."
"Then I can take him?"
"Maybe. I'll be showing you have much medication he'll be needing and all his care. If you haven't run away at that point then yes, you may adopt him."
"Excellent. I will see you in two days. Will this same time work? It's when I end the work day."
"That'll be fine."
True to his word Neji returned for 'Diego'. He didn't blink at all the health care instructions thrown his way. He was already mentally planning when his oral medication would be given as well as just jumping in the tub with the puppy for his medicated baths.
The manager felt no regret handing Diego off with his bag of medication. Neji only had one question.
"I am allowed to change his name, correct?"
The manager laughed. Out of everything that was discussed that was his question?
"Yes you can."
Neji happily left with a wiggly puppy in his arms. Tenten influenced him a bit too much.
Arriving home he could hear Dash making his way to the front door. Sugar most likely lounging on her large dog bed. Neji was a bit nervous for the dogs to meet the puppy. He probably should have consulted Tenten about properly introducing animals.
It was too late for that now. He stepped through the front door and Dash nearly knocked him down but stopped himself when he saw the small puppy. Dash tilted his head in confusion. Neji walked further into the living after petting the excited dog.
"Meet your new friend."
Dash sniffed the puppy and followed Neji's every step. Sugar lifted her head when she caught wind of the new scent. She jumped out her bed and also sniffed the puppy. Neji remained calm as the adult dogs investigated the new squirming puppy.
"Neji! I have something to tell you!"
"So do I."
Tenten practically ran to meet him in their living room.
"Ok don't freak out because it's not that big of a deal ok? So just remain calm. Everything will be ok. Totally ok. Nothing to worry about."
Neji just stared at her. Dash and Sugar stared at her. It wasn't until Diego let out a tiny bark that broke Tenten's rambling. When she finally made eye contact with a white, patchy haired, puppy she left out a tiny shriek.
"Who is this?!"
She proceeded to pluck Diego from his arms. She snuggled and kissed him.
"For now this is Diego."
"What do you mean for now? We have to give him back?!" Tenten asked in tears.
"No he's our new pet. I just don't like his name. We need a new one for him."
"He's so precious Neji! I love the white coat. Oh why is he missing fur?"
"Mange. I have all his medicine here. It should heal in the next 2 months. We have to follow everything to the letter. He'll be retested to make sure all the mites are dead."
"Oh you poor baby! We'll clear those tiny bugs out. Don't worry you little angel."
Angel.
"I like that."
Tenten was still too obsessed cooing over the puppy to notice Neji saying anything. Dash and Sugar continued to sniff the new member of the family. Tenten sat down to the level of the dogs for better eye contact.
"You guys better be nice to the new guy. Ok?"
"Yes you must treat Angel with respect. No bullying."
"Angel? Is that his new name?"
"It is fitting."
Tenten hugged the puppy a little tighter. "I love it."
"Now what is it you wanted to tell me?"
Tenten suddenly grew very quiet. Neji grew concerned.
"Is everything ok?"
"Totally ok!" She squeaked out.
Dash and Sugar whined at her high pitch. They walked away. Angel squirmed uncomfortably in her arms. He managed to wiggle free and ran after the bigger dogs. Now it was just two nervous adults.
Tenten slowly stood up. She couldn't make eye contact.
Neji took hold of her hands. "Whatever you have to tell me, just speak your mind."
Tenten took a big breath. She freed one hand from his hold and took something out her back pocket.
"Let's just say we're now going to have 2 babies in the house."
She awkwardly held up a pregnancy test.
"Surprise," she weakly said.
Neji was frozen.
Tenten tried to swallow the lump in her throat. This wasn't something they talked about in detail. It just wasn't a subject that was brought up. Not even when baby Shikadai was born did they mention about starting their own family. I mean they had the dogs sure but children?
"Neji?"
He blinked. Everything was clear. He knew what he had to do. He fell down to his knees. "Marry me."
Tenten lost her breath. "W-What."
"I love you."
Tenten almost fainted. Those words were spoken rarely. Neji was a man of action and not many words. Any time he said those 3 words he meant every word.
"I-"
"Before you say anything, I'm not asking you because you're expecting our child. If you choose to accept me and my many flaws, we will marry because we want to spend the rest of our lives together."
"E-Even if I want more dogs?" Tenten asked as tears fell freely from her eyes.
"We could fill a whole house of the drooling beast. So long as you remain by me."
"Yes."
Neji felt an enormous weight lift from his soul. He kissed her belly before standing and kissing her lips.
"I love you Tenten."
"I love you Neji."
Needless to say both got an unsuspected Christmas present that year.
Everyone was very happy for the couple. If Neji was overprotected before he was almost unbearable now. Tenten on more than one occasion used her old room in Naruto's apartment to put some distance between Neji's hovering. That, of course, did nothing for Neji's nerves.
After a very long and painful lecture by Hinata and Temari did Neji finally ease up a bit.
He still didn't allow Tenten to walk the dogs. Tenten tried to fight with him on that but he put his foot down. For the most part the dogs were trained well but if for any reason they decided to yang on the leash, Neji didn't want to endanger Tenten or their child. She pouted but grudgingly agreed.
Angel fit into the pack very nicely. His mange cleared right up and his skin was under careful supervision. So far no allergies. He flourished and is still growing well. He was very much 'Neji's' dog no matter how much he denied that fact. Angel follows him everywhere and snuggles next to him.
Neji was just coming back from a morning run with all three dogs. The dogs eagerly ran in to greet Tenten and have their morning meal. Neji kisses Tenten and her belly. Neji fed the dogs as Tenten got Neji's coffee started.
Neji took a moment to look back on his life.
He never would have known a simple trip to Suna would have turned his life on his head. He was glad he took the business trip with his uncle. He would never have met Tenten or her crazy dog Dash. He wouldn't have found his old self, changed his bad ways. He certainly wouldn't be starting a family with someone he loved very dearly.
He was grateful to the city and it's blazing sun.
First please ignore any error in the timeline. I kinda rushed this chapter a bit to fit everything. I didn't want to risk separating it into another chapter because as we all know, it would just have expanded to another chapter and it would have been never ending. I want to thank everyone who followed me throughout this journey. It has been a wild ride. I can't express how it is to finally finish this story. I have thoroughly enjoyed writing this. It might be awhile for my next story but I do want to continue writing. Thank you again everyone and please let me know what you thought of the ending. Stay safe everyone!
