Tenten couldn't figure out how to fix the problem. Hell, she wasn't even entirely sure what the problem was. All she knew was it had something to do with Neji and his haughty ass.
So, she didn't want any ninja would do. She threw herself into her work by going straight to the Hokage's office and requesting a mission separate from her main squad. This request was slightly complicated by the fact that the Hokage was her Sensei's boyfriend, and someone she saw almost every weekend at their family dinners.
Kakashi squinted at her from across the table. His scar wrinkled, and Tenten thought about how even after all this time she still felt weird seeing both of his eyes. She forced herself to maintain eye contact anyways.
After several long moments, Kakashi sighed. "I'm not going to ask you why, because it's not my place, but I am going to tell you that Gai will not be happy. Because that is my place to say."
Tenten nodded but didn't say a word. She didn't know what to say. She knew Gai would be upset but that wasn't the point right now. Right now, she needed space, and Gai would just have to respect that. Like how Kakashi was respecting her now by not asking her why.
Kakashi sighed again, "Alright, I can put you on a mission. Shino is injured right now, but I could really use Kiba for tracking. You can be Team Eight's long-distance fighter."
Tenten felt herself physically deflate. Dog boy and Neji's cousin? Not exactly the mission she wanted, but beggars couldn't be choosers. "Thank you, Hokage-sama."
"They leave tomorrow at sunrise. Hinata can explain while you're traveling. It shouldn't last more than two weeks."
Tenten thanked him again once more before leaving. She was already packed, having always had a scroll for missions prepared, but she always double checked her things before a mission.
Despite their recent frustrations, she also needed to say goodbye to her teammates. This shouldn't be a particularly dangerous mission considering she was being tacked onto it last minute, but even the easiest of missions could turn sour fast. Leaving without saying goodbye was not how Team Gai worked.
She went to Gai Sensei first, before Kakashi could talk to him. She didn't mention that she had specifically asked to be sent on a mission without their team and she hoped she was gone before Kakashi dropped that truth bomb. Even still, Gai studied her intentionally for a minute after he released her from a hug. His stare was too serious, and she felt as if he could see right through her.
"Sometimes change is good, Tenten." Was all he said before grabbing some curry from the fridge. He handed it to her, and she accepted it with a smile. It was customary for Gai Sensei to give them each a bowl of curry before they went on missions without the rest of the team.
Next, she went to Lee's apartment. She didn't stay there long because to this day she still couldn't handle his emotions. It warmed her heart to think of how much he cared for her, but in the moment, it was just too much. She hugged him tight and promised she would be okay before leaving.
Finally, she found herself outside of Neji's door. The hardest one to say goodbye to. Standing outside of the Hyuga compound she almost turned around without saying goodbye. But in her heart, Tenten knew if she did that, she'd be creating an even bigger rift between the two of them. So, she puffed up her chest and knocked on his door. She waited a minute with no response before knocking again, a little louder.
When his door swung open Tenten felt her breath leave her. Neji was standing in the doorway with bleary eyes, his hair tied back, and only wearing a pair of loose white shorts. Every time she saw his bare chest Tenten was shocked all over again.
Neji had survived the spikes entering his body, barely, but they had left deep marks marring most of his torso. It looked like someone had taken a few giant scoops out of him.
The longer she stared, the less bleary his eyes became and the more his scowl deepened. He went back into his bedroom and pulled on his normal kimono. Tenten followed him inside.
His voice was soft despite the scowl on his face. He knew exactly what was wrong without even asking. "You have seen these scars a hundred times, Tenten. I do not know what to do anymore. I even swim with a shirt on."
"Sorry… it just shocks me every time."
"I know."
"I keep remembering how close we were to losing you."
"I know."
"I never want to feel that away again Neji, it was horrible." To Tenten's horror, her eyes began to burn, and she worried she would cry.
Neji crossed the room and wrapped his teammate up in his arms. Tenten was the perfect height to bury her face into the crook of his neck. He smelled nice, he smelled like home to her. This was how they were meant to be, not keeping secrets from each other.
On that note, Tenten pulled away. Neji was smiling at her in the way he usually reserved for his teammates.
"So, why were you stopping by?" Neji asked as he sat down on the bed.
Tenten laid down on the bed, stretching out like she owned it. "Oh, I'm going on a mission with Team Eight first thing tomorrow. Wanted to tell you."
"Oh." There was a long pause before Neji spoke again. "Okay, be careful. What will you be doing?"
She shrugged, "Not sure. I have to ask Hinata. I'm assuming I'll mostly be providing backup for Kiba. He's tracking something."
Neji nodded and reclined back beside her. The pair stayed there staring at the ceiling for several minutes without speaking. It was peaceful, and Tenten nearly dozed off. Normally they would hang out at her place, Neji still not feeling entirely comfortable at the Hyuga compound, but Neji's room was still a familiar place for her.
Tenten just had to go and ruin that peace.
"So, when were you going to tell me about your new wife?"
Neji's whole body stiffened, "If you want to fight you can just leave."
"That's not what I want." Tenten said quickly and waited a second for Neji to say something. When he didn't, she continued, "I just…felt… well." She scrunched her nose up as she was thinking.
"I did not mean to make you feel bad," Neji cut her off. "I did not tell you because this may not end up being anything."
"What do you mean?"
"Well…" Tenten sat up at the discomfort in Neji's voice and peered at his face. His cheeks were flushed, and he was refusing to make eye contact with her. "You know I do not wish to get married. I am just doing this to please my family."
"Neji, look at me." Tenten commanded. Neji looked at her, but his white eyes still didn't quite meet her own. "You do not have to do anything you do not want to do. Remember, you control your fate."
"Thanks, Tenten."