Well since chapter 2 is already done I decided to post it up as well, woo. Not much to say in this a/n except that Neji opening up to Tenten is one of my fave things to write, and that I really enjoyed writing this chapter, I mean I enjoyed writing them all but still. Now time to enjoy chapter 2.

Disclaimer: Naruto doesn't belong to me.

Chapter 2: Release

The sun was going down. Team Guy, minus Neji, was just about to finish their training for the day. Guy had decided not to enter his team in the Chuunin exams of that year and his students had no problem with this, gladly taking on the extra time to train and improve themselves. Lee was busy with push-ups, way above the normal amount most people could do. Tenten was training with her scrolls and weapons. She'd mastered most of them already, there were only a few left that still needed a bit of work. As soon as Guy sensei called it in for the day, Tenten returned all the weapons to her scrolls and put them in her holsters.

"Guy sensei, is there a reason Neji wasn't here today?" Tenten asked

"He didn't go into specifics but he said it was personal." Guy had a serious look on his face that suggested he knew more than he was revealing. Must be pretty serious for him to miss training. She thought to herself. Guy could see the care in her eyes, that she wanted to check on her teammate so he told her where Neji would most likely still be.

"Did he lose someone, sensei?"

"I'll let him explain that to you."

I hope he's okay. After training had ended and she'd said goodbye to Lee and Guy, Tenten headed home but decided to take the long way. She'd stopped by the dumpling shop to get her favourite dumplings with sesame seeds, she was going to enjoy them a little later. She held on to her package as she walked closer to the Konoha Cemetery and just as Guy sensei said, she could see his long dark hair bound in a low ponytail. He was standing in front of a gravestone, his head lowered. Tenten had second thoughts about going to see him but went in anyways. There was a stillness that followed as she walked in, only the sounds of her shoes on the grass. Before she got to him he stood, saw her peripherally and adjusted his headband, surprised to see her.

"Neji…sorry was I interrupting?"

"No it's alright, did you need something?"

"Not exactly. I just noticed you weren't at training so I wanted to check on you, see if you were alright." She held the packet of dumplings a little closer to her chest

"I see…"

"I'll let you get back to it, you're clearly still busy visiting…" she was just about to turn and leave

"My father and it's okay really, I was finished." His words stopped her. She walked closer until she was right next to him

"Your father?" she said almost in a whisper, she felt her heart grow heavier "Neji I'm so sorry." She saw him clench his fist but then he took a deep breath

"We can talk about something else if you want." She offered

"That's alright, it's not like it's a secret." He looked at her and saw familiarity cross her face. She remembered their conversation from when they were kids

"So this has to do with that day when we met?"

"In a way but it's a long story."

"Well I've got dumplings, we can go talk somewhere." She held up the packet with the smile of hers he was used to but never got tired of

The two of them left the cemetery and headed to the training grounds where Tenten had just been. They sat on the grass, a stick of dumplings in their hands. The sun had just dipped beneath the horizon. They were silent at first just looking at the sky and enjoying their snack. As soon as Neji finished his he sat up straighter.

"I lost my father when I was quite young, when I was four years old…" he thought it would be a lot harder talking to her about this. It was the first time he was he was fully opening up to her and the first time he was going into detail about what happened to his father. He wasn't taking this lightly but there was something about Tenten that made it so easy to talk to. He could tell she was more than politely and respectfully listening, she genuinely wanted to know and be sure he wasn't alone. A sentiment he was grateful for.

He'd explained everything to her: the main and branch member practises within the clan, the curse mark placed on him and how he'd lost his father and the fate that was forced on him. The pain of having the mark used against him. All of it. The painful truth. By the end of it his chest felt a lot lighter, it felt good to share his burden with someone he trusted—a friend.

"That's a lot to absorb." She admitted still taking everything in before forming her questions "Can I ask you something?" she didn't want to be insensitive and throw all her questions at him. He nodded in response

"Did it hurt…when they put the curse mark on?"

"It was excruciating." He answered truthfully. He'd always remember that pain. He lifted his hand to his forehead before he proceeded to untie his headband. Tenten's eyes widened slightly, from the way he always made sure it was always covered, she never thought he'd willingly show her.

"Back then I couldn't give you a proper answer when you asked me about this." He traced over the mark

"I figured it was a sensitive topic so I gave you an out." She took it in, the site and cause of so much pain for him. Unaware of her actions she reached out her hand but paused right before her fingers could brush his forehead. She looked into his eyes, asking if she could. Neji closed his eyes and relaxed. The last rays of sunshine about to disappear, she gently traced her fingers over the mark. How could something so small, so easily concealed be responsible for so much suffering?

Neji could feel her soft fingers tracing over his skin. She then put her hand on his shoulder and leaned him in a little. She'd brought her forehead to his, her eyes closed as well. They remained like that, in that intimate moment for a few seconds until Tenten pulled back. Neji couldn't help feeling he wanted that moment to last. They both opened their eyes.

"If you're ever in pain again, I hope you'll remember this feeling as well." She smiled

"I don't think I could forget a moment like this."

The two of them left the training grounds. Neji walked Tenten home, it was dark by the time they made it to her house. Tenten thanked him for walking her back and surprised him with a hug. He just smiled and hugged back. Before he left she'd tied his hair with another one of her hair ties with the same panda charm as all those years ago. When he asked why she'd given it to him she'd replied it was for old times' sake. He gladly accepted it and turned to go home.

For old times sake...and that is chapter two done. Hope you enjoyed it, reviews are welcome. Honestly the way these two have been shown to be close since the young Naruto has always had me thinking that Neji has told her quite a bit. Like when she went to see him after he'd lost his match to Naruto in the Chuunin's I was like nah there's something here, and that's partly where inspiration for this chapter came from.

Well that's it from me-

Until the next chapter:

Ketsui Tasogare :-)