Artheph's Note: This doesn't really have to do with a GRAND DISPLAY of love or a simple show of affection. But, hell, it was a romance, so WHY NOT put it in here. This is one of my darker and deeper stories, you could say. I mean, compared to say, "New and Improved" or "If Only," heck yeah. Oh, the description of Neji and Tenten might be a little off…considering I have never experienced the same things as they have…not that they're real or anything. So if you think it's immature or TOTALLY OFF, then too bad. Enjoy!

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Neji/Tenten

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"Neji…why are we afraid of commitment?"

They sat in their favorite training grounds with the moonlight spilling onto them through a space between the treetops. She was lying down, her head on his lap. He was staring ahead, absently playing with her brown hair that she had finally let down.

"Shall I repeat the same excuse?"

"Why not."

"It must be because we're ninjas. We're too afraid to get attached because face it, you and I could be gone the very next day. There's no point. And who would want to bear that pain, feel the worry, and live life in paranoia?"

Tenten was silent as Neji's words washed over her. That's what he told her every time she asked that question. She usually let it persuade her and quell all her doubts. And tonight was no different.

Neji was the master in the game of love. He was the controller in all his relationships. He could manipulate, overpower, and seduce. And if Neji was the master, Tenten was the mistress. The bat of an eyelash, the beckoning finger, and the sweep of shoulder-length hair were her favorite strategies. Their reputations were famous throughout the Fire country. Women and men came from various places in hopes to tame the fierce lion and the cunning lioness. But no one succeeded; Neji and Tenten always emerged triumphant.

The two had probably exhausted the entire village of Konoha. Nobody could resist their looks, charms, and skill. Of course, there were those who were off limits. For Tenten, Sasuke was a major no. Not only did he have Sakura written all over him, she didn't want to look like another mere member of that fan club of his, even though it probably would have been a fun challenge to dance in the fires with him. So if Tenten couldn't date Sasuke, Neji couldn't have a go at Sakura. It wasn't just because Sasuke already had her…pink just didn't suit Neji. And of course, Hinata was out of the question. The thought of incest was disgusting. Hey, Hyuuga Neji still had his morals. But the one guy and the one girl who were probably the most off limits? Each other. Sure, they were the best of friends. Nothing could separate them, except when they were off playing a game of love. They just had that mutual understanding and respect for how they led their lives. To even contemplate getting together would throw off that delicate balance that had taken so long to strengthen and took so much pain to keep.

Tenten looked up at Neji. If anyone else saw them like this, he or she would have definitely thought the two were finally together. Yet, though they went beyond the limits of friendly closeness, there was nothing between them. They were just so used to touch and the warmth of another body. Hell, they craved it. It was another side effect of being a ninja. Having to be so distant and emotionless for the majority of the day left a desire, a need to be held and even falsely loved. These two didn't care how they got it or who it came from. They just needed it to get through the night and the rest of their lives.

"I've got a date."

"Me too."

"Wanna bet again?"

"Might as well make it interesting."

"Alright. Whoever gets to the bed by ten wins."

Neji looked down at the girl who was his best friend and most likely the only one who understood him.

"Sure."

The two left on their separate paths.

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As Tenten was waiting at a restaurant, she heard some squealing girls gossiping at a nearby table.

"Oh God, have you SEEN Hyuuga Neji?"

"I know! I could just faint from the sexiness he exudes!"

"He MUST be using some sort of technique! Like a …oh, I dunno, Seductive no Jutsu!"

"Seductive no Jutsu? That's WAY lame!"

Tenten snickered to herself. That's the best they could come up with? Seductive no Jutsu? She probably would have busted up laughing had her date not just arrived.

Putting on a charming smile, she greeted him.

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Neji was walking towards the designated place for his date, but his mind was on a conversation he had earlier in the day.

"Sweet Kami-sama! Neji, I have NO idea what to do with you! Off you go every night, frolicking with a new girl each time! You have a reputation to uphold as a possible heir to the clan! So you had better stop you foolishness, or the Elders will never accept you at this rate!"

"Is that all you have to say, Uncle?"

"Dammit, Neji! If you keep up with this insolence, I'll have to arrange a marriage!"

"Che. Then I'd rather not be the heir."

"Nejiii!" a high-pitched voice called from behind him.

His date latched onto his arm.

Dismissing his thoughts, Neji led her into teahouse.

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The two were once again sitting in the moonlight, but this time, side by side.

"So? Did you do it by ten?"

"No. I wasn't in the mood."

"Hm. I wasn't either."

"…"

"Neji…why are we afraid of commitment?"

"Shall I repeat the same excuse?"

"No." Tenten shook her head. "No, it's just not enough anymore. I can't help but wonder and question what we're doing to ourselves." She turned to look at the man sitting beside her. "Is this what we really want?"

Neji looked into her doubting eyes. He cupped her chin and brought her face dangerously close to his.

"You don't want this kind of life anymore?"

"No…" she whispered.

Her breath reached his lips.

"Then I don't either."

Tenten couldn't suppress her grin. "You're not gonna pull a Seductive no Jutsu, are you?"

Neji paused in confusion but quickly caught on. "I don't think I'll need to."

And his lips touched hers.

But it wasn't just to satisfy desire or just to play a game. This was real; this was true.

They weren't afraid anymore.