Disclaimer: I don't own Neji and Tenten. Waaah!
The Caged Bird
It had been 2 months since Shikamaru's group had gone to rescue Sasuke. Many had given up hope of ever seeing him again. However, their group teammates still believed in them.
Tenten's POV
I wonder where Neji is right now. I worry about him so much I haven't polished or sharpen my weapons for 3 weeks! If he doesn't come back I'll miss his advice, training together, and regret that I never told him that…
Flashback
"Your kudoichi skills are not good enough"
"So you mean we should train even though we have a day off?"
"Of course but, are trying to make a point of something?"
"No of course not."
3 hours of training later…
"Now we can take a break."
"Thanks. Um, Neji can I tell you something?"
"Sure."
"Um… Well I want to tell you that…"
"Fine, I have to tell you something. I have to go on a mission with Shikamaru, Naruto, Chouji, and Shino to rescue Sasuke from Orochimaru. And since you can't tell me what you have to say, promise you'll tell me after I return? And I'll tell you something too."
"Sure, I promise."
End of Flashback
"Tenten, do you realize I'm talking? The Great Green Beast of Konoha is saying that Neji, my great rival has returned from the mission and is greatly wounded. We must visit him and make him feel better, so he can enjoy the great flower of youth once more."
They grabbed the presents they had prepared for and went directly to the hospital. When they reached his room, they saw Gai-sensei sobbing sadly.
"Neji won't last much longer. Even Tsudane, the Hokage, can't heal him. However he asked me to give this to you, Tenten."
"You're kidding me! Neji's not going to die. I didn't even tell him what I needed to tell him. He didn't tell me what he wanted to say either."
"I agree with Gai. Read your note and we must let Neji enjoy the flower of his youth while he can."
"Fine!"
The note said:
I'm about to die but I'm not sad. I was always like a caged bird, wanting freedom. Now I can have it. I still regret a few things: not getting revenge on the Main House, and not telling you what I needed to say. I love you.
On the bottom was a small package. Opening it, she found a crystal bird, wings unfurling. So then she went to give Neji his present. She threw the small kunai out and miraculously Neji still caught it. It was engraved in blood; the message was "I love you. Tenten." His eyes fluttered opened and read the message. His eyes closed slowly and a smile formed on his face.
Tsudan later said that he had died, so they buried him with the kunai in his hand.
"The caged bird was finally free."
The End