I don't own naruto.
Sorry for late update. Really sorry! T.T My excuse? School just started. Pity me.
So I got an extra long chapter. Hope its ok…
Thanks to all the reviewers!
Day 3: A Picnic and Accidents
"Gai-sensei, what exactly are we doing?"
Tenten was currently sitting inside a bush, giving off a perfect view of a small field and its nearby lake, while being hidden at the same time. The weather was flawless, a gentle breeze blowing and a few stray clouds floating lazily around the vast blue sky. A few rowboats floated lazily around, tied up loosely along the edge of the lake, which was beginning to erode. The weather was perfect. Perfect for picnicking, in fact.
It was the day that her team usually met up for their monthly reunion, as they could hardly find time to talk to each other since Tenten, Neji and Lee had been slowly promoted to chuunin over the years. The idea, of course, was Gai-sensei's, which Lee happily, and willingly, went along with. Tenten didn't really mind but another thing could be said for Neji.
Lee and Gai-sensei had shamelessly stalked Neji for weeks, after he had refused to train with the team once a month, as at the time he had been the only one promoted. They would beg with Neji to reunite once a month by popping up in the most surprising of times, trying to pry a 'yes' out of him when his guard was down. Tenten grimaced slightly as she recalled what had happened when Lee decided he would pop up on Neji while the Hyuuga was taking a shower.
After that incident, a few broken bones and hospitalizations later, Neji had begrudgingly agreed, on the condition that Lee would never ever enter a room while Neji was most likely to be undressed again.
And so it had somewhat become a tradition that their former team would meet up on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Those days would usually be spent talking about current events and going out for lunch, and sometimes even training like the old days. It was like a rhythm Tenten had gotten used to, and she now even looked forward to their reunions.
That was why Tenten felt something was amiss when she found herself sitting in a fairly large bush, along with Gai-sensei, Lee, and a sour Neji.
In reply to Tenten's question, Gai-sensei turned towards her with a huge grin on is face. "Ah, Tenten," he spoke quietly, yet excitedly, "I'm afraid something has come up. We shall not be having our little reunion party this month. Instead… We have… a MISSION!"
Tenten cringed inwardly at the word 'mission'. She had been looking forward to today as well, promising herself she wouldn't blame Neji for everything... But a mission wouldn't be so bad… She had been a bit out of practice since there were no calls for shinobi work for the last few days…
Flicking her eyes over her former teammates, she saw that Neji was trying to compress a look of interest and relief from spreading across his face. Lee was… Lee.
His face looked grim with determination and his eyes were sparkling vigorously. "A MISSION!" he exclaimed, as Tenten cringed again from the word, "No matter that our reunion was interrupted! I will try my hardest… for Gai-sensei… and Sakura-san!"
Well, looked like they were in. "What's the mission?" she asked, curious what was important enough to interrupt what Gai-sensei had deemed one of the top ten important things ever.
To her annoyance, her enquiry was ignored. "Ah, Lee!" Gai-sensei exclaimed, eyes shining, "That is the attitude that is expected in the face of danger! Motivation for your sensei and love! Striving on the Flames of Youth! Action in the Springtime of your You-"
"Gai-sensei," Tenten said through gritted teeth, "What is the mission?" The constant scratching and prickling of the bush was starting to annoy her. Her hair was being teased from its buns, causing it to constantly tickle her face. Plus, Neji was starting to look quite lethal as well and Lee looked as if he was about to cry from pride.
Gai-sensei didn't seem phased at the rude disruption. "Ah, yes…" he said, his face turning dark and apprehensive. "This… Mission… will most probably be one of the most difficult you, my former subordinates, will have to face! This single mission is of the greatest importance! Failure would immediately result in permanent maiming of your youth and mental trauma! This mission… will be… the Challenge of the Springtime… of your… YOUTH!"
Lee's face, if possible, looked even more determined at this. Neji even let a smidget of interest be shown on his face. And herself? She was looking forward to this.
Gai-sensei, getting even more riled up at the apprehension being shown on his former subordinate's faces, carried on, confidence weighing down every syllable. "But do not fear my former subordinates! I deem you capable of getting though this! I BELIEVE in you!" He flashed the signature thumbs-up sign before returning to a serious tone. "My former subordinates… this mission… involves spying. Spying on one of the most dangerous shinobi known to this world! The mission… Is to spy on…"
Gai-sensei was suddenly cut off as the four felt the presence of people approaching the field. This was it.
Tenten tightened her forehead protector as she prepared for the task ahead of her. She flipped a kunai out of her holster testing its durability. Glancing over at everyone else, she saw them preparing for the assignment as well.
Taking care to be hidden, Tenten faced towards the field, ready for the mission.
She sensed four figures. As Tenten reached out to analyze the targets, she was rather surprised that they did not attempt to conceal their chakra at all. They all seemed at peace…
She tried to squeeze herself in a more convenient position, ignoring the scratching of the bush, trying to make absolutely no sound, and waited.
Slowly, footsteps could be heard. Tenten braced herself. Shadows could be seen approaching.
Damn… One of them was stronger then she thought. She tightened her grip on her kunai as she felt a tiny bubble of unwanted apprehension pop up in her stomach. And if one of them made a mistake, it could be fatal.
Slowly, slowly, the figures appeared into view… A bead of sweat rolled down her forehead and onto her nose, but she didn't dare to move. One mistake…
"Eh, Kakashi-sensei, is it here? I'm hungry!"
"Shut up, dobe."
"Don't annoy Sasuke-kun, Naruto!"
"Settle down. We're here."
…
WHAT?
"SAKURA-SAN!" Lee yelled blissfully, running out of the bush and blowing their cover.
Gai-sensei was so going to be the new target for her target practice.
i...i. i...i. i...i. i...i. i...i. i...i. i...i. i...i. i...i.
"Ah, Kakashi, my Eternal Rival! You have beaten me this time, but I, Maito Gai, still stand in the lead at 99 to 98!"
"Hmm? Did you say something?"
Tenten watched contentedly as Gai-sensei was subjected to the techniques of Kakashi. He deserved it. Making them spy on his rival on a day off and leading them to think that a life threatening, vital mission was at hand. She smiled happily, seeing tears of despair streaming down her former Sensei's face as she tuned out from their conversation, looking for the others.
Neji and the Uchiha boy were nowhere to be seen, but that wasn't so surprising. She was quite disappointed to see that Lee was engaged in an all out battle with Naruto. That is, an all out battle to win Sakura's affection by seeing who could set the picnic supplies brought out by Team Seven the fastest.
The cause of the commotion, Sakura, was currently sitting on a nearby tree stump, watching the two boys clumsily juggle plates and food, an apprehensive look stamped onto her face.
A look of relief washed over the girl's face as all the supplies were placed down safely, no damages caused. Tenten could sympathize; though Lee was a Taijustsu master, when in a spur, he was prone to cause accidents.
"So," Sakura said, smiling at Tenten. She could feel the girl seemed a bit nervous. The two girls hardly knew each other, if at all, and Tenten didn't exactly feel peachy about her, given her history with Lee and all.
"Um…" the petal-haired girl stalled, thinking of something to talk about. Her face brightened up a bit as she found a subject. "I saw you the other day, walking with Neji. Are you two together?"
Tenten smiled widely at this, a triumphant feeling spreading across her body. Her plan had worked! At this rate, she could kiss goodbye to marriage!
"Yes!" Tenten replied quickly, excitement evident in her voice. Clearing her throat, she pushed down her excitement and trying to sound normal. "Yes. I mean… Sort of…" A sheepish grin appeared on her face, wondering how Neji would feel about her spreading this information to a person who would most likely yap about it all across the village.
Sakura smiled a genuine smile. "Aw!" she exclaimed, a dreamy look appearing in her eyes, "That was so sweet of Neji! I wish Sas- A boy would take me out and hold my hand! You're so lucky, Tenten!"
Tenten grinned, mentally nodding to herself. Yes, she was lucky wasn't sh- what? No. She wasn't lucky! She was going through hell! She was unlucky, even desperate to have to resort to holding Neji's hand! How could Sakura- how could she think that-
Tenten knew what it was. Sakura, Lee and Naruto must all share an undiscovered toxin. Being around the romantically-unfortunate must be affecting her.
Before she could reply to Sakura's comment, she was interrupted. A sound of two bodies colliding with each other, falling on and smashing plates and cries of outrage could be heard, nearby where Tenten was conversing with Sakura.
She saw Neji and the Uchiha boy zip back to the field to see what all the commotion was about. But Tenten didn't have to look to know what had happened.
Slowly turning her head around, her eyes were greeted with the sight of Naruto and Lee, bodies tangled up with each other, lying on top of what used to be a full plate of rice cakes, a large cake and other assorted foods.
"NARUTO!" Sakura screeched, throwing off her look of politeness.
Hmm. Tenten had been hungry too.
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Fifteen minutes later, Tenten found herself being ushered over to the rowboats by an enthusiastic Gai-sensei and not-so-enthusiastic Kakashi.
"Don't worry, subordinates of my eternal rival and myself," Gai said, flashing a thumbs up, "We shall look for food while you can go enjoy the Springtime of your Youth!"
"Yes!" Naruto exclaimed. He lowered his voice to what he thought was a quiet tone before saying, "I can rowboat with Sakura-chan… and I will pledge my love to her in the romantic atmosphere…"
Unfortunately, Lee had had the same idea. "Ah," he said, his eyebrows knitting close to each other, "Unfortunately for you, it will not be you rowing with Sakura-san and pledging your love! I, Rock Lee-"
"What? You, Fuzzy eyebrows?"
Sakura, who had heard every word, began to edge her way nervously over to Sasuke, who just ignored her, shoving his hands into his pockets.
Tenten eyed the rowboats warily. There were 3 of them, and none looked too sturdy. All looked aged and breakable. "Gai-sensei…" Tenten began, "I don't think…"
"No." The Uchiha boy stated bluntly, "I am not row-boating."
For once, Neji seemed to agree with someone. "I'm with Uchiha. This is a useless task."
At this Gai seemed at a lost for words. He didn't know what to say. Luckily, he was saved by the most unsuspecting person, Kakashi.
"Eh. Sasuke, Neji." Kakashi said, lazily. Tenten was surprised. She had never heard anyone say Neji's name so… so… aloofly. "You can think of it as training," he continued, "Strengthening your arms."
The two had been caught at the word 'training'. Both eyed each other suspiciously, Tenten smiled slightly. Both number one rookies of their year, both geniuses, the rivalry was expected.
"Fine." Neji snapped, turning away. The Uchiha boy, seeming to have no choice since Neji had agreed, gave off a 'Hmmph' before turning away towards the first boat and sauntering off.
"Oh," Kakashi said, with what seemed like a grin on his face, "Two to a boat! We wouldn't want any of you to be caught in the middle of the lake by yourselves, would we?" Tenten heard a few skeptical snorts come from Neji and the Uchiha. She agreed with them. Who would be stupid enough to- Oh. She would have to avoid getting in a boat with Naruto or Lee, then.
Luckily, and unluckily, she had been saved from this trauma by a most unsuspecting person. "Tenten," gushed Sakura, the dreamy look back in her eyes, "Are you going to row with Neji? Since he's your boyfriend and all? How romantic!"
A wave of annoyance washed over her face. Now Neji would know she had told! That loud-mouthed…
But… then she wouldn't be stuck with any accident-prone people! Tenten grinned, remembering that Neji was her supposed boyfriend… it made sense!
Turning around to hop in Neji's boat, she noticed a familiar prickling sensation pierce her skin. There it was. Not again! Tenten cringed, knowing fully who the glare was coming from and that she was definitely its target. And she cringed again, having realized her mistake.
She was so dead.
Sakura, being untactful as she was, had said it loud enough for everyone there to hear. Loud enough that Lee, Naruto, Gai-sensei and worse, the Uchiha boy had heard it. She quickly turned around, flashing an apologetic grin at Neji, but that didn't stop the two white eyes glaring at her. A dangerous aura surrounded the Prodigy and Tenten swore it was deteriorating the boat around it.
What was worse was the Uchiha boy's face. Though he said nothing, it was obvious what he was thinking. His face was practically scorning Neji, as if to say, 'Pah? Boyfriend? How pathetic.'
Again, Tenten cringed as she felt the glare intensify, if possible. That glare had been directed at her a lot lately. She could practically feel Neji's future kunai digging into her flesh.
A look of horror flashed onto Lee's face. Astonishment was evident in his round eyes. "Tenten!" he said, half gasping, "You're dating this… monster!"
Death by Hyuuga. How charming.
Damn it! She couldn't risk getting Neji any more peeved off! Laughing loudly and looking a bit crazed, Tenten skipped over to Neji's boat. "Better get rowing! Don't want to waste the Springtime of our Youths, do we?" And with that she hopped into the battered boat, before anymore could be said.
Unfortunately, Tenten had forgotten the boats less-then-fresh state and her sudden weight to the boat caused it to tip, dropping the left oar from its hold. Cursing softly as she regained her balance, she looked over at Neji who was grinning at her smugly.
"What?" she asked, a suspicious expression creeping onto her face.
"Tenten," Neji said, a smirk tweaking his mouth and speaking in a totally civil tone. Tenten knew otherwise. This Hyuuga could hold a grudge. "Aren't you going to get that oar?"
A frown appeared on her face as she realized what he was so smug about. Tenten wasn't good with boats. She preferred balanced things, it helped with her aim. Neji knew it too.
"Aren't you going to be a gentleman, Neji?" Tenten asked, a strained smile replacing her frown.
Neji scoffed, still with his slate-like face, irking Tenten with every movement. "No."
Scowling, Tenten sat down and leaned on the side of the boat. She knew there was no arguing. Besides, this wasn't as bad as a punishment Neji could dish out. Actually this was quite easy.
So on a rickety old boat, Tenten was leaning over, trying not to tip the boat while trying to reach out as far as possible as well. Reaching for the oar, she found that she was just a few inches off. She stretched out a bit, leaning her stomach on the edge of the boat, ignoring the dangerous angle it was tipping. The oar… was just… too far away. Her hand swiped at the water, sending chills up her arm at he sudden change in temperature. The water was cold.
How had she come into this situation! Feeling quite irate, she blew a loose strand of hair away from her face, and tried again. Reach… Reach… A little further… She felt her hand touch the cold water but she ignored it. A few more centimeters… There! Got it!
Feeling triumphant, she grinned and began pulling herself back up, when suddenly she felt a sudden change in the angle of the boat. Oh, this didn't feel right. Panic running through her body, she turned around just in time to see Neji leaning over her side of the boat, adding extra weight and causing her torso to dip into the water.
Before she knew it, a cold rush of water swarmed around her body, blocking out her gasp of indignation and causing goose bumps to form.
Oh no.
Water flowed into her nostrils and mouth.
Oh Damn.
She waved her arms around slowly, the water holding her back as she panicked without air. Air! She needed… it.
Oh… Help.
When Tenten had felt that all was lost, she felt a strong set of arms pull her above the water's surface… and what was this flowing through her?
Air! Beloved air.
"Air!" she spluttered, dazed and gasping, "Air! How long I have been separated from thee!"
A skeptical look gracing the Hyuuga's face, he let go of the, saturated, eccentric Tenten as she snapped back into her usual self.
"Ne…ji…" she breathed, her turn to glare. Ahahaha. Neji was so dead.
The reply wasn't satisfactory, however. No squirms, no humble apologies, no remorseful looks… While Tenten was sitting there, cold, numb and shivering, the gentlest of breezes moving across her skin like sandpaper, Hyuuga Neji sat there, one eyebrow slightly raised, his face as blank as ever.
"What?"
Neji was not dead. Neither was he going to be. Neji was dead yesterday.
SPLASH.
Just as she was about to whip out a kunai, she was interrupted by cold droplets dashing onto her face. Turning her head around, she was not surprised to see Naruto and Lee arguing over a boat to row with Sakura. They were too busy arguing and trying not to tip the boat over a the same time, they didn't notice that Sakura had managed to score a boat with Sasuke, who looked quite relieved that he wouldn't have to row with Naruto or Lee.
Directing a final (wet) glare at Neji, Tenten grabbed the retrieved oar and squeezed it back into its broken hold. In an unspoken truce, the two rowed silently into the lake, slowly and in perfect timing.
Passing by Naruto and Lee, who both had finally decided to co-operate with one another, Tenten could see that they were trying to spy on Sakura, who was blushing and trying to start a conversation with the silent Uchiha, rowing the boat solo.
Not concentrating on rowing, Tenten's hand slipped from the oar and she managed to catch it before it fell into the water. Damn, the handle was wet and slippery! This was all…
Deciding to do the mature thing and not blame it on Neji, she swallowed her annoyance and rowed on.
The gentle rhythm of the oars lapping on the water in time was relaxing. Never mind she was freezing and wet. Tenten felt all her anger and troubles fly away as she listened to the water, the birds and the gentle breathing of Neji. So peaceful… She was glad she got to have this day just relaxing, with Neji…
Her train of thought was broken as she heard a small yell. Turning her hear, careful to keep hold on the oar, she saw that Sakura and Sasuke had swapped jobs, with Sakura rowing. She had obviously rowed into a rock or something and Sasuke, due to the impact, fell on top of Sakura. It was almost funny, really. Tenten smiled to herself, thinking how much it looked like they were kissi-
"SAKURA-SAAAAN!"
In unison, two voices yelled, two sets of arms rowed, two hormone-crazed boys were… rowing… at speeds achievable only by ones as hormone-driven as those two boys… coming right towards… Sakura… and Sasuke…who were behind… Tenten's boat.
Oh Damn.
Oh Shit.
Oh… no.
"Row."
With a simple word from Neji he began rowing his oar swiftly without panicking. Another thing could be said for Tenten. She wasn't good with boats. Not very good at all.
Tenten didn't know what to do. All she could see was a boat speeding their way towards her, causing the water's surface to ripple and quake, ruining its serene appearance.
"Row."
Right. She only had to row! Setting her panic aside, her eyes glinting with determination, Tenten grabbed her oar and pulled it towards her as fast as she could. Holding on tight, she began to rotate it around. Push… Pull… Push… Pull…
They were moving! A this rate they wouldn't get hit! Tenten grinned, gaining confidence and pushed the oar around, forgetting that it was still wet from when it had fallen in…
Damn. Her hand began to… slip. Realizing what was happening, Tenten tried to pull the oar towards her but, too late, it slipped right out of her hands and… into the water. Oh No. Oh Damn. Why must the heavens taunt her so?
Giving a cry of anguish she watched the boat float uselessly around in circles, Neji still rowing as he hadn't realized what had happened. Neji was going to be mad. And Naruto and Lee's boat had almost reached them!
Not one to give up, Tenten made a grab for the oar… further… still further… Not caring about being wet, she allowed herself to skim the top of the water's surface, grim determination marring her face. A little more… a little more…
Too late.
Tenten didn't hear the boats collide. She didn't hear the boats smash. She was already in the water my then. The cold, cold water… swarming around her legs, arms, body, face…
Damn. Damn with a capital D! She was going to Kill Lee. Kill with a capital K. Tenten pushed herself above the water, taking a gulp of air and shivering from the low temperatures. Oh well. At least she could swim…
"That's the one thing I have going for me…" Tenten thought grumpily, wading around in the water and brushing her wet locks from her face.
That was her last thought before she saw a big oar coming towards her. And then… total darkness.
i...i. i...i. i...i. i...i. i...i. i...i. i...i. i...i. i...i.
Ouch. Stop that. That hurts. Ouch!
Black.
Where am I? I am… I am… AIR. I NEED AIR!
Poke.
The first thing Tenten felt as she woke up, cold and shivering on the edge of the lake, was a sharp jab around her stomach. Next was the water coming up her throat.
And doing what any normal person would do, she spat the water up through her mouth… right into a certain Byakugan user's face.
Oops.
Remembering that she was in the water, Tenten sat up quickly, panic filling her body, thinking she was still in… and collided with Neji's head as he had been leaning over her. Finally noticing she was safe on land, she looked at Neji, who seemed to be looking quite peeved.
To add to it all, at that very moment, she sneezed into Neji's face.
If it wasn't Tenten, she would of laughed.
When she realized what position she was it, Tenten both blushed at the proximity of their faces and constricted in fear at what Neji would do. For some ungraspable reason she wanted to reach out and touch his smooth, white cheek. But his face was dangerously blank.
"This is what I get," he began, seething, "For helping you, who fainted, from drowning. For saving you from the shame of having Gai-sensei or that idiot give you CPRS. For saving your life. You spit in my face, cause me head injuries and shoot your bacteria directly at me."
Tenten's blush only deepened, her brain a bit slow from the time she had missed. "Y-you gave me mouth to mouth?"
Neji only cast a disdainful glance in Tenten's direction, before standing up. "We Hyuuga don't use such barbaric techniques," He said primly, "I simply poked you."
Oh. Good. She didn't actually want him to have given her CPRS did she?
Tenten shook her head slowly, getting rid of any aftereffects she had from her near-drowning experience, noticing the other picnickers looking at her concerned, and packing up the picnic supplies.
Butterflies flew in Tenten's stomach. What could have been if Neji hadn't thought to poke her, and done the other unspeakable thing instead? She didn't want to know. What would have happened if she had actually reached out? She didn't want to know either. Everything was just so confusing!
If she had never needed to be saved by him, she wouldn't be feeling this damn nervous or confused! It was all that oar's…
It was that moment Tenten remembered…
"NEJI!" she screamed, jumping up, "How DARE YOU hit my in the face with YOUR OAR! I paid for ALL THOSE SWIMMING LESSONS only to be WASTED 'cause you HIT ME WITH AN OAR! WITH NO APOLOGY!"
Damn her resolution. This was all Neji's fault!
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ill try update sooner…… sorry bout the 'i...i' thingies but the dashes dont work n e more...