A/N: OK FOLKS THIS WILL BE KINDA WORDY

First, sorry about the delay in updating. Life steps in and suddenly time flies.

Second, There maybe some OOCness, but none of us are really in character when we are around that one person who we can't live with and can't live without. Our actions change as well as our perceptions of what is really important in life. We've all had that person where we just don't feel like ourselves, especially when we suddenly find them desirable.

Third, as to the whole spouting off thing with Hiashi…there comes a point in your life when it is time to seek out your own interests and happiness. I see this as Neji's bird finally leaving his cage, both figuratively and literally speaking. A single grain of rice can tip the scale.

As far as dropping the honorifics with Ten's dad, it could happen. I mean, maybe Neji gets tired of the constant -sama. Supporting characters are so diverse, who really knows what the guy is thinking. Sure Fate it seems, thinks Ten is the only one truly worthy of Neji's heart, therefore, they constantly spend time together. Plus after assumed years and years as friends of sorts, a familiarity can occur and trust builds.

Furthermore, girls, as we all know, have to have friends. These girls have to put up with the boys and could possibly form a bond. Their sensei's spend time together so the interaction is there, therefore, the girls, I believe, dragged the boys on their teams into a basic friendship with the other teams. This is called community association. Humans, by nature form communities/cliques/etc, and naturally branch outside of their communities in order to expand and thrive. Survival of the fittest. More strength in numbers. Again, I like the supporting characters; they give us room to really expand on their lives and ideologies.

Last, to all my reviewers, YOU GUYS FRIGGIN ROCK. So now that you see where I am coming from in my logic, on with the story.

OH YEAH I don't own, never will own, don't plan on owning. I only own my hamster and my dog. And maybe my car. Definitely my college loans. Damn, gotta pay those.

Anywhoooo…

Mornings in Konoha are very peaceful. The sound of chirping birds, the sound of the local bakers and merchants opening up, and the smell of melting iron from below remind me why I love this village so much. It's predictable, it's comforting and it's simply beautiful. After getting a long rest last night, my head is swimmy with the idea that I am going to be spending time with Neji-kun. I mean, not that we don't spend time together, it's just that he is voluntarily spending time with me. OK, so I'm giddy, sue me. I clear the sleepiness out of my eyes and let out a big yawn, while stretching every muscle in my body. I hear a few cracks and pops, nothing unusual when you are hard on your body, and with a big sigh, I heave myself up and head towards the bathroom. After a shower, I am standing in front of my closet again, deciding what I should wear. The jounin outfit isn't an option. It's my day off and well, I'm gonna enjoy it. I decided on beige shorts and a light green tank top. It's easy and when trying stuff on, well, its easy. I brush out my hair, pull it back in a ponytail and am out the door.

Meeting Neji-kun in the market was interesting to say the very least. He was wearing a dark green shirt, khaki shorts, and black flip flops. Looking at myself, we had dressed very similar, my exception being red flip flops. I was contemplating turning around and going home when I was spotted. Damn. I turn on my heel and plaster the fakest smile ever.

"Hello, nice outfit."

"Thanks, Neji. Yours looks achingly familiar." I laugh. Great, I thought, now people really are going to think we purposefully dressed the same. Ich.

"Yeah, well, great minds think alike I suppose. Shall we be off then?"

"Yep, what first?" I asked.

"Well, there is a condo not far from where we are. I've checked out a few so far this morning. Let's check it out, then we can search for a kimono for you. According to Hinata-san, the fall fashions are out. I can't have my "girlfirend" looking underdressed for the occasion. Oh, she said to tell you to call on her when we get back. I think she wants to help you do your hair or some nonsense."

"All right. Let's go."

Across town is where the primary residences of Konoha are built. There are apartments, houses, condos and lofts for rent or sell. We meet with the rental agent and are let in to the condo.

It's a pretty nice flat. A fourth floor view greeted us as we looked out the windows. The condo had two floors, a catwalk, wall to wall carpet, hardwood flooring in the kitchen and foyer. Never thought I'd actually use the word foyer in my life, heehee, and it had two full baths with three bedrooms. To say it was big would be an understatement. I am looking around in the kitchen gawking at the range stove and stainless steel appliances. The oak and marble cabinets and counter tops are awesome and are way better than what I have at home. I head upstairs and look around. I walk over the catwalk and quickly notice the storage space. The bathroom is down the hall, as is the master suite. The other two rooms are in the other direction. Damn this place is big. I look over the railing of the catwalk and see the guys in the living room below. Curiosity got the better of me and I headed straight for the master bedroom. I am absolutely convinced it is bigger than my whole house. There were intricate screens separating the rooms, different color lanterns lighting the way. There were two massive walk in closets and a connecting door to the bathroom. I open the little door to the bathroom and look inside.

It boasts a spa tub and granite tiling and separate shower. Ok, so there comes a time in a girls life when she is utterly besotted by a spa tub, complete with jets and lots of room to splash about. Listening for any coming people, I quickly hop in the tub to try it out. I swear I am only making sure there is enough space to stretch my legs. I swear. Really. Honest. I close my eyes and picture Neji tromping around in here. Then I picture him tromping around in here in nothing but a towel. Oh boy, nope, not gonna let myself fantasize about that. Who am I kidding. I mentally pictured him without the towel and well, I think I might have had an out of body experience. Yep, six feet of solid ninja male, long, long black hair, and one of the nicest asses I've ever seen. Ok, so I need a new hobby other than dreaming about my teammate. Come on Ten, picture the 15 year old Neji and all will be well. Damn, can't. Oh well. I sigh and lean back against the tub. Kinda weird sitting in an empty tub. It needs bubbles and mood music. I was contemplating the color of the rubber duck that it needed when I hear them coming up the stairs.

I quickly try to hop out of the tub. However, fate deems it necessary for me to once again humiliate myself in front of Neji-kun. Must be from all of the naughty images I just pictured of him. I really wasn't my fault that my foot caught the hose to the massager. I may have fallen face first and landed in a great heap on the floor, and I may have sprained something. Maybe my wrist? Oh shit. Here they come.

"Yes, Hyuuga-sama, it is affordable. Also, a recessed ceilings to maximize height throughout the property. Each condo also includes retractable flat screen plasma televisions, and is connected to the internet in all rooms, free of charge of course. Living in this condo complex is equivalent to living like the rich and famous. It is also a great starter place for you and your lovely wife over there."

"We are not married."

"Oh, I am so sorry, Hyuuga-sama. You two looked so friendly with each other, that I assumed…well, never mind that…Please allow me to make reparations….." the man cuts himself off when he sees me falling to the floor.

Neji looks at me and I can feel his eyes laughing at me.

"TenTen-chan, what are you doing? This is twice in the last 2 days I've rescued you from the bathroom."

"Oh nothing, Neji-kun. Just testing the durability of the tile on the floor. One can never be to careful." I blush. Ok, good excuse, now get off the floor. Come on girl, get a grip and get up. Why me?

"Sorry. So, how do you like the place Neji-kun?" I say.

Neji looks at the agent and asks

"What kind of reparations?" Neji smirked.

"Oh sir, let me knock a few thousand off the asking price. I would be honored to do so being that you are an illustrious Hyuuga. I've heard a lot about your clan and any Hyuuga is welcome here."

"Sounds good. Hey TenTen-chan, what do you think of the place?"

I dust off my hands and turn around.

"I like it. It suits you. It's clean and reeks of macho condo with all the black and chrome furnishings. Plus, the mini bar is stocked full. You should buy it. I would if I could afford it. Plus, the bathrooms are great."

Neji turns and looks at the guy and tells him to close the deal. It's sold. I didn't hear the figure, but Neji never blinked as he broke out his check book and signed the check. Damn, wish I had that much in my account. Sadly, I don't.

Neji is handed the keys and is told he can start moving in tomorrow. Wow, he actually bought his own place. Guess the bird is finally free. About damn time if you ask me. I think when we get lunch, I'll buy him a drink. I've never seen him drink before, but there is always a first, right?

We leave the building and head towards my least favorite activity, shopping. It's not that I don't like it, its just that I never really have the money to spend on frivolities. Paying bills and buying groceries consumes a lot of my finances. Granted my job pays me fine, I like to save where I can and save that money for a rainy day. I guess this dinner fiasco is that rainy day. Damn. Double damn.

After the umpteenth shop of finding nothing, we decide to call it quits for the day and try again tomorrow for a kimono. We head towards Ichiraku for lunch and grab a table in the corner. Neji and I always sit here. It's like our spot. I settle into the familiar dent in the vinyl booth and browse over the menu I look over at Neji and he has a very familiar smirk on his face.

"Just what are you smirking at Neji-kun?"

"Oh nothing, it's just that you waste your time looking at that thing when you always get the same thing. Pork ramen with peas and carrots."

"Oh yeah, well maybe I'll try shrimp today, you never know."

"Yeah, one problem with your logic, you don't like shrimp. Try again."

"Damn, must you always have the last word?" I asked with a huff.

"It's fate that decrees that I always finish things."

"Sure, blame fate again. Wish I had that scapegoat like you do. Ok, wise guy, go order. I'm hungry. Oh, get a bottle of Sake also. My treat." Ok, so I may have blamed fate earlier. Sue me.

"OH TenTen-chan, you aren't really bossing me around are you? Hyuuga Neji does not take orders. Especially with puny females."

"PUNY! Neji-kun? See this kunai? See your heart? Get me food now or I get real creative." I slant my eyes at him and he laughingly takes my joke and goes to order. He never really takes my threats seriously. Thank goodness Gai-sensei and Lee do, otherwise I'd have to find ways to get my way. Speak of the devil, Lee just walked in.

"Hey TenTen-chan, how's it going?"

"Great. Neji-kun bought a condo and I systematically dug through shop after agonizing shop of kimonos. We just stopped in for lunch, then we are training. You?"

"Well, I overheard gossip that this dinner you are going to is an engagement party. That is so wonderful."

"Um, we aren't engaged, in fact, we are not dating."

"Well, according to sources, that night at the bar, you announced that you are going to marry Neji-kun one of these days. Then Hiashi-sama is sending you an invite to dinner,and Neji-kun is finding a condo, I just assumed it was true. Oh the srpingtime of youth. How wonderful it is."

"Lee, I was drunk." Shit, did I really say that at the bar. Crap. Now I'll have to do more damage control.

"What's true?" I heard from behind me.

Crap. Like I said, damage control.