Third chapter. Neji bumbles around, Gai and Lee reappear, living arrangements are made. Please review.
Home
As the pair emerged from the hospital, Tenten released Neji's hand and stretched her arms into the air. "Ah! The fresh air is nice, huh?"
"Yes, actually." His unseeing eyes were focused on her and she blushed on pure instinct.
What am I doing? It's not like he's actually looking at me. She started leading him by the crook of his arm through the market toward the Hyuuga compound.
"Here's your first lesson. Start paying attention to the sounds and smells around you. Try to identify them and I'll tell you if you're right," Tenten told him as she steered him around civilians.
He looked like he was going to object, but he closed his eyes. "The heat from the sun is strong. It's around noon."
"It's 12:50. Good."
She watched Neji scrunch his nose slightly. "I smell food... Ramen. We're near the ramen stand."
"Yep!" Man, he's catching on quick! He might be ready for fighting tomorrow! I'll have to do some research on sense training tonight at home. As they passed by Ichiraiku, the smell assaulted her and made her remember she didn't have breakfast that morning. To reinforce her thoughts, her stomach gave a loud growl.
Neji smirked. "My ears are telling me that you're hungry."
A blush crossed her cheeks as she chuckled. "Perhaps." She grinned. "I'll get something later."
They continued though the crowded street with Neji pointing out different sounds and smells they encountered. When he realized they were passing though the forest outside the north gate, he knew where she was taking him.
"Our training spot," he said, looking slightly pleased.
She remained quiet, a soft smile alight on her face. When they arrived, she sat him down against a tree trunk.
"Now I want to work on your sense of touch. It will be important when communicating with the world around you without your sight." She took his hand and ran it along the tree. "By touching the trees, you can find north and choose your direction from there." She made his fingers hit the moss growing on the north side of the tree.
"I had never thought of it before." He cocked his head to the side slightly in a very unusual manner.
For the hundredth time that day, Tenten found it hard to breathe. Why is this happening now? Why am I noticing all the slightest things about him? Like his thin eyebrows, his smooth jaw line, the hair that any girl in Konoha would die for, the slight chill of his skin beneath my hand... I need to focus! Neji needs me now! Her hand shot away from his, leaving him touching the tree. He raised an eyebrow, but didn't comment.
She took a deep breath and continued. "There's lots of way to compensate for eyesight. We'll have to get you a walking stick so yo-"
"I will not use a walking stick." Neji crossed his arms and closed his eyes.
She sighed. "Neji, during this transition you'll need to set your pride aside and accept my help. I know it's hard, but you have to trust me. The more cooperative you are, the sooner you'll become accustom to getting around on your own."
He was silent. He won't break easily; this will take time.
"I will not be using this stick in public."
Another sigh escaped her lips. Baby steps... Tenten, remember, just accept the baby steps...
"Fine. We'll train with it indoors and at night to help you get adjusted to walking without my help," she said as she took his hand once again. "Neji, you know all these things already. You just have to learn to apply them to the situation."
He looked at the space above her left shoulder. I'll have to get used to that.
"It's not as simple as that."
She blinked at him, confusion within her eyes she knew he couldn't see. "Then make it as simple as that. Stop over-thinking everything Neji. Just let things come at their own pace." Tenten brought his hand in between them, setting her palm against his.
"Fate has deemed me three weeks." His eyebrows creased. "I don't have the time to wait around."
She just sighed. "Well, you'll need to bear with me. I'm not going to rush."
The corners of his mouth twitched. "I wouldn't expect you to."
Tenten looked at their hands. Neji's fingers were at least an inch longer than hers and his skin was cold against her warm palm. Even though she and Neji's hands were so different, one thing was the same - both were rough from battle.
"This change... It's difficult because I relied too much on my eyesight."
"Maybe." Her fingers slid between his, gripping his hand tightly. "Just remember... You're not alone. I'll be here for you. I promise."
He seemed deep in thought, and Tenten's mind started to panic. Have I gone too far? I thought that using his sense of touch would be the best way to assure him, but perhaps I was wrong...
Instead of pulling his hand away, he allowed his fingers to slowly drop and intertwine with her own properly. She smiled and lightly blushed, enjoying the way his hand felt against hers.
Suddenly he tensed and pulled Tenten to his side. "N-Neji?"
"I hear something approaching."
Suddenly a large mass of green assaulted Tenten's eyes. Gai and Lee hopped out of the bushes, bright grins alight on their faces.
"Ah! I see the power of youth hasn't been wasted upon the two of you!" Gai exclaimed, giving her a thumbs up.
Realizing the compromising position they were in, Tenten quickly released Neji's hand and scooted away. He seemed slightly aggravated. She wondered if it was because of Lee and Gai showing up or because of her sudden movement.
"Did you guys need something?" she questioned as she stood up and brushed invisible dust off her pants.
"Why, yes! Yes we did!" Gai announced. Tenten saw Neji wince out of the corner of her eye. Gai's probably hurting his ears. His hearing is already becoming stronger.
"Sakura-san has just spoken to me, and what a wonderful conversation it was!" Lee began to spin on the spot. He reminded Tenten of a ballerina. "She has told me that I should practice taijustu with you more often, Neji! Oh, we shall have a grand time!"
"Hn," he responded.
Even though he would never admit it, he likes sparing with Lee. Tenten smiled at the strange rivalry between her male teammates.
"Also, I am to inform you that you will be staying with Lee for the coming three weeks!" Gai said with a glint from his teeth.
Even though she had known Neji for nearly four years, she had never felt his aura more deadly.
"I'm WHAT?" He shot up immediately, glaring at a tree near where Gai was standing.
"Oh Neji! We shall have a wonderful time! It will be like a long slumber party!" Lee grabbed Neji around the shoulders of emphasis. "My mother shall bake us cookies and we can have pillow fights and stay up late talking about our feelings-"
"Absolutely not." Neji shrugged out of Lee's embrace and Tenten found it hard to contain her laughter. "I refuse to stay with Lee. Besides, I'm not going anywhere."
"Doctor's orders! Hokage-sama believes it will be more beneficial to your health to stay with someone who can pay extra attention to you. Hiashi-sama agrees that the Hyuuga compound would be a difficult place for you to recover properly, so dear Lee stepped in and offered you his home! Isn't it wonderful?!" Tears were running freely down Gai's face. "Ah, the bond of my youthful team makes my heart soar!"
"Oh Gai-sensei!" Lee was crying as well, pointing to the sky. "Anything for one of my dearest comrades!"
"I refuse."
Tenten sighed. Did they really think that he would just agree to move in with Lee? They're more insane than I thought.
"I'd rather deal with my family than him."
"Oh, but Neji!" Lee grabbed his hand, which Neji promptly took back. "We would have so much fun!"
"No." The Hyuuga crossed his arms resolutely.
"Well, you could always-"
"He can stay with me!" Tenten exclaimed as she interrupted Gai. Neji would go insane just thinking of staying with Gai-sensei.
"Ah! Would it be proper for Neji to stay with you though Tenten? Would your parents not object to a member of the opposite gender staying with you?" Lee said.
"No, they wouldn't mind. They're out of town anyway," she answered quickly. Too quickly.
For once, Gai's expression was serious. He looked at Tenten, making her nervous. Please don't say anything, Sensei...
Fortunately for her, he just frowned with a disappointed look. "Lee. Guide Neji to the Hyuuga manner so he may collect his things. Tenten and I shall meet you there in a moment."
Lee saluted and grabbed Neji's arm. "Yes, Gai-sensei! We shall perform this task quickly!"
Tenten heard Neji grumbling until he and Lee were out of their sight.
Both teacher and student were silent for a moment. Gai sighed and turned to her.
"Why didn't you tell them?" he asked.
She looked to her feet and watched her toes wiggle in her sandals. "It really doesn't matter, does it?"
"He will discover the truth. Neji's too bright to not realize that you're deceiving him."
She looked up with an angry glare. "I'm not deceiving him!" Her hands clutched at her side, and she returned her gaze to the grass. "I'm just not telling the entire truth."
Gai placed a hand on her shoulder. "I do not wish to see you hurt once again."
She smiled. "Thanks Sensei, but I'll be fine."
He gave her one of his brightest smiles. "I'm counting on you, Tenten. Help heal our Neji."
Ten minutes later she and Gai stood in front of the Hyuuga estate. Lee ran out to greet them. "Ah! Tenten, so glad you are here!"
"He threw you out, didn't he?" She already knew the answer once a blush lit up his cheeks.
"Neji just does not understand the fire of youth!"
"Um... Tenten-chan?" For the first time, she noticed that Hinata was standing at the gate behind Lee.
"Hello Hinata-chan!" she greeted warmly while walking around both Gai and Lee, who were busy lamenting Neji's lack of youthfulness. "How are things?"
"Okay, I suppose." She motioned for Tenten to come inside the estate.
The weapons specialist had always found the Hyuuga manor to be quite imposing. The large court yard made her feel small and insignificant next to the grand building that housed generations of Hyuuga. As she and Hinata passed the main dining area, dozens of stark eyes starred in their direction. It made her incredibly nervous.
The kunoichi made their way though the building and entered a smaller one behind it. Tenten assumed this was the branch family home. Making their way along the outdoor walkway, Tenten glanced at the large bird habitat in the yard. Six or seven birds of assorted colors and sized flew around the cage, on a never ending search for the exit. She felt sorry for the birds and wanted to release them into the open air, but knew she had no right.
"Tenten-chan?" Hinata mumbled as she stopped. "We're here."
She slid open the sliding paper door to reveal a small room with minimal furnishings. A bed roll sat near one wall next to a small dresser. The other wall held a desk, piled neatly with rolls of parchment. Neji sat with his back to them, his single suitcase to his right.
"Neji-niisan?" Hinata said as she broke the silence. "Tenten-chan is here."
He stood and turned in her direction. She felt incredible sadness as he reached for his side, waving his hand in the dusty air as he tried to find the handle of his suitcase. He picked it up and stepped cautiously toward them. Tenten understood the silent request and went forward, lightly settling her hand on the crook of his elbow. She led him to the door, her other arm sliding it closed as Hinata led the way back thought the compound.
Tenten saw Neji reflexively turn his head toward the birds. She wanted to sigh, but couldn't find it in her heart to let him know how much she pitied him.
As they passed by the dining room once more, the clan member's expressions changed from mild interest to anger. She wanted to go poke all their eyes out and make sure they never glared at Neji like that again. Maybe this is was the Hokage and Gai-sensei meant by 'a difficult place to recover'.
They found Hiashi waiting for them at the gate. "Neji. I hope that fate is kind to you within the coming weeks."
He just bowed his head in recognition and nudged Tenten along. Once they emerged from the compound's gate, she released her breath. She felt as though she understood his attitude a bit better after just moments in his home. She couldn't imagine living as a small child in that kind of environment.
"Neji-niisan, if you need me..." Hinata stammered as she poked her fingers together in her normal nervous habit.
Neji just looked in her direction and gave her one of his rare smiles. She muttered a goodbye and retreated into the estate.
"Tenten."
She was surprised how well she could interpret his strange commands. "Okay. We're leaving."
The sun was setting at their backs as they walked half-way across the village to her home. She was slightly nervous, but knew that the guest room would work fine for him, with it's large desk and open space. Her breathing became more shallow as they approached her house.
What if something goes wrong and he changes his mind? What if he leaves, or finds something wrong? Since when have I cared so much about what he thought of me?
She opened the small fence gate to her home, causing the old hinges to creak. They walked up the path. Tenten's breathing was ragged as she fumbled around on the top ledge of the door for the key. "If you ever need it," she said as she brought his hand up to where her own was resting, "the key is above the door."
"Hn," he grunted in response.
Slowly she unlocked the door and guided him in, sliding the key back into it's place on her way.
"Well, welcome home, Neji."