Hearts in love and denial, chapter two: to protect and be protected...
By Gasha Aisu
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
Tenten's head was bowed down so low you could only see shadows where her eyes were. No way she was going to let this get to her. Raising her head defiantly she looked at Sakura. Sakura was still in the arms of Sasuke, who didn't seem to let go anytime soon, and Sasuke was glaring daggers at Neji. She didn't have to look to know that Neji stood behind her, tall and proud. And all because of her fight with Sakura. She had a feeling both the guys knew were it had been all about, maybe the sensei's also. She looked up and saw Lee looking at her with pity. So they all knew... Somehow it made the pain worse. She knew she had to get up, but she couldn't bring herself to do so. Something in her had broken, she had lost her pride momentarily, and it had cost her dearly. Everybody knew now, god she was ashamed.
You're embarrassing. Yes, Neji had found it embarrassing. He didn't feel the same way did he? But why was he still standing behind her? Why didn't he walk away disgusted? And why was Sasuke suddenly so possessive of Sakura? Well, she knew the answer to that question. Neji was in love in Sakura and so was Sasuke. Right? But that didn't make sense, because Neji was still standing behind her. And he hadn't made a move to get Sakura out of Sasuke's arms either. This was all so confusing, but the only thing she knew was that she had to get away.
"You did it to make Sakura stronger didn't you Tenten?" surprisingly it was Neji who broke the silence ever since the end of the fight. His voice was calm, and she was surprised but didn't show it. His eyes never broke contact with Sasuke's.
"Of course Neji" she spat, still disgusted by herself, "you didn't think I would lose myself like that now would you?"
Neji said nothing but Sakura snorted.
"Admit it Tenten" she spat before her voice turned gentle, "that wasn't the only reason. You did want to make me stronger, but I saw the rage in your eyes. You're confused by you're own emotions and took it out on me"
Tenten snorted and finally got up.
Her muscles screamed at her, and somehow she was glad. Pain was something she could handle, unlike certain emotions.
"You should get my kunai's out of you're body" she said in a neutral voice, completely ignoring Sakura's comment, "They should sting like hell by now"
Sakura smirked and nodded. Sasuke let her go, somewhat reluctantly and glared at Tenten. He didn't say anything but Tenten saw the threat in his eyes.
His eyes practically screamed, if you ever hurt her again, I'll kill you. Apparently she wasn't the only one who had been denying their feelings. Neji grabbed her wrist and pulled her behind him. His eyes saw all, the threat Sasuke was giving no exception. He glared at Sasuke, as he stood before her. He stood tall, proud, and he was ready to protect his team-mate. After all that was all she was to him, wasn't she?
Tenten looked in Sakura's eyes, who also ended up behind her team-mate. Sakura's eyes looked at her with nothing but kindness. She was ready to forgive her, she was ready to learn from the fight, and not hold a grudge. Tenten however... She stepped a little closer to Neji, her eyes shining with the same fire Sakura had seen before. Stay away from him. Tenten eyes told Sakura. Sakura bit her lip and shook her head, she didn't feel anything for Neji why didn't Tenten understand. Somewhat nervous because of Tenten fierce stare she stepped closer to Sasuke. A pleading look was in her eyes, pleading with Tenten to stop this. Tenten sighed, there was no stopping the boys she knew. She looked at Neji who hadn't moved a muscle, still glaring at Sasuke. Sasuke didn't move either, and met the byakugan master's stare evenly.
A soft wind began to blow. Lee and Naruto stood helplessly, doing nothing but stare at the scene that unfolded before them. Knowing their team-mates and there stubbornness, they did nothing to stop them. Gai glanced at Kakashi, questioning, but Kakashi didn't meet his stare. He just looked at the display before him, a bored look in his stare. Nothing could unnerve him, could it?
A rustle of leaves from the bushes besides them, made the group glance at them. Another rustle made even Neji and Sasuke break their stares to look at them. Soon a blushing, panting, tousled Hinata emerged. She turned even redder at the stares she was receiving.
"G-gomen for interrupting, b-but the h-hokage requested f-for T-Tenten and Sakura" she started nervously, and thinking of why she was there, confidence suddenly grew in her. "It's important" she told the ninja's, without stuttering this time.
Tenten glanced at Sakura who met her stare. Sakura nodded, and Tenten nodded in response. Both stepped away from their team-mates and temporally protectors to turn to Hinata. "Show us the way Hinata" Tenten spoke. Hinata nodded, waved at Naruto and turned to return to the village. Tenten and Sakura followed her.
the end, for now
Well, that's it. This fic is the most populair of what I've got, and I'm pleased with it to tell you the truth. Thanks to all my revieuwers! And sorry for the one's that requested for it to be nejisaku because...well...I don't think I'm gonna do that. To tell you the truth I'm no big fan for that couple sorry! I hope you don't mind.....to much. O and sorry it took so long to update, but I didn't want to screw up by hurrying to much.
Well review if you're up to it
Untill next time
Gasha Aisu