Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.


Chapter 5 – Being nice is good

Being nice wasn't so bad. Sure, people would sometimes misunderstand his efforts to not be rude as something else, but Neji resisted the urge to glare them away, most of the time anyway. It was only the first day, but the genius Hyuga was confident in his ability to change, after all, he wasn't a genius for nothing.

Wednesday arrived and Neji got up before his alarm went off. He was eager to start already his day. Maybe try to talk a little with Tenten, ask her how her day was yesterday. He took a quick shower and went for a light breakfast. Neji made sure to get an extra hoodie, since the weather was a little chillier than usual, given they still weren't in winter.

After breakfast, he went to class, sitting in his usual spot, building up courage as he waited for the class to start and Tenten to arrive.

Tenten arrived on time today, for his happiness. She sat on her spot, and rested her head on the desk, eyes closed.

"Good morning" Neji said, eyeing her with curiosity. Tenten turned her face to him, opening one eye. Neji resisted the urge to laugh, her face screamed sleepiness, and it was adorable.

"Morning" She said with a not so happy tone, and closed her eye again. Neji took the opportunity to study her face, until she opened her eyes again, "You're staring" she stated as a matter of fact, she didn't sound irritated though.

"Was wondering if you were ok, just that" He fought back the blush of being caught in the act and looked away.

"Just sleepy" She said, lifting her head and arms, stretching and yawning. "I hate waking up early" Tenten told him as soon as she saw the teacher enter, turning then her attention on getting her books out of her bag.

Neji hummed in agreement, happy that at least he was able to get a small conversation.

The class went on and they interacted a few more times, once when Neji called her attention for almost sleeping as gentle as he could, and the other when she asked for his help with something she didn't understand.

"Today I'm sleepier than usual" Tenten admitted when class was over. Neji looked at her, usually she would have vanished by now, but she was just sitting there, head on hand, her eyes still groggy.

"Are you getting enough sleep?" He pondered out loud, and she chuckled.

"You don't sleep much when you're majoring in engineering" She joked, "See you later Neji" Tenten got up and left without looking back nor waiting for a response. Neji would be late again for his next class, because right now he had a funny and excited face. That was the first time she called him by his name, and he for sure felt like a little kid who got a taste of candy.

Tenten dragged herself to work after her last class. She was tired, and she blamed Neji, because of him she couldn't get enough sleep, because of him she would stay awake and think unnecessary things. And because she wasn't sleeping much, she was acting without thinking, like asking him for help, of calling him by his name.

"You don't look so good, darling" Ivan told her as soon as he saw her.

"Afternoon to you too Ivan" She said dryly, "I just need some coffee."

"You know, we can cancel our study session today if you want…"

She looked at her friend, he was certainly worried with her, but she waived him off, all she needed was distraction to stop thinking about Neji. He was being nice and gentle, that was disturbing her more than if he just kept being the cold bastard like before. Disturbing in a sense that she was afraid of herself if he kept being so nice.

"Tenten, honey, are you listening?" She blinked. Ivan was waiving a hand in front of her face. Apparently, he was talking with her before.

"Sorry, what were you saying?" She felt bad for ignoring him. Ivan gave her another worried look but moved on.

"Nothing too important, was just going through some work details" He handed her a cup of coffee that he made. She bites back a smile, he was always so nice to her.

"Thank you, and sorry again" Tenten took her coffee and started to help with work.

It didn't take long before Neji appeared. Ivan went automatically to get his order.

"Hello, what can I get you sir?" Neji looked at Ivan, then at Tenten, then back at Ivan.

"Earl grey… please" Ivan held back a squeal, and nodded, heading to prepare Neji's drink. Tenten side glanced him, surprised by his mannerism, but said nothing, trying to get back at her studies.

"What are you studying" Of course he wouldn't let her, right?

"Signals and Systems… It's a hell of a discipline" She lifted up her book at him, and he examined it with watchful eyes.

"It seems really complicated… I would rather stick with the more basic math we learn in economics" Was he trying to joke? Because it worked. Tenten let out a laughed a little.

"Well, that's why you're getting more sleep than I" She teased. This time he chuckled and Tenten almost fell. This small chuckle now would help her not to sleep, just like the images of him sweaty and being kind.

"You don't get enough sleep because you are very diligent in your studies hun" Ivan appeared, and it seemed that he was boosting her for Neji, "You see, if it wasn't for this little angel, me myself would have failed a lot of classes last year" He said to the Hyuga, whose lips went a little up, in a project of a tiny smile, making her blush.

"You're exaggerating, I only used the opportunity to help you to study more!" She defended herself, Ivan laughed and Neji had an amused expression.

"Sure darling, anyway, here's your tea" Ivan handed Neji his beverage.

"Thank you, see you around" He gave a polite bowl and headed off. Tenten glared Ivan, blush still present on her cheeks.

"I told you, I ship you both" Ivan stuck his tongue out at her. Tenten growled.

"I just don't understand how he changed so fast, from unbearable to… to"

"Charming?" Ivan finished for her, making her slump in resignation.

"Yes" She agreed, there was no point in denying that.

"You know, he didn't change from night to day, he was changing little by little, only this week that he is trying hard" Tenten lifted an eyebrow to him, questioning him, "You see, I've noted that he would still pick on you, but wouldn't be with a bad intention, it was more like, teasing. And probably he noticed that it wouldn't work, he is trying a different approach."

"You're saying that he is trying to flirt with me?" She asked, not trusting him.

"Well, for a first, he only comes when you are here,"

"That's because he's picky with his tea."

"Even though I'm the one who's been doing his tea, and also work here all week?" Tenten opened her mouth but closed it as she didn't have an answer to that. Ivan kept going, "Two, when he did come here, while you were doing your thing, he would make an effort to try to talk with you, even if he wasn't very successful."

Tenten kept quiet, surely Ivan was imagining things.

"Third, the great Neji Hyuga does not joke, even less make laughing sounds" Ivan implied the earlier interactions. Tenten sighed, she didn't know much of the Hyuga, but she knew that Ivan was somewhat right, even though she still didn't believe much.

"Well, lets say he really is trying to flirt with me, why me?" Tenten was confident about her looks, she has even dated before, it didn't last long though. But the thing was, she saw how way more attractive girls would throw themselves at him, and he would just ignore them. It would make no sense him chasing after her.

"Darling, don't underestimate you" Tenten was going to retort but Ivan didn't let her "Or I'll punch you" He told her seriously. She laughed but didn't say anything else, last thing she wanted was a punch from an angry, tall, and strong Russian.

Neji was another person on today's practice. He was, dare someone say, way too happy.

"Neji, your youthfulness is burning so bright today that it has me on tears!" Guy told him, tears indeed rolling down his cheeks.

Neji didn't grunt, but nodded, making the older man to shed more tears. Lee soon joined him.

"My eternal rival, you are finally embracing the power of youth?" Neji sweat dropped, but didn't negate, just hummed. 'Thanks to the other member of your family' he thought, as he tried to avoid some crushing hugs from Guy and Lee.

The other members of the team just watched the exchange with amusement and shock. The freshman's were a little confused, but amused still.

Naruto was grinning widely, almost bursting questions if Neji was successful, but Sasuke stopped him. Shikamaru acted like he didn't care, but had a small smile on his face. Sai was as usual.

"We have a game Saturday, we should go back to practice" Neji said loudly, while dodging Guy's strong arms.

"Neji is right, we should revise strategies, then play a game" Jiraya spoke out, making both Lee and Guy stop on their tracks.

"Of course! Lee, I want you to give your all as much as Neji is!" Guy demanded, and Lee cried in agreement.

Shikamaru sighed, 'But he is always giving his all'. Looking back at Neji, he couldn't help but be happy, seemed like the man was being somewhat successful in his mission. 'That reminds me' Ino has asked him a troublesome request. Help Hinata with Naruto and help her with Sai.

"She couldn't have aske me anything more troublesome" Naruto and Sai were more oblivious than Hyuga, this was going to harder than it wanted it. Ino and him were friend since childhood, she was like a sister to him, so naturally he told her about Hyuga and Tenten, which she squealed in delight, but promised to not tell a soul, if he helped her. 'I should've kept my mouth shut'.

"What gives this cold weather!" Naruto cried when stepping outside. He didn't bring any extra jacket.

"You should've checked the weather report, it said that the temperatures were going to drop earlier this year" Sasuke told him, jacket on.

"Not fair, you should have told me that!" Naruto protested.

"You were very happy today Hyuga, did something good happened?" Sasuke asked Neji, ignoring Naruto, who seemed to forget the cold, as he now was bouncing excited for some news.

"I'm just being nicer" Neji shrugged, not giving any information to them.

"But you two were interacting well today at the library, you even chuckled" Sai said, making everyone stare at the Hyuga, who glared at him.

"Like I've said, I'm only being nicer" Neji walked away, ignoring the requests for details.

He was in a good mood. Being nice wasn't bad at all.

The following day Tenten went to class still thinking of her conversation with Ivan. Seating herself, Neji didn't waste time in greeting her. It was only the third day, and she got used to it already. It was incredible how fast that guy was getting her to warm up to him.

By the end of class, she still left before him, but not in a hurry anymore, saying her goodbyes and for her surprise Neji gave her another small smile, making her heart skip a beat.

'Dang it, this guy is smooth' She couldn't help the butterflies in her stomach.

By the end of the day, she thanked God that practice was over, but winced when she remembered that she still had to study.

"Tenten! How have you been? You disappeared!" Ino wined, launching herself at her, giving her a bear hug.

"Ino, air, please" Tenten begged, and the blond released her, "I've been studying, like right now I'm heading to the library to study some more…"

"You sure are dedicated to your studies" Sakura joined them, and the three started walking together, "Just make sure to sleep more, you are tired."

"If I don't study, I'll fail, and I don't want my GPA to fall" Tenten scratched the back of her head. "Anyway, how are you both?"

"Lonely" Ino said dramatically, "Sakura leaves me all the time to spend time with her smoking hot boyfriend."

Sakura blushed slightly, "You are always talking with Shikamaru though" she said back to Ino, who made a face.

"Hell no, he is a sweetheart, but hell no. In fact, I'm asking his help with one of the guys of the volleyball team" Ino grinned mischievously. Tenten's interest was picked with the mention of the volleyball team.

"And who would the lucky boy be?" Tenten would be lying if she said she wouldn't mind her saying Neji's name. Ino looked at her with knowing eyes, she made a promise to Shikamaru, but damn, how bad she wanted to tease her friend. She chose against it, however.

"Sai" She said almost squealing, "He is such a cutie, even though the guy is as dense as Naruto, or worse…"

"Sai… He is the libero of the men's team, isn't he?" Sakura asked curiously.

"And an excellent libero" Ino said, excited, "The way he plays captured my heart!" Tenten smiled at her friend, and Ino took a chance, "You should see the men's game this weekend, their championship starts, and who know, maybe you can find the love of your life there as well" She teased, and Tenten fought back a blush when certain someone popped up in her mind.

"If I'm going, is to see Lee, no love of my life" She dismissed the blonde, "Anyway, here is where I stay, see you guys another time" She excused herself from her friends, and headed her way to the library to study with Ivan.

Friday finally, she just needed to survive today and tomorrow's morning practice, then she would let herself rest a little more. Arriving to class yawning, she sat down and rested her head on the desk again. She could feel Neji's eyes on her, but didn't have the energy to say nothing.

"Good morning, are you ok?" He asked her, and she faced him, his eyes displayed worry. She cursed in her mind, couldn't he be a little less adorable?

"Not so much" She wanted to lie and say she was ok, but she felt like he would see through her lie, "And you?"

Neji was taken aback by her question, first time she asked how he was, but he was more worried with her not being ok.

"I'm ok, but worried about you" He furrowed his brow, "Is there something I could do to help?"

Tenten thought for a moment. He seemed sincere about his offer. Biting her lip, she let herself ask.

"Can you take notes for me today?" She didn't look at him while asking, she was embarrassed.

"No problem, I can drop them for you later" Neji told her gently, "You should head out before the teacher arrives, get some extra rest" She looked at him, he was serious. Not the 'I'm pissed at you' serious, but more like 'I'm worried about you' serious. Nodding, she got up.

"Thank you Neji, I'll get you a tea later" She smiled at him, then dragged herself out of class, searching for a sofa to crash until she needed to be up again.

Neji did as he was asked and more, he made a copy of his notes, with comments on things he thought she would have difficulties, judging by the helps he had given her beforehand.

Later he found her at her work, where he handed her the notes.

"Thank you Neji, I'll fetch you your tea" She gave smiled at him, and if he wasn't worried, he would have smiled too.

"Have you rested a little more?" He asked.

"Mhmm, that power nap really saved my morning" She laughed lightly, getting him his tea. He was still worried though.

"Are you really ok?" He insisted. Tenten dismissed his worry.

"I'm fine, tomorrow is Saturday, I will be able to rest plenty after morning practice." If Neji believed her or not, he didn't say. Instead, he changed the subject.

"It's a copy of my notes with some commentaries… If you need help, I left my phone number in one of the pages, just send me a message" He pointed out the phone number, "Get some good rest, ok?" And with that, he left.

"What a smooth way to give you his phone number" Ivan startled her, she forgot about him while talking with Neji.

"It's only for academic purposes" Tenten new she was blushing hard at her friends' insinuations.

"Sure, whatever you say" Ivan grinned but became serious suddenly, "But he is right, you need rest, no studying tonight, and no buts. You're going back to dorm after work" Sometimes Tenten wondered if Ivan saw her as a daughter too.

She was almost making it to her morning practice that Saturday when she noticed no Hyuga running around. 'Maybe it's the cold' she thought to herself, when she remembered about Ino mentioning they started their championship today.

Ivan forced her to sleep early the day before, so she was feeling somewhat better, not entirely, as her body still felt heavy and tired. She may even go watch that game, it wasn't like she would do any exercise, she would just sit there and watch some volleyball game. That was a good plan. It was the team of her adoptive family, the fact that Neji would play too was surely not important.

Or so she told herself, as she was seated with Ino, Sakura and Hinata, waiting for the home team, their boys' team, to enter the court.

Neji was calm, like every game, he would keep his coolness and focus totally on the game. But as soon as he saw her there, his eyes meeting hers, he was full of, dare him say, youthfulness.

"Shikamaru" He called the laze boy, not breaking eye contact with the brunette, "Whenever possible, lift the ball to me, because I'm feeling youthful." He finished, smirking at the brunette. Guy and Lee almost fainted upon hearing him.

To say he was good was a misunderstanding, Tenten was thrilled with the boy. Every time that it seemed impossible, any hard angle, or bad ball, Neji would surpass the blockers and crave the ball into the ground with a vigorous spike. He was on a roll, and she suspected that he was showing off to her. The eye contact they made prior the begin of the game and his godly like smirk gave her that feeling. When they won the game, the look he gave her made her knees go weak. As she and the girls left, all she could think was on that man.

"Sai is so awesome, is so sexy the way he plays" Ino was fangirling, while Hinata and Sakura just gave her awkward smiles.

"What you thought about Naruto, Hinata?" Sakura asked, making the other girl blush.

"He w-was good as a-always" She shyly commented.

"The one who was a beast today, though, was Neji" Ino said, elbowing Tenten, "don't you think?" Ino's smile was wicked.

"I-I guess, he played very well indeed" Tenten ignored her blush while the girls giggled.

"I believe he was more like, showing off, specially after all that staring that happened before the game started" Dang it, she noticed. Tenten cursed her luck, she was easy prey for Ino now. "I guess certain someone will beat us to the pot Hinata" Ino added, making Hinata and Tenten turn a dark shade of red.

"W-what are you implying?" Tenten managed to ask, regretting it immediately.

"That you and Neji will soon get hooked" Ino stuck her tongue off at her. Sakura laughed and agreed, Hinata shyly agreed, still blushing. Tenten didn't say a thing, because she didn't know what she could say without getting her in deeper embarrassment. Was Ino right? After this afternoon, she surely hoped that her friend was right.

"In any case, we need to get a move Hinata! Or we will be left behind by these two" Ino gave the shy girl a determined look. Tenten felt bad for Hinata, she was almost fainting just with the thought of being with Naruto.

Tenten would only see Neji now on Monday, it was too much time when she wanted to see him now. But she knew he was probably busy with his team a t the moment, organizing the court and the post-match reunion.

She chuckled to herself at the irony. Some time ago she would do anything to avoid the guy, and now all she wanted was to see him. Fate was strange sometimes.

Upon arriving at her room, she went to check for her school things, where she found Neji's notes. Typing his number on her cellphone, she build up courage to send her text to him, hitting send after five minutes of pondering.

You were great at today's game.

Tenten

His reply came shortly after, surprising her.

Glad you liked it, I felt extra 'youthful' today

Neji

She laughed at seeing his message, she appreciated his humor, and bit back the giggles that were forming in her throat. Hinata looked curiously at her, and she said that was nothing. The shy girl soon went back to her studies, and Tenten tried to sleep, failing at it, as she was having cramps from smiling so much.

Sunday night finally arrived, and she went for dinner with her family. She was still expectant for tomorrow, but to say she was good was a mistake. She felt heavy, sore, and exhausted.

'Just my luck' Tenten knew what those symptoms meant. They meant she was about to get the flu. She guessed that her long days, with lack of sleep and that day where she went back to the dorm without a jacket all contributed for her to get sick.

Picking her food with her fork, she could feel her throat beginning to get sore.

"You don't look so good my dear Tenten" Guy said, frowning.

'And I don't feel good either' Tenten sighed. She was looking forward for tomorrow, not to mention the woman's volleyball championship starts next weekend, and the first wave of tests next week.

"I'm sorry, I think I'm getting the flu" She admitted to them. Lee and guy shared a concerned look and offered to walk her back now for her to get more rest, to which, she kindly accepted.

Hinata was still at her parent's house for the day, so Tenten just went directly to bed, hoping to wake up better tomorrow.

But it was too much to ask because she thought she never felt so horrible in her life the next morning.

Neji knew something was off when she didn't show up to class. Surely, she wasn't a morning person, but she was still diligent on her studies. It was only when his classes were over when he received a message from his cousin.

Tenten is sick

He didn't answer. Neji was thrown off guard, he felt his throat dry and his heart hurt with concern.

Not wasting time, he went off to the library, where he found Ivan.

"Hello" He greeted impatiently. The tall man looked at him with surprise.

"How can I help you? We aren't opened yet though" Ivan asked, having a small hint to why the Hyuga was there.

"Can you make me Tenten's favorite beverage, please?" Neji asked, hurriedly. Ivan smiled, he knew Tenten wasn't coming today because she was sick, and apparently this man already knew too.

"That I can do" He took out a cardboard cup and started preparing his friends favorite drink, coffee.

"Thank you" The Hyuga surely learned some manners, Ivan mused.

"You know, I was born in here, but my family is Russian," Ivan started, as soon as he finished the drink, "And in Russia we have always a strong bond with our friends, our comrades. And if we get really, really angry when one comrade gets hurt" Ivan finished, handing Neji the drink.

Neji understood the menace in the man's word, and to say that he didn't get scared it would be a mistake.

Ivan's dark aura lasted less than a second, getting replaced by his usually cheerful self.

"Say hi to Tenten for me" He asked, waiving Neji a goodbye.

Making his way to her dorm as fast as he could, he was glad that she shared room with his cousin, as just because of that he knew where she was.

Stopping in front of her door, he took some deep breaths and knocked on the door. When he got no answer, he knocked again, wondering if he should kick the door open to see if the brunette was safe. But she soon opened the door.

Neji held his breath. Her hair was loose, and for the first time he saw it run loose until her mid back. Her eyes were puffy and her nose running. Cheeks slightly red, she was staring at him with surprise.

"Neji?" She managed to say, his face was funny, with his mouth partially opened, and if she wasn't embarrassed by her state, she would have laughed at him.

"… Coffee?" He offered to her, awkwardly. She accepted equally awkwardly.

"Thank you" She looked at the cup on her hand, still embarrassed. That's when she felt a hand on her forehead. He was taking her temperature apparently. His touch gave her goosebumps, and she suspected that the heat on her cheeks wasn't just a fever.

"Are you alone? Are you getting enough rest? Do you have medications? You have a mild fever and need to lay down" Suddenly Neji got behind her, gently grabbing her shoulders and guiding her to her bed, making her seat there.

"Hinata just left for class. I took some medicine and was laying until you arrived" At his face of guilt she felt the need to correct herself, "But I appreciate you coming though" This was not the Monday she was planning.

He scratched the back of his head, trying to think of what to do. She already took medicine, and was resting, so technically he didn't need to do anything else, just let her be. But he wanted to stay, badly.

Apparently Tenten had the same idea, as she got up, ignoring Neji's protests, and grabbed a chair, placing it by her bed, where she sat down again, taking a sip of her coffee. The warm liquid gave her bliss and guts to her next request.

"You can stay and sit" she started, looking anywhere but him, "It would be nice to have your company."

Neji sat as commanded, not wasting time. He felt relieved, she wanted his company as much as he wanted hers.

"But don't you have practice today?" Tenten asked suddenly, slapping herself mentally right after.

"Practice can wait, I rather take car of you" Came his instant reply, followed by a blush and an awkward silence.

Tenten wanted to laugh at the situation. She knew the boy wanted to stay there as much ass he wanted, but she didn't know what to say anymore. She took another sip of coffee, only to end with her having a coughing fit.

Neji immediately came close to her as to help her, retrieving the drink from her hands and tapping her back. He probably didn't notice that now he was seating on her bed, by her side, but she did, and chose to not say a thing.

After recovering from the coughing fit, Tenten laughed.

"I'm probably looking like shit at the moment" She tried to joke around, only to be stared with a pair of lavender eyes. She bit the inside of her cheek and wanted to slap herself to ever calling those eyes 'weird', they were beautiful.

"You are beautiful" He simply said, his eyes full of emotions, and his words sincere on her ears. She didn't have much time to process the words, because as soon as they left his mouth, he closed the gap between them, kissing her.

At first it was a light, awkward touch of lips due to his inexperience. But soon enough she snapped out of her shock and responded to his kiss, kissing him back fully. The kiss slowly started to turn into a make out session, his hands grabbing her by the waist and her hands messing his hair, grabbing, and pulling it.

The need for air made them pull apart, his eyes trailed her face, her eyes still somewhat closed. He felt euphory, happiness, love, all the same time, and all he wanted was to continue kissing her.

For Tenten's part, she was in a bliss, she imagined this moment for so long. It wasn't exactly as she planned, because she didn't plan on her first kiss with the Hyuga being with her sick, almost not being able to breath by her nostrils, still in her pajamas.

She laughed at her thoughts, resting her head on Neji's shoulder, burying her face on his neck. Neji pulled her closer. They were on an awkward sitting position, but for the moment, they were happy.

"Your eyes are not weird at all. They are beautiful" Tenten proclaimed, and it was Neji's turn to laugh.

"Took you some time to find out" At the light punch she gave him, Neji laughed even more. Hear his laugher so close was heavenly. Tenten smiled against his neck, and bit it lightly, receiving a questioning look from the Hyuga.

"Sorry, was tempted to do that for a while" she admitted, shamelessly, grinning. Neji chuckled and bended over to whistle on her ear.

"Me too" It was all she needed to pull him into another make out session.

It was only when the sound of someone falling to the ground that they parted, and to their surprise, and mortification, Hinata came back earlier that day, catching their little make out.


Yay! Just the epilogue more to go!

Hope you all liked this, and please, let me know your thoughts. Every critic or comment is very welcomed!

I apologize for grammar mistakes.

Be safe and take care!