It had been two months. Two months without knowing where Tenten was—where they were keeping her. The moment Lee had arrived at the village six days after he and Tenten left him in the inn, three days after him and Tenten parted ways, Neji knew something terribly wrong had happened. That was around the time they started torturing her.
Neji wasn't quite sure what kind of methods they were using per se. It was never the same pain for too long—never long enough for him to distinguish anything important. Sometimes it was a sharp pain. Or a stabbing pain. Searing pain. Sometimes it would burn, or it would feel too cold. Sometimes it was heavy. At times, his nose would start bleeding, or his body would start hurting and bruising over. Now and then he would start seeing cuts all over his body. If he were to fall unconscious, which would almost always happen, he was unable to register what else they were doing to her. If it were not for Sakura, he was sure he and Tenten would have died by now.
Neji spent most of his time in the hospital, where he was partially hospitalized and refused visitors, tending to, and anticipating the coming torment almost hourly. He could hardly stand himself; he could barely stand others. Still, Lee visited regularly. Sometimes with Might Guy, who would encourage him to stay strong for Tenten.
"After all, you are her only lifeline," Might Guy had told him.
He was right, of course. So Neji endured. He would hope that Tenten would show up in his dreams and tell him where she was, just so he could put an end to all of it. Even his regular nightmare paled in comparison. Even those were scarce too. He barely slept and, when he did, those were fitful and come with little rest.
Neji wasn't a superstitious person, not like Tenten who believed in ghosts. Yet, his skin would crawl when he would think about the dream he and she experienced. He was ashamed to think that two months ago he found out so much about his teammate and all of it whist in a dream. But that was not what shocked him—then, yes. He was embarrassed that he had assumed many things about her. Like, having a happy childhood, loving parents, a healthy support system. The way that she acted never indicated that she was an orphan. Well, not when you compared her to the others. To himself. Tenten was always kind and understanding.
Though that had consumed his mind when he first found out, mostly when she wouldn't wake up… No. Presently, he thought that her nightmare was like a bad omen. A premonition of all the pain she would go through (and in extension him). Neji wondered if she has made the same connection.
It was when the Hokage had declared war against the New Order Society that Tenten's torturers stopped. When Neji had gotten to the Leaf Village with the scroll and delivered it to Naruto, he was surprised to find out that his team was not the only one tasked to retrieve such a thing. Other teams were also assigned to retrieve the scrolls from other Lao-Yung's establishments in other parts of the countries. Neji was impressed that Naruto had anticipated so far ahead that the New Order Society would try to get their hands on the rest of them. Even he had not thought of that. That emotion didn't last long. Not when he thought about the cost it took to achieve such a thing.
When he thought about it, it made sense that they would stop. Why would they keep touring Tenten if this new war was so eminent? They needed to gather all the numbers they could get. Neji just hoped he could recover fast enough to join Lee and Might Guy in search for her.
Neji had tried, and failed many times, to go out and track Tenten. It wouldn't be that hard, he figured. Besides, he couldn't just wait around until everything was well. She might not have that same luck. He also felt partially responsible for what had come to her. He should have insisted on taking her place. Though Neji was aware Tenten was capable of defending herself, he was better equipped for driving the enemy off.
Neji had talked to Naruto too. He was the Hokage and also a person to blame for what had happened to Lee and Tenten—though Lee had the attention he needed and recovered quickly. But Naruto did not want to send a rescue mission when they needed everyone in the village, when every number made a difference in the war. It was a dead end. Even when he coaxed Hinata in convincing her husband otherwise, it came to no avail. The rescue team would have to be well aware of the risks, they would have to willingly put themselves on the line for this.
Neji only knew of two people who, in the middle of war, would decide to leave in search of their teammate than serve their village and country.
Lee and Might Guy were about to leave in hunt for her down without him—because he wasn't in good shape to leave yet despite protesting—when they got the news. Tenten had somehow gotten back. Somehow, she escaped wherever it was they were keeping her and wandered back to the village. When Neji heard of the news, he was more than relieved. He knew Tenten would keep her word somehow. She would have fought her way through.
Although, much like before, Neji should have figured something was off the instant Tenten didn't report to the Hokage first thing. She just sent word of her return and headed to her house. No one seemed to notice anything wrong when they had dealt with her personally—not that they would with everyone focusing on the war. He should had foreseen this.
The day Lee and Might Guy notified him of Tenten's return, Neji made sure to convince them in waiting for him to get discharge from hospital before going over to her house. The only explanation he had offered was that it would be ideal for Tenten to see them all together. He knew deep down that he was doing all of this for his own sake. As much as the thought flustered him, Neji knew he needed their over the top personalities to fill in the gaps. To make things less awkward. He knew his and Tenten's relationship had shifted in a way and he was unprepared to face that yet.
Neji had not expected Tenten to be laying in her living room carpet when her team arrived for a visit. Seeing her there was all he needed to know to understand that something was wrong. Not only that, but any spectator who would walk in could tell something bad must have happened just by looking at her. Although she did not seem to have any wounds externally (perhaps healing bruises now)—not when Sakura had made sure to treat them all almost right away—the empty look in Tenten's eyes, the dark circles, the hollowness in her face, the loose messy hair, the apparent weight loss—they all spoke volumes.
Neji was embarrassed to admit that his vanity held him in place, that it was his teammate and sensei the who knelt down beside her, ambushing her with all types of questions. If someone were to question him about it, he would blame his stiffness on his still healing body, but he knew the truth.
"What is wrong, oh youthful flower? Tell me!" Lee hovered too closely, running his hands over Tenten as if trying to assess everything. Tenten just shrunk deeper into the fetal position she had on the floor. "How can I make it better?"
"Give her some space, Lee!" Guy reprimanded his student, pulling him away. "Tenten, are you okay?"
Neji could feel Tenten's heart started racing, much like he did those two months she was away. It would always hitch this way before they began torturing her. He saw her face crumble as she silently wept. His stomach dropped. Neji had seen Tenten cry before, but this was completely different. It was heart wrenching; he could feel the agony in his body.
Tenten was inconsolable. It did not matter how many times Lee hovered or promised things, nor Might Guy's lame jokes or awkward comments, it was of no use. No, it had the opposite effect. It made it worse.
Neji all the while watched, not knowing what to do, thinking for the first time that she might had been crying all those times he thought she was just nervously anticipating agony, that she was just bracing herself for the pain. He had never felt so useless before.
After what seemed a few minutes Lee and Might Guy turned to Neji, as if he were the answer. He tried to convey with a swift shake of his head that he did not know what to do, that he could barely stomach watching Tenten this way, that he had no words. But they didn't notice or chose to ignore it.
Neji sighed as he knelt before Tenten, in the middle of Lee and Might Guy. She had her eyes tightly closed, dry tears in her cheeks. He could feel his throat dry, so he swallowed. What was he supposed to say?
"Tenten," Neji said gently. For a moment he wondered if he should touch her shoulder in reassurance, but he thought against it quickly.
Tenten's tightly shut eyes twitched, but otherwise didn't respond. "We are sorry we couldn't get to you sooner. We are sorry we could not be there. I am sorry." No response. Neji swallowed again. "I am aware that you might not want us around right now, and if you want us to go, that's fine, just let us know if you need anything."
Still nothing. Neji looked to Lee and Guy, seeking direction (which was saying a lot). They just looked at each other and at Tenten at a loss.
After a beat or two of silence, Lee grabbed her hand. He had it in a death lock, Neji could tell. He was about to tell Lee to loosen up, but his teammate spoke before he could. "We are here for you, Tenten. Just say the word and we will do anything."
Neji wasn't sure if it was Lee's words or his grip that made Tenten snap her eyes open, he was just disappointed that he wasn't the one who got to break through to her.
"I," Tenten began, voice small, eyes set on Lee, then on Guy and then on Neji, "I am just so tired."
Neji thought that Tenten would start weeping again, but she held it together. He was glad he was kneeling on the ground. He didn't know what he would have done if he were standing. Neji had never heard Tenten sound so small. It was like all the life and light inside of her was snuffed out.
"Do you want us to leave you so you can rest?" Might Guy offered, looking distraught.
Tenten's eyes lost focus then, lost in memory. She shuddered. "No. I don't want to be alone right now. Just…can you guys stay for a while?"
"Of course," Lee said as if there was no other place he would rather be.
"As long as you want, oh youthful flower," Guy assured.
Neji just looked at her. If he were to kneel there any longer, he was sure he would crumble. No, he had to keep busy. He stood up in a swift move. "I will make some tea."
It had not occurred to him that he did not know where Tenten kept her things until he reached the kitchen. After fumbling around for a bit, he found a kettle but nothing to make tea with. In fact, her kitchen was completely empty. This frustrated him for a minute, until he figured he could just go to the market and get her some groceries. It would make him feel more useful and he would give him enough time to process everything.
"Need to go get somethings in the market," Neji said as way of goodbye. "I will return shortly."
When Neji got back, he was surprised to find that Lee and Might Guy had managed get Tenten off the carpet. They had somehow gotten her to sit in the living room couch instead. He was still unconvinced by their efforts, so he made sure to make eye contact with her as he carried the groceries to the kitchen. Tenten gave him a weak smile before she continued listening to whatever Might Guy and Lee where telling her in that moment. They were probably letting her know about the war and how, in a couple of days, they would be heading out. The smile was everything Neji needed to know to understand Tenten was just putting up an act for their benefit. He had seen all of this before.
Once in the kitchen, Neji got to work. He started doing things simultaneously—all for the sake of time and distraction. He started readying the ingredients for the herring soba he was about to prepare while he got the kettle going. He knew Tenten would prefer something else as her tastes where much different than his, but he knew from experience that when he felt down, this was the only thing that helped get his spirits up.
Neji only hoped that the jasmine tea would calm her down and the herring soba would give her the strength she needed. Other than that, he knew his words would make no difference. He had experienced the same physical pain she had, yes, but he was surrounded by his teammates and medical-nins. He was constantly being reassured that everything was under control. He was never alone, not the way she had been. Neji wasn't aware of what other things they might have done to her, things he might had not been aware of…Things he couldn't bring himself to linger too much on or ask.
When he was done, Neji was soaking in sweat, never expecting Tenten's kitchen to have such poor ventilation. How she managed it was beyond him. He tried to cool himself down before bringing the soba and the tea to the small dinning table. Lee and Might Guy's stomach started growling as soon as they saw him walk out and Neji had to shoot them a death stare, making them know they needed to keep themselves in check.
Said teammate just turned green at the sight of the food. Tenten gave wavering smile, "Oh, Neji. You shouldn't have. I am not hungry at all. I—"
"No," Neji said firmly. "Eat."
While Tenten stared at the food flabbergasted, Neji shoot a look at Guy and Lee, indicating with his eyes that they should chip in too.
"Yes, Tenten," Lee said encouragingly. "Please eat. You will feel a lot better after."
"Do it for us," Guy added almost immediately.
Tenten hesitantly started eating, taking her time doing so. Neji could see a slight difference in Tenten once she was done—perhaps more liveliness—but other than that she was still missing her usual perkiness. He didn't know why he thought food would make a difference.
Neji was trying to figure out a solution to this puzzle, keeping quiet while Guy and Lee did all the talking. If it could be considered that. More like rambling. He tried to be more observant, tried to get all the variables. Neji had only seen her this way once before. When she had developed aquaphobia after their encounter with Kisame. After experiencing intense trauma.
Deep down Neji knew that was the reason, he just didn't want to accept that. After all, he was responsible for it. He had been too caught up in his own head. Neji's judgment was clouded then. He had felt the needed to prove himself. He and Tenten had…No, he couldn't linger on the thought. He had not allowed himself to think about in since it happened. Not for too long at least. He would only let himself bring up the memory when he was experiencing pain, when Sakura's healing did nothing to sooth his physical agony. Neji could barely look at her now without remembering, without feeling like he was losing his sanity.
They left past midnight, though he considered it to be too soon. They were standing in the doorway, saying their goodbyes, promising more visits in the future. Neji dawdled for a moment, letting Lee and Guy go ahead of him. He wasn't sure what he wanted to say. He couldn't quite believe Tenten had gotten back, that he was standing at her door when two months ago her whereabouts where a mistery.
Tenten's eyes were far away, much like they were all night. Lost in thought or in memory, he was unable to distinguish which. Neji was only able to tell that she hadn't notice he stayed behind.
"Goodnight, Tenten," Neji said quietly, but still she jumped at his words, startled.
Tenten smiled sheepishly. "Thank you for coming, making groceries and cooking. Eh, you didn't have to go through all that trouble, you know."
Neji open his mouth to say it was no trouble, she needed to eat, no? but instead he said, "If the needs ever arises, you know you can always talk to me."
Tenten stared in surprise, eyes big glassy mirror reflecting the stars of the night. Her only response was a tight nod. Without knowing what to do next, Neji nodded too, catching up to Guy and Lee.
Neji was walking towards the Hokage's office, determined. He had already argued with Naruto about this, he knew it would be pointless. Yet, he felt the need to try once more. To convince him to let him join the Hyuga force in the war. To not let him stand idly by. He was a ninja, he was going to behave as such. Neji couldn't just do nothing.
When Naruto looked up at the sound of a knock on his open office door, he immediately rolled his eyes. "Why am I not surprise to see you today, Neji?"
Neji gave the Hokage a small sarcastic smile, remembering that Naruto's position merited respect. He couldn't get too flustered, so he crossed his arms and took his remark as an invitation to walk in. "Well, tomorrow all the forces leave to fight the New Order Society, what did you expect? You already know why I am here."
Naruto sighed, exasperated. "I have had this talk with Boruto last night, this morning with Sarada, and now you too? You know what that means? Neji you are behaving like a child. My decision is final."
Neji frowned, well aware that he is not as young as he used to be. He would probably wrinkle easier now. He shook his head, feeling frustration getting the best of him. "You know I am an important asset, I am the strongest in my clan. What if something happens? Remember last time?"
Naruto laughed cynically, but Neji could tell it was quite sincere all the same. "Yeah, 14 years ago you were the strongest. Things change. I do remember what happened last time—you died."
"It's a war. It's—" Neji began but was silence by Naruto's hand. He bit his tongue despite wanting to press his point further.
"You and Tenten are linked," Naruto had said as if it weren't that obvious. Yes, Neji knows that. He lives with the fact everyday, but she would understand. "If something happens to you, I will have you guys blood on my hands. Understand? Not only that, but if you die, it will be my fault. Last time, it was all you. You decided to put yourself on the line, you died the hero, but if I allow this, I will be the one to blame. Either way, I promised Hinata that I wouldn't let you go. So, you are not going and that's an order."
Neji bit his tongue tightly, afraid to say things that he shouldn't. Lady Hinata… he would try to understand the reasoning behind that decision, just not now.
Neji's eyes closed in resignation. "I can't do nothing. I know I can be useful—"
"I was not done speaking," Naruto cut in.
Neji snapped his eyes open, not knowing if Naruto did all of this to patronize him. He nodded saying all he needed with the gesture—he apologized and told him to continue. Naruto looked like he was tired. "I do have a special task for you."
Neji had not gone to Tenten's place for two days, feeling angry. After Naruto told him that he wanted to task him with keeping the village safe while everyone was away, he felt furious. Not because the job was obviously just something to keep him distracted, but because he also tasked the same thing to Boruto, his son, and Sarada, the Uchiha's daughter. Naruto told him how he regarded him as a ninja with that assignment. He considered Neji to be at the same caliber as children. When he couldn't find anyone else to blame, he blamed Tenten. After all, she was the one who brought him back. The one who put him in this position.
Deep down, he knew he couldn't keep blaming her for all of his problems. Specially now. So, he convinced himself that he would not visit her because he did not want to come off as rude or to treat her harshly because his pride had been hurt. Even if she was partially to blame.
On the third day, Neji felt like he was calm enough to check up on Tenten again, deciding to take a long walk around the village to make sure things were in order before going to her house. Everything seemed to be alright, but he couldn't help noticing her shop was closed. Still closed. He didn't know much about running a business, but he was sure this wasn't good for the store long-term. He made note to ask her about it when he got to her house. He was pretty sure she could profit from the war and gain back what she had lost in her time away.
Neji also wanted to talk to her about the scroll. He just needed to know she was doing well before he did so, he needed her as alert as possible for it. If the Hokage knew he had copied the scroll on a piece of parchment so he could study it later, to understand everything he and Tenten were going through, he would have their ranks and heads stripped off. There was no other way, though. He knew Naruto planned on storing the scroll under watch and key, there would be no other opportunity to analyze it. Neji was sure Naruto would not trust them enough to let them read it occasionally. No, this was the only way.
It was different story when Neji reached Tenten's house. After the fourth or fifth time knocking, announcing he was at the door and her not answering, he felt dreadful. Neji tried to calm himself, reminding himself that he wasn't hurt so she might not be in any immediate danger. He tried the doorknob next. It turned effortlessly. She left her door open?
"I am going to go in," he told her just because he knew that barging in a house was disrespectful in a way.
Neji found her almost immediately. It wasn't like he could miss her. She was laying in the carpet. At the sight, Neji's felt his stomach drop. He thought she was doing better when he last left her. Apparently not. As he tentatively approached her, he looked around her house. Everything seemed to be in the same place he last saw them. When he got on one knee before her, he noted a few things. First, the dead look on her eyes, it was like she hadn't registered he was there. Second, she was wearing the same clothes she wore when he, Lee and Guy were there. Third, all though she did not smell bad per se, he could tell she hadn't showered in a few days. Neji used his Byakugan and inspected her body. She wasn't hurt. At least, not physically.
Hesitantly, he placed a hand on her shoulder afraid she might crack and crumble before his very eyes. "Tenten," he said softly, "I will come back, okay?"
She still had a far away look.
In one swift movement, Neji stood up and walked in long strides until he reached the Uzumaki residence. In contrast to Tenten the door swung open with two knocks. Himawari was the one to open the door.
She stared at him surprised, her mouth slightly opened. "Uncle Neji!"
Neji understood her amazement. He was amazed he was there too, specially considering why he was there for, but he knew her amazement stemmed from the fact that this was the second time he had willingly come to their house. The first time was when they threw a dinner in his honor when he returned. Now he was there again.
"Hello, Himawari. Can you get you mother?"
Himawari still seemed awestruck for a moment. Then, she nodded before turning in search for Hinata. She gave two steps before she turned around, wrapped her arms around his waist and ran inside her house.
Neji was still trying to comprehend Himawari's admiration for him when his cousin approached him, a worried expression on her face.
"Did something happen to Boruto?" was the first thing she asked.
Neji shook his head, mustering the words he wanted expressed without feeling embarrassed. Still, he felt his ears heat up as he said, "Lady Hinata, I know this might be too much to ask, but you are the only one I trust enough to request such a thing from."
To his astonishment, Hinata smiled. "Anything."
Neji was in Tenten's kitchen, struggling to make sesame dumplings—the only thing that popped in his mind and he remembered she would eat on a daily basis. He could hear Hinata and Himawari talking to Tenten, trying to get her off the carpet. He had gone straight to the kitchen, needing to focus and feel like he was helping too. Though all things considered, it was Hinata who had to deal with the hard job. Well, he considered it that way. She was a lady and, though he was the one who had asked her for the favor, he was very well aware how unbefitting it was. He still couldn't believe she had agreed to aiding Tenten, specially when it revolved getting her to take a shower.
Neji could hear the shower being turned on, making him sigh in relief. Lady Hinata got through to her. Seconds later, Himawari walked in.
"Oof," she complained, fanning herself. "This place is hot."
Neji couldn't help smirking to himself. "Indeed."
Neji felt the unease in his stomach and his heart rate pick up before he heard Tenten's loud sobbing. Himawari snapped her head in the direction of the bathroom then turned to Neji, a concern look in her face. He took a steading breath, leaving his work half done.
"Stay here," Neji told Himawari, who nodded, though she looked like she wanted to protest.
Neji could hear Lady Hinata's attempts at trying to sooth Tenten, but if anything, she just sobbed louder. Neji gently knocked on the door, clearing his throat, "Is everything alright?"
Silence. Neji was about to damn everything and open the door but then Lady Hinata said, "Yes, don't worry. We are fine."
Now Tenten's crying was just sniffling. Hinata must have known he was still there because she said, "It's okay. Keep doing what you are doing. Please let Himawari know I will need her help soon."
As Neji walked towards the kitchen, something clicked. The last time he had seen her, she had not been this inconsolable or distraught. When they went to check on her, she held it together. He had told Tenten she could tell him anything, but she was putting up an act, hiding how affected she was, for them, for him. For some reason he couldn't understand. He tried to ignore the bitterness he felt at the thought.
"Is everything okay?" Himawari asked when Neji returned to the kitchen.
Neji nodded, letting her know that Hinata would need her help soon. After that, Himawari had the good sense of not asking more questions, helping him out in his dumpling making until Lady Hinata called for her. The food was almost ready by the time his cousin joined him in the kitchen and told him that she needed to get going.
"Thank you, Lady Hinata," Neji said, bowing.
She just gave him a small smile, parting with, "Be patient."
Neji was still trying to figure what his cousin met by the time the dumplings where finished. He brought two servings to the table, despite the fact that he wasn't a fan of dumplings. Neji just hoped sharing a meal would help Tenten feel like they were still friends, like she could trust him.
After a minute or two, Neji found Tenten in the edge of her bed. Her hair was freshy washed and down, wearing a black shirt and long pants. Her eyes were red rimmed, looking at the floor, skin flushed. Few were the times that Neji has seen her teammate with her hair down and it still amazed him. It was like staring at a whole different person.
"Tenten," Neji began, always unsure of how to approach her. "Let's eat."
Tenten snapped her eyes at him, "You think I am an inept."
Neji was speechless at her words, he didn't know how to answer to that. "I—"
"You think I can't eat or wash myself. Is that why you brought Hinata over?"
Her words were accusing. Be patient, were Lady Hinata's words. Neji tried to remind himself of that as he calmly answered, "I think you can look after yourself."
"Then why do you humiliate me this way?" Tenten's voice trembled as she asked this. She stood, standing straight. "I have been through this before and I've come out the other side. I am not a child, unable to look after herself."
Then she walked past him. Neji stood there for a moment, letting her words sink in, trying to figure out when she'd gone through something like this. Had he noticed then? Was it when she developed her aquaphobia? No, he never remembered her behaving this way. She had gotten help like she promised. Suddenly he understood. Was she referring to when he died?
Neji was confused when he walked after her and found her at the table, sitting, looking at the dumplings. He was sure she would just storm out or lay on the carpet again, not sit at the dinning table. He tried to pretend that their whole exchange a couple moments ago didn't happen as he sat across from her.
"Sesame dumplings?" she asked, still looking at them.
Neji wasn't sure what she meant or what he should answer. Tenten looked like she was on the verge of crying again. "They might not taste that good but try to eat them all."
After a beat or two of silence, Neji went to grab for his chopsticks, thinking that if Tenten saw that he was eating, she would be encouraged to do so too, when she grabbed his hand. Her grip tight.
Neji looked up at her, words at the tip of his tongue.
"I kept my word. I returned. I am not useless. Don't treat me like I am helpless, like I am going to crumble, okay?"
Neji nodded, gathering the words he needed before he spoke. He knew this was important. "I don't think you are weak, Tenten. Truth be told, I think you are stronger than me and Lee. I know you can get through this on your own, but I want to help you, not because I think you need the help, but because I want you to get better sooner. Isn't that what friends do?"
Tenten closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath. "I am still me, Neji."
"I know."
"Just a little broken," Tenten added quietly, "but I am still me."
Neji grabbed her hand in return, her words like sharp knives. "I am sorry I wasn't there to prevent that."
Tenten smiled weakly. "How could you have? You were keeping me alive, literally."
"Still."
Tenten let go of his hand, grabbing the chopsticks. "Let's eat."
After that, Neji didn't know many things. For example, he stayed at Tenten's house until the afternoon, telling her he would return to check up on her at night, after he was done with his rounds around the village. There was no need to do that, he was well aware. Neji knew Tenten was more stable now and that hovering would only feed into this idiotic idea she had that he thought she was weak.
While he made his rounds, he noticed that he was too distracted. Even Boruto and Sadara made quick to point that out—which was surprising since they only seemed to notice each other. Neji had not made any comments about it because he knew they were right. Not only that, but he was too eager to be done with the job. His mind was lost in too many thoughts, so many that he couldn't process at once.
When Neji had finished, he promised himself that he would briefly check on Tenten and go to the Hyuga manor. He needed to sleep and rest, something he had been lacking for a while now. He had also been thinking of sneaking out of the village during the early hours of the morning, just to see how the war efforts were going and if he was needed—all of that despite Naurto's orders. This was how he functioned, these were the laws he reigned himself with. That was his ninja way.
All of that went out the window when Tenten told him to join her inside. The sheer wonder that she received him at the door made him step inside. He couldn't be concise then. Not when Tenten had mustered enough strength to set up the dining table and make wontons.
"Please stay and eat," she had said as she served, never giving him enough time to decline the offer. What was Neji to do? This would surely get her down. He felt like he made so much progress today, there was no point in seeing that all go away so suddenly.
"Yes, but I must be going soon."
Neji knew there was no reason in staying for so long, they had not talked at all since sitting down at the table—much like they did earlier—but when Tenten offered some tea, he didn't say no. Neji didn't understand why he was lingering so much. Why did he felt the need to stay? Tenten was not going to break down.
Neji was about to stand up, bid his goodbye. Tell her that he couldn't finish the tea, that he had a long day tomorrow, that he might not visit for a couple of days while he was at it—he was busy and all that. But then Tenten looked at him and he knew deep down she was about to tell him something. He didn't know why, he just did.
"When they were keeping me in that bunker," Tenten started, their teas cooling down, "When they would do all those things to me, I would think, 'This is okay, this is nothing. This is not the worst thing to have happened to me.'"
Neji's mouth dried at her words. He didn't know who of the two was getting worked up. He felt like he had lost his words. If he could ignore the ache long enough, maybe he could string them together.
Tenten laughed dryly. "Believe it or not, it worked. That wasn't the worst thing to happen to me, nor was it the most painful. If I hadn't found the scroll, I think I would have been okay with grieving your death for the rest of my life. For me, no other sadness in the world would do."
Neji just stared at Tenten for a while, the moment seeming to expand forever. He had opened his mouth on two occasions, but the words didn't come. Then he decided to keep it close, for fear of looking more of a fool than he already had.
"You don't have to say anything, Neji," Tenten said, seeming to understand everything, like she always did. "I didn't say this to get a reaction out of you. I just wanted you to know that. When I was there, all I could think about those two whole months was how I never got to say all of these things. I just need to let them out in case anything happens."
Indeed, Neji didn't know many things. For example, he knew he should have said something, anything, but since Tenten gave him the option to keep quiet, he felt the need to do that. Just like the need to keep as still as possible in his chair. He didn't know what he could have done then—perhaps something reckless.
His mind was a different story. Neji couldn't help replaying the scene of the palace in his head, though he tried not to. He had been bewitched, but if Lee said they were drunk, he would have accepted the latter just so he could keep a shred of his dignity. After all, he justu's affects were minimal on him. No, he had just been entranced by her. By the way she looked and the way she moved. By her words.
You hate me and all I ever did was love you.
You love me?
I have never stopped.
Suddenly, the palace morphed. They were in the woods, their fire had been stomped out, so the smoke wouldn't give them away. Tenten's dream—nightmare—had shaken something in him, it had been so shocking he had been started awake. After the initial fear of trying to wake her up without response, Neji was facing the staggering surprise of losing complete and utter control of himself. He knew that if Tenten hadn't teased him, he might not have had the courage to kiss her, just to prove to her that he could. The mere thought made him studder, but Tenten had been kind—like she has always been towards him. She did not tease him, although she could have. And now—
"I have copied the scroll in a piece of parchment," Neji began. "I would like to discuss the contents with you."
Tenten's initial surprise at his words wore off fast. "Does Naruto know?"
Neji gave a small smirk. "No."
Tenten sighed, exasperated. "Then we should keep this to ourselves then."
"We should." Silence. "I could pass by tomorrow and go over it with you. If you want."
"Yes, of course."
Neji didn't know many things, no doubt. No, many was a stretch. He didn't know anything at all. He didn't understand himself and his contradicting ways. For example, despite wanting to leave sooner, he stayed until late at night. And although he planned on keeping his visit short, he had already arranged on coming over the next day.
A/N: Okay, so just wanted to say that I used a lyric from Taylor's Swift new album in this fic? Can you guess which one was the line. Also, gasp! It's in Neji's perspective. Gasp! Neji wasn't heavily influence by the justu! Gasp! Gasp! Gasp! Anyway, I struggled a bit with this one. I had an initial idea at first but ended up with this. I am much pleased with the route I took with this one. I thought of ending it with them eating but added him coming over again. Tell me your thoughts in the comments! See you on the next update.