A/n: I originally intended to have this up Thursday night but after grappling with the first version of this chapter all week I decided I hated it and deleted everything. Ironically enough that was Thursday afternoon. I spent the past two days nearly getting carpal tunnel syndrome trying to get this to you guys on time so...YOU BETTER LIKE IT.
lol, kidding (mostly).
mucho thanks to all that reviewed the last chapter:
marionn345, ElightenedNinja, Dreaming 101, 8ouji-Rui, BeautifulLullaby, berryboom, Linea-chan, Luafua, Reider, reegreeg, Chisa Chipsa, FruitySmell, Candy.W, I LoVe TeNtEn
I'm glad you guys are enjoying the story so far even though the adventure hasn't started yet. I hope you all enjoy this chapter as well.
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto...yet
P.s. for those of you who asked if there will be any more Naruto characters making an appearance, the answer is YES, OF COURSE! But I can't tell you who they are—that would ruin the surprise ^_^
enjoy!
It was drafty in the cabin, and I trembled, folding my arms tightly around myself as I sunk into the battered, ancient-looking sofa. My clothing stuck to me in the most uncomfortable of ways, and I was tempted to just wrench the soggy things off and set them by the fireplace to dry. It wasn't as if Neji would mind—he'd already proven my naked body had zero effect on him.
I sighed at the thought.
Maybe he was gay?
Instinct told me that wasn't the case however. There was something innately masculine about him despite his feminine attributes. It was almost as if there was a layer of his essence that had been peeled away, and all that was left were subtle whispers of what used to be. The boy was practically a walking contradiction.
His hair was lustrous, yet rugged.
His face beautiful, yet roguish.
His body slight, yet firm.
It confused the hell out of me, and I found myself staring at him far longer than was probably deemed polite. Not that he gave any indication that he noticed. The quarters were rather cramped and no matter where he moved, excluding the bathroom, he was always in my line of sight. And I in his.
Currently he was grumbling to himself across the room, brow arched harshly as he rifled through a cabinet. Every few minutes a long tendril of dark hair would fall into his face and he'd scowl, shoving it back impatiently. I entertained the notion of asking him why he didn't just cut it if it bothered him so much, but he hadn't uttered a single word to me since he'd invited me inside, and seemed determined not to acknowledge my presence in any way.
It bothered me a little, though I tried my damnedest not to let it show. The silence was gnawing away at me with each passing second.
I hated this. Didn't he feel awkward at all?
I curbed the urge to stamp my foot, settling for curling my fingers into tight fists to ease my frustration.
How did one go about inviting someone inside one minute then acting as if they didn't exist the next? It wasn't normal.
But then again, neither was he.
Exhaling, I stared out the window, watching as the rain trailed down the glass in tiny bundles before disappearing from view entirely. The forest looked even eerier from the inside of the cabin, the darkness nearly overwhelming as it swallowed up its surroundings.
I sighed again.
When would the rain stop? I missed my old friend the sun quite dearly—how he illuminated the entire sky like a gargantuan jellyfish, and the gratification of heated finger-like caresses against my skin.
Judging by the weather, it'd be a while yet until my long-lost pal decided to show himself.
Just my luck.
A dejected breath escaped my lips.
"Would you stop it."
The demand had come from the opposite corner of the room, causing my heart to leap into my throat.
Sweet goldfish!
Startled, I turn to meet Neji's peeved face. His colorful irises were flashing silver, something I've come to associate with his quick temper. Why was he so worked up anyway? I was the one being deliberately ignored.
Acutely, I felt my blood begin to simmer beneath my skin. He really was a grouch, wasn't he?
I crossed my arms defensively.
"Stop what?" I retorted. As far as I knew I was just minding my own business.
He growled as another strand of glossy hair drifted in his eyes, brushing it back with more force than strictly necessary for such a minuscule task. Meeting my eyes levelly, he stated in an imperious tone,
"Stop sighing. It's irritating."
For real?
I snorted.
He was pissed because I was sighing? Seriously?
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes, but just barely.
Some of my disbelief must have leaked into my expression regardless, because his was suddenly much colder, opaque eyes darkening to a deep shade of maroon. His gaze was penetrating as he stared right into my eyes, then lowered, inspecting every inch of me with a clinical sort of interest. He seemed to be considering something, though I hadn't the slightest inclination what—the guy was impossible to read.
Feeling uncomfortable, I squirmed beneath his scrutiny, clearing my throat in what I hoped was a subtle manner.
He didn't even blink.
My teeth bit painfully into my lower lip, but I welcomed the sharp sting—it distracted me from the pensive frown on Neji's face.
Why the hell was he looking at me like that? Was it because I was covered in mud?
Was my shirt see-through?
I checked and was relieved to discover it wasn't, though unbearably filthy.
"Hmm..." Neji murmured absently, still staring. His arms were crossed and head cocked to the side as if studying an abstract painting.
What the hell?
Despite myself, I felt my cheeks growing hot. Was he just going to stare at me for the rest of the day?
I was positive he was mocking me. He was probably snickering to himself as he did it too, pin-pointing each and every imperfection and storing it away to cackle at later. I couldn't look at him any longer, turning my head so I wouldn't see my insecurities reflected back in his face.
Silence stretched between us for several minutes, the only sound being the pattering of rain as it splattered against the roof shingles. I nearly glanced back at him but stopped myself just in time, redirecting my eyes to my fidgeting hands.
This was absolute torture, would he just say something already?
More time lapsed in the same excruciating manner, and not able to curb my curiosity any longer, I cast a fervent peek at him, bracing myself for the worst.
He surprised me.
Instead of the revulsion I expected, was a look of realization and utter stupor. He seemed almost entranced, not even noticing that I was staring back at him. His mouth was open as well, and body stiller than any statue I'd ever seen. The only indication of life was the shallow rise and fall of his chest.
I frowned, brows nearly touching as I studied him. Did he fall asleep with his eyes open?
It was possible right?
"Neji?" I whispered tentatively.
His eyes remained glazed over.
My heart thumped. Oh my god he wasn't sick was he? Because I sucked at caring for the ill, I'd probably kill him or something.
"Neji," I repeated more urgently. He was starting to creep me out, "Hello, anyone in there?"
I crossed the room and waved my hand in his face.
Something seemed to register in that instant, and his eyes regained focus. He caught my expression and immediately averted his eyes, face alarmingly pale. He swore beneath his breath.
"Neji?" I inquired.
I was staring concernedly at him, but he refused look at me.
My frown deepened. Did he have a cold after-all?
It would make sense, we were out in that storm.
I reach for his shoulder.
"Hey, are you alri—"
He cut me off, slapping my fingers away as he sent me a look of distaste. I'd be lying if I said that didn't sting a bit.
Did he really find me that repulsive?
"You're not much of a lady are you siren?" He formed the question as if he already knew the answer, ploughing onward without waiting for a proper reply. Not that I had one, I was too busy opening and closing my mouth like a fish.
"If you were you'd realize just how unbecoming your huffing and puffing actually is. Please keep it in check from now on." He finished primly. He then continued shuffling through the cabinets, his movements surprisingly effortless despite the spastic twitch of his jaw.
I could only goggle at him.
Was this guy for real?
He was acting as if the past couple of minutes had never happened!
"But you—" I attempted once more and he sneered.
"You ocean dwellers really are uncivilized."
My concern melted away, leaving me dizzy and steaming.
Uncivilized? Oh I'll show him uncivilized. He'd been ignoring me for hours, zones out on me, then insults me when I try to see if he's okay? Not to mention I was tired, dirty, hungry, and homeless.
I didn't need to take his shit, I had enough of my own.
"What the hell is your problem?" I snarled, the words dripping from my tongue like acid. He couldn't just ignore me and then fling insults for no reason. I wouldn't allow it.
"I've done absolutely nothing," I stressed, attempting to meet his eyes but he still wouldn't look in my direction, "Yet you attack me over something as trivial as breathing?"
He scoffed, turning his back to me.
"I knew this was a bad idea," he growled, voice terse, "I should have left you outside in the rain. You'd survive, you're from the ocean after all."
He said the word 'ocean' like it was a disease and I bristled, narrowing my eyes at him. That was the second time he'd insulted it.
"What's so wrong with the ocean?" I growled. Even though I wasn't happy there, it was still my home and I felt obligated to defend it.
He didn't answer, striding across the room to flop down on the crickety bed. It squeaked obnoxiously beneath his weight, the rails bending in exertion from his sudden drop. I scowled at his motionless form.
I refuse to be ignored! Especially by some pretty-boy kid who owed me his life.
I squared my jaw, determined not let him have the last word.
'Hey—" I began only to be interrupted for the third time this night.
"Be quiet." he commanded harshly. His voice held a lethal baritone that made my skin crawl, "My head is pounding and if you make so much as another sound I will throw you out on your ass."
My mouth snapped shut, though my eyes remained blazing.
Bipolar bastard.
He's the one who started this in the first place!
I fumed silently for a good thirty minutes after that, clothes damp and mood damper. I couldn't sleep a wink and ended up gazing solemnly at the fireplace. The flames were phosphorent and joyful, dancing amongst the embers in erratic patterns as they illuminated the cabin a dull orange. It just looked so warm and inviting—the total opposite of the foul mood fermenting the cabin. It was calling to me like a beacon, and before I had even realized what I was doing my top was over my head, followed by the pants, and I was tip-toeing towards the fire.
I snuck quick peek at Neji as I passed the bed, sighing in relief when I saw his eyes were still closed.
Just because my body didn't affect him didn't mean I wanted him to see me, I still had some modesty, unlike others of my kind.
Plus that jerk didn't deserve to see my lady-parts ever again.
I settled in front of the fire with my clothes in a sopping heap beside me, grinning as the goose flesh covering my skin dissipated, leaving trails of cozy warmth in their place. The leaves of the tree outside tapped steadily against the window, and I transformed it into an intricate rhythm in my mind, bopping my head to the imaginary beat.
Tap.
Tap.
Tap.
I closed my eyes.
Scratch.
Tap.
Tap.
The beat morphed and twisted until it was my mother's raspy voice, whispering vain promises of happiness in my ear. It was the scathing laughter of Kurenai when I'd done something especially clumsy. The disdainful expression of Kiba when I so much as glanced at him. And Neji. Back at the beach; glowering down his nose as if I were an insignificant bug beneath his foot.
My chest throbbed with a hollow ache, and I pulled my knees against my chest in an subconscious effort to smother the feeling.
Why was I never good enough?
"What's so bad about me anyway?" I wondered aloud, and my voice sounded pathetic even to my own ears.
I shook my head at my own idiocy.
Great. Now I was talking to myself. Way to go Tenten.
I was lucky Neji was fast asleep or he would have thought I was a total nutcase for sure. That is, if he didn't already.
Which probably didn't matter since he was crazy himself.
I stretched my fingers out, happily thawing them out after so long in the rain. I giggled to myself.
"Silly Tenten," I whispered with false cheer, "Of course they'd hate you, you're so ordinary."
I smiled bitterly.
"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger I suppose."
If I would have turned around at that exact moment, I would have seen one colorful eye closing and a small, barely perceptible frown.
"Wake up."
Something silky and warm hit me in the face.
"Wha?" I garbled, only half awake. My back hurt like hell. Cracking my eyes open, I saw Neji towering over me with an annoyed look on his face. His eyes were blood-shot, lids drooping, and lined with heavy bags. His face was sallow and pale, the sunlight filtering through the open window highlighting the sickly pallor of his skin.
All in all, he looked like shit.
I started, practically leaping into sitting position.
"What the hell happened to you?"
He ran a tired hand through his hair, which I noticed was still as exquisite as always. I subtly fingered my own tangled strands.
"I couldn't sleep." Was his stiff response.
I snickered.
Well. Duh.
"I can see that, " I quipped, then stated matter-of-factly, "The sandman was probably punishing you for being so rude to me."
His brows narrowed.
"That eyebrow-less freak wouldn't dare, he knows his place."
I quirked an amused brow at his haughty response.
Somebody was awfully full of themselves weren't they?
I grinned to myself. Well I'll just have to put put him in his place now won't I? And possibly get some well deserved revenge while at it. I wasn't usually a vindictive person, but Neji was a special case.
"Is that so?" I inquired sweetly. He tensed, detecting the sudden switch in my demeanor, "Then why do you look so haggard Neji? I thought gods didn't require much sleep?"
It hit the mark.
His kaleidoscopic eyes flashed that telltale silver, face becoming thunderous with fury. I was nearly expecting him to launch himself at me by the violent way his body quivered, but then he released a shuddering breath, and the anger seemed to leave him in a giant whoosh. I was bewildered by the change, and eyed him warily.
He was supposed to be yelling by now.
Expression devoid of any emotion, he answered calmly,
"Tch. Get cheeky and I'll leave you behind."
I stared at him.
What.
Did he just say what I thought he did?
It was then that I noticed the leather pack draped from his shoulder, filled to the brim, and the matching leather boots adorning his feet. He looked like a hunter, hair pulled back in a high ponytail and dagger at his hip. He was watching me closely, almost as if awaiting my reaction.
Then it dawned on me, and my breath left me in a startled rush.
"You changed your mind?" I breathed, stunned. Didn't we just have an argument yesterday? "Why?"
He had strode across the room to gaze out the window, and turned to send me a pointed look over his shoulder.
"You said yourself I wasn't getting into Aeron alone," he answered quietly, "In addition, I have no idea where it's located so..." he trailed and I stared at him expectantly.
He wasn't getting away with this that easily. Not after last night.
"And?" I encouraged, nearly laughing aloud when he appeared troubled.
"And," he gritted and I could tell it took a great toll on his pride to admit this. He seemed to want to be anywhere in the world but here. "And your knowledge may prove useful." He finished briskly.
Oh yeah?
I grinned real wide, and it was his turn to be wary.
"You need me," I stated smugly.
He stiffened, a scowl forming.
"No—" he denied but I powered over him.
"Yes you do," I declared and met his look head on, adding "Admit it or I won't come with you."
His scowl deepened.
"But—"
"And while you're at it apologize for your atrocious behavior last night."
"Atrocious?" He sputtered, "You were the one—"
"And thank me for saving your life," I tacked on, frowning, "You never did and that's just rude."
Neji looked close to vomiting.
"Isn't that a little...much?"
I shrugged.
"You could always find some other willing person to lead you halfway across the country and risk their life surpassing one of the most high-tech security systems in the seven nations."
I gave a disarming smile.
"I'm sure there's plenty lining up for such a friendly gentlemen as yourself."
I knew I had him then. He knew I had him if the sweltering glare was anything to go by. He would have to swallow his ego if he wanted me to accompany him. I wanted us on equal footing. The chapter in my life where I let others run over me had passed.
I was a new Tenten.
He pinched the bridge of his nose, screwing his eyes shut as he drew in a sharp breath. When his eyes reopened they held a grudging acceptance in their motley pools.
"Fine," he huffed. His nails bit into the window sill, leaving tiny grooves in the wood, "I'm—"
He stopped, swallowing convulsively.
"I'm..." he began again, avoiding me eyes. He looked much different than last night, arrogance washed away and replaced with a sort of vulnerable frustration. The expression made him appear even younger.
How old was he anyway?
"I'm sorry." He finally blurted dispelling my thoughts, "And thank you for freeing me uh.." he hesitated, realizing he didn't know my name.
"Tenten." I supplied. "Just Tenten."
He nodded stiffly.
"Thank you...Tenten."
I smirked at him.
"Now was that so hard?"
The look he gave me could have melted metal.
"Just shut up and get dressed, " he snapped, mumbling a barely intelligible, "Exhibitionist." beneath his breath as he retreated to the bathroom.
I frowned at his back.
Exhibitionist? Why would he call me—
A sudden breeze filtered from the window, and I felt my nipples tightening as it blew over my torso. Clueless, I glanced down only to shriek when I saw that I was completely naked, and the warm fabric that Neji had tossed at me upon awakening was a shirt and pants.
My face was boiling.
"Neji—why the hell didn't you tell me I was naked!"
A/n: annnnd cut. Sorry if it seems rushed, I'll go back and edit it before I write the next one, which should be posted some time around next friday. Next chapter begins their journey—Im so excited! Lol.
Please review, it make the author mucho happy.
~Hope to dream