Wassup, Hope everyone/thing is well. This chapter is most likely going to be an awkward read. So I'll apologize in advanced. Enjoy and Happy Birthday Tenten.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
Chapter 3:
A month Later…..
Returning home after a mission was always nostalgic. Something Neji learned to truly appreciate in adulthood. He reported to Hokage Tower following protocol but his attention was elsewhere; on a certain tan weapons expert. He skipped his medical screening about went straight to see her. According to Tsunade, Tenten was discharged a few days prior. Neji took a deep breath and knocked on her front door. To his surprise, her front door opened after a short delay. His heart skipped in anticipation but was surprised for another reason. On the other side of the door, he found Gai Sensei.
"Sensei, what are you doing here?" asked Neji
"I could ask you the same Neji my boy" responded Gai noticing his messy appearance.
Neji stepped inside never taking his eyes off of his former Sensei.
"Where is Tenten?" Asked Neji
"In the back. But you and I should talk; first." replied Might Gai
Neji followed his former Sensei into Tenten's rectangular shaped kitchen. Occupying the seat across from the green beast Neji mentality prepped himself. With Might Gai, Neji never knew what to expect; the serious look plastered across his face was unsettling. Things would definitely get awkward but he would handle it with gusto. Gai cleared his throat before speaking.
"Thing have been hectic lately. I would like to ask. How are you handling things? " asked Guy Sensei
"I'm Fine, why do you ask Sensei? " Neji was curious
The expression on his face didn't change.
"Your behavior lately has been odd. So I will ask again. How are you feeling?" questioned Gai
Neji stared at the green clad man before him with his signature stone face.
"We were almost dealt a tragic lost. Have you spoken to anyone about it?" asked Guy Sensei
So he wanted to talk about Tenten. Why didn't Neji see this coming?
"No but that's behind us now" admitted Neji
Might Gai wasn't convinced; Perceptive as always.
"I'll be frank. How long do you plan on doing this?" said Gai
"This meaning… what exactly? Lead Neji
"Playing shadow; you'll only serve to push her further away. And I doubt that's what you want" clarified Might Gai
"Is it fear or guilt that fuels you?" compelled Neji
"Both" Neji thought "Sensei, I don't understand. What is it you want from me?" question Neji
"The Truth my boy, it will set you free "he pats Neji on his shoulder affectionately.
Might Gai stared into Neji eyes intensely but the young man was almost never shaken.
"Here's a bit of advice. You're fully aware of how unpredictable the life of a shinobi can be. With that being said; make every minute count. When I was your age I lost someone who was precious to me. I didn't realize how I truly felt until after she was gone. And by then it was too late. I share this with you in hopes that you won't repeat the mistakes of your Sensei" reveal Gai
"I understand Sensei" responded Neji
"Now, is there anything you would like to discuss" inquired Gai
"Actually yes" stated Neji
This surprised the older man. He's never known Neji to be forth coming about anything without intense amount of prying.
"I've come to realize that the one person who's has always been there for me. Is the same person who I've neglected the most. How do I go about mending things?" asked Neji
"The past is the past. There is nothing you can do to change that. But if this person is important to you leaving things the way they are won't do. Apologize for your personal wrong doings and hope for forgiveness. Do not expect it though. And from today on you treat that person the way she deserves to be treated. It is that simple" added Might Gai
ooOoo
After Neji's conversation with Gai Sensei; he had to admit he felt slightly relieved. Moments like these were reminders of why he respected him; even with all his quirks. Neji parted ways with his former Jounin Sensei and set sights on his best friend.
Her bedroom door was wide open. He could hear her feet shuffling across her wooden floor. Neji knocked on the door before making himself visible; smiling when she was finally in sight. What a sight for sore eyes; he though. She dropped a small stack of clothing in his arms. And just as quickly she nudged him towards the bathroom. In short saying, I'm not talking to you until you get yourself together. Neji chuckled and took this opportunity to bathe and change into clean clothes. Neji exited the bathroom and re-entered Tenten's bedroom.
"So what are you doing?" she asked
"Isn't it obvious? Too see you" He clarified with an arched eyebrow
"To see me? You must've really been worried than" Tenten said teasing
"What gave you that idea?" he didn't deny it
"Frankly speaking, you kinda looked like…. shit" she admitted
Neji chuckled
"I won't deny that. So, what have you been up too while I was gone?" questioned Neji
"Chiharu and Lee came by and we had dinner. The day before that; Gai Sensei came by with presents and he's been by every day since then. " hint of Humor
"Did you have any trouble getting home?" asked Neji.
"No Sasuke helped me" Answered Tenten.
Nodded Neji
"We had lunch at that new Chinese spot near the medical center. We should go sometime" suggested Tenten
"Did you enjoy yourself?" asked Neji
"Yeah, I did. Sasuke's really not that bad when you get to know him" she added
Neji nodded
"Ten, how are you feeling?" he asked taking a seat next to her on her bed.
"Pretty good. You can go home you know" she suggested
"I know" replied the Hyuuga
"This isn't your burden bare" She added
"You're not a burden. I'm here because I want to be" added Neji
Sensing her discomfort Neji watched her; maybe a bit more intensity then he realized because she squirmed under his glaze. He chuckled lightly realizing this could be a good or bad thing. But he averted his gaze as a courtesy before continuing to talk.
"Once you're settled in for the night. I'll leave." He promised
"I'm fully functional now" responded Tenten
"Well Lady Tsunade seems to think differently. An early discharge and on top of that you refused home visits?" exclaim Neji
"It was my decision to make" retorted Tenten with oozing irritation
"And now you're stuck me" confirmed Neji
"I can take of myself." she suggested sternly
"And I'm sure Gai Sensei would be thrilled to here all about it." pointed out Neji
"You wouldn't dare?" She stared at him horrified
"Try me" Dared Neji being totally serious
"Okay, You Win, Now get out" she mumbled under her breathe agreeing to his terms.
"No" he spat out
"I mean just out the room. It's treatment time" she responded slightly beaten
"Then let me help you" he offered
"Neji, it's alright. I can handle this much on my own." She said placing her hand on his shoulder
"Are you going to fight me on everything?" He pinched his nose in frustration
" Don't you trust me?"
"More than anything" she revealed quickly.
"Then what's the problem. Would you rather I get Gai Sensei? He'll be glad to help
"Some friend you are" she mumbled and he chuckled lightly.
"Since you won't get out; can you at least turn around so I can change" replied a defeated Panda
Being the gentleman he was he did as she asked. The look of defeat on her face was appealing. Neji though it was cute. But what was taking her so long anyway? Neji chided himself; fighting the urge to turn around. He wasn't quite sure why he wanted to turn around? Was it curiosity or pride driven? Either way, none of that really mattered because he wouldn't allow it too. Anything that would cause friction in their relationship would not be tolerated. Aside from that, was either result worth causing bodily harm or more important hurting Tenten further?
"Chakra massage with focus on my joints. Simple enough right?" instructed Tenten while patting her right leg.
The look on her face said it all. She was worried but more so pissed. He raked his eyes over her form; briefly recognizing her change in attire. She swapped out her sweatpants for spandex shorts which stopped mid-thigh. She wore the same sweatshirt from early but the sleeves up were now rolled up. He smiled at her in attempts to comfort her but it sooner he got this over with the better.
Neji clapped his hands together in a praying motion; concentrating on his chakra flow. His hands illuminated with a pulsing aura. Neji set sights on her right leg. He placed his hands on opposite sides of her right ankle; nursed said area. He leaked chakras into her right foot and massaged both the top and bottle with his fingers. He bent her foot up and down, and back n forth until he could feel the tension released.
Tenten squirmed a little bit; Neji was shocking to her nerves but at the same time; well calming. The embodiment of what she'd known Neji to be there entire comradeship. Neji, furrow his eyes brow at her response. Tenten was biting her lip? Putting two and two together, Neji realized she must still be ticklish there. So childish; he thought but this didn't keep him front smirking. He removed his hands and eyed her curiously. Repositioning his body for more comfortable position and went back to work.
Re-attached both hands to her right ankle; Neji glided his fingertips across the surface of her leg releasing chakra as he goes. He paused when meeting her calf muscle. It was tight; moving his left hand in a clockwise motion and other hand the counter clockwise motion. Increasing the amount of chakra being expelled from his hands; she twitched under his touch. Moving closer and adjusting his hands, Neji started kneading her calf muscle.
Things were going smoothly. Dragging his fingers across her calf one last time Neji continue trailing his fingers until he reached her knee. Tenten skin was warm; maybe she has had a fever. He'd check on that after he was done. Either that or he was the on exerting the heat. Truthfully, He couldn't tell. He also noticed the higher up he went the more fidgety she became. It would be a good idea for him to finish up more quickly. Neji pressed him hands together and pulse more chakra through his hands now into her knee; moving his both hands in the circular motion. He was answered with a muffled grunt. .Maybe he was being a little too rough? He dragged his hands across the side of her knee to her thigh. The contact sent a shiver through Tenten's spine. Neji paused for a minute and looked her dead in the face. Discomfort –written all over it; Slight perspiration across her forehead
"Sorry" cooed Neji
He placed his back on her knee; introducing more chakra to the joint. Inching his hands further up her leg; sent an invitation for a new surprise. A light moan escaped her lips of female teammate. She covered her mouth in embarrassment. His heart jumped. Did he really just hear what he thought he heard? He shook his head and redirecting his focus back on what he was doing. He hesitated slightly before gently placing his hands back on her teammate's leg. Focus Neji, you can do it. He exhaled once more. He placed his hands back on her leg to finish the job.
Both hands were now firmly sitting on the bottom of her thigh. He pushed chakra into leg once more. He was starting to feel the exhaustion setting in. Trialing his fingers upward, brought on another unexpected response from his female counterpart. He felt her shudder under his touch for a second time. A light blush tinted the cheeks of the young Hyuuga prodigy. But he couldn't with his stone cold resolve. Another moan slipped from her covered mouth and this time he was positive; even though it was muffled.
Neji has moment of clarity; finally fully taking in the situation. He could hear her labored breathing and skin was sizzling; and so soft. Could it be that he was the cause of these sudden changes? He'd admit to enjoying this bit more than he should have. To think for years, she's been a safety blanket for him. Did she find comfort under his touch too? He finished up and slouched forward.
"Uh…. Neji are you alright?" asked Tenten. Her words soaked in concerned.
"Yes, and All done" he removed his hands and used it to brace himself.
"Shouldn't I be asking you that?" countered Neji
Both young shinobi were extremely close in proximity; Intimate of sorts. Tenten was leaning up against her headboard. Both legs spread out. Neji was on both knees hovering over her body. Mere inches away from their lips possibly brushing against one another, her breath teased his face.
Neji found her shoulder and leaned his head against it. Tenten in totally embarrassed mode turned her head to avoid looking at him. Truth be told, she wanted to run way but seeing how her legs were putty now and Neji had her trapped. That wasn't happening anytime soon. She let him be until her shoulder starting to numb.
"Neji" she softly called
"Hmm" he said just as softly.
"Hey, what's wrong?" she asked
Neji picked his head up. And noticed Tenten was avoiding his gaze.
"Tenten." He cooed her name almost drowsily
He picked up head and watched his attentively. She still refused to look at him. He picked his arm up and before he could move it; his arm was caught. Neji turned his head to see who had the audacity to grab him so roughly.
"Uchiha" Neji was shocked.
"Hyuuga" repeated Sasuke.
Neji ripped his arm away from the younger man Climbed over Tenten on off the bed he went. Straightening his body and stepped face to face with the other prodigy. They exchange grown leveling glares and the tension only grew.
"What do you think you doing?" question Sasuke
"Nothing that concerns you; get out or I'll make you get out" countered Neji
Oh Kami, Is this really happening right now? Sasuke and Neji are in bedroom and without question a fight would break loose. Then she would definitely be homeless. Which was the least of her worries; that is if she survives the carnage. She has to do something and fast. Tenten rolled over on her stomach.
Bracing her body, she attempted to lift herself up on her knees. She was successful but boy was she wobbly. Her legs shook and trembled before she collapsed back on the bed. ''Ouch" this caught Neji's and Sasuke's attention. Sasuke grabbed his arm for a second time. Neji spun around and punched Sasuke square in the mouth. Uchiha clan head stumbled backwards. Blood leaked from the corner of his mouth; Sasuke was thoroughly impressed. Cleaning the blood off his face with his shirt he followed up with activating his Sharingan. Neji smirked and activated his Byakugan. This fight between the two was long overdue.
"Punch"
"Counter"
"Gentle Fist"
"Block"
"Duck"
"Break"
"Crash"
"Tenten flung a pillow across the room at the two young man.
"Pfft" the projectile made contact but the scuffle continued.
"Kick"
"Block"
"Punch"
"Reversal"
"Elbow"
"Counter"
"Shoulder"
The cycle continues. Tenten reached leaned over to grab another pillow. Below it she found her favorite Kunai. Seeing how they wouldn't listen to reason. She'd make them listen. She hurled another pillow at the shinobi; Pfft the project contact again. Even if they didn't response she knew they were both aware. She hurled her favorite Kunai right in between both boys. The whistle this soaring object made was distinct. Both boys split avoid the deadly weapon. Neji turned his head and glared at him before continuing with Uchiha. Neji grabbed Sasuke by the collar of his shirt.
A whistle could be heard from the door.
All three occupant's attention darted towards the door. There stood Might Gai. Gai crossed the threshold and stopped in front of Neji and Sasuke. Gai pulled Neji off of Sasuke and used his body to disburse the too.
"I'm so glad you're here sensei. They were trying to kill me" said Tenten relieved.
He furrowed his eye brows
"Kill you?" Neji titled his head slightly and staring at her in disbelieve.
Sasuke kept a look of indifference.
"Yes, kill me" repeated Tenten
Neji pinched the bridge of his nose with one hand and ruffled his hair with the other. Did he just hear correctly? He wouldn't yell at her. Even if he wanted to yell at her he couldn't. The smug look on the Uchiha avengers face wasn't helping either. On top of all of that, Gai sensei was the mediator. What was the world coming too?
"Hold on. Let's start from the beginning my youthful comrades" added Might Gai.
"My eternal rivals former pupil. You may start?'
"I found Hyuuga hovering over Tenten who was pinned up against her headboard" told Sasuke
This caught Gai by surprise.
"Neji, is this true" questioned Gai
"Yes" admitted Neji and before he could explain Gai jumped the gun.
"Neji my boy. You took our early conversation too… literary" Continued Gai
Gai shook his head disapprovingly
"Sensei, It's not what you're thinking?" assured Neji
His frown soon turned into the most youthful smile he could muster. He nodded
"My boy, there is nothing to be ashamed of. You two are both adults now and can choose to share the flames of youth with whoever you choose. "Informed Gai
"Sensei, Tenten and I." tired correcting Neji before being cut off
"Tenten is a very beautiful young woman. It is all very natural to want to partake in the "sexy time" defended Gai
"Sensei please stop! Oh my goodness, your killing me right now" she said hysterically laughing.
"Me and Neji aren't together "she wiped the tears from her eyes.
"So you really were taking advantage of her?" Sasuke stated.
"No, I was merely helping her" retorted Neji
"More like helping yourself" rebuttal-ed Sasuke
"Neji, Is this true? Were you taking advantage of Tenten? If so, I am very disappoint in you"
Spoke Gai
"Enough already, Neji wasn't taking advantage of me. He was helping me with my Chakra Therapy" corrected Tenten
And for the first time ever, Gai sensei was speechless.
So, what did you think? Let me know via comments or DM. Follow me/subscribe if you're curious to where this is going. And Thanks for reading.
S. Hollyhood 03/09/2015