Wassup, Wassup and Wassup. This was Tenten's birthday chapter which I originally wanted to drop on her Birthday but things didn't work out that way. Anyways, Enjoy.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
Chapter 5
"Lee and Chiharu will up with us later on for dinner" informed Tenten
Neji nodded.
"So, where are we going Papa Neji?" Teased Tenten, Neji smirked in response.
Neji wondered! Should he tell her or should he surprise her like he initially planned. Truth was, Tenten was being surprisingly submissive. Tenten was never submissive outside of working related relationships. This intrigued Neji a lot more than it really should. But more so, because Neji enjoyed teasing his fellow brunette just as much as she enjoys teasing him. He pondered the matter a bit more as they walked in towards the said "surprise". Even if he told her she would still be excited. The mere gesture, the mere fact that it came from him would be enough to warm her heart. And this was something Neji knew to be true. On the other hand, her witness her surprise having the building anticipation would be equally as good. Either way, he would get a positive response. As stubborn as Neji is, when it came to Tenten his resolve always dwindles. This was truth, even before current state of enlightenment. So, he'd give her what she wanted. He removed the item in question from his pocket and handed it to his best friend.
"A weapons exhibition? " Read Tenten out loud, she turned towards Neji
"I'm so happy, I could kiss your right now" She stated exuberantly
"So I take it. You haven't been yet?" Asked Neji
"No, things have been pretty tight lately" replied Tenten
"Not that it matters now but you could have ask me to take you" stated Neji
"You've been really good to me lately. Aside from your prince-scapades, I can't remember the last time I spent my own money while we are together. So how could I ask you do something like that?" She replied
"I really don't mind. If it makes you feel any better we can go Dutch" he suggested
"Seriously?" asked Tenten, her surprise bordering shock and confusion.
He nodded at his female companion.
"Yes, Next time. We'll go Dutch" He confirmed, and Tenten sighed.
Tenten opted out on pushing this matter any further because this was Neji. And going Dutch, is the closes to equality she will get from him. Neji was a gentleman above all else. He would not allow a woman to pay for a meal. He respected her independents but did she honestly, think he would let her pay on her birthday of all days. Even after mentioning her current money problems. Whether she admitted it or not; she was happy about not having to put her foot in her mouth.
Their idle conversation continued as moved towards their destination. The exhibition was held on the backside of the Academy. Displays lined up as far as the eyes can see. Neji stepped aside briefly, to pay for their admission. Tenten was still staring at the exhibition area in amazement. He smiled at her and let things sink in a bit more. He stood behind her and gently pushed her through the entrance ropes into the area of her amusement. He stopped when they reached the first set of cases.
"Hey Neji, Did you know Kunai aka a Uzumaki was originally a farming tools" asked Tenten
He followed behind her, peaking ever so often at her and her object of fascination for the moment. With each kunai she pointed out slight differences in the craftsmanship. She was able to tell which ones have been dipped in poison or other corrosive materials. Neji engaged her whenever she directed her attention towards. The young man was on his best behavior. They breezed through current area and before realizing it. It was time to move along further.
Neji looked inside the newly approached glass display; recognizing the weapons inside as shrunken. Each varied in size and shape. Some with embellishment and other look completely unused. Neji was able to tell varies types of metals were used to craft these tools. He was not confident enough to label the alloy but being friends with a weapons freak has its perks. Huh? What was that? Neji attention was drawn to something on the far left. Moving closer, he stared at the tool intensely. Tenten noticed this and assumed her normal position at Neji's side; curiosity getting the better of her.
"This is called a Bo Shuriken. Great for long range attacks even more so than a kunai. Kind of looks like a kunai. Doesn't it? "Offered Tenten
Neji watched her when she walked over. He watched her while she spoke. He watched her while she looked at the other pieced in the glass case. He watched her, Wait, why was he still staring? He shook off the slight embarrassment and nudged Tenten to move on; she was just standing around after all. They entered the short ranged weaponry section. Neji stopped in front of the first weapon displayed.
"A Quarter Staff" said Neji, using his voice to grab the other brunette's attention.
Tenten turned around and stared at her friend before direction her attention towards the weapon in question.
"Very Good Neji, How are the one next to it?" quizzed Tenten.
Neji rubbed his chin pondering the idea. Not being able to come up with anything. He gave her a look he knew only she could comprehend.
"A Bo Staff, and next to that is the Jo Staff; which have slight difference based on the region. That one all the way at the end is a Hanbo" she added lastly
"Mr. Prodigy, What's that in that single case on the left side?" asked Tenten, pointing to the weapon in question.
"Uchigatana; A Samurai sword" replied Neji.
Tenten clapped in approval.
"How about the one below it?" she challenged him once again
"A Bokken; For Kendo" tossed out Neji confidently
"Can you tell what it's made of? She questioned him further
"Bamboo" answered Neji
"Well, you're partially right. The material is bamboo but that's a Shinai"
She pats Neji on the shoulder and continued her mini lesson.
"A bokken is shaped like a Katana and made of different type of wood" She finished
They didn't call her the weapons mistress for nothing. And today at this event; he was able to bare witness to her greatness. All jokes aside, he was proud of her and thoroughly amused. Today Tenten shined brightly. Emitting an aura, he never knew she possessed. Her laughs were lighter; smiles more genuine. She was beautiful; Neji had to admit.
They continued browsing through the rest of the collection. They joked around. Tenten continued the flex her vase knowledge of weaponry. Quizzing Neji every once in a while. They teased each other some more. More Tenten than Neji but he got his jabs in. After scanning every case and things related to the exhibit the two shinobi exited the exhibit. They walked side by side and continued talking.
"So Neji, I was thinking…. I owe you an apology" Confessed Tenten breaking the uncomfortable silence.
"An Apology?" asked Neji.
"I've been a real asshole lately and you were just looking out for me. So sorry "She admitted
"It's fine. I might have been a little overbearing myself" comforted Neji.
"A little? Lee reprimanded you" commented Tenten, pausing for a brief moment.
"Neji, Leave her alone. Neji, my eternal rival you must speak with her more calmly. Neji, Tenten chan knows her limits better than anyone. Neji" She said, Mimicking Rock Lee
"Very funny" He smirked, and chuckled at the accurate impersonation.
"Okay so maybe, that was normal Lee" pondered Tenten
"Did you enjoy yourself?" Said Neji, changing the subject.
"Yes thank you, I had a great time. Did you? " She smiled
"It was pleasant." revealed Neji.
ooOoo
Lee gave his best friend the most youthful hug he could muster. He only squeezed her tighter and pulled her closer; patting his back affectionately. Lee let go when it register she was struggling for air. Neji watched this display of idiocy; fighting the urge to punch Lee in the face. As much, as Lee's antics annoy him; he's come to expect these kinds of actions.
"Tenten chan, Was Neji on his best behavior?" asked Lee
"Believe it not. He really was" admitted Tenten.
"I am glad. Where would you like to eat? On this most youthful day of your birth" asked Lee
"I have a place in mind unless you have any objections?" responded Neji
"No surprise me" smiled Tenten, letting Lee latch on to her arm.
"Chiharu, my lovely flower come and join us" called Lee, reaching his free arm towards his girlfriend.
"Neji, how did you survive these two all these years?" asked Chiharu honestly curious while eyeing her boyfriend and his best friend.
"Something's you learn to just accept. But Tenten is normally middle ground for us. " informed Neji
"She's really great. Isn't she? " She finished.
Neji nodded in confirmation. Once Lee and Tenten were out of ear shot Chiharu spoke once more.
"You like her. Don't you?" asked Chiharu
"Yes, she's my best friend. So that goes without saying" answered Neji
"That's not what I mean" replied Chiharu
"I don't follow" finished Neji; Chiharu shook her head in response.
"Seems the pretty ones never really do" answered Chiharu.
They continued the rest of the way in silence. Well, Neji did at least. Lee was being hyper as usual. Tenten interacted with him and Chiharu joined them. Stopping outside of Tenten's apartment complex.
ooOoo
"So when are you two leaving?" Asked Chiharu
"The day after tomorrow" said Tenten, knocking back another cup of sake.
"For how long?" the blue haired girl asked once more
"Not sure but could take anywhere between 3 months to a year" shrugged the weapons mistress
"So are the rumors true? About Uchiha?" asked Rock Lee
"Unfortunately yes" answered Neji
"Damn" Chiharu said, sympathetically patting Tenten on her back
"At least you'll have permanent eye candy while you're away"
Tenten mouth gaped open in shock.
"Come on, I know you "claim" it's all platonic. So we'll go with that" Chiharu added
"So, what you trying to say" questioned Tenten
"Come on, you can't honestly say you haven't noticed?" Lead Chiharu
"I've… noticed. But can we change the subject? Please" insisted Tenten
She noticed; of course she noticed. Sasuke was definitely a looker. And then there was Neji her best friend, and yeah she noticed him too. But for her safety and sanity she wouldn't linger on those thoughts any longer.
"Chiharu hime, my lovely flower; what about me?" asked Lee, feeling neglected!
"Lee how many times, do I have to say not to call me hime?" sighed the Bluenette
"I am sorry but please answering my question" He pleaded.
"You have ..your own brand of… ruggedness that I find appealing" Chiharu stated
Tenten side eyes Chiharu in shock. She turned her attention towards Lee. He was perfectly satisfied with that answer. Somehow she managed to dodge that bullet by landslide. Tenten was thoroughly impressed. She was most definitely a sly one.
Their little party continued into late into the evening. Lee and Tenten's sobriety was nonexistent. Lee was still a light weight, but he built up a tolerance of sorts. So he could drink a little something but they still felt it was necessary to limit his consumption just in case. So, nights like these were possible. Chiharu collected her drunken boyfriend and her other belongings. Neji, offered to help her but she insisted he stay. They bid there fair wells and the young couples parted ways.
Neji watched Tenten attentively from across the table. Something was definitely bothering her. He was bit intoxicated right and would rather not ruin her special day. But there address the matter tomorrow on better terms. Going into a mission distracted was suicidal but considering everything that's come to life as of the past few months. How could she not be bothered?
"Hey, Here open this" He picked up the gift box sitting on her table and set It in her lap.
"Oh yeah, this is from Lee and Chiharu. Right?" picking up the box
She ran her hand over the box; tracing the outline with her index finger. Neji, watched this with slightly amused and curious of the contents inside. She ripped off the wrapping paper and placed it on her table top. There was note addressed to her on the very top. She read it aloud so Neji could follow.
May all your wishes come true!
~ Lee and Chiharu
She set the card gently aside on the table. Revealing a sterling silver braided chain with a charm attached. The charm was flat and shaped like a kunai. Tenten felt roughness on the back side of the piece in her hand. She flipped it over and read the message engraved within the precious metal.
May the will of fire always be with you!
Tenten was choked up; she was beyond touched. First Neji came to her rescue and made sure she had a lovely time. And then she received such a beautiful gift from Brother Lee and his girlfriend. The love she felt was truly overwhelming. She looked towards Neji and smiled at her best friend so genuinely, it might have come off fake. He walked around the table at sat behind Tenten. He reached for chain and gently removed it from her hand. He put it around her neck from behind and clamped it closed. That was when noticed she was wearing another chain as well.
"Neji, Thanks again for tonight. You've made me really happy. " revealed Tenten, with her back still turned to him.
"You're welcome. Is there anything else I can do for you?" asked Neji
"I'm worried" thought Neji
"Tenten, are you okay?" He followed up.
Tenten shook her head confirming what he already knew. He moved to other side of the couch, so he could look at her face to face. Her eye lids were heavy and head was bobbing slightly. She was sleepy but refused to let sleep claim her. But the sake would win this fight. Now, it was all the matter of when. He stood up and helped Tenten down on the couch. He bent over transferring her legs from the floor onto the couch.
"Good night Tenten" He said, while covering her with a blanket he found sitting on top of the couch.
He turned away and headed towards the door. He stopped when she spoke to him.
"Neji" she cooed
"Hmm" He responded, turning around his head around to face her.
"You don't have to leave if you don't want too?" She barely mumbled.
Neji stopped when he reached the door. His hand froze at the door knob when she spoke again.
"It's fine. I have business to take care of before we leave." reassuring Neji
"Is something wrong?" he asked, she shook her head know.
"I'll be going then" finished Neji.
Neji started walking towards her front door once again. He reached for the door knob but was stopped in his tracks. He turned around and found Tenten behind on the floor clinging to the back of coat.
"Please Neji, …I'd rather not be alone right now. I need…you to stay"
My knowledge on weapons is very limited; so a little Wikipedia research was done before hand. What did you think? Let me know via comments or PM. Would you rather I jump straight into the mission next chapter or more Neji/Tenten filler. Either way, Thank you for stopping by.
S. Hollyhood 03/28/2015