Chapter 4: What Was I Thinking?

"Wha-What the hell is this?!" she shrieked, looking at the outfit. The tight bodice and strappy corset design paired with some sexy high heels seemed a bit...overly suggestive. TenTen flat out refused to wear it. "Gai-sensei, I'm not going to go out looking like a prostitute! I'm not!"

"TenTen, please," he pleaded. "You have to be as enticing as possible!"

Lee joined in. "Yes, TenTen! Please! It will only be for a little while."

She frowned and opened her mouth to refuse again when Neji cut in, speaking for the first time all day. "Just wear the dress. We all have to do our part, so why don't you do yours? Quit complaining."

Well that was...shocking to hear. If she had been mad at him before, this just made her furious. Then TenTen just smiled. The anger melted away. She realized something at that moment. It wasn't worth it. Neji was right anyway.

"Sorry, Gai-sensei. Neji is right. I was just worried about being...you know...taken advantage of or something..."

"Please. No one is going to touch you." Crap. Neji just realized it had come out wrong. He'd meant to say that she'd be safe, not make it sound like she was disgusting. However, that's how she took it. Gai and Lee stared at him blankly, disbelieving that he would actually say...that!

TenTen also stared, but her eyes showed hurt and she had flushed painfully. She forced a laugh and turned to go put on the outfit. "Right...what was I thinking?"

After she left, Gai frowned deeply at the Hyuuga. "Neji, your words were completely unacceptable! You should never talk to a lady like that! Especially a teammate. Were you serious when you told me you wouldn't be responsible for causing a teammate to lose focus?!" He was practically shouting.

Lee had clenched his fists. His humongous eyebrows furrowed in anger. "Neji Hyuuga! How can you call yourself a man when you have treated poor TenTen in such a disgraceful manner?! She is my best friend, and I will not stand by while you continue on in this fashion!"

Gai set a hand on Lee's shoulder. "No, Lee. Do not resort to violence. Look into my eyes and notice my manly features as I tell you this. We have said what needs to be said and now...TenTen!" he exclaimed.

Neji, who'd been standing rigidly with his eyes closed during the spiel, sighed and opened them slightly. Bad move. The stoic Hyuuga felt his jaw drop. A first for him actually. TenTen looked...amazing!

She sheepishly adjusted the low cut bodice, trying to cover up a bit from their shocked eyes. The black corset fit her torso tightly, showing off her back, shoulders, and a nice amount of cleavage. However, the skirt was made of tulle and silk - poofing out like a ball gown. It came to about her knees, exposing her tones calves. Her feet were clad in strappy high-heeled sandals, completing the outfit...almost. She was desperately trying to put on this delicate lacey choker, but seemed to be having a hard time of it.

"A little help, someone? Please? I can't get the stupid clasp," she muttered.

The thought of Lee or Gai putting their hands on her horrified Neji, so he blurted out "Fine. I'll do it." She nodded (was it miserably?) and walked over - heels clacking on the floor, dress swaying back and forth with her hips. TenTen placed the necklace in his hand and turned around.

Neji swallowed hard. Her smooth olive skin, slender neck, and bare shoulders were driving him insane. This wasn't like him at all – what was going on? He steadied his hands and carefully put the jewelry in its proper place. "I did not mean it like that..." he whispered quietly. "I beg your forgiveness however. I should have thought about my words more carefully..."

The brunette didn't reply except for a curt "Thanks for the help." It was short and it was cold. Bitterly cold. TenTen moved away from him, over to Lee and their sensei.

"Alright. Let's get this over with. I'm really not impressed with this dress, though I'm sure a few guys might be..." she mumbled desolately. "Oh, almost forgot." TenTen undid her ninja band and let down her hair. The silky brown strands cascaded down her shoulders until they reached mid-back. "Okay. Now I'm ready."

Neji cursed inwardly. He hadn't liked this plan from the start, but now he absolutely hated it. Who knew how many dirtbags would be all over her?! And he couldn't do anything about it...That's what sucked the most.

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After arriving at the club, TenTen was admitted and waved goodbye to her team (who was actually hiding in the bushes...so it looked a little weird for her to be waving at a bush). It was obvious that she was nervous. Who wouldn't be? Lee, Gai, and Neji took off and assumed their positions around the area, waiting for something, anything to happen. And it eventually did. TenTen's tracker suddenly went dead. Gai panicked and gave the command to go in.

Gladly they rushed to her rescue. The pounding music and darkened room with only flashing lights to illuminate it made things difficult. Finally, it was determined that TenTen – their sweet weapon's mistress – was most definitely missing.

Neji prayed that nothing serious happened to the girl. He wasn't sure what he'd do if that was the case. Frantically he searched. And he found nothing.

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Alrighty! Sorry it took so long to update. I didn't think anyone was actually reading this! xP The chapter's a little short, but if I added the next part, it'd be a killer to read. Anyways, to those of you who have favorited/commented on this story (you know who you are), I love you guys!! Next chapter will be up soon...hopefully...

- Hikari