The sound of hundreds of people outside his tent made Neji irritated. He massaged his scalp to ease his headache while continuing to look at the roster of Hyuuga names.

He felt the immense pressure weighing down on him but he was also proud. Having only a few distant memories of his father Neji could still easily imagine how amazed he would have been to know his son, a branch member, was leading the clan as a whole into battle. It was normally an honour only bestowed upon the head of the clan or the heir.

That was part of the reason for the pressure Neji felt. He had Hinata alongside him and though she seemed meek at times Neji had spared with her for the past three years and knew her potential better than anyone. She had a keen eye for danger as thus could be an important comrade to have close when the fighting started.

Neji sighed and leaned back in his field chair. The tent he was sitting in, along with similar ones for the others, was a light weight, easy-to-pack tent the Hyuugas had brought along for the travel. It would function as a place to sleep the nights during the Konoha march to join the Allied Shinobi Force, where it would most likely be delivered to the medics to house wounded.

"What's up? Why are you sighing?" Tenten abruptly walked through the tent's opening not caring that she might interrupt something. She was always like that, Neji thought, before he answered.

"I am making sure nothing is left undone with the plans and organisation." He pointed to the papers in front of him.

"Neji…" Tenten frowned and started moving closer to his chair. "You have been going over this a million times. Even Hinata told you it couldn't be more thoroughly checked by now…" she sighed.

She knew her teammate too well to think that this speech would change anything for him. She knew how much this meant for him. It wasn't merely just an opportunity to show his own skills. This was a chance to show that the branch members had the same abilities, knowledge and most importantly the same worth as the main clan members had.

She smiled reassuringly to him. He would admit to being thorough but he would never admit to feeling stressed about the responsibility that had been put on his 18 year old shoulders.

Watching him sit in his chair, she noted how, even though he had turned slightly towards her, his eyes kept scanning the papers as if there was something he could have missed. As if there were.

Normally she would have snorted at this silliness but she understood his situation, or at least she tried to. She was not from a prestigious clan with a dark history, known to put the curse seal on branch members.

A curse seal… She had seen Neji's only a few times and it had hurt her every time to know how in pain he was because of it.

When his attitude had begun to change after their first try at the chunnin exams she had welcomed it. The person she looked at now was nothing like the arrogant person she had gone to the academy with or started on the same team with. He had never showed friendliness before, now he cared…

Unconsciously Tenten had placed herself so close to Neji's chair that she could feel the heat from his body had she thought about, but right now she was lost in thoughts.

"Neji…" she began but at the same time he had spoken.

"Tenten…" She grinned at their little mistake and that they both seemed edgy, but marching into war would most likely do that to a person.

Looking at Neji she saw how he had raised an eyebrow awaiting for her to continue. At times he was rather old-fashioned and traditional with his ladies first principal. Tenten shrugged. She had intended to ask him more about his papers but changed her mind.

"I came in here to ask you to join us at the campfire." She laughed. "We're sharing stories about Naruto at the moment."

Neji smiled apologetically. He would have liked to join any other time but he knew he wouldn't be able to enjoy himself knowing how his clansmen's lives rested upon his preparations.

"I can't…" he began but she waved him off.

"It's fine. I understand." His eyes were so sad…

A sudden urge came upon her. A thought that had showed itself a few times before when they had faced a strong opponent but it was something she had always been able to push away again… But right now with the war so close, she didn't have the willpower to hold back.

To the surprise of Neji she slid her fingers underneath his forehead protector pushing it upwards, slightly amused by his inability to react, he sat with his eyes widened and mouth gaping.

But he didn't move and Tenten took the opportunity.

She placed her lips on his forehead exactly where his curse seal could be seen. She only lingered for a little moment before moving backwards letting go of the headband again. Her hands trembled but she hid them behind her back as she sent him a big smile.

"I'm going to join the others. Come hang out if you like." And with that she left his tent leaving a flustered Neji behind.

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In my world Neji didn't die in the war. He was just very badly wounded.