I'm so happy you all are enjoying this story, because it's really fun to write, and all your reviews are super motivating to put chapters up as soon as I can! THANK YOUUUU to everyone who reviewed, it means a lot to me :3
.Silence: You don't know how happy your comment made me! I appreciate you going into depth of why you like my story so much, it was super thoughtful and analytical! And I'd like to read that fic of yours if you ever write it, sounds interesting! :D
So I took FIVE days off in celebration for my birthday! I've been working nearly 40 hours a week, for an eternity, and I don't plan on doing ANYTHING but writing, and bumming, and watching movies, and yeah, so I'll have time to sort through all my random notes regarding this story.
I HEREBY DISCLAIM THE GREAT NARUTO AND HIS GREAT FRIENDS
It was Friday morning, and Tenten woke up earlier than usual, as it was about six o'clock. She would be meeting Kiba at the garden around eight, so she had some time to kill.
One thing she rarely ever indulged in was baths. It was a shame too, they were relaxing and warm and fragrant – all things girls loved. Tenten never had the time, but since she was placed in a situation where she had plenty of it, she thought why the hell not? And what a lovely decision she had made.
Feeling deliciously refreshed from her soak, she thought the best way to follow up a luxurious bath was with an elegant breakfast. Fruit, eggs and pork cutlets adorned her plate. Maybe it wasn't the fanciest of meals, but it was colorful enough for her!
While getting dressed, she decided on a whim to wear her hair down in celebration of change. Today was going to be a good day; she could feel it in her bones. She picked out loose navy short shorts and a tight black shirt that had armored mesh sleeves, just stopping at her elbows. With her hair down, she noticed her bangs grazed her cheek bones and were long enough to flow into the rest of her hair naturally. Had it been that long since she had gotten a haircut? It had been several years… Time seemed to fly by when you were risking your life for your village.
All through breakfast she had read and reread her sensei's letter. Tenten was sure her heart was mad at her, as it would skip a beat every time a new scenario would present itself in her head, and that was a frequent occurrence. To relieve some of the anxiety – and excitement, nervousness, and impatience – she began her list of things she would need to pack.
1) Training clothes, some winter clothes, NEW gloves
2) Shinobi boots and sandals
3) Every single scroll I own
4) Toothbrush, ninja antiperspirant*, travel soap
5) Standard pillow and blanket
6) Camping bowl, cup, and utensils
7) PLENTY of hair ties
8) Sakura's medical kit
9) Weapon cleaning kit
10) Picture of Team Gai and special kunai
Tenten stared at her list for what must have been ages. Having all her essentials and necessities for camping, plus some mementos from home, she declared her list a success, and left her house to meet Kiba.
It was another beautiful day in Konoha, earning its namesake with gusts of wind carrying leaves around in circles above her head. Clouds blotted the sky and the sun was bright with prospect. Summer would come soon, and it was already hot. She was glad she wore shorts.
Arriving at the tree in the field rather early, she leaned against it and waited. It wasn't long before she sensed his chakra, but she didn't open her eyes just yet, she loved the sounds of the outdoors.
"You make it awfully hard not to kiss you when you look like that."
Now she really didn't want to open her eyes, already seeing his expression in her mind. It suddenly occurred to her that he would take her long hair and short shorts as trying to look good for him, which was the farthest from the truth.
"I'm wearing my hair down in celebration of change, if you must know." She replied, now watching as Kiba drank in her appearance. One hand was stuck in his pocket and the other raked through his hair.
"Kami bless change, then!"
Trying to hide her flattery and changing the subject, she asked him what they were going to do today. Akamaru appeared behind him and Kiba moved aside, spreading his arms out towards the canine, like he was presenting him as a gift. "Your chariot awaits!"
"You want me… to ride Akamaru?" She asked with caution, she didn't really know how to feel about that. He was big enough sure, but it looked a bit… awkward.
"He loves it, don't worry! Plus, he's super soft. I promise, you won't be sorry." Did he always have a glint of mischief in his eyes? Most likely. Riding a dog was something she'd definitely never done before, and it could be fun. Tenten kept the suspicious look on her face until Kiba took her hand and guided her towards the fuzzy dog.
"What, I don't have a choice?"
"Not really," he said, helping her onto Akamaru. Staring at him with mock anger, she allowed him to place her hands in the right spots. "It's important to hold him at the base of his neck, near his shoulders. Anywhere else will hinder his movements. Keep your knees tight, and your legs a little loose. Once you get going, you'll be able to get a rhythm with loosening and tightening your legs. Simple enough, right?"
Her brows were knotted in uncertainty. "I guess," she replied, with a nervous laugh. Akamaru was extremely plushy, no wonder Kiba slept on him during missions.
"Alright then!" Kiba took off running at full speed, leaving Tenten open-mouthed and shocked.
"Wha… You je – !" Akamaru lurched forward and she almost flew backwards. Luckily she remembered to hold on! Amazed at the speed at which he was running, she quickly found the rhythm Kiba mentioned, and synchronized her motions with his. In no time at all the dog had caught up with him and they engaged in a race. The three raced the along the border of the village, edging the forest and soaring through the vast expanses of land.
Realizing it is the second time in two days that she's piggy-backed, she finds that she doesn't mind at all.
Tenten was surprised at how fast Akamaru could run, even with her on his back, Kiba had some difficulty at times catching up. She found herself laughing out of sheer joy, loving the feeling of the wind whipping at her hair and the speed at which she was going. Kiba would egg on his canine companion to provide some real competition, and the dog would respond by barking and growling playfully. She found their relationship to be completely adorable, there was just no other word appropriate.
Kiba looked amazing when he ran, she observed. His back was straight, arms pumping at his sides and legs blurred with haste. As he ran against the wind, his clothes pressed against him, and she could see a better outline of his form. Broad shoulders and a narrow waist, strong but lean arms, and long, sturdy legs. Her cheeks burned as he caught her admiring him, and his grin was impossibly widened.
Forgetting everything but her feeling of flying, she tilted her head back and laughed loudly at the sky. This wasn't just fun, it was liberating! Kiba felt a sense of accomplishment as he watched her laugh so freely, hair careless and eyes sparkling.
He would not lie to himself; he could really fall for this girl. That was dangerous. And boy, did Kiba love danger.
Tenten did not know how long they had been running, or where they even where. Before long, though, she feels herself losing speed, and the two athletes slowed to a light jog until they reached the streets. Kiba's breathing was labored, but he looked perfectly fine. Akamaru, however, was breathing like he had been walking the whole time. Was he really a dog? Were they sure he wasn't a horse in disguise?
Still riding on his back, they walked through the streets, earning amused looks from many people. Kids would run up and pet Akamaru and ask her how much fun it was to ride him. She tried to straighten her hair, but it was beyond her control.
"Stop fussing with it," he said, breaking the silence, "it's a good look for you." Kiba winked at her and laughed as she rolled her eyes.
"So where exactly are we going? I don't really like surprises," she admitted.
"You don't like surprises? Hm… Well do you like spicy foods?"
Tenten's ears perked up at the mention of spicy foods, and her attention was focused solely on Kiba. "Like it?" She asked, "I love it!" How did he…
"Sakura told me it was your favorite!" Of course, she wouldn't be surprised if Sakura had hidden motives of her own. "Believe it or not, it's one of my favorites too! Hana and I go to this little restaurant called Fire Eaters, and they serve the hottest foods in Fire Country," he stated with the utmost satisfaction.
Never in all her years had she heard of such a restaurant, how had she not known? "I didn't even know there was such a place," she expressed, looking at him, astonished.
"Lucky you have me then, eh?" Kiba's fangs shined in the sun, and it reminded her of Gai and Lee, though Kiba looked handsome when it happened to him.
"Must be…" she trailed off, hearing a familiar voice. Frowning, she realized who owned that deep and somewhat monotonous voice. They rounded a corner and her beliefs were confirmed.
"Tenten?" Neji had stopped speaking to Hinata mid-sentence to try and comprehend what he was seeing. Tenten was riding atop Akamaru, her hair was down and beautifully windblown, her legs were bare and smooth, and she was with Kiba. She looked damn good like that. His blood boiled with lust and anger.
"Kiba! Tenten!" Hinata walked up to Akamaru and pet him lovingly, to which he whimpered and licked her back in thanks.
"I see that your ankle is fine," Tenten assessed. The soft spoken girl replied that it had been minor, and that Naruto and Kiba had blown things out of proportion.
"Yeah, well…" Rubbing his neck and looking away, Kiba wanted and tried to avoid two situations. One was Hinata scolding him for his behavior the other day, and the other was Neji glaring at him in obvious jealousy. The former never came, however, but the latter would proceed silently.
Turning his attention to Tenten, Neji took this moment as an opportunity to apologize. Clearing his throat, he asked Tenten if he could speak to her privately for a moment.
Tenten honestly didn't need a lecture from Neji right now. Though she understood fully that his animosity towards Kiba was unexplained, she'd be damned if he would tell her who to be around. She was having a good, no, great time, and she didn't need Neji's mood souring up her day. But, being the good friend and one who was desperately in love with him, she slid off Akamaru with ease and followed him around the corner from whence she had just came.
She huffed and crossed her arms, "If you're going to tell me you don't like me being with Kiba, save it. He's my friend, and whatever beef you have with him doesn't matter to me."
Neji hated that he became slightly aroused when she stood her ground and set out to defy him.
He hated a lot of things about Tenten; the greatest being that she unhinged him. Before he met her and let her into his life, he was simple. Complex thoughts or emotions were solved by analytical thinking and logical responses, yet there was nothing simple or logical with Tenten. Sure, if you looked at the grand scale of things she was deeply passionate, fiercely determined, and extremely level headed. When you take a closer look, through Neji's all-seeing, observant eyes, you can begin to see the anomalies. He hated anomalies.
Tenten understood him better than anyone, most times even better than himself, and he hated that she would know what he was going to say, before he would even say it. He hated that she often times embodied everything he wanted to be: unbound and care-free. He hated how dependent he had become of her support and acceptance. He hated that loving her had changed him in so many ways.
Neji could still recall that day he came upon the realization that he loved her.
Team Gai was on a mission. It was a simple reconnaissance turned bad. When they were ambushed, Tenten was the first to take action. Literally exploding her arsenal onto the ten or so ninja with intent to kill, she put up quite a fight. When more started coming, it went from bad to nasty. Using up substantial amounts of chakra to fend them off, it soon developed into individual battles, each member taking on five men. In the midst of the chaos, Neji saw Tenten from behind him, thrusting her body in his blind spot. He turned his head quick enough to see her throw her arm in the path of a kunai headed for the back of his neck. Tenten's arm slashed at the kunai so that it would not impale her but slice her, thus minimizing the muscle damage. It would later become apparent to Neji that she only needed to aim another kunai at it, not her own arm.
When they completed their mission, bloodied and exhausted, they tended to their wounds. Feeling guilty for the angry gash on her arm, he offered to treat it himself.
"You didn't have to do that, Tenten," he said, with an obvious scolding tone to his voice.
She narrowed her eyes, and turned her head away from him. Everything she was giving off read that she felt her act of heroism was no big deal. "Well… you're no good to me dead, are you?" Tenten replied harshly.
Mouth open, he could only stare at her. They were never outwardly emotional people like Lee and Gai, and they had developed a language of their own to address pressing matters. In her own way, she had voiced her utter fear of his death. And even when she had other methods of saving him from a potentially dangerous injury, she had acted on instinct and sacrificed her own body. In a split second, his feelings for her changed from those of immense appreciation to unconditional love. Neji had certainly never been in love before, but staring at her now, every interaction between them playing before his eyes with unthinkable speed, he knew it. It made sense. He would rather have taken the kunai to the back of his neck if it meant keeping her from any form of harm. Just as she had done for him, Neji would never second guess placing her safety before his very life. Readopting his fatalistic views for this one instance, he believed he was fated to love her. Tenten was his teammate, his best friend, his confidante, his light, his heart, body and soul.
In that one moment, she had become everything to him. Neji could not envision himself with anyone other than the girl before him, it was totally inconceivable. Always knowing his duties to the clan required producing offspring, he would imagine a woman with average beauty, somewhat tolerable and gently spoken so they could get along well. Now that image was completely shattered, as he knew the fiercely out spoken, bun-haired girl was the only one suitable to fill such a role.
And with the next breath he took, he hated her. I fell in love with her because she saved my life, he thought, that's such a womanly thing to do…
He shook his head and sighed exasperatedly, dressing her wound with a new tenderness.
He stared at her for a while before softening his features. There was a scar on her arm, more defined than the others, that destroyed three inches of her silky skin. For him. Taking a deep breath and looking away he mutters, "I'm sorry." He meant it for both yesterday, and for his jealousy, but she would never know. "For yesterday," he specifies. He was able to look her in the eyes now, the worst part was over. "Your technique was rather brilliant, and even being a proclaimed genius, I fell for it. Admittedly, I was mad at myself for not being entirely focused and engaged during our training, and took my anger out on you. For that, I apologize."
His face reminded her that of a child's when they were forced by their parents to apologize. It was a look that spoke of embarrassment and self-defeat. She could remember the first time he ever apologized to her. She was stunned, to say the least, more so by the fact that it was genuine. Neji was not genuine with anything except the frigid truth when he was twelve. Tenten knew that Neji would never do something as emotionally exposing as apologizing or admitting he was wrong, unless he truly meant it, even if his actions proved otherwise. Like the pouting look that currently adorned his face. It just meant he was still getting over the guilt that he felt.
Tenten could almost forgive him for how cute he looked pouting like that.
Almost.
She smiled and loosened her arms, an idea popping into her head. "Well," she began, "you can make it up to me by buying me a new pair of gloves!"
A grin tugged at the corners of his mouth. As stubborn as she was, she was not one to hold a grudge for long, especially towards him. He asked her if they should go now, as he was currently available.
"I uh… I was just about to eat somewhere with Kiba, actually… But you and Hinata are more than welcome to join. It's this place called Fire Eaters, ever heard of it?" Whether he'd heard of it or not, he would decline, because Neji hated spicy food. He wouldn't even touch pepper, for Kami's sake!
His face sporting a mildly unappeased look, he replied, "I'll pass. I'll be waiting for you at the store in one hour." Tenten was going on a date with Kiba. Of course, he had the option of dining with them and completely ruining the mutt's chances of making any moves, but Tenten knew he hated anything that made his mouth burn, therefore it would have been suspicious of him to accept her offer.
Not giving her a chance to reply, he rounded the corner and she followed. They found Hinata and Kiba talking harshly in hushed tones, but as soon as she caught sight of the two, Hinata motioned for Kiba to ix-nay. Both pretended they saw nothing, mounting it to be intimate teammate business.
Parting ways with Hinata and Neji, Tenten followed Kiba a little ways further down the street to a well hidden restaurant. Dogs weren't allowed in many restaurants in Konoha, but since the owner was a personal friend of Kiba's mother, he was more that glad to give Akamaru some of the kitchen scraps and a seat all his own.
Red walls, red booths, red bowls, red tables, red ceiling. The entirety of the spectrum of red hues could be found in this one location. There was so much red inside the place, Tenten was sure that it smelled red. In the far back corner, there was a couple being entertained by a man who breathed fire, thought it didn't appear to be ninjutsu, and this fascinated Tenten. The booth they sat in was rounded, and they were only supplied with a tiny table and a large jug of water. Akamaru took up more than half the booth, which required Kiba to sit just a little too close for Tenten's liking.
Sniffing the air and registering it with a sigh, he looks at Tenten saying, "I love anything that smells wonderful." He was neither coy nor tactful in the slightest. He was a ninja, right?
"So, what's with the table?" She asked, a blush warming her cheeks, wanting to change the subject.
"It is the hottest food in the country. You don't really come here to eat for sustenance, it's more for fun," he told her.
"I'm surprised I never knew about this place before! I would have come here once a week," she said, with a bit of regret.
Winking at her for what had to be the hundredth time, Kiba cockily replied, "You're welcome!"
Before she had a chance to respond with something backhanded and witty, a young man approached them and set a bowl in front of Akamaru. Not knowing what to order, and wanting to order everything at once, she reluctantly let Kiba decide for her. Tenten was above needing a man deciding anything for her, but she made an exception for him. Actually, it was the second exception, as he was the one who decided she would get on Akamaru's back. But from the outcome of that experience, she didn't think she'd mind him ordering food for her.
Once again, she found talking to Kiba as simple as breathing air. One conversation topic would flow into the next like the summer breeze currently blowing through the front entrance of the eatery. The food arrived, and Tenten loved how emblazoned and orange and steamy everything appeared. She was positive she could see heat waves rising from the table. They laughed and cried; the tears more from the heat of the food than their laughter.
She found herself thinking, not once, but twice, what it would be like to have those fangs dig into her flesh. Was the room getting hot as well? No, she thought, Kiba must have some pheromones he released around her; she wouldn't put it past him.
Kiba even tried feeding Tenten a portion of his food, but she told him it wasn't ever going to happen. "That's fine, I like independent women," he cheeked.
When they were done eating, they left hot-faced and made their way back into the center of the village. "Thank you, Kiba, it really was thoughtful of you." She silently gave thanks that he happened to love the same crazy foods as she did. Her smile was one of pure heart and appreciation as she looked up at him.
"It was nothing, Ten. I have to make your one week worth it, remember! Plus, I have to charm you into that kiss…" he said, leaning in closer to her as they walked. He put his arm around her and stared at her longingly with those animalistic eyes of his, quite literally looking like he wanted to attack her.
But Kiba wasn't stupid, as he knew if he were to force a move on her, he'd have both Tenten and Neji out for his genitals… In the worst way possible…
"Keep dreaming, Inuzuka," she droned, all pure heart and appreciation falling from her face, "because your dreams are the only place you'll get a kiss from me." It was her turn to wink as she walked backwards in front of him before strutting away hastily.
Kiba took time to admire the view she was unknowingly giving him.
It took her five minutes to reach the store, and she was a little early, though she had no doubt Neji would be waiting for her at the door. As she expected, she saw the Hyuga prodigy leaning against the wall of the store, and locked eyes with him.
When Kiba was trying, she couldn't deny that she found herself attracted to him. However, when Neji was standing twenty feet away, just looking at her, it would ignite her system. Tenten shook her head and purged those types of thoughts from her mind because they would only hurt her in the end. If she were to be completely honest with herself, the concept of her and Kiba in a relationship didn't completely turn her off. Over the past few days, and weeks really, she had formed a close friendship towards the canine-lover. They shared the same views, same tastes, same opinions. She believed that even though her heart belonged to another, if she put in the time and effort, she could quite possibly really have something meaningful with Kiba. He was kind, funny, sexy, and blatantly interested. It was much more appropriate to choose the guy who wants you than to choose the guy you couldn't ever have, and maybe loving Kiba would help her get over Neji… But the brutal reality of the situation was that she was leaving in almost four days for a minimum of three years, it would be a fruitless effort to start a relationship now.
Suddenly, she reprimanded herself for indulging her mind with such frivolities! All shinobi, even kunoichi, were taught to push their emotions aside, and here she was contemplating a relationship with one man when she was in love with another! She could stab herself! The only thing that should be on her mind is her future training with her new sensei!
Damn Neji and his ability to consume her. That was one thing she would have to do while training, perfect her new Get-Over-Neji Jutsu!
Neji could sense her chakra from a mile away. Literally. "Ready?" He asks her, even though that wasn't the first question to pop into his head. Wanting to know what their…date…consisted of, he opens his mouth to ask before clamping it shut. Rational and logical, he chanted…
Either way, he'd hate the response, so why ask?
It didn't take long for them to find what they needed and exit the store. Well, for Tenten, that is. She had to stifle her giggles as she watched Neji begrudgingly ask for assistance, seeing as how they were out of the shoes in his size, and try not to Gentle Fist the man who grabbed his foot from underneath him, to check his measurements. It was quite the spectacle as Neji did his best not to attack a civilian, because for a quick second, he thought it was Lee, and if he had delivered a blow meant for Lee, the man would surely be in the hospital for weeks.
"It is beyond me how some people can develop relatively no common sense or dignity," he grumbled at her while they made their way back onto the street. She nodded, but at the same time gave pity. The owner of the shop had failed to graduate the academy several times, though his passion for the ninja way never ceased, and instead opened up a shop specifically for clothing the warriors of the village. He would go out of his way to help a shinobi, though his unrelenting respect came off as overbearing, almost all the time.
Meeting his opalescent eyes, she thanked him with one of her best smiles. Neji looked away and replied that there was no need to be thankful of a deserved apology. "You have many other items to gather for your… journey, am I right? I would be more than happy to accompany you." He returned her smile with one of his rarer, larger smiles, one that reached his eyes.
Kami bless, why did he have to smile like that? It was stunning… "Uh, yeah…" she replied shakily. "Hair ties for one," she said while raking her fingers through her still unruly hair.
Neji silently prayed all the hair ties in the world would vanish.
"Did you want to go now, or…"
"Actually, I promised Lee days ago that we'd go running today, and I was planning on doing all my shopping tomorrow anyways. Is that ok?"
Running… with Lee… what on earth did Kiba feed her? Tenten hates running, and especially when accompanied by Lee's annoyingly youthful propositions and goals. He raised an eyebrow, unsure exactly how to vocalize his confusion.
"I actually enjoy running, you know, when I don't have a destination or time restriction. Lee and I often go running, but only on the conditions that he doesn't try to do anything… Lee-ish. Sometimes I miss the intense training of our genin days," she ended, with a nostalgic laugh.
"I didn't know that…" Neji responded, still slightly in shock. There was yet another anomaly, great.
"I guess this means Hyuga's don't know everything, huh?" She turned and headed off in the direction of Lee's house.
Unpredictable, Neji thought. Though currently, he wasn't thinking much at all, as he was mesmerized by the bare expanse of her legs sauntering away from him.
Tenten was in a club. A night club, mind you, not a knitting club. She was in a place oozing with music, alcohol and sex. And she had never felt so free in her life.
Of course, it had been Kiba's idea. He said it was her duty to have at least one night partying, especially if she had never been before. Clubbing was for the non-shinobi teens, and was frowned upon by the older generations for many reasons. Tenten was wary at first, as Kiba kept insisting it was a date, and when she told Sakura, the pink haired girl dragged her around town searching for proper attire. Secretly, Tenten was rather looking forward to it. Dancing was something she had always wanted to indulge in.
However, when she entered the club, throbbing with rhythm and sound, she took account of how they were dancing. Their movements were made to mimic… intimate actions. Her palms started to sweat. No wonder Kiba wanted to take me here, she thought with nervous twinge. He had directed her to the bar, where he ordered them some drinks. Alcohol was something she was completely new to, but she knew the less the better. She would rather be seen as prudish for her minimal intake than crazy for not knowing her limit and stumbling around like a drunken whore.
After three drinks, the thought of dancing started to seem appealing. Tenten felt a sort of looseness she had never encountered before, and felt an odd sense of liberation. Kiba had noticed her anxiousness upon arriving, and was waiting rather patiently for her to feel comfortable enough to dance, and she took notice. He's so nice, she thought, looking up at him.
The sudden need to move rushed through her body. Grabbing his hand she led him to the dance floor.
Throwing their bodies in the mix, she felt instinct coming over her. Her hips were swaying, her arms were floating, and his jaw was dropping. Slow and sensual was her weapon of choice, and Kiba stood there a good five seconds before taking a step closer and placing his hands on her waist. Tenten found the music almost as potent as the alcohol, losing herself in its pulsations. She was no longer in control of her body, the music and alcohol fueled her movements. The phrase "being a slave to music" suddenly made sense, as she had no choice but to obey. It was a servitude that was most peculiar, as she had never felt so wild and untamed.
Tenten forgot all about her running session with Lee the day before, and how it had begun with Lee insisting they travel to the Land of Wind and back as their "light" run. She forgot all about how happy she was spending the entire day with Neji buying things she would need. She forgot all about how Neji had told her that even though it was shopping, it was a small price to pay to spend time with her, in regards to her soon-to-be prolonged absence. Tenten forgot about the uncertainty she had when Kiba had asked her to a dancing club, and the devilish looks Sakura kept sending her while they were shopping. Tenten was in the here and now, attention only on Kiba and the music.
His hands traveled her waist, back and hips. His eye bore into hers, and his hips rocked dangerously close to her own. They found a rhythm that was steady and seductive. Tenten couldn't help but be impossibly aroused by the situation; especially with the way his eyes roamed over her body and looked at her with such intensity. She couldn't tell if she was blushing because of the heat of the dance floor or if it as a physical response to his strong sex appeal.
Sakura had found her an outfit that consisted of a sexy mesh bra, exposed under a rather revealing and torn black tee, coupled with shorts that felt more like oversized underwear, and a pair of Sakura's knee-high kunoichi boots. She had stated that they would be both fashionable and comfortable. Apparently, ninja gear was club fashion for civilians, and Tenten had rolled her eyes at this. Sakura also insisted she side-swept her long bangs and tie her hair in a low pony over her shoulder. Tenten absolutely refused to wear make-up, though Sakura said she looked damn good without it.
Hell, if she was going to go clubbing, she might as well do it the right way. Tenten never half-assed anything.
Kiba obviously looked good, he always did. He wore his leather jacket, and a tight black tee underneath, like he did every day. But the atmosphere seemed to heighten her attraction towards him. She was suddenly very curious as to what his body would feel like…
Hands moved from her sides to his chest and arms, admiring the muscles she felt. They made their way to his hips and guided them to a new beat, and his fangs flashed in approval. Tenten moved her head towards his neck, bringing their bodies even closer together. She took in his scent, which was a brilliant combination of sweat and masculinity, and she wanted to drool over it. Their bodies were practically grinding now, and she could feel his arousal press into her. Had she not been inebriated, she would have immediately backed away.
But his erection was flattering. She had never felt sexier, and he had proved just how alluring she was. Needing to show her appreciation of everything he's done for her, and for his body, she trailed her nose up his neck and along his jaw. Kiba's body responded in surprise, but he didn't move, he wanted her to kiss him. Nose pressed at his chin, she met his eyes. Lowering his head in response, still waiting for her, he met her eyes once more before he felt her lips.
But he never felt her lips. Kiba dazedly opened his eyes to see a confused, and almost frightened, Tenten staring back at him. "Tenten…?" Before he could ask her what the matter was, she turned and ran, navigating herself through the jumbled mass of bodies with her ninja reflexes and kunoichi grace.
He called after her, but she didn't look back. She wasn't sure if it was the alcohol or the heat from dancing in close quarters that had caused her to hallucinate, but nonetheless, it shook her. When he looked down at her, right as she was about to kiss him, she didn't see his wild, predator-like slits. She saw a different pair of eyes. Pearly eyes. Eyes that she wanted desperately to look at her the way Kiba had looked at her all night.
As she reached the street, she found the approaching summer air to be significantly cooler than the confines of the club. She found it to be sobering, although she did maintain a slight dizziness in her vision. Ok, maybe she wasn't just tipsy, but she wasn't completely smashed either. Finding a bench nearby, she plopped herself onto it and wiped the sweat from her hairline. How long had she been dancing, exactly?
"Tenten!" Kiba ran up to her, just as sweaty as she was, and just as confused. "Are you… are you ok?"
"I'm fine," she lied. Fine what she wanted to be. Maybe if she said she was, willed it to happen, then she would be. She waited. No, still not fine. Damn.
Kiba sported a look that was foreign to his face. It was one of uncertainty and guilt. "Did I do something? I mean, I was waiting for you… I wouldn't ever… you know, force anything… " He trailed off. Immediately, she felt ashamed. It was definitely her, and not him, but that line was too lame to say aloud.
Tenten decided the half-truth was better than nothing, and looked up at him with eyes that pleaded him to understand. "It isn't you, Kiba, you're… you're great, really." He smiled and sat down next to her on the bench. "But the reality of it is that I'm leaving for a very, very long time… in just two days. I don't want to leave things unfinished, so I just have to stop them from beginning in the first place." Smiling weakly, she could see the disappointment take over the guilt and uncertainty on his face.
"I understand. Damn…" He said, shaking his head and looking down the street. Tenten laughed lightly. "What's so funny," he asked, with his fangs gleaming temptingly in the street lights.
"You're upset. Over me. Well, over not being able to have me. That's…" She started laughing harder, alcohol still effecting her system, "that's so funny! It's absolutely absurd!" Overcome with laughter, she was gripping her sides and doubling over herself.
All Kiba could do was stare blankly at her. "You really are a light-weight, aren't you?" He said with a disbelieving turn of his head.
"But…but you like me! That's so…so funny!" Tenten was starting to come down from her laughing high and wiped the tears from her eyes.
"Enlighten me, how exactly is that so funny? What's wrong with me?" Kiba was starting to think she was laughing at him, and it brought his spirits down a great deal.
"Oh, nothing! Nothing's wrong with you, it's just… I've never been, well, wanted before. I just… it was just funny," she said, ending with a soft laugh.
"You have got to be kidding me, Ten." She blushed at the nickname, he was speaking to her intimately now, and his tone was more severe. "You're an amazing ninja, and… great to be around. Tenten, you're sexy as hell," he said, eyes practically devouring her as he gave her a once-over," and I've never met a girl with your type of spunk before. Actually, I've never really met a girl like you before, period. I guess you could say I've always had a little thing for you. It was only recently that I decided to do something about it. And when you told me you were leaving… I don't know, I guess I wanted to try and get to know you best I could before you left."
She was speechless. Kiba, for once, explained his feelings and attraction to her. Tenten didn't know how to respond except with a look of utter shock and a fierce blush on her cheeks.
"What," he laughed, "no one's ever told you that you're amazing before?"
She looked away, not liking the emotions raging within her. No, no one has ever talked to her the way he had just now. Kiba noticed her expression change to one of sadness, and it hurt when he realized that no one had in fact told her how wonderful she was. Even though Kiba had known her on such a personal level for a few days, he could feel the bond between them was rather strong. He lifted a hand to her cheek and grazed his thumb against her heated face. "You should be told that every day." In his voice was something she had yet to hear from him, a mixture of intimacy and compassion. It gave her shivers, and she could've kissed him right then and there.
But she had that hallucination again. His white eyes.
Wait, no, it was no hallucination. Neji was walking towards them, trailed by Hinata and Naruto. Often. he had to accompany them on their dates, and he completely despised it, but did so out of respect for his uncle. She knew he still felt guilty for what he did to Hinata during the chuunin exams, but over the years they had become more like siblings.
His eyes were livid at the sight before him.
All Neji could see was Kiba's hand on her cheek and a look of displeasure in her features. The whole scene made his insides boil. The mut was touching her, and she was unhappy. That was all the information he needed.
"Is there a problem here?" He tried to sound as civil as possible, but it still came out in a growl. He had silently promised Tenten to get over their friendship. But Kiba obviously didn't want friendship, so did the promise still hold? Neji didn't care.
"What? No, we were just talking, is all. Possibly about to get some ice cream?" she asked, looking at Kiba briefly before turning her attention back to Neji. "I would love some right now! Do you guys want to join?" Tenten's demeanor changed at once to that of someone extremely happy. And what exactly was she wearing? And had she changed her hair? Not that Neji minded, at all, but why was she wearing it in Kiba's presence?
"We'd love to join!" Naruto exclaimed, "We just came back from a play, it was kind of lame, but Hinata liked it, so it was worth it!" Hinata giggled as he poked her in the side. Neji's attention was focused on the two in front of him, anger still evident in his body language.
This was not overlooked by Kiba. "Problem, Neji?"
"Not at all." He couldn't look at him without wanting to punch him in the face, so he looked at Tenten instead. It was then he took into account how flushed and sweaty she appeared, her eyes somewhat lazy with exhaustion. Even without trying, she turned him on. Quickly changing the subject, he asked, "Where do you propose we go?"
"Well, there's always the convenient store," she said, rising from the bench. Losing her balance quickly, she stumbled forward. Kiba caught her, and she held onto his arm, leaning into him, and giggled.
Realization hit him like a pile of bricks. "You got her drunk?" Neji asked, anger barely in check. He now understood that the look in her eyes was one of intoxication. Oh yeah, Neji was going to kill him. He was going to be assigned captain of a mission, request Kiba on his team, and blame his death on a rouge-nin. It was brilliant.
"I'm tipsy Neji, not drunk. And don't be so mad! We went dancing, I actually had a lot of fun," she said, locking eyes with Kiba and smiling knowingly.
"Anyways, "Naruto interrupted, "there's convenient store two streets over. Let's go already!" He and Hinata led the way, followed by a tipsy Tenten still hanging on Kiba's arm for support, and leaving Neji at the rear to send death glares at every one of Kiba's chakra points.
SO…? Yay, nay? Tell me what you think! Even if it's bad, I want to hear it!
*Credit to my friend Robby, who said he needed ninja strength deodorant. What? Why? It would last like ten times longer, so you wouldn't have to reapply in battle! Even ninja practice good hygiene.
I know there's a lot of Tenten/Kiba interaction now, but I've got a long way to go! This is first and foremost a Neji/Tenten story! Well, that, and I'm trying to give Tenten all the badassness she deserves, because SOMEONE (…KISHI…) gets a little lazy when it comes to Tenten. And Neji. And Kiba. And you get it…
Like I said, I'm posting up a little playlist of songs that helped me with this chapter. I do have a very diverse range of music, and I listen to almost anything. Except country. (Except Josh Turner.)
:D
Boyz Noize – & Down
Nicki Minaj – Did it On'em (don't hate, it has a sick beat)
Lykke Li – Dance, Dance, Dance (original inspiration for club scene)
Portugal. The Man – Colors
Landon Pigg – Great Companion (INSPIRATION FOR FIC! 3)
Hot Hot Heat – Running Out of Time
Tegan and Sara – Feel it in My Bones
Nine Inch Nails – Closer (mhm, Kiba all the way! ;D)
And a special thanks to Pandora Radio, for their New Age Solo Piano station!
~NEXT CHAPTER~
Team Gai finally sets out on their mission, painfully admitting to themselves that it could quite possibly be their last mission as Team Gai. Neji and Tenten are at odds with one another, not wanting to accept that they will be separated, while Lee continues bouncing along as youthful and oblivious as ever!