Moments

.By: Panda-chan.

Summary: Tenten's one of the populars, and has everything going for her. Neji's a clumsy nerd with social problems. Ooh boy...

.Standard Disclaimer Applies.

--

If you wait too long for the perfect moment,
The perfect moment will pass you by...
-4-

--

Have you ever thought that... maybe there is a perfect partner for you out there in the world? That that special someone you are destined to be with is somewhere out there... waiting. Just waiting for you to come along and smoother them in affection.

But... what happens if you find that special someone, and you're separated by the cruel reality of the situation?

That because of your social status... there is no absolute way you can ever end up with that special person because if you do, not only will you ruin her life, but you would face utter humiliation because...

That special someone is just too beautiful, too precious, too... out of reach for someone as pathetic and insignificant as you.

--

Day 1: Tenten Takara.

A man around seventeen wondered inside the school library, a book in tow as he walked in and out of aisles full of literature for the young and old. His long hair stayed wrapped tightly with a flimsy, black band. A long, white, tucked out shirt with the sleeves too-long for him was combined with some saggy-looking black jeans and some worn-out sneakers.

Large, horned-rimmed glasses lay over the bridge of Neji Hyuuga's nose. The specially made lenses too thick to be considered normal. His usually tidy appearance was completely obliterated the day he heard he was going to move.

He was going to be move to New York and join a different, supposedly, better school. One with more advanced, more challenging classes for someone as gifted as him. But the thing was, he didn't want to go. Not if it would separate him from the person he admired from afar.

Tenten Takara. One of the eight populars that, literally, ruled the school with an iron fist. She was 'sexy' and 'fine' as his fellow classmates would vulgarly comment on. But the reason he started to like her laid back, chipper and non-selfish personality was because...

Two years ago, she was the only one who actually helped him up when someone pushed him onto the ground and stepped all over his things. She was also the only one... who actually remembered his name.

-

"Crap!" Neji shouted as he felt a hand push to the wet, dirt-ridden flooring of the school halls. He landed on his hands, gritting his teeth when he felt something sharp and pointy dig itself into his tender palm.

Grunting, he sighed when he saw legs scissor past him; stepping on his notebooks and loose papers while so.

"Hey! What the fuck do you think you guy's are doing?! Help him up!" Neji blinked and pushed his large, rounded glasses up. He gasped silently when he saw a hand lash out in-front of him. It was female, he noticed, judging by the texture and visible softness it radiated.

"Hey, you okay?" He looked up, only to have the breath get caught in his throat. It was Tenten! One of the populars that would usually never really give a damn whether he had fallen or even died. In seconds, nervousness clawed at his throat.

He swallowed, "...Yeah..." He tentatively took her hand as she helped him up. He breifly enjoyed the softness of her hand while she hauled him to his feet. He stared at her while she bent down and grabbed all of his fallen things, a smile on her flawless complexion. She was even more beautiful up-close than from afar, he noted.

"Here you go!" She chirped. Tenten placed all of his wet and muddied things in his hands, an apologetic smile on her face. "I am so sorry! I thought I told them not to pick on you..."

Neji couldn't do anything but stare at the slight pink that tinged her cheeks; the plumpness of her lips, her well-defined brows. She swiped her hand over her cheeks and mumbled, "Is there something... on my face?" The blush became more profound the more Neji stared.

As if someone slapped him across the face, panic rushed onto his features. "I-I have to go. I thank you Takara-san for helping me pick up my things." He turned his heel only to be stopped by her charming voice.

"W-Wait! Neji-san!" He froze.

"... What did you call me?" Tenten blinked at his odd question.

"Neji-san... would you like me to call you Neji-kun?" A light pink hue consumed the bridge of his nose for an instant.

"... No... thank you..." He mumbled. Tenten smiled delightfully before her friends called to her hastily.

"Come on, Ten! Gods. Leave the damn nerd alone! He'll, like, contaminate you with his Star-Trek shit or something..." Neji blinked, thinking it was a trick of the light when Tenten shot them a dirty look. It was for a second, which was why he didn't dwell on it. Why would someone as wonderful as her want to defend someone as dull as him?

"I'm sorry Neji-san. See you around!" She yelled before skipping towards her clique, leaving Neji to watch with awe.

"She... remembered my name... and didn't call me Screw-head." It was the ghastly nickname he had gotten during his Freshman year. Considering 'Neji' meant 'Screw' they decided to fumble around with it and call him 'Screw-head' or the famous, 'Screwy'.

A small smile appeared on his face before it be replaced with a frown. Neji felt his eye twitch when he looked back down at his pants. There was a big, mud stain over his groin that could easily be considered to look like something else... Nice.

"... At least she didn't make fun of me..."

"HAHAHA! Dude! Look! Screw-head pissed his pants!"

"... Shit."

-

Neji sighed, knowing that he had to complete certain things before the big move. He had so much to do, so little time.

Like, how was he going to confess his love to the model-material, Goddess-like being Tenten Takara?

"Oi! Neji-san! Neji-san!" The glum man looked up. His spirit raised when he saw his beloved Tenten run over to him with a large grin on her face. She stopped by him, a book glued onto her chest.

"..." He said nothing, only blushed red and looked away. The brunette's smile faltered at his seemingly irked posture.

"I was wondering if you could—"

"Tennie! Oh my God! Come, come! I think Sasuke and Sakura have finally gotten together!" Yelled one of her friends, Ino Yamanaka. She rushed towards her side, and eyed Neji's with disgusted eyes.

"Come Onnn!" She whined. Neji blinked when he saw Tenten grit her teeth and force a rather scary-looking smile on her face.

"Ino! Go. Away." Neji inched to the side, seeing as they had temporarily forgotten about him.

Ino puffed her cheeks, "Why!? Gods, what is up with you eying this—this freak." Neji couldn't help but to glare lightly.

"He's not a freak, Ino!" Tenten chided. "He's a regular human being like all of us."

Ino rolled her eyes, "Puh-lease! Stop all this philosopher shit and let's go before we miss the Make-out Session!" Tenten gasped when she got dragged off, only catching a glimpse of Neji's discouraged face.

-

Day 2: Success?

Neji awoke with a start, sweat trailing down his temple from his nightmare, which he couldn't even remember now. His sat up and sighed. His eyes avoiding the boxes that laid around him; enclosed in them were his personal belongings. In one day, he was going to move. One. Day.

He had one day to...

One, try and finish the Science project that was due tomorrow. (He twitched. How was he suppose to finish a project that was assigned to him two weeks ago in 1 day? Meh, he was a nerd. He could pull it off.)

Two, try and say it as subtly as he can that he was moving and never coming back to his friends. (He only had two so it didn't matter much...)

And three, confess his love for Tenten Takara (He swallowed the lump in his throat on that one.)

He quickly showered, brushed his teeth, combed his hair back and changed into something appropriate for school. He slipped on a long sleeved shirt, left it un-tucked and put on some over-sized pants before sticking his feet into his dirty, worn-out sneakers. Neji walked over to his closet and took out a belt so his pants wouldn't fall.

"Time for school..." He heaved a deep sigh and walked down the stairs and out the front door, ignoring the calls for him to come back and have breakfast.

-

Neji took a breath and entered the school grounds, searching for the one person he desperately wanted to see. And he found her, sitting lonesome by some looming tree's reading a book. He slowed his walk, took a breathe and calmed himself before walking up to her.

"Takara-san." He inwardly swore at his waver tone. He didn't want to sound as if he was going through puberty again! The girl looked up, her once bored honey dipped eye's glazing over with happiness. She straightened. Her chestnut hair in their trade-mark buns. Her lips a modest pink; clothes plain and simple yet spectacular on her.

Oh shit... I think I made a mistake talking to her so direct. Neji thought with panic. He stopped next to her, his hands in his pockets.

"Oh! Neji-san!" She scooted and patted the spot next to her. Neji inwardly cheered and tried to act as cool as possible as he sat. He tried not to make eye contact, since he was sure he would flush. And that wasn't cool!... Or so everyone else said.

"You wanted to talk to me?" He said, getting to the point. He tried to think up things he could say before he told her his love for her. He wanted to get it over with. Nice and simple. Just blurt it and run. No pain. But that obviously wasn't going to happen...

"Oh! Yes! I wanted to ask you if you—read the Twilight Saga." She blurted. Neji looked up and raised an eyebrow at her odd request.

"The... Twilight Saga?" He repeated.

"Yeah! The Twilight Saga!" She screamed out. A bit to loud, Neji mused.

"Only book one through three. Fourth is yet to come." He said stiffly. He had read it because he saw her carrying the book once. He decided to read it to see what it was about. In his male mind, it was disgustingly sappy and it had an over-dose of romance. The male character was obviously whipped and the female character was as shy as his cousin Hinata. With uncontrollable hormones to add effect.

But since she liked it so much...

Tenten blushed, "Yeah! It comes out in August! I honestly can't wait for it to come out! I just love that series so much!" Tenten conversed, oblivious to Neji's longing gaze. "I hope Bella and Edward get married soon! Edward seems so... hot though." She sighed dreamily.

Neji didn't know what happened then, but he felt something swirl in his stomach. He was angry. Very angry. He didn't know why, but he just was. He felt like going over to the fictional world and killing off that wonderfully fake Cullen boy...

"It's a good thing he's a fictional character, or I'd have fun chasing him down and burning him at the stake..." Neji seethed. He paused only to see a perplexed Tenten.

Oh, fuck! I said that out loud! "I—read that in a quote left behind by a fan. I was reading an excerpt of the book on the Internet." Neji lied swiftly. Tenten's bright smile dulled at his comment. He inwardly panicked, thinking he had said the wrong thing.

"Ah! I see..."

Neji looked at his lap, a determined glint in his eye. "Takara—"

"Umm..." He stopped and looked at her, wanting to hear what she had to say. In Tenten's eyes, she shrunk under his intense, cold eyes. She inwardly gulped, she had always liked Neji. Ever since the first time he came to the school and sat a couple of seats in-front of her. It was something about his cold, aloof personality that drew her to him.

Then she heard he was a nerd and the idea of dating him went down the drain. If she got near him, her friends were watching. If she tried to talk to him, her friends would pull her away and scold her like a little girl. So all she could do was look from afar and hope he felt the same...

"Call me Tenten! No need to-to be so formal..." She stammered, averting her gaze to the ground to avoid his harsh, frosty eyes. On the opposite side, Neji was elevated by the fact that he could call her by her first name. It was a start.

"Tenten-san..." He tried out. He liked the way it rolled off his tongue.

"Yes?!" She gasped and looked away, cursing herself for sounding so desperate. Of course, Neji being a guy, he didn't really take notice, only wondered why she looked away so abruptly.

"I've been wanting to tell you something for some time now." He said subtly. Sweating bullets as she rested her full attention on him; hazel eye's glowing.

He swallowed, "What I mean to say is—" He paused when he saw her friends come in through the front gate. He still had time to say it but—he lost his nerve. "—I hope you buy the fourth book of The Twilight Saga!"

Tenten's hopeful gaze plummeted to the ground as he stood and gave her... a smirk? Blood rushed onto her face while Neji walked away. A smirk! He gave her a smirk! A hot, sexy smirk that he should totally do more often, Tenten inwardly fangirl-ed him .

Oh my God! He gave me a smirk! Damn! That guy has a great way with gestures!

Neji, on the other hand, tired his best to imitate a flirty smile. Something told him he did it wrong because of her flabbergasted expression. He decided he had made himself enough of a fool and walked away briskly.

One day and I think she really doesn't like me... Neji thought pessimistically. He noted that to every person she talked to, she acted the way she acted around him. She was a naturally cheerful person. To everyone. Which made reality all the more cruel.

"Yosh! Neji-kun!" He looked up. Stared glumly. And kept going. Ignoring his enthusiastic friend besides him.

"Lee." He greeted.

"Yosh! I see that you are youthfully attentive today my friend! Wait! What is this!? Neji-kun! You seem very, very depressed! Might I ask what is bothering you—"

"Lee. Shut up and leave me alone." Neji snapped. Lee, unaffected by his harsh tone, kept jumping around and pestering him about his glum mood.

"... So now I ask what is wrong with you my friend!?" Neji sighed, giving in.

"Nothing Lee... I am just..." He took a breath, knowing what awaited him in the near-future. "Moving."

"... What?" He gritted his teeth at Lee's naiveness.

"I'm moving. Going away. Never coming back. Cambiando de lugar, casa, lo que sea!" Neji said in two languages, both perfect and fluent. Lee stared at him with glossy eyes before latching onto him, crying rivers tears.

"NOO! NEJI-KUN! MY DEAR YOUTHFUL BEST FRIEND! YOU CANNOT LEAVE! NO! I SHALT MISS YOU VERY, VERY MUCH AND WHAT ABOUT TENTEN—" Neji slapped a hand over Lee's mouth and glared.

"Not. A. Word."

Lee nodded and sniffed. "B-But?! Okay... I shall go search for Chouji and tell him the heart-breaking news..." Lee left off sadly. Trotting over to his over-weight's friend locker sluggishly.

Neji sighed exasperatedly and turned, only to freeze. In front of him, was his dearly beloved Tenten who's eyes were as big as a doe caught in a car's blinding light. Soon, they shrunk back to normal size.

Something akin to sadness danced in her amber eyes. Neji felt his chest lurch uncomfortably. He didn't know exactly what it was that irked him so much, but it did hurt him to see her so distraught and sad.

The Hyuuga male stood hunched for moment, just staring at her as student's passed them by. Some commenting on Tenten's clothes vulgarly, others insulting Neji or shoving him. But they didn't move. They only stared at each other.

Until the tardy bell tore them apart.

-

Day 3: Moving Day.

Neji sighed and grabbed his pack, slinging it over his broad shoulder. It would be his last day of school today. But, he decided not to go. Not because he didn't want to, but because everyone at school already found out he was leaving and he overhead the popular crew talking about giving him a 'good-bye memory'.

He didn't anymore teenage angst. Or drama for the matter.

"N-Neji-nii..." He turned to see his usually shy cousin smiling a smile so big it could be considered a grin.

He raised an elegant brow.

"Hinata-san?" She blinked and blushed crimson, fumbling with the hem of her shirt. She looked to the ground, and bit her lip to prevent a grin.

"I-I to-told Naruto-kun that I-I... I love h-him..." Her eyes grew soft with the memory that was still fresh in her mind. "He-He said he lo-loves me als-also..." Neji twitched his lip's upward at her successful love life. His? Not so much...

"I am very pleased to hear that, Hinata-san." She puffed her cheeks out at his formal ways, but said nothing.

He went back to packing some of his more fragile things into his pack. Like the photo of his father and him when they were younger. He would be seeing him when he moved back to New York. He had begged his father to let him stay with his Uncle until he was three months away from his eighteenth birthday.

His father had complied, under certain circumstances. For example, that he stayed in touch with him and called and/or wrote him every couple of weeks. Or, the rule all parents gave in the Hyuuga family, no girls/guys unless their serious about marriage and having more than two kids.

Neji chuckled as he remembered his fourteen year old self. How he would grumble about never getting a girlfriend and how his first kiss would be when he was up at the alter. Or, the most painstakingly harsh one, how he would never get laid until the honeymoon.

He knew he was handsome, all Hyuuga males are. It was just the fact of how he dressed and the glasses. Of course the glasses were a major turn off. The more and more he thought about it, the more and more he convinced himself that Tenten wouldn't even consider him on her radar.

"Damn..." He sighed. By now, he took notice that his cousin was still by the door. Fiddling with the hem of her shirt. Waiting patiently for him to finish. "Is there something you require? Hinata-san?"

Hinata jumped, gave her impersonation of a startled bunny and looked back down. "O-Oh... umm... S-Someone a-asked me to-to pass you-you a m-message."

Neji snorted, his mood completely in the slums. "Tell them to fuck off." Hinata winced at his harsh tone but wasn't about to give up.

"I-It's fr-from T-Tenten-chan..." He froze and whipped his neck towards her. Ignoring the smug smile on her usually innocent face.

"What is it?" He mumbled.

Hinata took a deep breath, as if remembering a long and dreadful speech. "She-She asked for you to meet her in the park across t-the street from our school!" Hinata took a breather, delighted at how little she stuttered.

Neji nodded. " Hinata-sama?"

"Y-yes... Neji-nii?"

"When do we leave?" She saw the way he hesitated. She knew that Neji liked that Tenten girl more than a friend. Heck, she even knew that Tenten was head over heels for him. But she couldn't help but to sigh at her cousins denseness. She knew better than to meddle in things not of her business... but she was tempted into telling him Tenten's feelings.

But she wouldn't. Not because she couldn't, but because Tenten had asked her not to. Hinata respected her decision. Even if it did peeve her for a month. Watching her cousin become a Jello in-front of her was not only bad for the Hyuuga reputation, but embarrassing to watch.

"In h-half an hour..." She lowered her gaze when it went tortured. She didn't like to see her cousin sad. He was just like the older brother she never had! Sure, little sisters were fun to play around with... but they eventually got annoying. And she loved to tease her cousin about Tenten, she even hoped that one day they would get married.

Hinata blinked and blushed. Her father had said she was always a dreamer...

"Ah. I'll be back. Please tell Hanabi not to go through my things again or I'll have a stern talking to with her." He ordered. Hinata nodded absently, her thoughts drifting to her new boyfriend Naruto. She would only be going to New York for one week. Just to visit her Uncle Hizashi.

"Yes."

"Hey! Is Neji gone?!" Hinata glanced at her sister, Hanabi, her thoughts still plagued by the blond enthusiasts.

"Yes..." She replied dreamily.

"... Can I go through his stuff? Last time I found of a picture of some hot brown-haired chick in his wallet!"

"Yes..." Hinata said. Sighing as she remembered her kiss with Naruto.

"Cool! Love ya sis!"

"Ye—W-Wait! No! Neji-nii said not to go through h-his stuff!"

"OOH! He has another picture of that Tenten girl!... Holy shit she's half naked!"

-

Neji panted. He stopped a block before the school, which was already spilling out with tired students who wanted to go and enjoy their summer vacation. They all had a week of summer vacation. Which was why Hinata could go with him to New York.

He walked towards the park, where he saw Tenten stand with all her glory. Her oriental-style shirt was a forest green. Her deep maroon khaki's matching with her shirt, giving her a sorta tomboy air. Chestnut hair was tied in her usual trade-mark buns. Light pink lip gloss shining over her rosy lips.

He neared her, hands perspiring with every step he took. "Tenten-san." She turned. Amber eyes flashing with glee. He heard her gasp, a red hue spilling over her angular face.

"You-You came!"

He stood still. Stoic almost. "Of course I did." He didn't elaborate more.

Tenten stood straighter and swallowed the lump in her throat. She faced him. He noted how red her face had become in the short period of time.

Is she hot?

"Neji... I-I have something to tell you." She started. "It's very important and... and I would understand if you do not accept them." Neji narrowed his eyes at the edge in her voice. Didn't accept what? He would accept anything Tenten gave him. Even insults.

He checked his watch only to frown deeply. He had exactly ten minutes. His time was running slim. Maybe it's already over... I took to long... shit...

Tenten drew in her brows at his disheartened expression. Pausing her speech momentarily. "What's wrong... Neji-san."

He glanced at her sinfully adorable face, not being able to resist a smile. He saw her jump. And give him an even bigger smile.

"My Uncle will pick me up in eight minutes..." He left dryly.

"What?!" Tenten placed a finger under her lip. A nervous habit, he noted again.

He turned, only to see a sleek black Jaguar come cruising down the newly-repaired street. He sighed and turned back to her. The car parked a couple of feet away from them. He vaguely saw Hanabi poke her head out of the back seats window.

"I guess I have no choice..." He heard her murmur.

"Hmm?"

"Oi! Neji-nii! Come on! Or you'll miss the plane God dammit! Tell your girlfriend you'll—Hey! That's the same chick you have a photo—Ouch!" Neji turned to Hanabi, who was yanked down by a irritated Hinata who watched the scene unravel before her eager eye's.

"Neji!" He snapped his head to Tenten. Then he saw a flash of amber. Then he felt a distinct softness cover his lips. His eye's widened at what was happening to him. Tenten Takara was kissing him. Him. Neji Hyuuga. The bespectacled nerd with no life to call his own. The guy with absolutely no social skills and looked like he was about to send someone out to kill you any second now.

His hands automatically attacked her waist. Her hands wove themselves around his neck. She neared him, applying even more pressure to their sealed lips, which moved in sync. He brought her nearer to him, and closed his eyes.

"Whooo! Go Neji-nii! Go! Go! Go! Kiss her like you're gonna get ready to fuc—Ouch! Dammit Hinata!" Neji ignored his screeching cousin, knowing well enough she'll never let him live this down. But it was worth it.

They broke for air. Tenten looked down at her bulging chest. A bright, red hue over her nose. Suddenly, everything clicked. Why she would be so nice to him. Why she would always try and talk to him. Why she would corner him to tell him something, only to chicken out and say something else. Why she would, even from across the cafeteria or classroom, wave and flash him a grin.

They were in the same boat. Both wanting to confess but not being able to withstand cruel rejection and social humiliation.

She grabbed his hand for a moment. He stared idiotically, a clumsy smile on his face. She rose her gaze to him and smiled shyly. She leaned upward once more, and placed a sweet kiss onto his cheek which only made him flush more.

"Call me."

He blinked. She turned her heel dashed away from him; face crimson. He was sure that was the fastest she had ever run. It would probably put the best runner on the Track Team in shame.

He looked down at his curled hand, and opened it. There lay a small, teared piece of paper with digits scrawled on it in her best hand writting.

"Call me." She had said. A smirk came up onto Neji's handsome face as he tucked the piece of paper deep within the safe confinement of his pockets. That's when he noticed, he wasn't wearing his glasses.

Was that why she blushed so badly? That only made his confidence boost. Call her? He was gonna call her everyday. Or night on his cause. But he would defiantly call her!

"Oi! Neji-nii! Stop staring into space like a moron and come on! Dad can't stop laughing at your stupidness with girls and I want details dammit! Ooh... And Hinata asks if you guys used tongueee!"

... After he took care of certain—dilemma's of course.

-

"Soo... you guys used tongue?"

"Hanabi. I suggest you be quiet before I ask Hiashi-sama permission to murder your manga collection.

Gasp. "You wouldn't."

"I would. Now stop pestering me."

"... Umm... Neji-nii?"

"Yes Hinata?"

"... D-Did you r-really use t-tongue? I-I thought I saw s-something pink fly inside your-your mouth..."

"..."

"... HAHAH! NEJI USED TONGUE! WHOOP! WHOOP! How'd it feel to have your mouth violated Cousin dear?!"

"H-Hanabi!"

"Nephew. I must have a talk to with your father about this affair. He shall inform you well on the female antonym and how to take care of a woman. I assume you have had the Sexual Intercourse Lecture at your learning facility? Now we will give you the Hyuuga lecture about Sexual Intercourse."

... What the hell?! I'm almost eighteen dammit!

Erratic giggles.

Glare.

Stoic chuckles.

"I hate you all."

"Meh, we know Neji-nii... but seriously! You guys had it going on right there! In public! Holy shit! I can only imagine what'll happen when you come back and take her inside your room! You already get off with picture's of her!"

"..."

"H-H-Hanabi!!"

"... Heh. Condoms anyone?"

"Hanabi I forbid you speak in such vulgar language!"

Who knew having a girlfriend could be this embarrassing. But, Neji didn't mind it much... he had Tenten now and he wasn't about to let her go. Even if it was a bit of a long-distance relationship. He would convince his Father to make him move back. And he knew his Father would let him. He was of age after all.

"Hey Neji-nii! If Uncle Hizashi gives you condoms! I wanna see what the biggest size is! Or do they stretch? Ooh! I heard they have flavors! Sneak me a chocolate one, yeah?"

"H-HA-HANABI!!"

"Daughter!"

... Maybe he would first deal with his family before even thinking about moving back.

-

"Cambiando de lugar, casa, lo que sea" -- Changing places, houses, whatever! That's basically what it means. I know the grammars a bit wrong but I just translated it word for word.

"It's a good thing he's a fictional character, or I'd have fun chasing him down and burning him at the stake" Quote belongs to My Hopeless Romantic from her story '50 Reason Why I hate Mikan Sakura'.

-

I couldn't resist! I just had to add that! I wanted to add some perverted humor to the story. By the way, Hanabi is fourteen in this shot. She's just teasing Neji xD

R&R Please!

Panda.