New update and a nice long chapter that is 3,358 words so I hope you enjoy it! This chapter was a lot of fun to write, I'll admit that so I hope it is a lot of fun to read! Also thanks again for the reviews! I mean this story has got 128 reviews... That is so much more than I had HOPED this story would get, so thank you all so much! And I am working on those review replies! Believe me I am! Enough rambling, I'll get on with the story!
Disclaimer: (Do I really have to say it again?) I don't own any of the Naruto characters/places used in this story.
Chapter 11 – Operation: NejiTen
Sakura groaned, promptly banging her head upon her locker. 'I am so, so annoyed and Neji and Tenten! Really, those two flirt more than anything yet still they don't seem to notice the attraction! I swear that I'm going to have to do something about that.'
"Sakura-chan," Naruto warned. "I don't think that hitting your head against the locker is healthy." 'She looks annoyed. I wonder what's bothering her, I mean it has to be something big in order for her to resort to such matters dattebayo.'
"I know this isn't healthy Naruto," she growled. "But I'm just so damn annoyed at Neji and Tenten. Those two flirt like there's no tomorrow and still they aren't a couple," she whined. "It can really get to you when two people you know are supposed to be together, just aren't."
"Sakura-chan, what are you getting at?" Naruto questioned. 'She's not just ranting and raving for nothing is she dattebayo. Besides she has the smirk on her face, the one she gets when she has a plan – a plan that involves me.'
"You and I are going to play Cupid," she grinned, annoyance forgotten. "It'll be simple, we'll invite Neji and Tenten out one day and I'll hang all over Neji while you hang all over Tenten. This way they'll get jealous and be forced to admit their feelings in order for them to be-able to have one another!" she announced. "It's a brilliant plan to get them together, isn't it?" 'You'd better say yes Naruto because I can't pull this off without you.'
"But Sakura-chan, isn't that meddling?" he asked. "Shouldn't we just things run their course? What if we screw something up and they begin to hate one another instead?" he stated. "We could just do something other than planned."
"Naruto don't be so pessimistic," she whined. "Just make sure that Neji is free this week Saturday and I'll make sure Tenten is." 'If all goes according to plan then this will work out perfectly well and Neji and Tenten will be together at the end of the day.'
"I'll try, Neji and I aren't the greatest of friends but I will try," Naruto offered. 'What am I getting myself into? This couldn't be worse than what it is now. Her emotions are really going into overdrive because she's pregnant, aren't they?'
"Good, and from now on this is called operation: NejiTen!" she exclaimed, pulling a book from her locker. "Neji obviously and then just one 'Ten' from 'Tenten', get it?"
He nodded, afraid of what would happen if he had to disagree. 'Nope, this just got worse.'
---
"Ne, Tenten," Sakura began, "Are you free this Saturday?" 'You better be otherwise whatever appointments you have will be cut off.'
"This Saturday…" Tenten paused, thinking. "I think I'm free, why?" 'Unless I have a martial arts class but I'm almost 100% sure I don't.'
"Oh just planning a trip to the mall with you, Naruto and Neji…" she casually replied. "It'll be just the four of us together, browsing around the mall, seeing a movie and then going out to eat of course."
"So it'll just be us four… And Neji has agreed to this?" Tenten nervously questioned. 'I didn't think he was the type to go for this type of stuff, I really didn't. But maybe every guy has got their soft side – well in this case I'm-not-as-stoic-and-emotionless-as-I-make-out-to-be side.'
'Damn Naruto, Neji better have said yes,' Sakura thought. "Of course, he said it would be fun, especially with you tagging along and all." 'Okay so it's just one lie but it'll get her excited to come right?'
"He said that? Wow so then I guess I'm going," Tenten blushed, anxiously laughing. "So I guess I'll be seeing you Saturday then."
"Yup," Sakura added. 'And you'll have the Neji Hyuuga as your boyfriend!'
----
"So Neji, you have any plans for the weekend?" Naruto casually mentioned. 'Jeez, this is a lot harder then what I expected dattebayo. The man is practically emotionless. How am I supposed to know if he's happy or sad to be going?'
"Nothing that really concerns you Naruto," he replied, voice even. "I don't know why you would even bother asking."
"Just because I wanted to invite you to come with me, Sakura-chan and Tenten to the mall on Saturday…" he questioned. 'Okay, either I'm imagining things but I swear I just saw his interest pique up at Tenten's name.'
"And do what?"
"Um maybe go see a movie, go out to eat, browse… that type of stuff," Naruto replied. 'Damn, I don't actually know what else to say, he should just say yes already dattebayo.'
"Fine," Neji announced. "I'll see you on Saturday."
'He said yes? Yay, he said yes 'tebayo!' Naruto thought, inwardly active. 'Phase 1 is now complete. Wait, I'd better go tell Sakura-chan.'
----
"Okay Naruto, here they come," Sakura stated, that Saturday at the mall. "You remember the plan right? First we are going to watch a movie, then we're going to try on clothes and finally we are going to go and eat okay?" He nodded. "Now during the movie, you casually put your around Tenten and I lean against Neji's shoulder, got it?"
He nodded once again.
"Then at the clothes you comment on how Tenten looks okay? But make it sound nice and so that she blushes and Neji gets jealous. Then I'll dress up just for Neji okay?"
He nodded.
"Then finally when we go out to eat you'll sit next to Tenten while I sit next to Neji. You'll accidentally grasp her hand okay? Then I'll pretend to lean over Neji for something okay? If this entire thing works out they'll both be so full of jealously that they'll explode and want to take each other right there and then!"
"Sakura-chan… are you sure that's such a good idea?" Naruto warned. "Will they really explode and want to take each other there and then?" 'Truthfully, this whole thing is making me queasy. At least I told Hinata-chan about this.'
"Okay maybe they won't go that far but they'll definitely get together! Hell maybe Neji will even ask her to marry him," she stated. "Then they'll have this beautiful white wedding with doves and choirs an-
"Who'll have a beautiful white wedding?"
Sakura halted her rambling, "Ah Tenten, Neji, didn't see you there!" she mumbled, blushing. 'At least they don't know that I was talking about them!' she thought, relieved.
"So tell me Sakura, who's getting married?" Tenten queried, immediately at her side. "Is it someone I know? Or is it "Is it someone I know? Or is it you know who?' 'I mean as if the father of baby-chan.'
"Um Kakashi-sensei and Anko-sensei are getting married and they'll have this huge and beautiful white wedding, isn't it Naruto?" Sakura lied, motioning for Naruto to back her up.
"Yes, huge and beautiful," he mumbled. "But let's get going before the movie begins right?" he offered, anxiously laughing.
----
"Oi, Tenten," Sakura called, "Can I sit there, I just like being in the seat next to the isle and all." 'She and Neji cannot sit next to each other if this going to work properly.'
"Sure Sakura, I'll just sit next to Naruto," she replied, somewhat disappointed. 'I really wanted to sit next to Neji but I guess that'll have to wait, besides, Sakura is my friend.'
"Thanks Tenten," Sakura grinned, watching as the brunette accompanied Naruto. 'Now this is where the first part of my plan begins,' she thought, waiting as the movie began.
'Hmm I'll start my part of the plan soon by just inching my way to Neji's shoulder and see his reaction, maybe then I could even place my hand on his leg and see how that gets him and Tenten.'
'Okay, that's settled,' she thought, slowly inching towards Neji's clothed shoulder. 'I wonder how Tenten will react to this,' she gently placed her head on his shoulder, finding no reaction. "Sorry, I didn't sleep much last night and well these seats aren't all that comfortable."
He raised an eyebrow, "I guess it's fine then…" he mumbled, obviously discomforted. 'Ha perfect, now if only I could get Tenten to look this way,' she thought, trying to catch the brunette's attention. 'Not working but hey I could always do this,' slowly she positioned her body so that she was now leaning of Neji, her hand on the arm-rest.
She bypassed Naruto, winking as she did so, and tapped Tenten's shoulder. "You don't have my cellphone with you, do you?" 'Ha, her face is priceless, especially since I think Neji is blushing. Ah this is going to be so worth it.'
She hastily shook her head, "N…no Sakura. I…I don't have it." 'What is Sakura doing? Doesn't she know that I actually like Neji? Stop it Tenten, Sakura is a friend, she wouldn't do something like that. She's just harmlessly leaning across Neji, almost touching him and so on but it's harmless.'
"Oh it must be in my bag then," Sakura replied, returning to her seat by brushing her hair against Neji's head, "I'm sorry, I can be a bit of a klutz." 'But as long as you and Tenten get together it'll all be worth it,' she thought, leaning against Neji's shoulder.
----
'Damn, it's halfway through the movie and I still haven't done what I was supposed to,' Naruto thought, glancing at Tenten. 'She seems so absorbed into the movie so maybe it won't hurt.' He sighed, gingerly stretching his arm. 'I hope she doesn't kill me for this,' he thought, placing his arm on Tenten's shoulder.
She turned, surprised. "Sorry, I guess my arms are stiff after um… lifting weights last night, you don't mind right?" 'The weight part was a complete lie but hey, it'll work won't it?'
"Eh, it's fine Naruto," she replied, anxiously shifting. 'Why he doesn't like me, does he? He can't possibly like me, he said while he just moved his arm like that so I should just believe him right?'
Neji watched from the corner of his eye, eyebrow raised. 'I didn't know Naruto liked Tenten… but what is this I'm feeling? Am I feeling jealous of how his arm is draped around her shoulder like that? I can't be jealous.'
'Naruto is just acting strangely, just like Sakura who hasn't moved for quite some time. Is she trying to pull some sort of stunt? Are they trying to pull some sort of stunt with that they are doing?' he questioned. 'Damn, this is all to confusing, but I know one thing, I am not jealous. Right?'
----
"That was a great movie wasn't it?" Sakura asked as they stepped from the theatre. 'And I saw those jealous looks Neji gave Naruto. The plan is working I tell you, working!' she gleefully thought. 'But now it is time for part B of this plan.'
"It was," Tenten mumbled. "So where are we going now? You mentioned shopping right?" 'I just hope it isn't complete girly-girl shopping. I'm not really into that kind of thing now-days.'
"Oh we're just going to a little favorite of mine," Sakura smirked. "Believe me, it'll be worth it."
-----
"Sakura," Tenten stressed. "I am not wearing that… that thing!" she exclaimed, anxiously pointing to the tiny, black and strapless evening dress. "I don't think that thing will even fit me!"
"C'mon Tenten," Sakura whined, "Even I'll wear one if that makes you feel any better?" she offered. 'I will make her get into the dress if it is the last thing I do. She has to for the plan to commence.'
"But it doesn't even cover anything," Tenten noted. 'I've never worn something so revealing in my life. How can Sakura possibly expect me to wear that?'
"So you've got to learn to flaunt what you've got, and you've got a lot Tenten," she began. "You've got to do this, just for me?" she pleaded. 'I'll get down on my hands and knees as long as you put the damn thing on.'
"Fine," Tenten admitted, defeated. 'Why did I have to be like this? Why couldn't I have a more emotionless attitude like Neji?'
"You're the best," Sakura stated, 'Yes, part B can now happen.'
----
"Naruto," Neji began. "You don't like Tenten do you?" 'Way to phrase the question, now it does sound the way you want it to sound.'
"Hmm, of course I like Tenten; she's my friend isn't she?" Naruto replied, eyebrow raised. 'What kind of a question is that?'
"I mean as more than a friend you idiot," Neji responded, race oddly red. 'This is embarrassing, especially asking Naruto about this type of thing.'
"N…no-way!" he quickly stammered. "I have Hinata-chan don't I? Why would I ever cheat on Hinata-chan?"
Neji sighed, "I suppo-
"Sorry to keep you two waiting but we're back," Sakura announced, halting Neji's sentence. "Tenten was a bit shy but I managed to get her into the dress," she continued, pulling Tenten into the spotlight. 'Tenten was right, this dress doesn't cover much.'
Tenten blushed, "Eh… I haven't really worn many dresses." 'This is too damn embarrassing, why did I agree to this? Although it does seem that Neji just can't keep this stare of his hidden. It's really sweet; maybe I should wear dresses more often.'
'Yes, look at how Neji is staring! This is working,' Sakura triumphantly thought, inwardly whopping for joy. "She looks good in this doesn't she," she questioned, watching as Neji's cheeks became somewhat red. 'Ha, this is perfect because know he's blushing!'
"You look very… err… pretty Tenten?" Naruto offered, anxiously laughing. 'Although I think Sakura-chan looks even better. That is one of those dresses that emphasize all the right curves in all the right places right? I can't imagine her with a baby bump. It'll just be so unlike Sakura-chan.'
"Thank you Naruto," Tenten blushed. 'Why do I suddenly feel so self-conscious?' She watched as Neji nodded, 'Is he agreeing to Naruto's statement?' Her blush deepened. 'He is! Does this mean he thinks that I'm pretty?'
----
'Yes, only part C left of the plan! Then it'll be home free baby,' Sakura whopped. 'Well I can't wait because then this will finally be over and they can finally be together and then I can go and eat like anything. Baby-chan is hungry but I can't eat too much in front of Neji. He might think I'm a pig or something, or he might even catch on that I'm pregnant.'
"So where are we going to eat Sakura-chan?" Naruto questioned. 'I don't actually know where she's planning on taking us.'
"Oh just to that new little café, you know called Café Romancita," she smirked. "The one with the deep red seats, isolated booths and romantic décor, it's nothing special." 'Well it is going to cost a fortune so it is actually something special.'
"But Sakura isn't it expensive?" Tenten queried, bewildered. 'Why is she taking us to a place like that? Isn't it only for couples? None of us here are couples!' she thought, shocked.
"So it'll be fun and the food is bound to be great!" 'Oh yes, it's going to be very fun.'
-----
"Don't you just think this place is great?" Sakura chimed, inwardly whining. 'But so damn expensive, I mean, it cost us just to get seated! Grr, but hopefully it'll all be worth it in the end, well it better be.'
"Um, very nice," Tenten commented, eyeing the surroundings. 'Ugh, too dark for my taste, not to mention that I am sitting next to Naruto with this whole 'love' theme going on. And Sakura is sitting next to Neji! Doesn't she know how much I like him?'
Slowly Naruto sighed, 'Time for my part of this scheme,' he thought. Reaching out, he tentatively grasped Tenten's hand, blushing. "Oh sorry, I was reaching for my phone but I must have grabbed your phone by accident," he apologized, realizing that Neji was glaring, intently.
'Neji looks ready to blow from jealously, meaning I should get Naruto out this mess before Neji really does blow,' she thought. 'Time for my role in this plan I guess.' "Hey waiter," she called, leaning over Neji and innocently brushing against him. She blushed, but nevertheless caught the waiter's attention. 'Hah, if that didn't get Tenten jealous then I don't know what will.'
Neji blushed, 'Is it even right for her to be doing this all the time? First at the movie and now here,' he thought, noting how Tenten blushed. 'They are both acting way too strangely and these 'incidents' are not mere incidents. I have to question them now.'
"Alright," he began, catching attention. "What are you and Naruto up to Sakura?" He raised an eyebrow, clearly not amused. "These incidents are not mere incidents."
"Eh, he, he, he… what are you talking about Neji? What are these 'incidents' you speak of…?" Sakura asked, gulping. 'Damn, damn, damn, he's already caught on? Pff, no wonder they say he's a genius.'
"These planned things such as you leaning on my shoulder earlier and Naruto grasping Tenten's hand."
"Sakura-chan I think we should just tell them," Naruto confessed. "This whole thing is awkward."
"Fine, fine," she agreed. "Basically I decided that I am so tired of you two always flirting and acting so hopeless that I couldn't take it anymore. So that was when Naruto and I devised a plan to make each other jealous. That way you'd realize that you should ask the other out before they are claimed," she sighed. "But unfortunately it didn't seem to work out that way."
"Sakura," Tenten sighed. "If we want to become more than friends then we'll become more than friends. But on our own time okay? Although I do find this rather cute, don't you Neji?"
He simply raised an eyebrow.
"Well anyway…" Sakura said, glancing at her watch. "Naruto! I have a doctor's appointment we forgot about! We have to go!" 'Okay I don't but I really want to get out of here.'
"Really, then we'd better go," Naruto replied, standing.
"Bye Tenten, Neji," they called, exiting the café.
"So… I guess they're gone…" Tenten trailed.
"Um," Neji replied wordless. "Are you still going to the martial arts camp?"
"Oh yeah, I got accepted…
----
"Sakura-chan wait up!" Naruto called. "You don't really have an appointment do you?"
"I don't," she replied. "But anything just to get out of there, I was scared Neji was going to burn a hole through me with that glare." 'Besides, let them have some alone time after all that.' "But I think they're going to be quite angry on Monday…" she mumbled.
Naruto frowned, "Why would they be angry?"
"We left them with the bill."
I aimed for some slight humor so I hope that it did get a laugh out of you... My skills as a comedian aren't that great so yeah... Anyway! I hope you enjoyed this chappie!
Lorelock :)