AN. I normally don't like to write author's notes or comments but thank you to those who have commented and continued to follow and comment despite the very long hiatus. I don't reply, but I do read them and the feedback is very much appreciated. xo
After leaving the bar with Hinata and spending the afternoon wedding shopping, Tenten was in a much better mood, despite the miserable weather. Winter was definitely on its way. As she wandered aimlessly through the village towards her apartment, she noticed that while the threatening storm hadn't yet eventuated, the clouds still hung dark and grey in the sky, forcing an early dusk. She had nowhere to be and was pleased for it as a cold wind whipped up past her and straight through her very inadequate training gear. It had been significantly warmer when she left home that morning and she hadn't expected to be outside as evening fell so had not brought a proper jacket. Sliding her free hand deeper into her pocket, Tenten set herself to getting home, climbing into some warm clothes and curling up with a cup of coffee to polish some of her weapons.
She had been a little negligent with her normal maintenance routine over the past couple of days but thought that it might help to relax her and boost her mood, though she hadn't entirely put that horrible fight behind her. Talking with Hinata had helped ease her hurt feelings a little, as she now understood that maybe there was more to Neji's comments than just disapproval. It was clear that he had been genuinely angry, but now Tenten realised that he also must feel partially responsible for her assignments. Sighing as she turned towards her apartment complex, she decided to set the whole thing aside.
Excuses and explanations aside, Neji had no right to speak to her the way he did and she refused to dignify his misbehavior by overanalysing it. All these swirling emotions must have been having a physiological impact because Tenten suddenly felt light headed as she ascended the steps to her front door. Pausing to lean against the door frame while rummaging for her keys, she took a deep, calming breath to regain her equilibrium and then nearly had a heart attack when she turned to find Lee standing at the top of the stairs.
"Oh Kami, Lee! You nearly gave me a heart attack!"
Her friend's wide eyes became apologetic and concerned as he noticed her sway slightly and stepped forward to offer her his arm. Tenten accepted briefly as she regained her balance.
"Sorry I scared you, Tenten" he replied with a gentle smile, "but I was on my way past and saw you looking a bit distressed. I wanted to say hello and see if you were okay."
Tenten's face brightened and she unlocked her door, swinging it open and beckoning Lee to come inside.
"That's sweet of you. Why don't you come inside out of the weather? I was just planning to have some coffee."
Sliding his shoes off as he entered, Lee nodded and closed the door behind him. Gesturing to the many bags Tenten had dropped next to the couch he commented,
"It looks like you had quite the shopping spree today…"
Blushing slightly, as she didn't normally shop so much, Tenten set about making tea for him and coffee for herself as they talked.
"Yeah I know it's a bit ridiculous but I had no idea how much stuff there is to buy when you are a bridesmaid! I went shopping with Hinata. It was like every store we went to had something 'essential' for the wedding. And this isn't even counting all the wedding dresses we looked at for her…"
She brought the drinks over to the couch and they sat together with their cups warming their cold hands. Lee grinned at her as he sipped.
"Oh weddings, how youthful! Hinata will look radiant I am sure. Though I can't imagine Naruto in any kind of formal attire. It seems unnatural."
Tenten laughed at the thought, "I am almost expecting he will show up in an orange suit or something crazy."
"So, I don't mean to pry but you looked distressed on the way here and at the door you seemed dizzy. Is everything alright? Are you sick?"
She shook her head and gave him a lopsided smile before elaborating.
"I'm okay, not sick…I don't think. I'm not really sure what happened with the dizzy spell but I feel fine now. Guess I have been a bit stressed lately and maybe need to rest a little. I don't have any missions assigned for the next week or so, so plenty of time to relax and do some training...or shopping…"
That jogged Lee's memory and he glanced over at her as though to ensure himself of her physical state before asking, "If you are feeling better tomorrow, do you want to have a sparring session?"
Tenten gave him a dazzling smile and answered, "That sounds great, Lee. I would love that."
Lee's enthusiasm for everything in life was actually quite relaxing for Tenten, and so as the storm outside finally hit, she drank coffee and modeled all her exciting purchases for Lee while he caught her up on the latest wedding gossip sourced form Sakura and Ino.
Soaked and shivering on the ledge of Tenten's tiny balcony, Neji looked through the partially obscured glass to watch her turn in a circle for Lee wearing her bridesmaids dress. It was a dark blue colour and modest but she looked amazing and Neji smiled to himself as he watched her laugh with Lee and gesture animatedly as she talked. He wanted to go in and explain everything to her but he couldn't find the right words. Apologies had never been and skill for him and, on the occasions he issued them, often sounded more insincere than genuine. He wasn't even sure he deserved the opportunity to apologise anymore but was determined to fix his mess once this damn investigation was over. Then she could inflict any punishment she wanted on him as long as she took him back. With his mind settled, he turned away from the yellow glow of the window and disappeared into the darkness of the storm.