Neji
We reached Konoha after days of nonstop running. I knew Tsunade would want the girl ASAP, so I kept the others up. I feel especially bad for Tenten since she was carrying the girl on her back the hold time. She insisted though. We all offered to take turns holding her, but she wouldn't give the girl up. Tenten's face had changed ever since she had found her. Her eyes became sad, and her actions were gentle, bit sharp and focused. She didn't speak when we passed the tea shop, she didn't bother to make conversation with Lee or Sakura. It was odd. But what ever was bothering her, I knew I shouldn't get involved. That's how it always is. I don't worry to much about her, she handles her problems fairly well and tends to push emotional things aside once she decides she's done thinking about them. By the time tomorrow comes she should be fine.
Hopefully.
"Neji-san, what shall we do now?" Sakura asked me as we stood before the Hokage mansion.
"You are all dismissed. Tenten and I will give the report." I announced.
Naruto sucked his teeth and complained that they had done all that searching and ran nonstop just for me to tell them to go home.
"I don't think you want to be here when Hokage-sama flips because we're early. You'd should know, right, Naruto?" Kakashi looked at him.
Indeed. I agreed, Tsunade usually took her anger out on the blonde any chance she got. And Naruto would play cat and mouse, dodging her attacks and insults. Well, she wouldn't lash out on him with out good reason, but since we all had high status or was affiliated with her some how, there left Naruto.
"Hey, Ten...tell me what happens, ok?" He grumbled.
Tenten shot a small smile at him and nodded.
"I'll let you know next time I see you." She said.
The group disbanded. Uchiha gave a quick glance at Tenten. He had a weird look on his face before sprinting toward his home. I glanced over at her. Pursing her lips together, she looked toward the direction that he had sprinted off to, not saying a word. I put a hand on her head, I between her two buns. She balled snapped toward me and I smiled.
"Let's get this over with. I'll cook for you after we get this settled?" I suggested.
She nodded and adjusted the still genjutsu infused girl on her back. We walked up stairs, shinobi and other workers stared as we walked passed. Upon entering the Hokage office, I dodged a book that was flying at my head. Tenten sweat dropped and moved out of the way.
"YOU TWO ARE EARLY."
"We found her. It was easier than we though...Tsunade-sama." I adjusted myself.
Oh, maybe my choice of words were a bit too...uh... I can't explain. But she looked at me with fire and I was sure she was going to rip me apart. If it was that easy she would have been founds months ago.
I gave the report. Tsunade looked as if she was going to split her desk in half when I told her what the Raikage had told me. Screeching out a very colorful monologue, she ran a hand through her blonde bangs.
"She is under genjutsu, just as you requested." I explained further.
Tenten leaned closer to the desk. Tsunade looked closer and squinted, the girl's eyes stared blankly at the back of Tenten's head, she arms firmly glued to her neck. Tsunade nodded and told Shizune to get the medical ninja and the Yamanaka head. The assistant nodded and bustled out the office, Tonton in her arms.
"How did you get her go with you, Tenten?"
Tenten repeated what she had told me. As professional in medicine and the Human body, Tsunade was able to calculate the amount of chakra the girl held since she was able to change bodies so often. The medics came in. I recognized the Yamanaka head as Ino's father, who released the genjutsu and touched a pressure point to knock her out. The girls arms relaxed and the medics removed the girl from Tenten's arms and carried her, probably to the hospital.
"Alright in other news; Hyuga, since the threat is under our control...it is written here that you go off on a training period soon. Do you wish to move the date of departure up since I doubt we'll need you for a long while?"
I shook me head. No I wanted to keep it as it was.
"Very well and Tenten, you have submitted to go on a leave of absence to Suna for a good chunk of time."
I looked at her. She nodded. Tsunade questioned her reasoning. Tenten wanted to go back to Suna to train more with Temari and develop better techniques. Tsunade shrugged, taking that as a valid response.
"And you leave in January then."
January? That's a month after me. I bit back my tongue from saying anything I wanted to to her face. Was she nuts? There will be no higher ranked on our squad, which means that someone's going to step in and Tenten's the only one who knows how I like things run. And Suna? The only thing I can think of besides that bull shit training claim is the Kazekage. Those two have become close. But she has no romantic feelings for him, and she's not the kind of girl to run off because of some guy.
"Are you sure you want to go?" I asked her.
Tenten's eyes became misty, but she mustered up a smile. Yes, she replied. My chest caved. What was going on? I clenched my jaw and looked to Tsunade.
"Please appoint... Uchiha Sasuke to look over our squad while we are both on leave." I struggled to muster that one up, and it didn't go unnoticed. Tsunade shook her head.
"That's not possible. He is a temporary first officer. I will appoint Gai to look over your squad."
I nodded; even better. Pleased with this, I am. Tsunade turned in her chair and looked out the giant windows. I looked at Tenten and asked her what she wanted me to cook for her. Dumplings, she wanted. Dumplings with pan fries noodles with shrimp and fish balls. I sweat dropped. Will she really eat all of that? I nodded anyway.
"Whatever you want. I just have to buy the ingridients."
"Ok, I'll be here." She replied, but didn't look at me.
"I am taking my leave," I announced to the Hokage, who swirled back around and nodded.
As I walked toward the door, I heard a muffled whine come from Tenten.
"...Mom..." She called to Tsunade with a broken voice.
I walked out room. I stood against the closed door. I could hear rapid tapping, and whimpers. I forced my feet to walk forward. It's not like her to cry. This mission was going so well. It must have been what Sasuke had told her that night. But for her to break down... What did that bastard do? I unclenched my fists and walked out of the mansion.
I need a shower.
Tenten was in the living quarters on the second level on the mansion. She had changed into pajamas and was sitting on the ground while Tsunade held her head against her...bosom.
"Tenten, I'm back. I'm going to start cooking." I said as I walked into the kitchen.
That was an odd sight. Not because she was laying on Tsunade's large breasts, but the fact that she looked so...upset. I've seen her annoyed, I've seen her angry...I've experienced her woman moods when she pmsed. But this was odd. I began to prepare the meal. First, I made some miso soup with lots of seaweed and tofu; pepper flacks sprinkled in for an extra kick, just how she loves it. I made two for her and the Hokage. I set the bowls down on the tea table and strode back into the kitchen. As I grounded the pork for the dumplings, my ears perked up.
"He takes care of you. That's a true friend." Tsunade's voice was soft.
Tenten didn't reply. Or I didn't hear her. Dropping the dumplings into the pot, I started on the pan fried noodles.
"And he can cook. He's a house wife with an ego."
Tch, thanks, Lady Hokage...
"Maybe he'd get you ice cream after you eat."
I would. I would do anything for her. Preparing the rest of the food, I grabbed plates and bowls with chopsticks before bringing it all into the room where the great Tsunade and Tenten were cuddling by the tea table. I'm a bit conflicted about how I should feel about this...Awkward...situation I walked myself into... We sat around the table, in silence. Tenten just piled up her plate and began to stuff her face. Tsunade casually walked into the kitchen and grabbed a large bottle of sake and three saucers. Now, I know the Hokage is a big drinker, but to have a two liter sake shipped from Grass is a bit much. She poured some for herself, Tenten and I.
"Job well done you two. Your platoon is the one that gives me the least issues." She raised her saucer.
Both Tenten and I nodded and we took it in. Tenten let out a sigh after Tsunade poured more for us and herself. I looked at Tenten.
"Don't tell me you have an issue as well." The Hokage groaned as she ate.
I shook my head.
"Tenten...are you alright?" I asked.
She poured herself some more sake after drowning the second saucer. I sweat dropped as she continued to drink. By the sixth shot I grabbed her wrists. She looked at me with red puffy eyes and pink cheeks. Taking the bottle with my other hand, I gave it to the Hokage and held her hand.
"Tell me what's wrong." I demanded.
She looked at me, annoyed for a moment, before snatching her hand back and grabbing her chopsticks. Tsunade shook her head and told me to let her be. Her heart ached. I cocked an eyebrow.
"I'm shocked she even wanted you around."
"Hn..."
Tenten grunted and drained her saucer. This is annoying me a bit. Tsunade poured her another, then another, then another. I was only on my third one. Tenten had finished her plate and held the saucer between her lip. Before she could reach for the bottle, I snatched it from the Hokage's reach. Tsunade looked at me wide eyes as I leaned over and grabbed Tenten's chin, forcing her to look me in the eye.
"Hyuga-!"
"Why won't you tell me what's the matter with you?!" My voice boomed.
Tenten looked up at me wide-eyed. I could have swore the Hokage was about to hit me when I snatched the bottle, but she sat there looked at me as if she's never seen me before. Tenten sucked her teeth and reached for the bottle, which I moved behind my back.
"Fuck you." She hissed at me.
I kept my position. She didn't mean that. She never means it when she insults me, half drunk. Tenten doesn't drink unless she is offered, or something has been clawing away at her. I resisted the urge to tighten my grip on her face, my emotions must stay in check. I could kill her. Not removing my gaze I repeated my question.
"What's it to you, anyway? Why can't you leave this be like you always do?" Tenten exclaimed.
"Because I haven't seen you this upset since I was nearly killed chasing that bastard."
She froze. Tears began to grace the corners of her beautiful brown eyes.
"It doesn't matter-"
"-Tenten! Just tell me!"
"It's not like it's important to you-"
"-You know that's a lie."
Tenten pursed her lips together.
"It's none of your business-"
"IF YOU DONT TELL ME, HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO FIX IT?!"
I could feel the Hokage's eyes sharpen. A tear fell and brushed against my fingers. I loosened my grip and wiped the years that rolled down her cheek. My face softened as she tried to hold back the hiccups. I gave a small smile. Crying wasn't her style. That's how I am as well. But with her, if there was a problem, I would fix it. With money, with training...with anything. All she had to do was tell me, and I'd fix it.
"Tenten... Let me fix it."
I felt a hand on my shoulder and I looked to the Hokage. She told me that this can't be fixed. It can only be moved passed, with time. Tenten took a deep breath, to prevent her from bursting out sobbing.
"He...broke up with me."
He? Oh, wait.
"What? When?" I asked even though I knew the answer.
"On the way back. He kissed me and told me out of the blue. When I asked why, he just shrugged, looked angry and said that he doesn't want me anymore. Like I was some object."
My chest swelled. Uchiha said that? That's a bit...terrible. Tsunade sighed.
"I know my love died. But it's worse when he's going to remain in your life, even after that."
My fingers twitched as Tenten wiped her eyes. She looked me in the face.
"It's stupid for me to act like this. I'm acting like a child. Ninja aren't supposed to love." She murmured. "I don't see how you can fix this, Neji."
As she picked up her saucer, I placed a hand between her buns and she looked up at me curiously.
"Oh yeah? Watch me."
The rest of the night I remained at the mansion. But, when I went to get the pints of chocolate ice cream, I stopped by Lee's house. Now all three of us, sat on the couch and ate ice cream. Tsunade had went to the office to do some late night work with Shizune. I had also changed into a pair of grey sweats and a tank top. Lee had come with his onesie and an extra one for Tenten. She had laughed when she saw it, a panda onesie, and changed into it. It was like chunnin days all over again. Sitting in one of our houses, have one of our annual team sleep overs; eating ice cream, talking about past missions, our hopes, dreams...then I broke out the sake that I had stolen from my aunt. Of course Lee was not allowed to have any, which left Tenten and I to polish off the bottle ourselves. Even when we weren't laughing historically when Lee gave his best impressions of the enemy, or of the other guys, we remained on the couch and just talked.
With Tenten in between Lee and I, she told Lee what happen. He didn't fire up with the whole "his youth isn't burning as strong as it used to" thing, which shocked me. He just shoved spoonful of ice cream into her mouth and told her to stop over thinking for once in her life. I let out a chuckle which caused both of them to look at me.
"Lee, we both know that will never happen." I said putting my arm around her shoulders.
"Hey-!"
"I know. But we can try to make her stop! But wait!"
"Hn?"
"That means we'd both have to deal with your arrogant judging!"
A vein popped in my head. I sucked my teeth and told him I do not judge, I analyze.
"Yeah analyze everything that doesn't compare to you, oh great lord Hyuga Neji!"
"You fool-!"
Tenten bursted out into laughter. We looked at her. A tear had brimmed her eyes as she laughed. I looked at Lee who shrugged. He put is arm on top of mine, over her shoulders, and grinned.
"See? Even the amazing weapons mistress who has had to deal with you for years agrees with me!" Lee chirped.
I sucked my teeth.
"I believe you mean trained with me. And she's not amazing-"
Tenten looked at me. I smiled at her and removed the empty ice cream pint to the floor
"Ah, your right." Lee said moving his pint as well.
Tenten's eyebrows went south as she glared at me.
"She's astonishing," I said.
"She's smart," Lee grinned.
"She's strong,"
"She's honorable,"
"She's beautiful,"
"She's deadly,"
Tenten's face became red. Both Lee and I planted a kiss on her cheeks.
"And she's all ours." We both said.
Tenten giggled and smiled brightly. I haven't seen her beam like this since she became Chunnin. Tucking her long bangs behind her ears, she leaned her head back and looked at the ceiling.
"Kiss asses..." She murmured.
"I love you two...so much."
And with that, we embraced in a group hug. We sat there hugging each other for a good moment, before Tenten yawned.
I don't know how we did it. But all three of us managed to sleep comfortably on that one couch. Tenten was laying on my chest, her hair falling out of her buns. Lee's legs were tangled with mine. My fingers played with the strands of hair that escaped the conformity of Tenten's hair ties. Her cheeks were still blood shot, but her expression had become soft. I put a hand between her shoulder blades and lightly rubbed her back, receiving a moan. I glance toward the window, the sun was beginning to rise. There was a knock on the door. Before I could answer, the person walked in anyway. Anko had strode in with Gai on her tail. Craning my neck, I put a finger to my lips. Gai nodded and grinned. Anko cocked an eyebrow and walked closer.
"How did you three fit on this couch?" She asked quietly.
"Erm... I would tell you if I knew myself." I replied.
Lee stirred and yawned. He stretched out his legs which caused him to kick me very close to my groin, hitting Tenten on her plump backside, thus causing her to awaken and snap up. I gasped, due to the awkwardness of her elbows digging into my ribs.
"Dammit, Lee! Watch your foot, you kicked my ass!" Tenten hissed.
"Good morning to you too, my youthful princess." Gai laughed.
"Rise and shine sleeping beauty and her two beasts." Anko announced crossing her arms over her chest.
Tenten laid back down on my chest.
"Ugh, give me another hour.." She grumbled, her voice causing my chest to vibrate.
I chuckled and shifted I sit up. Flipping me off, Tenten rolled off of me and sat on the floor,her hair had finally escaped from the hair ties and was sticking up at weird angles. I sat up and sat cross legged on the couch. I shouldn't be talking, my hair was a mess... Lee stood at attention in his onsie. He began to brawl with Gai-sensei about being ready to take on the world and Kami himself before producing a stream of overly exaggerated tears which thus concluded in the awkward man hug scene that Tenten and I have had the displeasure of seeing ever since we were assembled as a team.
"It's to early for this!" Tenten exclaimed putting up the hood to her onesie. I grabbed to two black ears that perked up and tugged on them.
"Now now, panda-chan. We have the whole day ahead of us." I cooed, causing her to stick her tongue out at me and scrunch up her nose cutely.
"Yes! Let us use this beautiful day to embrace our youth and spend time together!" Lee chirped.
Gai agreed. Anko shook her head at the two of them.
"I don't know how you two put up with them."
"We got used to it." Tenten replied.
She twisted in her spot and laid her head against my shin. I began to pet her head as I leaned my cheek against my palm.
"You act as if you have something planned. What are we doing today?" I asked Sensei.
Gai said that we were gonna go to a smaller village in the land of fire and go to a Spa. Tenten purred by my touch. I looked at her. Is she seriously purring?
"Then I was thinking that we'd go out shopping since you recently got paid."
I'm guessing that Tsunade told him to take us out today. I nodded and poked the top of Tenten's head. She looked up at me.
"C'mon, panda-chan. Turns out we have plans today and can't laze around."
She sighed and stood. Stretching her arms over her head, she made a high pitched moan and walked to her room, which was connected to the bathroom. We all walked into her bathroom and shared the sink as we brushed our teeth. Got dressed in Tenten's room...Since we were so used to pretty much being naked in front of each other, Lee was in his boxers talking to Tenten about a dress that he saw that reminded him of her. I couldn't help myself but to peek over at her choice of lingerie; a black lace bra instead of her usual sports bra and bindings. Matching black lace panties that rode her hips with red lining. Damn. That's hot.
After we dressed in our ANBU gear, since that's what we had...Tenten had clothes but wanted to match us; we made a quick breakfast and shuffled out of the Hokage mansion, our arms linked. We walked out if the village and sprinted to the smaller village, about fifteen minutes east from Konoha. The town was crawling with shoppers, children, and travelers.
"Oh, this one is really expensive..." Tenten said as she looked up at the building.
"Thank kami you are Konoha's princess! Tsunade gave me money to spend on you, Tenten." Gai said.
We walked into the spa and were given changing rooms. This spa was equipped with different baths, saunas, gardens...you name it. I've been here once before since, well, I am a Hyuga. I was with Tenten most of the time. We got our hair washed and conditioned, our eyebrows done, and nails taken care of. Just because I'm a male doesn't mean I can't look good. And women get it good. We had a group massage. I was a bit annoyed that they chose the attractive, muscular worker message Tenten. He was sweet talking her and cooing over her.
"Wow, you have an amazing figure."
"Oh, thank you!"
"And you're muscle tone is amazing. Slim, pretty,and strong, look at you, princess. I'd be dammed to have a girlfriend like you. I bet your flexibility is killer."
Tenten giggled.
"These your two teammates?"
"Yep. They're my best friends."
"It's good that they came with you. I'm a bit jealous though."
"Why's that?"
"They have the pretty girl with the kick ass body on their team, who wouldn't be?"
I rolled my eyes. What a kiss ass. But, it did her some justice that she we getting the stress rubbed out of her. By suggestion of the same worker, we got facials. All three of us. Facials and mud baths. It was an experience. I was practically dodging and deflecting the mud slaps being thrown at me from both Lee and Tenten. There is no way that is touching my face while this facial is cleansing my skin. We washed off and headed back to our rooms. Tenten was taken to a different room for some time. Gai-sensei was in the sauna. He had gone to the baths after we did. Sipping at our lemon water we waited for Tenten. If I remembered correctly, my aunt was given a make over. Tenten emerged from the door. Her skin glowed and her make up was on point. The natural brown and gold colors popped out her eyes. The liner was clean and the mascara lengthened her lashes. There was a soft pink lip gloss present on her lips.
"How lovely!" Lee exclaimed.
Tenten smiled in embarrassment. Her hair was left in it's curly state, but put up into a pony tail with her bangs shifting and clipped to the side. We got dressed and paid. A lot of people had glanced our way as Lee led us to the dress shop he was talking about. But I knew they were looking at Tenten. Since she is well known through out the land of fire, she was bound to get some attention. I felt her fingers enter lace with mine. I squeezed her hand in response and we walked up to the dress shop. There in the window was a white strapless dress with a red sash and ribbons.
"This is the one. Tenten you must try it on!" Lee exclaimed.
"Uh...I don't know when I'd wear it."
"When we go out to dinner tonight." Gai suggested.
I shrugged as she looked up to me. I led her into the store. Lee was quick to shout of the woman who worked there to fetch him the dress in the window. Tenten was pushed into the dressing room. Shuffling was heard behind the curtain. The woman walked out to fetch some red pumps. Tenten emerged from the changing room back in her usual uniform.
"I'll take this one, shoes and all please." She told to woman.
"It comes with a white shawl and red hair bows of you're interested."
Tenten nodded. Tenten pulled out a pouch of money that that she had in her back holster. When did she get that? We didn't stop at the bank before we left. She held the bag and smiled at us.
"But we didn't see it!" Lee whined.
"You'll see it tonight." She responded and walked out the store.
We were then shuffled to more clothing store, I had bought myself more casual clothing, since due to my workaholic nature, was lacking in my closet. I also bought clothes for tonight. Lee had bought himself an outfit for dinner, but kept shoving different articles of clothing for Tenten to try on. Lee, Gai-sensei and I were casted with the job of bag men. Tenten walked ahead of us, observing the different shops and food carts. She turned a sharp right. I stopped in my tracks just to make sure I didn't bump into anyone. I followed her to a display window. There were earrings and chains. Necklaces and rings...I never though this kind of stuff caught her eye. It was weird if it wasn't tools, I guess that's all we've ever known Tenten for, her tools.
"If you see something you like why don't you walk in, my flower?" Gai-sensei asked from behind his boxes and bags.
"I mean...that necklace is really nice." She said staring at the window.
I walked over and looked down. It was a gold chain with a a round pendent. Around the chain was examples of different pendants with names engraved, words, a gem in the middle... She like simple things. My eyes glanced over at a silver chain with a heart pendent that held two small, red stones with the symbol for "word" in the middle. I think that would look best on her.
"Hmm, I'm gonna head in I'll be right back." Tenten announced.
I decided that I'll go in before we head to the restaurant...or have the hotel (we were gonna check into one now) contact this store. I memorized the name of the shop and sighed. Tenten emerged from the shop with a small grey pouch in her hands. She smiled at us and led us to the hotel, her curly ponytail trailing behind her. Checking in and putting the bags down, Tenten had called dibs on the bathroom. She wrapped her hair in a scarf to keep it neat and stepping into the other room. I walked to the front desk and ask the women to run down to the shop. I wrote down the description of the necklace, what I wanted on it, and put the money in an envelope. She nodded and quickly shuffled out of the hotel.
"A gift?" Her co worker asked.
"I guess you can say that." I said before walking back to my room. The others had already changed, by others I mean Gai and Lee. I changes into my new clothes and walked over to the mirror. I took off my Konoha head band and replaced it with a black one. I turned around and Lee handed me a red wrist tie. I asked him about it. It was so we could match Tenten...or at least show that we're all together. I shrugged, fine. I slipped it on my wrist and sat on one of the beds. There was rapid shuffling behind the bathroom door. I wonder if she could put that on herself...? There was a knock on the door. The woman had returned with my small trinket. I took it out of the bag and dangled it by its chain. Written in the pendent was her name. It was small, but you can still see it. One could mistaken the meaning for "heaven". But her name matched her as a person. She was heavenly. A weapons goddess. I thanked the woman and returned to the other two.
"Ok, ready!" Tenten chirped from the bathroom.
She emerged from the door dressed in the dress and pumps. Gold earrings dangled from her ears. The dress fit her bust nicely. The simple style was very complementing for her figure, especially her legs. Those insanely long and toned legs...Her make up was white shimmery shadow with black eyeliner, but her lips were a rose red, matching the ribbons in her hair and on the dress. I didn't notice I was gawking until Lee ran up to her and took her hand.
"You look lovely, Tenten! A true flower that has embraced its youth and has petals of beauty."
Tenten laughed a bit and grabbed a hand bag that she had bought to match the dress. Once again, we linked arms and followed our sensei into the streets. The night life had begun. Many couples and friends were out in their party clothing, some drunk, some holding up the drunk, and some holding the bottle. Tenten pulled us closer together and smiled happily, there was pep in her step as we walked, her curls bouncing away. That received a lot of attention. Many were looking over at us. I rolled my eyes and a few women pointed and giggled as I walked by. I know, I know...Lee didn't pay it any mind, he was looking around taking in the nightlight sights. From the corner of my eye I noticed most of the males were staring straight at Tenten. She looked beautiful. However, their stares are annoying. I motioned for Lee, who looked at me curiously. I gestured to the men in the area. We both nodded at each other. We snapped our heads back and I gave them the famous Hyuga Neji glare. Lee mimicked me and all eyes cased to the floor. Yeah that's right...peasants...
"Yosh! We have arrived!"
"Oh, a dumpling house!" Tenten exclaimed.
She did love dumplings. Gai led us inside.
Walking down the streets once more, Tenten, Lee, and I basked in the warm night. There were many areas of this small village that held parties. Lee has asked her if she wanted to attend one but Tenten declined. She just wanted some piece and quiet. Her hands smoothed out my jacket that she was sitting on. I know she wouldn't care, but she's wearing a white dress. Grass and white dress don't go well together.
"I had a great time, guys." Tenten sighed as she twirled a lock of curled hair.
"Good." Sensei smiled.
Gai-sensei stood and suggested that we head back to get some sleep. Tenten nodded. I stood up and offered my hand to Tenten. She kicked off her red pumps and picked them up.
"I would have gotten flats...but these were too nice to pass up." She smiled at Lee when he gave her a curious look.
"I will carry you then. Your feet will get dirty." Gai sensei announced.
"It's alright. A little dirt won't kill me."
"You have just gotten yourself cleaned up and polished. I will not allow our flower to get a smudge of dirt upon her skin!" Sensei exclaimed.
Lee patted her shoulder.
"It is ok, Tenten. Let us take care of you." He said softly as he gently took her hand.
Tenten's brown eyes shifted to me as if waiting for me to interfere. But her lips turned into a pout when I shrugged my shoulders.
"Let us take care of you." I repeated.
Gai walked up to her and held out his hands. Lee grabbed her shoes while I took her purse. Wrapping her arms around our sensei's neck, our "youthful flower" was scooped up into a bridal hold. Was all walked together in a comfortable silence through the streets. I glanced over at Tenten who had fallen asleep in Gai's arms. Gai was like a father to us. All of us. He taught us to never give up and when we did, we were to make the punishment more extensive then the task at hand. Encouragement was something that most sensei's didn't give to their students. We were taught to deal with each other's differences and work with them to make the team stronger. We had learned to trust each other, which gave us hope of never being alone or lose faith in ourselves. Our bond was stronger than the most powerful ninjutsu around.
We were a family.
And Maito Gai was our father.
My lips curled into a small smile.
We are a family.
And Maito Gai is our father.