Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto
Chapter Three
After a tiring week of sharing a room with Mira, Neji decided it was time to tell his team the news. Tenten and Gai looked confused at his invitation to join him for lunch, though Lee cheered profoundly. He led them to the restaurant where the team usually shared their meals. As Neji sat at cross from Gai and lee, Tenten slid into the seat beside him and he began to feel nervous.
"So, my youthful student, what is the occasion for your humble invite?" Gai asked. Lee clamored in agreement with his sensei. Despite his nervousness, Neji couldn't help but to become slightly annoyed with the spandex clad men.
"I... have some rather important news to share." Neji stated calmly. He struggled to keep his signature emotionless expression.
"Oh really? Well what's up?" Tenten asked, her chocolate brown eyes were full of curiosity. It was rare that Neji ever wanted to share anything with them, so she was practically bouncing with anticipation. Neji allowed himself a small smile. Why does she have to be so damn cute? He pushed this thought from his kind as he cleared his throat.
"It seems I find myself getting married." He said and looked at his hands. He wanted to avoid Tenten's eyes.
"CONGRATULATIONS MY YOUTHFUL STUDENT! MAY YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL MARRIAGE FULL OF THE POWER OF YOUTH!"
Gai booming voice brought many unwanted glances to the teams table. Neji wished he disappear at that moment. He looked quickly at Tenten to analyze her reaction. Studying her face wasn't necessary to see that she was hurt and upset. He looked back down at the table. Damn, He had hurt her and might lose her forever now. Neji knew that he would never be able to be with Tenten because of Mira, but he couldn't stand to live knowing his Ten hated him. He'd never make it. Sure, he seemed distant now, but he could only imagine how he would be if he lost the only person who brought even a little joy to his life. He sighed and stood, interrupting Gai and Lee's tearful wedding plans.
"Neji, where are you going?" Lee asked him. Neji continued on without so much as a sideways glance to his teammate. He had to get out of there before he lost control of his emotions. He couldn't allow them to see he was hurting, let alone that he had feelings for the kunoichi.
Neji went back to the compound and was relieved to see that Mira wasn't in the room. He closed the door behind him and laid across the bed he now shared with Mira. Now that he had lost Tenten he saw no reason to resent his marriage to Mira any longer. In fact, there was no reason to prolong the wedding either, he reasoned. He heard a soft knock on the door and sat up as Mira let herself in. He stared at her figure in the darkness of the room before sighing again.
"Mira, come sit down, I need to discuss something with you." He said quietly. Even in the dark, he could see her pale eyes widen with shock. She set down the brush she had picked up from the dresser and sat on the bed next to him. Neji watched her every move, noticing she looked everywhere but at the man before her.
"I believe that the wedding should no longer be prolonged. I see no point in putting it off further. I wanted to ask your opinion on the matter as well before I presented my idea to the elders." It was time to let go of his silly little dream of being with Tenten and face his reality: Mira.
"I guess I agree, I mean, I never saw the point in waiting anyway. We might as well just get it over with." Mira said. Neji nodded his head slowly.
"Alright. I will speak to the elders when I have the time." Neji said, standing to his feet.
"Neji?" She called his name softly. Neji turned to face her and was surprised to see her looking nervous. She bit her lio, rubbing her arm, and her eyes studied the floor.
"Yes, what is it?" He asked.
"N-nothing, nevermind." She said shaking her head. He stared at her a moment longer before shrugging and exiting the room.
The next day at the training grounds, Neji was distracted. He had himself convinced the day before that it was best to go through with the wedding as soon as possible, but now he was having second thoughts. When Tenten had arrived that morning, she smiled brightly at him, as usual, but he could tell she was upset. He felt guilty about it, but did not know why. It wasn't his fault he was getting married, it was hyuga tradition. He shook his head and got up, seeing Tenten was ready and smiled inwardly. Nothing like a good spar to ease one's mind and release anger. And that's just what the both needed.
He slid into his stance, Chakra filled veins appearing on his face. Looking at her, he could see her Chakra points, the way her Chakra flowed through her body. He could also see the weapons she had on. Her, as well as the ones hidden in the area. He smirked slightly. She was ready for him. So this time, he would show no mercy.
She jumped at him, quickly pulling out a small scrool, releasing a flurry of kunai and shuriken aimed directly at him. Neji spun on his heel, emitting Chakra from every point in his body, creating the well known blue dome that easily deflected every weapon. After he stopped and the Chakra dissapated, Tenten gave a quick flick of her wrist. Before he knew it, the weapons he had just blocked flew up, aimed at him again. He began to turn, but was too late. Hundreds of shuriken and kunai lodged themselves all over Neji's body. He stood completely still, eyes wide, facing Tenten. She stood paralyzed with fear. He should have been able to dodge that! Then he closed his eyes and smirked, disappearing into a puff of smoke, only to be replaced by a log. Tenten growled in anger, dropping the wires she used to control the blades in order to grab a new scroll. She stood her ground, eyeing the area carefully, straining her ears for any sign of her teammate's location. She felt a small rush of wind behind her, but was too slow to turn as Neji's hand jabbed at her bavk. She stumbled away, knowing there was no Chakra released in his strike, or she would have been severely injured.
"Slow today Ten?" He teased, a light smirk on his lips.
"Didn't sleep well last night." She mumbled, and her cheekd turned light pink. They circled each other cautiously, mirroring every step, looking for a weakness in the other's defense.
"Never slowed you down before." He said. Tenten's steps faltered a bit, and he took advantsge, never missing a beat. He lunged, using his weight as momentum, almost landing a few blows as she countered. Dodging his attack, Tenten delivered her own, bringing a kunai towards his torso. His left foot slid back in a circular motion, bringing his body out of the way. His right hand, palm open, fingers together, directed her hand to the side before his left hand struck her forearm. Tenten jumped back, already feeling the effect of the blow. She favored her numb arm as she pulled a new kunai, moving into a defensive stance. She heard Neji give a small chuckle as he stared at her, byakugan activated. Does he really think he has me beat already? She charged at him, kunai ready and deadly in her calloused hand. At the last second, she dove low, swinging a leg out, sweeping his feet from under him. Neji flipped, turning on his hands. He landed a few feet away, his hair falling loose from its bindings. That's odd, she thought. Neji was not one for flips. However, her confusion subsided with two words whispered from the hyuga's mouth,
"Got you."
He smirked pulling sharply on the wires. They contracted around Tenten, pinning her arms to her sides and her legs together. She fell over limply. He walked over to her body lying on the ground. Kneeling over her, his long dark hair created a curtain around their faces. Bringing his face close to hers, he said quietly
"Never leave your weapons lying around, hm Ten?" He released the wire, helping her to her feet. She grumbled, embarrassed that she had lost to her own weapons. He laughed as Tenten's mood lightened. He rarely laughed and she relished in the sound of it, so warm and care free.
"I was wondering why you flipped." She said, slightly amused.
"I could see your wires you left on the ground and it was the only way I could think of to grab them without you noticing." He explained. They went around the field gathering her fallen weapons and scrolls. As Neji handed her the last kunai, their fingers brushed slightly. Tenten looked away from him quickly, her cheeks reddening. Here's my chance, Neji thought.
"Ten, I've been thinking," He said, following her to their favorite tree. A battered target was pinned to the trunk, right above where Neji now sat. Tenten began her target practice as Neji continued.
"I understand that you've had feelings for me since we were genin." He smiled softly when she froze, staring at him with wide eyes.
"Lee told me." He explained as she lowered her head.
"Yeah, so?" She asked. Neji hesitated. He was really about to tell her!
As he opened his mouth, he quickly shut it, tensing up. I know that Chakra anywhere.
"Hello Tenten! Good morning Neji!" Mira greeted cheerily as she approached them. Lee and Gai ran over to the trio, having just finished their own spar.
"Hello Mira! It is good to see you!" Lee said brightly. He had met the woman during his few encounters at the Hyuga compound and was swayed by her youth and enthusiasm.
"I'm so glad you all are here! I have a momentous announcement to make!" Mira exclaimed and ignored Neji's icy glare. Of all the times for her to ruin my life, why did she have to choose now?
"You are all invited to mine and Neji's wedding this Saturday." She announced as she handed a decorative envelope to each of his teammates.
"I hope that you all can make it, Neji and I will be looking forward to your presence." She smiled. Neji's jaw dropped in shock. She had gone to the elders without him! He shut his mouth quickly, clearly irritated all do Mira waved and walked away, excusing herself saying she had planning to do. Tenten turned to face Neji.
"You were saying?" She spat bitterly. That was it. She hated him and there was nothing he could do about it. With a heavy heart he replied.
"I understand you have feelings for me, but you ought to direct them elsewhere. It's time you let go of such silly fantasies." He said. He turned and followed Mira, leaving a broken and hurt Tenten behind him.
