Alright, perhaps it wasn't a spoken goal. But the three kunoichi had mentioned from time to time in Tenten's absence that she and Neji would make a really cute couple. It was as thought they were made for each other. The two never fought, and they knew each other well enough, having been teammates for years. However, romance had just never been on their minds. Of course, every once in a while, Tenten would mentally note Neji's masculinity, and realize that he was, in fact, gorgeous. On occasian Neji, believe it or not, would find himself appreciating the little things about Tenten; the ways that she was different from their loud male teammate and sensei. Realistically, though, there was no time to imagine themselves in that world inhabited by lovers, let alone together.
Therefore, Sakura, Hinata, and Ino were quite excited to find that something had brought the two together. Even though it was, on the outside, a matter of baby photos, or the lack thereof, they had tunnel vision for where such a thing could lead. They also had perceived something that the Weapons Mistress had not: she would be happy with Neji. Awkwardness could not last, because it is fed by those that don't know what to do about it. Neji, all antisocial behavior considered, was hardwired for politeness and would certainly not give up on one of his only close friends. To her credit, Tenten was not one to beat around the bush. She would be straightforward with Neji, and, all awkwardness dispersed, they would find themselves happy. Like it or not, Tenten was about to board the train to her one-and-only.
In the morning, they trained as usual. Despite Tenten's slight paranoia, there was no childish spying by her friends. (How could they, with the Byakugan? Although, Hinata confessedly took a brief look, being the only one able to do so undetectedly.) However, they all found themselves smiling at intervals, as they considered what their friend would later discover.
After three hours of tedious training, as the Weapons Mistress and the Hyuuga genious sparred, Tenten discovered a double use for her proposition. "Neji?" she asked, hurling several shuriken at once.
"Hn?" the standard reply came.
"I have something to ask you," she said, drawing it out. He nodded slightly in acknowledgment and encouragement; it must be something important for her to bring it up in such an intense situation.
"Will you go to Ichiraku's for lunch with me?" Neji's mouth dropped open slightly and his eyebrows rose. In his moment of slight shock, a kunai grazed his shoulder. Realizing she had strategically distracted him on purpose, and, moreover, succeeded; he retaliated with an attack of his own that left her paralyzed, as not to be outdone.
"Well, will you?" she asked, from her uncomfortable position on the ground.
"That was a literal request?" he asked.
"Of course," Tenten answered. "I wanted to spend some time with one of my close friends. Now, if you wouldn't mind, I'd like the use of my limbs back."
Neji mulled over her request as he carefully restored movement by enhancing the chakra flow in her body, which he had blocked. Now free, she socked him in the shoulder. "Don't be so brutal next time I ask you to lunch," she said, making her face stern, but her eyes sparkled.
As they approached Ichiraku's, Neji asked what had been on his mind for the past few minutes. "Why didn't you want to spend time with Sakura or Hinata, or Ino?"
Tenten shrugged. "I saw them last night," she answered honestly. Immediately, little red flags went up in both of their minds. Tenten's were screaming, 'BAD MOVE BAD MOVE BAD MOVE!' Neji's were also panicked. His were saying, 'THE POWER OF TWO OR MORE GIRLS IN A GROUP CAN BE DEADLY. BEWARE!' Regardless of these feelings, they enjoyed the meal immensely, once they both had decided to push the disturbing thoughts away. They talked about missions and strategies and weapon design and uses, and from there the conversation slowly evolved to their more intimate social lives. Tenten, upon request, described her girl night, leaving out mention of him and merely discussing the hair-and-nails of it all. This eased Neji's mind a bit, but she didn't describe their discussions to him, and he still was suspicious. However, he knew if he asked, Tenten would be truthful. He just didn't want to appear vain by thinking girls talked about him, which he knew they probably did.
Neji told Tenten about some of his cousins and other relatives, which she had never met, and also what he did in his spare time. Mostly he studied or trained on his own, or waited for missions. He also did a lot of reading. The majority of the books he read were informational, or classics. Regardless of the brain power such volumes required, he found it relaxing. Neji was also on call to advise his uncle, should their be an important decision presented to him. What he didn't mention was that in his spare time, he also frequently wished for someone to spend it with.
Thus, the date-that-wasn't-a-date was a success, and they both agreed that they should go out for lunch more often. Tenten considered casually presenting the idea that they spend more time not only at a lunch table, but also partaking in activities as friends. However, when it came right down to it, she only knew one way to say it.
"Look, Neji, I want to be your friend. Not just your teammate or your lunch date. I think that we should do stuff together. You know, go to a movie or window shop or pull practical jokes on civilians together. That kind of stuff. Meeting up for tea at three am and disappearing for five hours to who knows where just for the heck of it, and to annoy Gai sensei. Whatever it is that friends do, I think that's what we should do, If you get what I'm trying to say." she stated bluntly.
"Tenten..." Neji began, and she held her breath; "...I think that is...a beneficial idea." She sighed in relief. She had said what she needed to say, and he did not push her away. In fact, he even agreed that it was good...er, "beneficial."
Neji, upon answereing, became quiet. What was this offer of hers? Where had it come from? Surely if the idea were Sakura's or Ino's, she would be asking to be his girlfriend. (Somewhere in the back of his mind, he was relieved that Tenten would never willingly ask him a thing like that. If he were to go deeper, he would discover that the reason for this relief came from the fact that, should she ask, he would not be certain of his answer.) Regardless, Tenten had made it quite clear that she wanted to be his friend. Not only that, but, from the way she described it, his best friend. And, truthfully, that was exactly what he wanted her to be. Until further notice, the Weapons Mistress and the Hyuuga genius were to become, in essence, two of a kind.
***A Note From ME
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Keeping the Faith and Yours in the Family, Greyshield
