Neji and Tenten. Together. That's what everyone saw, even though they weren't dating, technically. The two were together often enough before, but that was strictly professional and Team Gai related. Now they were seen having social affairs. Together. That's what nobody could get over. It caused smiles on their female friends' faces, and incredulity on their male friends' faces. The boys saw it as Neji with a potential girlfriend. Given his former demeanor, they could not believe he'd finally done it. In private, Kiba asked him, "Dude, did you get her pregnant, or something?" earning him a solid smack from Neji, and a few hours in Konoha Hospital. Lee seemed confused at first, but got the picture when Gai sensei whispered to him during training one morning, rather loudly, that there seemed to be some "Youthful bonding," between the two of them. Neji and Tenten both turned away, embarrassed, as the comprehensive look dawned on Rock Lee's face, and he proceeded to give them both knowing looks.

Neji, quite uncharacteristically, kept wishing he could yell, "It's not like that!" at every grinning villager he passed, many of whom had no idea who he or Tenten were, and simply grinned for the pleasure of it. Tenten simply looked away, awkwardly. Despite all of this, they had fun. Tenten dragged Neji around town each day, or showed him her favorite haunts; places to eat. Neji, who didn't wander nearly as much as Tenten, being so devoted to his training, came to see the hidden places in Konohagakure; the overlooked tea shops and trinket stores. They also took to hiking. Well, not really hiking; more like darting to the top of a mountain as fast as they could to see the view. They were skilled shinobi, who did not need to bother with trudging through the mud for hours.

Sometimes, at night, (although he'd never admit it) Neji liked to sit outside of Tenten's window with his chakra masked, and watch her sleeping via the Byakugan. And Tenten, (though she'd never admit it) saw Neji's name traced in the stars each night when she gazed at the sky. At these times, each felt emotions that they never knew they had. however, daytime was a different story. They were both extremely happy to spend time with one another. There was something about their conversations and the ways that they related to each other; a spark, that got them going. their usual activities evolved from sparring and team lunches to movie critiquing and hiking. Appreciative of beauty as they were, both could enjoy a nice view. Once at the summit of their chosen route, the two would take a bit of down time and continue their previously abandoned train of thought. Indeed, Tenten noticed that Neji's part in her life seemed to be a never-ending behind the scenes conversation. They were, after all, old friends.

"What was your father like, Neji?" Tenten asked, as they sat around an abandoned campfire. She leaned quietly against an enormous boulder, and he sat on a log across from it.

"Well," Neji began, "It was a long time ago that he died. But he was very kind, and he wanted the best for me."

"I'm sorry, Neji," Tenten said, apologetically.

"No, it's fine," he answered. "Father wanted me to prosper and be successful. I think that he would be proud of me."

"Don't you miss him?" she asked, concern etched on her face.

Neji stiffened. Tenten could have sworn that she saw his blank eyes grow blanker, and more withdrawn, if that was possible. "Of course." He answered, though the words sounded forced. "On occasion."

Tenten looked down awkwardly. "I'm sorry, Neji. I know that this must be a tough subject for you. Let's talk about something else." she said, and went rambling on about how they should go visiting as tourists in the land of Wind someday, just for the heck of it.

Neji tuned her out. He participated: "Yes, yes, the land of Wind. Visiting? As tourists? How interesting." But he wasn't really paying attention. It was his father...he did miss him. More than anyone would ever know.

***Flashback

"Neji-chan! I'm home!" Hizashi called as he entered the dwelling. "Tou-san!" Neji shrieked happily, as he ran into his father's arms. Hizashi smiled. at three and a half years of age, Neji already knew how to be polite. "Tou-san! Welcome Home!" Neji grabbed his father's hand and dragged him into the next room. "Look what I made for you, Tou-san." Hizashi picked up the drawing and smiled. He didn't have to ask to know that it was a picture of the two of them, resting under their favorite tree after training. "I helped make lunch, too!" Neji said, leading his father into the kitchen. Waiting for them on the table was a plate of onigiri. "Well, then," Hizashi began, "It would seem you have been very busy today. Let's eat something, and then you can have your nap. After that we'll go and train." Neji pouted. "I wanted to go and train with you right away..." He complained. "Be glad that you get naps now," Hizashi advised. "When you are my age, you will have too many missions to take advantage of such a rest." "Will I?" Neji asked, his eyes brightening. "Will I really be like you?" "Of course," Hizashi answered confidently. "But only if you take your rest. without rest, you will not have the energy to train." "Hai!" Neji answered, nodding.

End Flashback***

Neji sighed.

"Is something wrong?" Tenten asked. He didn't answer. They were approaching their usual parting place. "Will I see you tomorrow?" she inquired.

"If you wish it," he replied. As she headed in the direction of her house, he watched her retreating form. He heard her question echo in his head: 'Is something wrong?' "If only you knew..." he whispered. "I wish I could just go back."