Needless to say the nurses were rather contemptuous when they brought Neji his breakfast that morning. Disgusted by their behavior, he glared at them and proceeded to pick apart the "food" they had brought him, extracting the "edible" parts, namely, the fruit and some plain rice, to share with Tenten. He had made it clear to the hospital staff that he would not partake of their freeze dried "french toast" and cardboard "pancakes," to use his own words. Due to his pampered upbringing and in addition to his recent illness, Neji had lost a bit of his masculine bulkiness, but Tenten knew that his recuperation training would have him up-to-par in no time. She offered him some chocolate that was conveniently stashed in her weapons scroll for emergencies. Neji looked at this unorthodox use of the scrolls with reproach for a moment, before softly shaking in silent laughter and accepting the desirable treat. He coughed several times over breakfast, and, gripping his upper torso in pain, bore a look of annoyance on his face.
"I can't wait to get out of here."
By the end of the week, Hyuuga Neji was back on the team. The hospital staff were always amazed when one of the local shinobi was released at least a couple of weeks ahead of schedule. They just healed so fast! But none could compare to Naruto, who barely needed the hospital at all. Still they gathered to watch as Neji walked unaided from the hospital doors, his faithful female teammate by his side.
There was a Team Gai celebratory dinner that evening, during the course of which Rock Lee smacked Neji on the back, hard, inciting pain on his newly healed ribs that his face did not betray. By the end of the dinner, thanks to the agitated weapons mistress, Lee also required a "brief" visit to the hospital to treat "minor" injuries.
They were glad to have Neji back on the team.
"That's the spirit, my youthful pupils!" Might Gai shouted enthusiastically. "Never underestimate the power of youth!"
Neji and Tenten were hot at it, matching each other blow for blow. Kunai ricocheted everywhere as they bounced off of Neji's defense, Tenten trying to reach his blind spot. She knew Neji could put her out of commission with only a few deft hits, so she kept her distance as much as she could. If she could only engage him for a few seconds...
"Well hiya."
"Hn."
Neji had her pinned. To a tree. He raised his fist.
"I don't think you want to do that."
He looked at her warily, but decided to discard her comment as a last-ditch attempt.
"Okay, then. You leave me no choice."
Tenten grinned. She kneed him in the forbidden zone.
"..."
Yes, there was something satisfying about seeing his face visibly pale as he dropped helpless to the ground. Lee and Gai gasped from the sidelines and glanced around for objects to use as shields should she target them next. Tenten placed a hand on her hip and turned to face the two green-clad men, grinning at them from under her eyelashes.
"Who wants some of this?" She challenged menacingly, enjoying her teammates' horrified expressions. she twirled a kunai on her finger.
"...That...was uncalled for..." Neji choked, glaring.
Tenten blew him a mocking kiss.
"All's fair in love and war."
Neji grimaced. Well, at least he'd remember to pin her legs better next time.
