◊ (She loves Neji's Birthday) ◊

∆ (Hoshigakure, Hoshi Complex, Neji's room) ∆ - ¤ (July 3rd) ¤ - VP: Tenten

I opened my eyes slowly. Yes, it's today. I carefully and quietly slipped out of bed, especially careful not to wake Neji. Neji seems more peaceful then normal, and so calm as well as so cute. I'm glad he's asleep or I'd be dead for saying this to his face. He has a reason to be peaceful and calm because today is his birthday! He is now 17 years old which isn't as big a deal but I love his birthday.

I love it because every year it's the day where I get to treat Neji extra special and I have a reason to. If I acted like a slave attending to his every need on any other day, he'd yell and lecture me about how I'm his fiancée not slave and whatever. There would be no lectures today for me, but a lot for him.

I ran to the kitchen and prepared Neji's favorite breakfast items. They took extra time to cook but seeing as those extra drills I made him go through yesterday tired him out he's going to sleep in today. He would anyway because it's his birthday.

One of the other reasons why I like Neji's birthday is because he's the happiest he is except for 2 other days but that's around the same amount of happiness, Christmas and My Birthday because he likes being with his family and he likes me being happy. I like his birthday because he's happy.

It was now arriving at about 6:30 and he had not yet woken up. I had been checking on him every few minutes because he's not doing anything today. I get tend to him 100 of the time. Today is our day off so I also get to spend the entire day with him.

I checked on him. He was beginning to stir. He would wonder where I was before he got out of bed. I returned to the kitchen, grabbing his meal and walked back to his room. I opened the door to a smirking Neji. He knew I would do this, didn't he? I smiled back at him.

I handed him his meal and crawled into bed. I had already fed everyone else and ate myself. I rested my head on his shoulder. "Happy Birthday Neji," He turned to me, and kissed my cheek.

"Thanks Tenten," He whispered back. I watched as he ate his meal. He was already in a good mood. I was doing well. I remember his first birthday on the team.

Ж (Flashback) Ж

I was sitting in a tree, Neji arrived approximately 3 hour late today and I was so bored. We usually meet up and train at 5 it was now 8 and no sign of him. I wonder why he's late. I thought. I climbed down and against my better judgment; I walked over to where Lee and Gai-sensei were training.

I walked out into the training field. They stopped mid attack and turned to look at me. "Tenten! How are you? Do you need something?" Lee asked excited that I was paying attention to him. Poor guy, so low in confidence.

"Yes Tenten-san, do you need something?"

"Neji isn't here. Do you know why?" I asked worried.

"No, he didn't tell me or you?" Gai-sensei asked. I shook my head. "Then maybe you should check on him." I was shocked. I hadn't been to the Hyuuga Estate yet myself. Neji had taken me to get cared for but never had I thought to go. I sighed.

"I'll go and take care of Neji." I said walking away, they nodded and resumed practicing. I walked over to the Complex. It felt unwelcoming and sort of scary.

"Excuse me Miss, do you have business here?" They asked. I bowed.

"Sorry, I'm Hoshi Tenten. I am Neji's teammate. Are you aware if he is sick or something?" I asked.

"Sorry Miss Hoshi, I'm not. You may enter." The gates opened up and a man stood there.

"Who are you?" I bowed again. Neji had warned me how strict Hyuugas were when I was here last.

"I am Hoshi Tenten, Neji's teammate. May I speak with him?"

"If he will have it, sure." The man answered. "I am his uncle, and the head of the entire clan, Hyuuga Hiashi."

"A pleasure to meet you Hyuuga-sama. Can you direct me to Neji's room?" I asked. He nodded and led me to the room.

"His room is there." He pointed to the door. "He will not speak to us so maybe he will speak to you." He said. He knocked on the door. "Neji, A Hoshi Tenten is here to see you. She says she is your teammate. I leave her here to speak with you." I felt uncomfortable being around Neji so informally.

After Hiashi had left, Neji opened the door. He seemed more cold and depressed then usual. "Come in," I nodded. "Sit," He said. Neji wasn't different in words still short and demanding. "Why are you here?"

"I was concerned when you didn't show up for a while, 2 hours." He looked to his clock and nodded. "So what's up, you seem…" I am trying not to insult you but in your condition, it's hard so help me. I internally begged him.

"Colder?" I nodded fearfully. He nodded in response. "I am. The date?" He asked.

"July 3rd, right?"

"Yes, are you are the importance of this day?"

"No, sorry." I answered regretfully.

"It's my mistake for not making you aware of it. Today is the day I was born." I smiled and stood up and hugged him.

"Happy Birthday Neji," I said letting go of him. "You shouldn't be so down on your birthday, come on." I dragged him out of the complex and to eat.

"Tenten, are you sure this is a good idea?" He asked.

"Of course, it's your birthday. You shouldn't have to train; of course, you should have stayed home. I don't see why you're so cold today though. You need to be happy." He snorted in an annoyed manner. "I'm serious Neji."

"So am I, today is not a big day. It's…"

"Just the day you were born." I answered.

"So?" He responded.

"You must see your self worth Neji. You're important to people and you have family so this makes today even better. I'm going to take care of something. See you later." I said running off. I would throw him a party and I did.

¤ (Later) ¤

Neji walked into the complex as depressed as ever and was surprised when many people yelled happy birthday. I ran up to him and hugged him again. "Happy Birthday Neji," I smiled. He gave a calm but thankful look, I would sort of consider it a smile but he was happy now, that made it all worth it. Everything went great and he enjoyed himself somewhat for Neji. After it was all over, he walked over to me.

"Why did you do this for me?" He asked. I shrugged and looked at the sky.

"Cause it was a special friend of mine's birthday and he seemed colder then normal. So, I threw him a party to make him feel better and his nodes so I'm happy too."

"Thank you Tenten, no one has ever done something for me before."

"Well expect it from now on. I don't forget people's birthday's and knowing how depressed you can get on yours I'm going to make sure I make every one of yours extra special. I promise you that." He smiled and nodded.

"Thank you Tenten, really, thank you." I smiled.

"My pleasure," I answered hugging him one for time and walking away.

Ж (Flashback Over) Ж

"Tenten, you there?" He asked.

"Yeah what? You need something?" He shook his head.

"You were quiet for too long. I was beginning to get worried about you."

"I was thinking back to your 13th birthday party, 4 years ago. And the promise I made you." He smiled and nodded. "I never have let you down have I?" I asked.

He leaned over and kissed my neck. "Nope, never." He answered.

"You need anything?" I asked him. He shook his head again. He set the dishes on the floor next to the bed and pulled his arms around me. He then pulled me close to him and rested his chin on my shoulder.

"See, if I needed anything I just got it myself." He answered smirking. I rolled my eyes and relaxed as he held me.

"I like today." He was thinking I was crazy now. I guess I am.

"Explain." He said.

"I like today for many reasons but because especially you're happy. I like it when you're happy." He smiled.

"I'm always happy Tenten, that's why I have you… to keep me happy. When you're with me, I'm happy." That was so romantic; over the top for Neji but for today, he can be do whatever he wants, minus a few things and say whatever he wants, minus a few things.

I had a horrible time buying a gift for Neji. I have always had a horrible time buying a gift for Neji. Neji didn't care for gifts so he wouldn't ask for them which means if you were stubborn and would get him one any way, you were lost. There was no way to top what he got me for my birthday. I mean an engagement ring, come on Neji, I have to do something special for you. I need help. I held my hand up and looked at my ring, it reminded me of being with Neji forever and how happy that would make me.

"I give up." I said sighing. He turned me to face him.

"What are you talking about?"

"I can't figure out what to get you for your birthday." He kissed my forehead which was missing my headband which was sitting on the table.

"I've got everything I want Tenten. You gave it to me. I've got love, a life, freedom, family, friends, happiness, a fiancée who I will soon marry whom I love, I have you right here with me, I have everything I've ever wanted Tenten and so much more."

"So if you died you'd be happy?" I asked sadly. He put his hands on the back of my head.

"If I died I would feel so bad for leaving you, I would be happy still but the fact that I'd be away from you would make me sad. How I am now has, does and will keep me very happy." He answered back. He leaned in my lips meeting his and we kissed until he pulled me away. "Aren't you happy?"

"Yes, I am very happy right here but I want to get you something for you birthday." He smiled.

"I don't require physical things any longer Tenten, not now that I have everything I've always wanted. I have more wishes but those I want in time, all right. So stay with me, and keep me company for a while then we'll go do something, alright." I nodded.

Later, against my better thoughts I figured out what Neji would want. I'd throw a party for him. I made a clone of myself and I used substitution jutsu to replace her with myself. I hope this works without him getting upset with me. I'll just hurry. I sent letters to all of our friends giving them a coordinate that I would transport them here; I could harness the star's energy and get them here. That would make Neji happy. I smiled at my good deeds and switched with my clone that then disappeared.

An hour or so later, he woke up. "What do you want to do?"

"It's your birthday Neji, you get to pick."

"I have no clue." I looked at the clock.

"You stay here I have to do something." I answered. I ran off to make him lunch. After a while, I finished my plan and walked into the room. He was sitting on the bed. I climbed behind him and put my hands over his eyes. "Tenten…" He was going to say that he could see because of his Byakugan or as I liked to say sometimes, those beautiful eyes of his.

"Come on, play along." I answered. "I know you could see if you wanted, but just play along." She answered.

"For your enjoyment, sure." He answered. I smiled, not that he could see since I was covering his eyes and he agreed to play along and not use his Byakugan. I guided him toward the garden where I had set up lunch and we sat down. "This is wonderful Tenten, thank you." He said looking at the garden I had been taking care of and the food I had prepared.

"You're welcome, now let's eat." The meal was all of his favorite lunch foods. Sometimes I think I spoil him but who cares? I definitely enjoy doing everything I do for him.

"You really out do yourself Tenten." I smiled.

"No way, this is nothing. I'm still trying to figure out what else I can do for you." I told him, I knew but I still needed more, much more then the party, what was I to do until it was time.

"Where do you see us in two years?" He asked staring at the skies.

"If all things go right, I'd like us to be married." I looked up at the skies admiring them as he did. "I was thinking… maybe a child… if you want." I was shaking. This is the first time he or I had brought up having a child of our own. On a past mission the top of me becoming pregnant had arose and he's promised to take care of me no matter what. It was awkward and I was still shaking. I closed my eyes. I couldn't calm my mind. I felt his arms around me and he was resting his head on mine. He kissed my forehead.

"If you're ready because I don't think you are but we have time. If you want a child, then all right then. I don't mind either way so doesn't worry you about it." I nodded. "Good because child or none I'm fine because what's most important is your happiness and if it would scare you too much, then when you're ready or whatever." I smiled and nodded.

"Thank you."

"You're a piece of artwork Tenten, you don't need to worry. I'm there for you, always have, always will." I smiled calmly.

"I know, and that's why I'm fine with it in my heart too because I know you'll be there to help me through it. Having a child would make me really happy Neji." He smiled.

"When you're truly ready, or whenever it happens, I'll be really happy too." He answered. I nodded wrapping my arms around his neck.

"I'm going to finish off the meal, alright. Be right back." I went into the kitchen and stopped seeing a letter sealed in red wax in the shape of the syllabus 'Ho' meaning it's from Tsunade. I stuffed it in my pocket grabbed the deserts and brought them out for Neji.

I sat down and pulled out the letter. He looked on curiously. "What is it?" He asked.

"Dear Hoshikage: Tenten and Neji, I heard word of your latest events and such. I'm sorry to have left you there for such a long time. Your parents Tenten have not yet gone on court, no one seems too interested in seeing their deaths, most think they're innocent of the crimes even though they left, the people understand. Neji, your clan is making preparation for your ceremony within the wedding for you two along with the other couples. I'm planning on sending you back in December. I know it's quite late but they need you there, sorry for this. I want you to be prepared for the meeting next month. I am sending ninja to replace you and Neji from here and many ninja to protect the city so you can go to the meeting. I am well aware the possibilities of it being a trap either way. I see it best to have strong ninja like you with all the fancy people of those who can't protect themselves who will be at this meeting. I will see you there. Hope you are doing well and in best terms. Oh yes, and Neji, happy birthday. Tenten should have given you the gift I sent you. Tsunade: Hokage

Hm. I didn't see a gift. I'll go find it." I stood up and looked around and it was sitting on Neji's bed, of course. I picked it up and walked into the living room there was another much larger box there too. I sighed and picked it up to. It weighted 20 pounds.

I walked into the garden and laid the two boxes in front of him. "Who are they from?" He asked.

"The smaller one is from Tsunade and I'm not sure who the huge one is from." I answered.

"Kunai?" He asked. I'm surprised he didn't have one on him; yet again, he hasn't done anything but sleep, talk and eats all day so I guess that's right. I handed him one I had in my pouch. He nodded and opened the box.

He took a letter sealed with the letters Hoshi in purple seal. It was from my parents.

"Dear Neji, I figured that I should give these things to you, I had Diana dig out the box and leave it on the couch for you on your birthday. These are all the letters and notes your father has sent me over the years since you were born. They also include many rare techniques for your clan and many other things such as that. He sent them to me to make sure that the clan didn't use them but he trusted you to have them. They are many techniques that are in your field of us. Some are less useful to you know and all are difficult but your father trusted me to give them all to you so that you may be even better. He told me when you are married but I figured now on your birthday is just a good time as any especially with who knows what may happen to you in the future. I hope you use these letters about your life until the point he died to help you understand yourself better since you're lost of memory that Tenten is unable to assist you in. I hope that these are good for you. Happy Birthday my soon to be son-in-law. Love, Tenten's mother, Hoshi Allie" He finished.

"That's great Neji, these are techniques at your disposal from your father and notes about you growing up from your dad, surely they'll help you remember, right?" He nodded. Something else was in my mind.

"She makes it sound as though he expected his death." Neji said.

"Neji, what if he knew the whole thing would go down?" He looked at me.

"How so?"

"You were only four when it happened so it was possible that since you were born, there was a conflicting danger from the Hyuugas by Rain, so he suspected it would happen. I think he did know."

Neji rested his head against the table. "I should have been told. I missed out on so much. I still don't remember it all."

"I'm going to try something. Tell me if it hurts all right? It shouldn't by any means but it's a difficult procedure so it's possible. Do you trust me?" He leaned over and kissed my neck again.

"Of course," He whispered. I closed my eyes and held his hands. I would infiltrate his mind, charge it using my chakra to quickly repair the rift in his mind that was slowly closing. I didn't know how fast healing would do damage, I know it could shorten a lifespan but this wouldn't since it's just sealing a gap, a thing as simple as closing a door. It won't do damage. He trusts me to help him. I focused on the rift between all the knowledge he has, and that which he has forgotten.

I focused on finding the rift, and then I focused on bringing the rift together with his lost memory. It wasn't hard considering how small I had made the rift. It was now closed. I felt my body go limp. I let go of Neji's hands. I felt his arms around me.

"Tenten, I remember." I smiled.

"I'm glad." I said falling limp in his arms.

"You can sleep, it's alright." I shook my head but the large amount of chakra I used disagreed with me. I fell asleep there.

A while later I opened my eyes and I saw the eyes of my fiancé, Neji. "Hey, feeling better?" I nodded. I was resting my head on his lap and he had covered me up. We must be in his room. I guess it's better known to most as our room since mine is empty and all my stuff is in here.

"Yeah, what's the time?" I asked.

"Why? You have some where to go?"

"Nope but I have dinner to make. Sorry that you…" He placed his finger on my lips. I so expected that.

"No problem, you did more then enough for me today. I remember everything now and I realize even better of how important you are to me. I feel whole again Tenten, thank you. You're the only person I've met who when I say that I have it all feels the need to prove me wrong and give me something more. I thank you for that." I smiled and closed my eyes.

"You're worth it." I said. "Wake me up at 6, so I can make dinner for everyone." He nodded and I closed my eyes and settled in to sleep.

¤ (6 O'clock) ¤

"Tenten, its six." Neji said quietly waking me up in the most kind and gentle manner. I nodded sitting up and climbing out of bed.

"I'll tell you when it's ready but I have a lot of things to make." He kissed my cheek.

"I know you're out doing yourself with my birthday Tenten." He told me.

"I enjoy doing it for you Neji; you're worth it so just enjoy it." I answered him and went out of the room. I quickly made everything and put it into one of the many ovens this kitchen had. I then walked through the south hallway which was the branch house female dorms. I heard a baby cry. I walked into the room to find no one was there. The baby seemed to be left alone for a while. "Sh little one, it's alright." I said rocking it back and forth. It fell asleep and I looked around for a sign of the child's mother. What scared me is that this was a single room so most likely she wasn't married; it was more than 100 certain of the fact. She must have left.

A girl walked into the room behind me. I turned around and she jumped back. She fell to her knees in the bowing position. "I'm sorry." She cried. I walked over to her and knelt down to her level. I placed my other hand on her back.

"It's fine. I understand. My mom didn't make judgment on you and your child so neither will I. Here." I handed her the child. "Take care of her. I understand things like this happen to ninjas. You're fine. You're invited along with your child to Neji's birthday party of course. Tell everyone in the whole place. Okay?" I asked with a smile. She was startled that I knew she was a ninja. I wasn't an idiot she had a headband and was wearing a Chuunin vest. She must be at least 20.

"Of course, I'll take care of inviting people, Hoshikage-sama." She answered.

"Tenten-chan works too. I mean, we are family after all." I said. There were many close relatives around here; she could be my second cousin or something after all. I knew not to judge people based on their position by now, thanks to Neji. I probably wouldn't judge people anyway. It's not my thing.

The stars were about to come out and I went to the spot. I summoned as much energy. The first stars were appearing and I charged my chakra and transported them here. I walked over to a wall leaning my body against it.

"Tenten, are you… okay?" Hinata asked. I nodded.

"I've been using a large amount of chakra today. I'm exhausted but I'll be fine." I said standing up and hugging her.

"Alright, where is Nii-san?" She asked.

"I'll go get him." Sakura, Ino, Hinata, can you bring the food out and set it on the table." I said pointing to a large table in the midst of a different portion of the garden.

"Of course," Sakura answered. Hinata had already gone to get the food and Ino nodded while following behind Sakura.

"I am here!" Gai-sensei yelled. I gave a faint smile trying my best not to laugh. "Where are my other students?" He asked.

"Lee is somewhere, I gave him the day off in honor of Neji's birthday and Neji is in his room." I'm glad I was used to calling it his room or I'd be in for an interesting night. Neji would definitely not like that.

"Alright, bring them here!" Gai-sensei yelled.

"Sh, it's a surprise." I said walking across the complex when I ran into something. I fell but the person caught me.

"There you are it's been an hour, you done?" Neji asked. I sighed resting my head on his chest.

"Yeah, come on." I said walking through the kitchen to the party portion of the garden. There were millions of people yelling Happy Birthday Neji. I think he expected it with the skeptical way he looked at me. He wrapped his arm around my waist, kissing my neck.

"You're the best, thank you Tenten." He whispered in my ear. I smiled. Everyone was making 'awe' sounds and such. Neji glared at them.

"Hey, I promise you didn't I?" I asked. He nodded. He took my hand and walked over to everyone. Everyone was there.

"Tenten, the last of your guests have arrived." I turned around and nodded to Diana who had been helping me plan things while Neji slept. Neji didn't expect to see Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro there. He looked at me.

"Happy Birthday Neji," I said smiling.

"You're in for it later Tenten." He whispered. I wasn't intimidated but worried, yes I was.

"You're welcome." I answered and I walked over to a chair, sitting down next to Hinata and Sakura who was next to their respective fiancés.

"Neji sure tired you out today, didn't he?" Sasuke asked.

"Sasuke!" Sakura yelled. He rolled his eyes. "She's been hard at work all day making this the best day ever for him. She's tired and she used a ton of chakra to get us here. It's natural for her to be tired."

"She's done an excellent job. He's the happiest I've seen him since he told me that he had decided to marry her and a few other events. My point being it's very rare that he's this happy." I turned around to see Hiashi, his uncle. "I'd like to thank you for making my nephew so happy."

"It's my job as his fiancée as well as his kunoichi to make him happy and today just gives me a better reason to." He nodded. I talked to everyone about what I did for Neji for his birthday and it all came down to two things, I love him and I wanted to.

Soon the night was over but everyone was invited to stay for a few more days so that we'd have more times. I however put everyone in the guesthouse so I could of course spend the night with Neji, as normal and I wouldn't have to deal with their nosiness.

I returned to his room, our room and sat down on the bed. I changed into my bedclothes, shorts and my light pink tank top. Neji came in the room, went into the bathroom, and changed into his shorts for the night. He sat down next to me. "I had a great day today thanks to you Tenten."

"You're welcome Neji, I was glad to do it. It makes me happy to see you happy." He smiled and nodded. He picked me up and laid me down in the bed next to him. I rested my head on his chest.

"I love you Tenten." He said resting his head on top of mine.

"I love you too Neji." I said closing my eyes and falling to sleep. I like Neji's birthday because it always brings us much closer, it's quite romantic.

The Reasons Why… She loves Neji's Birthday.

he's more peaceful then normal he's more calm then normal he's turning 17 she gets to treat him extra special without a reason no lectures for her, only him he sleeps in today he's the happiest he is she gets to tend to him all the time she gets to spend the entire day with him It was the first time she was around him informally years ago. she helped him see his self worth She promised to make all his birthdays extra special She gets to keep him happy It makes her happy He gets to give her non physical gifts when he doesn't need anything else, she finds more She can throw him a party She cooks for him She worked hard to make it his best day ever She used all her chakra to make it the best day ever His birthdays bring them closer They're quite romantic he got his memory back no training