Disclaimer: I don't own anything of Naruto.

Recap: Tenten is the hired peer tutor for Neji. She is an orphan, living by herself, that has no memories of her past. All she remembers is waking up in Konoha, and being comforted by Neji when he was young. She does not know that presently, and Neji plans to keep that secret to himself.

Then comes along Akira, who is sent by her father, the Raikage, to seek for the Hyuuga's secret after failing many years ago. She fools Neji into thinking that Tenten tried to kill him by poisoning his drink. Tenten runs away after being fed up and insulted multiple times. Akira's disguise as Mikya is then blown some time later, but she manages to escape after severely injuring Neji.

Meanwhile, Tenten has various, brief scenes of her childhood and faints when she's living with Ino. Tenten learns from Tsunade that from now on, she'll be seeing pieces of her memories until she remembers everything. Tenten also meets a tiny blonde called Amaya at the hospital. She's the eight year old that's dying from some incurable brain tumour. Ino and Sakura discover later on that it's some kind of epidemic, and the disease is found in the herbs that are being delivered by outside sources… which means, there's someone after Konoha.

Neji recovers from the injury that Akira caused, and then retrieves Tenten and asks her to return back to the Hyuuga house. She meets all the little kids there, realising that they never talked to her back then because their parents never approved of it. She also meets Hiro, a strikingly handsome guy her age that seems to have taken interest in her. He also gives her a necklace.

Tenten also realises that Neji's a lot nicer to her.

Destined to Love
By: Chigiri Sasaki

Summary: He was a prodigy, with a damaged past and no future. She was a commoner, with a hidden secret. Strung together by fate, it was only a matter of time before she changed his life forever. [AU, NejiTen]

Chapter Sixteen

It was dark in the tunnel.

There was no light up ahead, no visible ending of what felt like a nightmare. She was heaving as she ran, her hair drenching in her cold sweat. All those hours she spent training to improve her endurance and strength was rather helpful, but her little heart wasn't quite capable of all this strenuous exercise. She wasn't even an academy graduate yet. Tenten couldn't put her finger on it, but there was something else that made this run such a rushed and scary thing. Before she could recall the reason, her mind blanked out and told her to solely focus on running.

Running beside her was a tall woman, holding her tiny hand in a familiar grip. The woman was running the fastest, undoubtedly a trained ninja, pulling Tenten and this other unseen person at a pace too fast for them to follow.

There was desperation in the air; Tenten could feel it. It felt like a scary dream, a dream where she was running as fast as her legs could possibly bring her but she couldn't outrun whatever was following them. What was even worse that it was reality, and even her mother, the person who she trusted most, couldn't reassure her and tell her how everything was alright.

"You two, listen." The woman's voice was hard and strained as she continued looking ahead. Her grip on them tightened. "No matter what you'll forget, I hope"—she gulped down what seemed like guilt—"that deep down, your heart will always remember the love your father and I had for you."

Tenten had no idea why her mother was saying this, but she nodded anyway. "Mommy," she said, her breath short. "Will everything be okay?"

There was no reply.

Tenten groaned into her hands as the scene replayed in her mind for the twentieth time.

It was all too vague.

It first came to her a few nights ago in her sleep; however, it appeared in her dreams every following night. This morning was no different. She woke up in alarm, distressed, tensed, and sweaty. Figuring that she wouldn't be able to sleep afterwards anyways, she changed out of her sleeping gown and headed outside for a walk in the garden.

"No matter what you'll forget, I hope that deep down, your heart will always remember the love your father and I had for you."

She could see her mother's face through her peripheral vision, but once she tried focusing, the image was blurry. The other girl, on the other side of her mother, was completely darkened.

Tenten let out another groan of frustration. Why was this so confusing? She would much rather remember nothing than to have little fragments of her past. She rubbed her temples in an attempt to ease the pounding blood in her head. She was beginning to feel light-headed again, but it wasn't as bad as the first time, when she fell unconscious. In a way, it really seemed like she was accessing a new part of her brain; at the same time, however, it felt like something was blocking her entrance, and punished her whenever she tried sneaking a way in.

Trying to find other things to distract her, she looked up into the barely lit sky. It was coloured in a whitish grey from the light snow, but the clouds were still somewhat visible. She watched as the sheets of clouds drifted far away to the horizon.

The slow, pleasant drifting had a calming effect on her soul, and Tenten finally began to feel her restlessness settling down. Allowing the tranquility to engulf her, she closed her tired eyes, hoping that she would be able to catch up on the sleep she had lost in the past few days.

"Tenten?" Said girl turned around to the surprised, soft familiar voice, lifting her chin to meet the worried face of Hyuuga Hinata. The Hyuuga heiress was holding something, but as if she realised that that something could be seen, she hid it behind her. "Tenten," she said softly, "what are you d-doing out here so early? Is something wrong?"

Tenten reassured her with a confident smile. "I'm fine. I'm just a little worn out, that's all." She gazed towards the sky and sighed softly. "Snow came early this year."

"Um, not q-quite. It's a-almost the end of the year. Snow always c-comes around this time of y-year."

Tenten did not reply; she simply closed her eyes. Her sudden words took Hinata by surprise. "Why are you hiding your adorable teddy bear? It's too big to cover, you know. I can see its yellow legs and hands sticking out."

"O-oh."

The blush that surfaced on the heiress' porcelain cheeks piqued Tenten's curiosity as she opened her eyes and smiled mischievously. "Who's it from?"

"Uh, no o-one in p-particular."

Tenten stood up, approaching the Hyuuga heiress. "Oh, really? So that's why you're out here so early, all fixed and looking gorgeous, holding a gift from just no one?"

Hinata's blush deepened. "That's r-right."

"Aw, Hinata! There's no fun if you give half of the situation. It's like… it's like me getting a million dollars, but not revealing how I got it, or me getting nice shoes, which I did by the way, but not telling you where I got them, or—"

"Tenten," Hinata cut in quietly. She looked around cautiously and lead the brunette to a deeper corner of the Hyuuga garden. "This is a g-gift from"—her lips curved into a soft smile—"Naruto-kun."

Tenten immediately thought of the blond that left the strongest impression on her and smiled. "That is too cute!" Her smile faltered slightly. "Wait, then why are you guys meeting at four thirty in the morning? Is this some kind of forbidden love?"

Hinata shook her head slightly. "Naruto only gave this to me because I helped him out on our last m-mission. Father and the rest of the Hyuuga clan don't approve of him."

Tenten couldn't help but chuckle. "So this is some kind of forbidden love, then. Oh, it's just like the stories!"

"Please keep t-this a secret, Tenten. Even Ino and Sakura don't know."

"Sure, but how can anybody not know? I mean, I just came here recently and I sort of guessed. These people have been living with you since you were born."

"I g-guess it's because I have always been like this. I've always admired him, and Naruto-kun's always n-nice to everybody."

Tenten smiled softly. "You're really lucky, Hinata. I wish I had someone to trust on the most intimate level. I know, that just means that I'm in no place to give you advice, but honestly, I can say that all your efforts won't go wasted. If you two really respect each other, I think that you should be able to tell your parents and family about him. And if your family members really respect you and your decisions, then they would give Naruto a chance." She giggled. "Sorry, that was so incredibly cheesy."

They both seated themselves on a wooden bench. The yellow teddy bear Hinata was holding didn't fit, so she put it by her feet. She fingered its blue ribbon gently.

"No, you're r-right Tenten, but… the Hyuuga clan i-isn't like anything else. There are so many traditions, so many things to follow, so many expectations to live up to. To any other guest that stays over, they seem pretty normal. They won't notice anything because they're not affected by it. Sometimes, I wish I d-didn't belong to this family."

"Hinata! Don't say things like that. I'm sure everything isn't as bad. Hiashi-sama is one of the nicest people I've ever met."

"Yes, but Father is indeed the most understanding of the clan. That is why he was chosen as the l-leader—despite him lacking the sternness or strictness that all the Elders have, he is one of the strongest among us. He is of caring disposition, yet…"

"But what?"

Hinata almost seemed like she was ashamed. Her words came out in a rush. "He still wishes that I was stronger and wouldn't lose to my little sister. He still wishes that I would be a-able to take his position in a heartbeat. He still wishes that I didn't like Naruto-kun, because there are so many other men other there."

"Like who?"

"I think someone who i-is like me, in a sense. Probably someone who possesses power. Father doesn't believe that Naruto is the right person for me, and the c-clan dislikes anyone who doesn't have a name, money and strength."

Tenten scratched the back of her head awkwardly. "Kind of like me, right?"

Hinata bent her head low. "I'm s-so s-sorry, Tenten! Please f-forgive me, I d-didn't mean that."

The brunette laughed convincingly. "It's alright. I kind of guessed when I first came in here."

"The clan doesn't really do that to everybody, but Neji-nii-san is especially… well, you know. He t-tends to put down people before he even gets to know them. It doesn't help that you were sent here for him."

"Yeah, well." Silence enveloped the garden then, and the two simply sat, looking around and taking in the surroundings until Tenten spoke. "Are you planning to go to the festival?"

"Yes, I p-plan to. Sakura told you a-about it before, r-right?"

"Taking Naruto?"

Hinata's head dropped slightly, her cheeks tinged, and Tenten could see that the grip she had on the teddy bear tightened. Then, as if she had come to a realisation, she stood up. "I think I m-must go now. At this time, Father and Neji-nii-san will wake up soon and they t-think I'm still in bed."

Tenten smiled. "You better go then." She waved. "It was nice talking to you, Hinata."

There was only one way to prevent betrayal and weakness. And that was to avoid those who were distracting and manipulating.

Neji came to this conclusion as he stared into his tea, long and hard.

There was no other possibility; over the past week, he was too lenient, too merciful, too nice, too… changed. He had successfully convinced himself that he had been nice to Tenten due to the wishes—no, orders would be more convenient for his state of mind—of Hiashi. Neji had also felt guilty, but every human had a heart. Everybody would acknowledge that they were wrong if they made a mistake; no one was that much of an ignorant egoist—not even him.

Since pushing her away through words and gestures was not possible, the best way was to stop them altogether; perhaps, if he just ignored her and showed her that he was not affected by her, she would eventually stop and go to some other depressed child that needed consoling and pity.

He did not work this hard all these years for it to be all ruined by some bubbly, happy brunette.

But wait, a quiet voice piped up, didn't he like the way he was? Didn't he like the lighter burden on his shoulders?

Neji quickly pushed that thought out of his mind. There was nothing in the world that gave you benefits without expecting something else in return. Nothing was perfect. If he wanted a happier, carefree life, there must be something that he would have to sacrifice. And he knew what they were. His pride, his efforts, his independence; he would lose everything he had been working so hard for all his life.

And it was the same with humans. What imperfect creatures they were. No one was completely pure; she must of had some kind of intention coming to the Hyuuga residence. Otherwise, she wouldn't be so persistent about staying here. And that scheme she cooked up to fool him; it worked, but it was only a matter of time before he saw through her act.

She was a poor, unskilled, pathetic commoner that deserved nothing.

It was fate. It was—

His train of thoughts broke off when he suddenly crushed the cup he had in his hands. He didn't even notice the slight stings at the joints of his fingers as he watched the white tablecloth soak up the dark brown liquid. Unknowingly, he had applied too much chakra and force thinking about…

He grunted in frustration. Why was he so… so weak? He abruptly stood up and left to the training grounds, leaving the mess untouched.

Tenten had never left the bench she and Hinata were sitting on; instead, she simply leaned against it, and had fallen asleep listening to the peaceful silence. The winds were indeed much chillier when the sun wasn't present, but it was soothing all the same. There was none of that sticky, humid air that summer brought; not only was the winter scent naturally appealing, the air smelled of the strangely lasting flowers from the garden. It was all too tingly and refreshing to her senses.

She awoke soon after hearing the sounds of metal—shuriken, to be exact—lodging into wood. Immediately, the brunette pictured the time where she watched the Hyuuga prodigy train. He was sure of his abilities and didn't miss one single weapon, big or small.

She was right when she arrived at the Hyuuga training grounds. It was exactly how she had envisioned it, except now the leaves were no longer attached to the trees; snow covered the branches now.

"Hey Neji!" she cried out, and her warm, familiar smile graced her lips.

He didn't even glance at her. This was his training time and he did not like to be bothered.

But Tenten didn't even seem fazed and assumed he didn't hear her. "Good morning Neji!"

He turned around for a short moment, gave the briefest nod to her, and then resumed back to his training. His eyes were so hard and cold they took Tenten by surprise; she hadn't seen them in a while. It was almost he like converted back to his old self overnight.

"Is everything all right?" Tenten tried again.

She received no reply.

For the rest of the morning, she didn't receive much of a response from him either; she felt that he was literally going out of his way to avoid her. Although his room was right across from hers, he had found some way to never bump into her in the long corridors. She tried finding him, but she couldn't find him in his usual places. She didn't want to interrogate the other clan members about his whereabouts either. That would be extremely embarrassing. Besides, the only two people she could talk to without feeling awkward weren't here. And when she did spot Neji, he would ignore her until she decided to leave him alone. During all the other times, Hiro would stop her and strike up a conversation.

Maybe Neji was using his Byakuugan against her.

So after about four hours or so, she had given up and spent the rest of the afternoon lying on her bed and reading some magazines from Hinata's room. Although she normally had a distaste for them, she found these ones interesting; they contained tricks and whatnot, explaining how she could protect her skin from vigorous training and whatnot and how she could hide a numerous amount of weapons in a normal, everyday outfit.

She had gone through about two stacks of magazines and tabloids before Sakura and Ino stopped by. They were on their dinner break, and had a few hours before returning back to the hospital for their night shifts.

"So, he actually stayed with me to look at shoes," Tenten said with incredulity, recalling what happened about a week ago. She took a bite out of her meal. "And whenever I asked him to do something, he would hesitate, but then he would eventually give in. Can you believe that Hyuuga Neji made me tea? Well, he had extra after making some for himself, but you know."

Both Ino and Sakura were laughing, and Tenten was surprised at how much it seemed like this was the only time where the two medic ninjas had a chance to actually relax.

"But I don't know," she continued, her voice thoughtful. "I think something changed in him overnight. He's so cold all of a sudden."

Sakura twirled a strand of her hair. "Well, it's Neji after all. He's always been like that… being somewhat human and then completely shutting you out. He's probably just getting used to the idea that he's changing. And, he's probably starting to realise that there are nice people that do care about people like him."

Ino clasped her hands together. "It's just like those romantic movies! The girl forever changes the boy's heart, and then they fall in love…"

"Okay, I am not in love with Neji." Unknowingly, Tenten's cheeks slightly coloured.

"Okay," Sakura replied, with her eyebrows raised and her voice disbelieving.

"No, honestly!"

"Whatever you say, Tenten."

"And my sources tell me that you're talking to Hiro, too," Ino added mischievously after drinking her beverage.

Tenten's cheeks flushed deeper. "W-where'd you hear that?"

"Like I said, sources. And since when do you stutter?"

"That only means it's true! Oh, how scandalous!" Sakura giggled. "So you're playing two Hyuugas, huh? Wow Tenten, that's the first I've ever heard."

Tenten stood up abruptly with her cheeks red and her head hung in defeat. "I am going to get some water!"

The two other girls laughed wholeheartedly. "We're only kidding, Tenten," Ino said, grinning. "Just some good hearted fun after being in the hospital for so long."

Tenten sat back down, especially noticing how some nearby people turned to look at her. "I know, I know, but still… So, is the hospital that bad?"

"Absolute torture."

"Well, not necessarily," Sakura corrected, glancing at Ino sternly as if to scold her for saying such things. "I mean, we both love helping people and everything, but Tsunade-sama is honestly working everyone to their limits."

Tenten nodded thoughtfully. "That's understandable…"

"Yes, we know, but she actually asked one of her medic ninjas to teach a group of regular ninjas so they can help out."

"Wait, doesn't she need ninjas?" Tenten asked. "There are still missions that need to be completed."

"Yeah, but she's trying cut off all outside sources. She's also keeping all of her people inside Konoha too—hence the lack of missions being assigned. It's surprising that she even let Hinata and Naruto and Kiba out on a mission today. I guess it must be really important. I mean, it has to be if she needed Naruto's strength, Hinata's Byakuugan and Kiba's sense of smell."

Tenten shrugged. "Well, I guess all we can do now is trust Tsunade-sama."

"I guess."

"So how's Amaya? Did Tsunade-sama find a cure of some sort?"

"Tsunade-sama only discovered which antibodies the immune system could use to fight off the disease. But this only works when you aren't infected yet… and Tenten, you already know this, since we made you swallow those capsules whenever you entered the hospital." Sakura paused. "And Amaya, well…"

"She doesn't have much time," Tenten finished softly. She sighed. "Guess there are some things that even the greatest medic ninja can't cure."

"You never know!" Ino chirped cheerfully, but there was an underlying sense of hopelessness as well. For a moment, all three girls stared at their food dully. "So," the blonde added as an attempt to change subject, "did you find your necklace yet? After all, you are back in the same room."

"No. I tried for a while, but if Hinata couldn't find it using her Byakuugan, then what kind of chance do I have? Besides, it's been a while. I sort of got over it… and… I have this now." She pulled a tiny silver necklace out of her collared shirt and dangled the emerald pendant slightly. "I guess in a way, it's like telling me I have to let go of my past. Maybe, it's time for something new."

As Sakura nodded intelligently, Ino simply stared at the necklace, gaping at the tiny shimmery pendant. "Well, I hope this means something to you!" she exclaimed. "Oh my God. It's so pretty when it's out of the store! When did you get it?"

"Um, the day Neji came to apologise to me… and the night we had dinner altogether."

"Why didn't you show us then?" Ino exclaimed as if the brunette committed a crime. "This thing is priceless! Do you know how much it cost?"

It took a few moments before recognition flickered in Sakura's eyes. She turned to Ino. "Is that the—?" She turned back to Tenten, eyes wide. "Honestly, how did you afford it? Ino and I went shopping a few weeks ago and it was the most expensive one in the jewellery store! It would take months to save up money for that thing. Well, it depends on how rich you are, but still! Oh my God that thing is gorgeous."

Tenten was speechless at their reactions. "I-I'm sure that this is a faux."

"Do you have a certificate?"

"Um, maybe?" Tenten was flustered. As a side note to herself, she mumbled, "he should have told me before he gave it to me!"

A catlike grin spread across Ino's face when she caught that. "Who is 'he'?"

"H-hiro."

Tenten was positive the entire restaurant—or, at least everybody within a ten feet's distance—could hear Sakura and Ino's squeals. "No way!"

Tenten could only smile helplessly when certain people paused to look their way. In a way, she wished the two girls were more like Hinata. Hinata was much more conservative and quiet, and balanced out Sakura and Ino's loud personalities. She never noticed until now that Hinata was actually gone. Or maybe Tenten was too used to living with the Hyuugas.

"You guys," she said timidly, "a lot of people turned to look. You two are so loud."

Ino waved it off. "Oh, they turned for a second or two. No big deal." A smile graced her glossy lips after she swallowed down another bite of her meal. "I cannot believe that Hyuuga Hiro gave you such an expensive necklace. Tenten, I'm sorry, but he so likes you."

"I agree with Ino. Tenten, even if he is filthy rich, he wouldn't just go and spend so much money on a necklace… for a girl."

Tenten shook her head. "What would he see in me? I'm just… there. And it's not like he was interested in me when I first got here. Nobody talked to me then."

Ino clucked her tongue. "That's probably because he doesn't want Neji to kill him in his sleep. I don't know much about Neji, but I'm pretty sure he's possessive of his woman."

"Okay, you guys seriously have to stop." Tenten counted off her fingers in slight annoyance. "First of all, Neji does not like me. Secondly, I don't like him. Is that enough proof that I'm not his woman? He just happens to not hate me as much now, because I'm not a bad person. Maybe I worked my butt off to prove to him that I'm not just some gold-digger or whatever everyone else thinks I am."

Sakura put her hands up in defeat. "Okay, Tenten, I won't argue with you anymore because"—she glanced at her watch—"Ino and I have to return back to the hospital in eight minutes."

Ino groaned. "Must I?"

"You must."

After saying their goodbyes and finishing up the rest of their meals, Tenten was left alone at the table. She ordered another drink and sipped on it slowly as she gazed out the window, not wanting to leave just yet.

There were so many things to think about—there was the usual about her wellbeing and memories returning, but now there was another thing to add to her burden. Her feelings were something she never really thought about. Always, whenever she thought about her soul mate—the someone she wanted to be with forever, she always imagined the scene to happen in the future. She always told herself that she would eventually find the right person, and honestly, in all the stories, whoever the girl first fell in love with was the person that would love her for the rest of her life. So once Tenten fell in love, she wouldn't have to worry about anything else, right?

It was fictional, but she wanted to believe in that. But what about her situation? There were two.

Wait, no, she quickly scolded herself. There was only Hiro, because he was the one that liked her. And even that was an assumption. Why did she suddenly think of Neji?

A hand suddenly appeared in her view. "Hello."

The voice was buttery and smooth, but sort of raspy at the same time. Tenten looked up in surprise, and as a natural response, she greeted him as well. "Hi."

"I noticed you from across the room."

The man who spoke to her was unfamiliar and looked like he was in his early twenties. He was dashingly handsome, in an offhanded way, but not in the sense that she was attracted to him. He was definitely confident about something though, as he comfortably seated himself across from her. He was very well dressed and polished, with his dark blue hair slicked back, his black shirt clean and crisp. He lowered his sunglasses to reveal his strikingly blue eyes.

"Do I know you?" Tenten couldn't help but ask.

"The name is Akio Takahashi."

The name rung a bell but she couldn't quite recall where she saw it. "Sorry, who?"

He stared at her for a moment. "Akio Takahashi." When he still received no response, he fished out a card from his wallet. "World's richest artist. I do everything, from painting portraits of famous figures to photographing the supermodels. You can find my works at almost any museum."

"Oh… really."

He raised an eyebrow. "You don't go out much, do you?"

"Not really."

"Well, it sure didn't seem like it when you were talking to those medic ninjas. Very social, very carefree, full of life…" He wasn't looking at her anymore—he was undoubtedly painting a picture of his future work in his mind. "I only came here to have dinner with a couple of my buddies, but an exceptionally loud squeal attracted my attention."

He didn't let her speak. "It was almost like an answer; for the past few weeks, I've been trying to capture something so beautiful, so innocent for my upcoming project—and the models simply won't do. They're too generic, too beautiful, too artificial… and they're all lacking something." He finally locked eyes with her. "Something that you, my friend, have."

Tenten blinked a couple of times. "What?"

"You're different." He tilted his head thoughtfully and scrutinised her. "You definitely aren't as beautiful as the models by today's standards. You also look a bit simple with plain brown eyes and hair. But you have lovely cheekbones, very high, and your nose is long and angular. Your face is almost fake… each feature is so perfectly placed, creating a beautiful image of symmetry. And most importantly… there's something about your… your aura and your soul that I can feel. Tortured, yet innocent and pure, and so willing to find trust and support in friends… but not in a lover." His eyes narrowed and his voice began to rise dramatically. "How intriguing… it makes me wonder. Were you abused in a relationship? Why so hesitant and in denial when it comes to men? Do you truly believe that you're too young, or are you trying to hide your feelings? Or maybe, you know that you're beyond mature for your age, and you do want a relationship, but you're too afraid to fall in too deep. Or maybe—"

"Um," Tenten interposed suddenly, her eyes wide. She was honestly starting to get scared. "No, I'm none of that. I'm just a plain girl. That is it. And if you'll excuse me, I'll be going now—"

"Okay, it's entirely my fault for loading you with all of that. In truth, you must know that I don't photograph just anybody. Yet I'm going to ask you to be the model for this big project. I need someone normal, who people can relate to yet they have to be intriguing and pretty in a discreet way."

"I'm sorry, I'm not beautiful and I can't model. I'll just be a waste of your time."

He shook his head. "No, even if you're not perfect, you're perfect for the job. I've been looking for weeks now. It's going to be great. I'll tell you what to do." He pulled out a check book. "Look, how much do you want? I can pay triple the amount."

"No, no, it's fine. I'll… think about it." She stood up. "I really must go now."

"Alright, I'll take that as an answer." He stood up as well, and held out his hand. "You have my card… if you decide to take up my offer, send me a letter of some sort in advance."

"Sure."

He left shortly, as he received a call that seemed quite urgent. Tenten ended up walking home alone, once again, gazing admiringly at the beautiful night. The freshly fallen snow that had accumulated on the trees and rooftop—it seemed as if the entire village was white and glistened under the soft moonlight. It was beautiful.

She reached into her pocket shortly before she reached the Hyuuga mansion and pulled out a tiny black box. It contained a thin silver chain that suspended a tiny silver sword. It was a tiny gift for Neji; she had picked that up before she arrived to the restaurant with Sakura and Ino. Now that she thought about it, this was probably the reason why the two medic ninjas teased Tenten so much about Neji, despite the fact that Tenten already explained how Neji deserved something after being exceptionally nice. It wasn't a prize of some sort. It was just a token of appreciation.

She began to have doubts when she entered the mansion, however. Somehow, under the dim lights of the sombre place, the gift suddenly seemed incredibly stupid and cheap. She didn't think it was ugly or stupid or cheap, but she was quite positive that Neji would. After all, he was nothing but practical and he had all the luxuries that she ever dreamed of. There was a reason as to why he regarded her as a poor peasant.

It wouldn't hurt to try though, right?

She headed straight to his room, actually quickening the pace of her walking. She was almost eager to see how he would react to her gift. It wasn't like her gift was marvellous or anything, but in a way, she wanted to talk to him, since he pretty much ignored her all day long.

She took a deep breath before she knocked quietly on his door. She knew he was in there; in fact, from all the quiet sounds she was hearing, she was quite positive that he was writing or reading a scroll of some sort. Plus, most Hyuugas didn't spend their time in their room like Neji did, so it was apparent that any sound had to have come from the prodigy's room.

"Neji," she said after a moment. "Neji, I know you're in there." Just as she was about to tell him she was going to intrude, the door slid open and Neji came into view. He was frowning and his eyes were hard and cold, but Tenten ignored this and greeted him with a huge smile.

"Hi Neji! I haven't seen you all day."

He raised his eyebrows and gestured towards the scroll he had in his hand, as if to say that he needed to read and didn't care about her trivial ramblings. He turned around and was about to leave when she suddenly pulled him back.

"Wait, Neji! I… I just wanted to give you this." She handed him a tiny, black satin box with a white ribbon bow on the lid. "I got it today, and I thought that you might like it."

He raised an eyebrow as he eyed the box in his hands. This feeling… was so foreign.

"Open it!"

He raised an eyebrow as he undid the bow. "And what am I supposed to return?"

Tenten smiled. "You know, you can receive something without giving something else in return. I just thought it suited you."

Neji didn't respond and opened the box dully. He showed no interest at first, but when he saw what Tenten had gotten for him, a mixture of surprise and something else flickered in his eyes. Carefully, he lifted it out of the box and scrutinised it as if it were an ancient artefact. "It's…"

Tenten stared at the floor and waited for the rest in anticipation. Did he like it? Did he now think of her as another one of his female followers? Maybe she should explain that it was out of appreciation for him. No, even she thought that excuse was lame.

"It's not real," he said finally.

"Oh."

Tenten was going to say something after that, but she figured that there was no point in hiding her disappointment. But then again, there was no reason for her to feel sad. What else would he say? It wasn't like him to thank her anyways. Besides, didn't he normally get gifts from other girls on a weekly basis?

"It's supposed to give you luck," the embarrassed brunette explained hastily. "That's what the lady there told me. I figured since you have a tournament coming up anyways, you could use a little help. Not that you're weak or anything, but…" She scratched the back of her head. "Um, do you like it?"

"Why does my opinion matter, when it's not practical or useful?" Neji put it back into its packaging and tossed carelessly it onto his desk. "If it's not real, then it's not durable. It'll only break after a short amount of time, the colour will fade, and it won't be worth any kind of money."

Anger immediately flashed in Tenten's narrowed eyes. "Neji, when someone gives you a gift, you're supposed to thank them, regardless of the present's value or quality. Fine, even if you don't thank me, you don't have to insult the gift that I spent my own money on!" She spun around quickly, definitely upset that the ungrateful boy ruined her entire day. "Goodnight."

When she quickly disappeared into her room, Neji eyed the black satin box wearily. The lid had fallen off when he tossed it. He didn't mean to throw it so carelessly, but it was necessary. In truth, he did find the necklace very cheap and plain, but there was a lot of sentimental value to it. Tenten was obviously not rich, yet she spent her own money on something that she did not benefit from. Why… why was she so nice? And why did he regard Tenten's present as something more valuable and important than any other girl's present?

He couldn't possibly be attracted to her. He couldn't.

But her kindness… it was simply too overwhelming. He didn't want to be with her, yet around her presence he was calm and much more at peace. He didn't want to hurt her, but he wanted to get rid of her. He knew she had done nothing wrong—in fact, she was exceptionally nice by handing him a gift, but he was rude enough to dismiss it and anger her. He knew it was wrong, and it was virtually impossible to ignore the guilt.

But this was what he wanted to do, right? The whole point of this was to push her away and keep his life intact and focused. That was what he wanted more than anything else, and he was fine with sacrificing anything for that.

So why was it turning out to be so hard?

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A/N: Sorry for the incredibly late update. I think everybody pretty much forgot what happened… so sorry! Also, I posted this chapter up without waiting for my beta to edit it… and on top of it, I rushed through this chapter. So I'm sorry if it's full of mistakes & if there are words missing. I tend to do that a lot.

Believe it or not, I actually had half of the chapter written before Christmas, and was about to make the 'present' a Christmas thing. Oh well… I guess not then! I think I'll just skip all the holidays… just pretend that they don't exist in Konoha! I don't think they do anyways…

Reviews are greatly appreciated! :)

Chigiri