A/N:
Thee is the charm, isn't it? Well, this is at least the thirst chapter.
When I wrote this I had a really big problem keeping focused on writing and not laughing.
So yeah, I hope you'll have as much fun reading it as much as I had writing it.

Be sure to leave a review with your thoughts, and I'll see you again tomorrow^^

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Disclaimer:
«I do not own any of the following pictures, music, characters or the original universe. I only own the story itself the main character and to the idea.»
Thanks a lot to Lightning Bee for betaing on this story.

Chapter 03 - Pride on Ice

"This is just silly. I cannot believe I agreed to this" The Hyuuga-genius complained.

"Oh, come on, Neji. Don't tell me you'd rather have joined the others in their youthful adventure to the sauna?"

"..."

The kunoichi smiled down at her teammate. Who would have thought that the great Neji Hyuuga was such a clutz on the ice?

"Up with you now." She tried, earning an expression she rarely received from him.

The Hyuuga was sulking. He was used to managing fine when trying all sorts of new things, but this, ice skating. No. For some reason it seemed like the simple task of moving on the ice was too hard for him. Not that he understood why they even did such a meaningless thing. If they wanted to move, all they needed to do was to apply some chakra and they could simply step on top of it. Why bother with some sharp and unstable pieces of metal?

What irritated him more than this new weakness of his, was that his teammate had seen it. Of course it could have been worse. Had it been Lee or Gai sensei- No, he wouldn't even imagine what an event that would have turned out to be. In that way it was lucky it had been Tenten. She was one of the few people that he could actually tolerate for a longer period of time. He had never understood why, but the witty comments she made and that sharp-as-knives attitude of hers had always amused him.

"Neji," The girl sighed. "If you're gonna be like that I'm not gonna save you the next time. I mean come on. I thought you were a genius. But it seems I was wrong." She put her hands on her hips and looked down at him with a mocking look in her eyes. "You know why? Because a genius would have known that if he just sat down and gave up, he wasn't difficult to beat."

"You know, Lee came here with me last year. And you know what? He was as terrible as you are, but did he give up?"

Neji knew the answer. Although his self-claimed rival was less talented than most ninjas he knew, Lee still was the most dedicated and hard working of them all. Everything new came as a challenge to him - and especially after his injury. Still, he never gave up, never lost hope nor the will to get up once again to try once more.

Tenten had been watching the boy's face the entire time, and as she saw the change in his face, as well hidden as it was, a smile appeared in the corner of her mouth.

"So, Neji. Tell me," She met his eyes as he looked up at her. "Are you gonna let yourself get beaten by Lee?"

Letting out a snort, the Hyuuga got up. His feet were shaking underneath him, unfamiliar with the new balance, but he ignored it and fumbled himself onto the ice. Before he knew it, his teammate was beside him, available as supporting aid if needed. At first he ignored her arm, but as he suddenly lost balance and fell backwards, he was thankful for her presence.

They kept at it for some hours, and as Neji kept trying, he got more and more secure by his own.

"Still think this was a stupid idea?" Tenten grinned as she passed by him on the ice. Neji didn't answer, but kicked off a little harder, gaining speed. His teammate noticed and let out a giggle. Neji was more like Lee than he thought - neither one would admit to being second best and would make a competition out of such a situation. With ease, she changed her stance, preparing herself for the challenge. Not that she was worried. She'd been ice skating ever since she was little.

Neji picked up on the difference in her, and understood that she'd accepted his challenge. Narrowing his eyes, the Hyuuga kicked off by full power, gaining on her with each stride. That was when Tenten decided to go full out, and Neji could do nothing but watch her back as she moved away from him. Or could he?

Gnashing his teeth, he focused his mind, and as he put his foot down, he kicked off with the support of his chakra.

CRACK!

Tenten stopped as she heard the alarming sound and turned around to check on her friend.

In a hole in the ice floundered the boy, struggling to get out of the ice cold water.

"Wha- Neji!" She hurried back as fast as she could and hurried down onto her knees to help him out.

They struggled for a while, but at last the boy was safe.

"What were you thinking?" Tenten asked as the two of them had managed to get back to the shore. "I mean, really, Neji? Using chakra? Didn't you think of the impact that would create?"

"..."

"Really… Sometimes you're just so childish."

Neji face stiffened. Much could been said to describe him, but childish? No. Absolutely not!

"Here," she held out a blue thermo cup. "This, will warm you up."

The Hyuuga studied the cup. From the scent of it, it seemed to be hot chocolate. Even though Neji always had liked the taste of the hot beverage, he'd also thought of it as something given to children. But, thinking of it, his pride had been wounded already. What difference would it make?

"... Thanks." He mumbled under his breath, accepting the cup. The eyes of the girl followed him as he lifted the cup, tasting it. It was true as she had said. It truly did warm him up. Still, he would never admit it. Not even to her. The Hyuuga didn't want to lose all his pride in one day.

A/N:
Please leave a review with your thoughts, okay?
it will help me write better in the future^^

And then I guess I'll see you guys again tomorrow^^

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