Hello cuties! How are you? Eh, November is slowly coming to its end and I seriously can't wait for December! Here is a new chapter, hope you will enjoy it!
''Neji, you are coming or not?''
Hyuuga blinked a few times and focused his gaze on Akito, who was standing in front of him with raised eyebrows. Understanding that he had been asked a question, Neji only shook his head. His mind was completely and fully concentrated on one buns-girl and he honestly couldn't think of anything else. Akito shrugged and waved, going away. The photo-shoot had just finished and Akito probably asked him about the upcoming party, but he didn't want to go there, but of course, everything will end up with his presence at that party. Hyuuga looked around and with a sigh, went to his car. Two days had passed and he didn't get any message or call from Tenten. He didn't call her either, even though he really wanted to. Neji didn't want to look like some guy, who can't wait and wants to hear her voice, but it was like that, unfortunately. He was thinking a lot about why he kissed her and came to the conclusion that he likes her and she should know about that. But it was pretty strange to him that she didn't call him too; isn't she interested what that kiss meant? Hyuuga shook his head and unlocked his car, getting in. Because of all those thoughts occupied his mind, he wasn't doing very well in his job and for this he had a talk with his agent and then with a photographer, who made his mood even worse. Putting the keys in, model drove away from the agency, wanting badly to get back in his flat, take a shower and just lay on his bed, not doing anything. This was his plan. But so far in his life, not a one plan had ever been done the way it was planned. His phone rang and his heart skip a beat when he saw the number.
''Hello?'' He answered, hoping that he doesn't sound too excited.
''Neji hi, it's me'', she mumbled and he was sure that she was blushing at this time.
Deciding to play a little game, he pretended that he doesn't understand who is this.
''Me who?'' He asked, looking at the red light.
''Tenten, just Ten'', she answered and he smiled. ''Am I interrupting?''
''Something happened?'' He asked, ignoring her last question.
Tenten sounded like something happened and he got worried. What if those guys somehow learned about everything? Neji shook his head. No, this variation is just impossible. The girl answered that she needs to talk with him and he said that he would be in her uni in ten minutes. Before she could say something against it, he cancelled the call. Groaning, Tenten went to the gates, not wanting anyone to see her talking with Neji. No, she wasn't ashamed of the fact that she knows famous model, she just didn't want attention and then, unnecessary questions. She always hated rumors and they will definitely appear if someone will see them together. Tenten turned to the left from her uni and quickly spotted his car. She waved and waited for him to park his car near her. Looking around, she only then got in.
''I have informa-'', she started and then stopped, when he leaned closer. ''What?''
''Hi'', he breathed out, looking at her.
''Hello'', she replied, a bit confused.
Neji sealed their lips together, ignoring the shocked expression on her face. Tenten involuntary replied with a kiss, closing her eyes and giving in. This was so weird, because it felt like a right thing to do. Like kissing famous Neji Hyuuga was a right thing to do. The girl leaned back and raised her eyebrows, looking at him.
''Why are we doing this?" She asked, trying to sound calm. ''We're not dating.''
''We can start'', he replied and chuckled, when her eyes widened. ''What? Afraid of being together with me?''
''I don't know you'', she came up with another argument. ''At all. We are just… tied up together because of that story in the pit and my friends.''
Neji raised his eyebrow. She looked like she was scared and he couldn't understand of what possibly she could be scared. Of him? He, for damn sure, doesn't look scary. Of paparazzi or attention? Most of the girls love it. Neji stared at the girl, waiting for her to continue what she was talking about, but the more Tenten was looking at him, the more she was blushing.
''Are you okay?'' He asked worriedly, looking at her red as tomato face. ''Too hot here? Want me to open the window?''
Tenten shook her head and swallowed. What she can say to him? 'Sorry Neji I am just afraid that I might like you, but we don't even know each other, so by all morals, we can't really start dating!'. He will just laugh at her and she knew that. Tenten cleared her throat and looked at the guy. She could feel how her cheeks were burning and wanted to just disappear from this place.
''Em, I just think that, it's too early'', she mumbled, hoping that she doesn't sound very miserable.
''Too early for what? For sex?''
We were talking about dating, how the hell did he jump on the sex topic?Tenten opened her mouth and then closed it. Looking at her face, Neji barely contained his laughter.
''I wasn't talking about sex'', Tenten let out, looking at him.
''Well, excuse me, but I just thought you can't start dating 'too early'. In my opinion you can have only sex 'too early', but in all honesty, sex is just sex and it doesn't really matter if it'll happen earlier or later'', he said and then suddenly his face got really serious and he asked in a whisper: ''Or you have special dates for sex?''
''Neji!''
He cracked up with laughter, grinning at her. How cute she is, oh my god.He looked at her and understood that she was trying to hold back her laughter, by biting her lower lip. Hyuuga made a funny expression and she started laughing. Her loud and a bit childish laugh filled up his car and he smiled, looking at her. The sound of her laughter can become his favorite sound in the world. Wow how cheesy was that, Hyuuga.Tenten finally stopped laughing and took a few deep breaths, calming down. She looked up and smiled.
''Okay, so my information-''
''Your information can wait, we still didn't solve very important question'', Neji said, raising his hands. ''Are you scared of being with me?''
''What- gosh'', she muttered and closed her eyes for a few seconds before opening them again. ''Are you for real?''
''I am'', he nodded. ''What is keeping you back? I thought people don't reply to kisses if they don't feel the same.''
Tenten bite her lower lip, looking at him. By his gaze she understood that he is not going to drop this subject until he will get an answer. Neji took her hands in his and caressed her knuckles, looking at her and waiting for a proper answer. But it was clear that he wouldn't get it, so he decided to drop the bomb.
''I like you'', he managed out, when she didn't say a thing. ''And I think you like me too. So I'm suggesting dating, because well, this is what all normal people do, when they like each other.'
Tenten listened to him and smiled widely. He was so cute when he got all serious, furrowing his eyebrows and explaining everything to her like she was five years old. The girl nodded and hesitated for a few moments. She's definitely not a girl who gets a whole lot of purposes and even in her dreams she never saw famous model liking her or something. Not like she thought very low of herself, but she just thought that those kind of handsome guys wouldn't look at her. Nothing bad in trying.
''Okay'', she mumbled, looking up.
''Okay as for 'yes, I'm ready to date you Neji' or okay as for 'god, Neji, take me here and now'?''
Tenten laughed loudly and hit him in the shoulder, smiling. Neji smiled back and leaned in, capturing her lips with his. This kiss was more proper one than all others. It was long, slow and left them breathless by the time they pulled back. Both smiling, he turned to the road and drove out.
''Where are you driving?'' She asked in confusion. ''I had to get ready for midterms.''
''I thought we could talk about your information in some coffee shop'', he mumbled and she smiled. ''Well, I take that smile as a yes.''
Tenten never thought that it would be like that. That easy. That funny. She always thought that any famous person is not very welcoming to people, who are not as famous, but Neji was crushing all of her stereotypes. He appeared to be cold, arrogant and non-talkative, but was exactly the opposite: funny, laid-back guy, who is absolutely normal in all senses. She still couldn't get into her head that she's sitting in his car, he's gripping her hand in his and they are dating, for all sakes, she's dating Neji Hyuuga.
''What would you like to drink?'' He asked, when he stopped the car in front of the coffee shop.
''Caramel latte'', she replied and he nodded. ''Wait, I'm coming to you or?''
''I'll buy and get back here. Just a second'', he mumbled, getting out of the car and going to the coffee shop.
Neji couldn't stop smiling. Quickly ordering, he turned around and looked at the car. Nessie was sitting there, looking down at her nails, her brown hair completely blocking the whole view of her face to him. Realization that now she's his girlfriend hit him like a brick hits wall: hard and at once. (A/N: God, what a comparison. I'm sorry for that. I really am.) Of course he had girlfriends, he had many girlfriends, but won't it be more right to call them three-days-girlfriends? Because so far, Neji never had relationships with anyone longer than three days. He smiled and paid for orders, grabbing two drinks and going back to the car. Paparazzi are not all over him, but he knows that some of them are always hiding. By the way she kept on looking around him understand that she doesn't like attention and he got her here. That's why he decided that it would be better if they would just sit in the car and talk.
''Here you go'', he mumbled, sitting on the seat and giving her a drink. ''Caramel latte at its best.''
Tenten smiled and took sips of it. She noticed that Neji has nothing for him and raised her eyebrow in surprise.
''Not a fan of coffee'', he explained, driving away. ''So, what information you wanted to tell me? And before you ask, I have no idea where to go, so I will just drive around the city.''
Tenten smiled. The idea of just sitting in the car with Neji, while he will drive around the city sounded just amazing. She sit more comfortably, pulling her shoes off and then heard his chuckle. Blushing, she kneeled down to put shoes back on, but he caught her wrist in his hand.
''No, leave it like that'', he said, not really looking at her. ''Feel comfortable.''
Tenten smiled and shrugged, sitting just like she always loved to: sitting right on her legs and leaning on the back of the seat. She took a few more sips from her drink, smiling. Good drink always puts her in a good mood. She turned to Neji and cleared her throat.
''So I didn't see guys today, even though we had an exam'', she started. ''I called and texted them, but they didn't answer. I googled that tournament and it actually exists.''
''It does?'' Neji asked in surprise and turned to Tenten, who nodded. ''And? It was held a few days ago?''
''That's what I wanted to talk about'', she said, getting serious. ''No, it didn't. And in fact, tournaments never are held in Tokyo. To take part in it, you should go to Zaragoza, which is in Spain and besides, they told me that the tournament was here. So they already lied.''
Neji nodded and moistened his lips, not knowing what to say on this. He was curious about why they didn't come and why they didn't answer to her messages and calls. In his mind he already could see some organization that is… well, kills people. Chuckling at this thought, he shook his head and only now realized that he drove them to his flat.
''I want to ask them why did they lie to me… what do you think about this?'' Tenten asked.
She really wasn't sure what to do with all of this. Lee and Shino never lied to her, or so she thought. The girl really didn't see any point in lies and couldn't understand why did they do this.
''No, don't ask them'', he said, interrupting her thoughts.
''Why not?'' She asked, raising her eyebrow.
Tenten looked at Neji and only then looking around. The street looks familiar and only then she remembered that they are near his house. She clearly remembered how she came here for her phone. The girl turned to Neji, not understanding why did he drive them to his flat. He parked his car and turned to her. Tenten cleared her throat and crossed her hands over her chest. Oh gosh, why he brought me here?
''Come, let's talk in my house'', he said, opening the door.
Seeing pretty terrified expression on her face Neji blinked a few times, understanding what she is thinking. He cursed out loudly and sit straight, closing door of the car that he already opened.
''Tenten, listen'', he said, taking her hands in his. ''You should stop, stop thinking of me as of… I don't know, some spoiled man, okay? If I invite you to my house, then I just invite you to my house, without any other thoughts apart from simply talking. And if I will want something more, if I will have in my mind something more than just talking, believe me, I will make it very clear.''
Tenten raised both her eyebrows on his last sentence and he opened the door again. For the first time, Neji got nervous. This type of nervous when you are waiting for an answer to something that you didn't really ask; when you're waiting for an answer from someone who you really like. Neji never had those kind of problems with the other girls, because they have usually been the ones, who wait for his answer and not the other way around. He handed his hand to her, swallowing. The girl looked at his hand and then chuckled.
''Neji'', she called, looking at him. ''Can I ask something?''
''Of course'', he said in all his seriousness.
''Why are you handing me your hand? Not like I will walk out from this side. I'm about to get out of the car from my side'', she said, barely containing her laughter.
Neji pursed his lips and went out of the car, so she won't see his blush. Hyuuga shook his head and waited till she get out to lock the car. He looked around and not noticing any paparazzi, he came closer to her. Tenten jumped, when he put his hand on her waist and pulled her just a bit closer to him. His scent wrapped around her and she relaxed, going with him. After what he said to her, she wasn't worried anymore. Something was telling her that he didn't lie.
''You will be surprised'', he said, when they were in the elevator. ''Flat has changed a lot since your last coming.''
And he was right. When Neji asked her to come in, Tenten was sure that she got into the completely different flat. When she came here for the first time, this flat had an only sofa and bed, nothing more. Everything was on dirt and covered in dust. And now it was full with furniture and everything was held in a minimalistic style. White sofa, dark-brown wood parquet and just everything in the flat was in white and brown colors.
''Nice'', Tenten said, going to the kitchen. ''You picked everything by yourself?''
''No, my sister, she is a designer'', Neji answered, throwing his bag on the sofa and going to the kitchen. ''I'm feeling super-posh when I come here.''
They both smiled and then man opened his fridge. Crunching his nose on what he saw, he quickly turned to Tenten, who was looking at him. He stepped back and let the girl see his almost empty fridge.
''I thought models eat very healthy and they don't have empty fridges'', she said.
''I showed this to you in a hope that you will suggest to go to for a grocery shopping, but okay'', he mumbled, causing the girl to laugh. ''And I eat healthy, just not at home. Now, getting serious. So, Lee and Shino. What do we have? They lied to you that they were in the tournament when they actually weren't. So they were in some other place at the same time when we were in the pit and found the body. I think their voices were very similar to the voice that I heard in the pit and they have same bruises that two guys from the pit should have. Really, do I need to say more?''
For Neji everything was getting more obvious with each passing second. Those guys were in the pit with them and he should be calling to police by this moment, but concern on Tenten's face was stopping him. She was gripping this little cup with a caramel latte like her life depended on it. Neji carefully took her hand in his and stayed silent.
''I don't see motive behind this'', she finally said quietly. ''Really Neji. They are both coming from wealthy families, both have good grades and nice girlfriends and I just don't understand why would they even get involved in something like this.''
She really didn't get this. Maybe she just didn't want to believe in this, but so far she couldn't see any sense in their actions. God, none of them even drink not talking about being friends with some stranger guys. She looked down and smiled at the sight of her fingers interlaced with Neji's. His hand was so big and he could grip her two hands in his one. Raising her head, she looked into his eyes and almost fell from her chair. She was staring at her with so much understanding and… gentleness?
''Can you wait?'' She asked, swallowing. ''Don't call to the police right now. Let's just learn where they were, okay? Let's not jump to conclusions.''
Neji just nodded. They sit like that, holding their hands together and looking at each other and not saying anything. Usually Neji doesn't feel himself comfortable when there is silence between him and a girl, but this silence is different; it's comfortable and calming. But nothing lasts forever and soon her phone interrupted them. Tenten's eyes widened when she saw who was calling and she picked up, turning speakers on.
''Hey, Ten, you called?'' Lee asked, sounding kinda rough. ''Sorry, I was busy.''
''Buy with what?'' Tenten asked and Neji showed her thumbs up.
''Err, with some stuff, you know, training and… but that doesn't matter, why did you call so many times? Something happened?''
Not it was Tenten's time to get lost and she looked at Neji, silently asking for help. Hyuuga only shrugged and she rolled her eyes, biting her lower lip. What could possibly happen? Think, Tenten, think.
''We just had an exam today and you two didn't come and I thought that something bad happened'', she answered honestly. ''Why didn't you come? The exam is more important than trainings.''
''I will come tomorrow and explain everything, alright?'' Lee asked eagerly. ''Cause I gotta go now.''
''Alright, then we sit together on the buffet?'' She asked, hoping for an agreement from his side.
''Sorry Ten, those days are too busy! I'll call you later, bye.''
He cancelled the call and Tenten looked at the phone in her hands like it was not hers. Lee never really ended conversation like that, he always explained everything and never was in a rush. The girl looked at Neji, who just sighed.
''Tomorrow I will stalk them'', he said. ''I have no training.''
''We will stalk them'', she said, putting emphasis on ''we''.
Neji nodded and then stand up, handing to her his hand. Tenten raised eyebrow at that, not understanding what he means. The man rolled his eyes and took her hand in his, making girl stand up from the chair. He led her to the living room and with gesture told her to sit on the sofa.
''And now, we're going to cuddle just like all normal couples do'', he said, turning the TV on and sitting next to her. ''I don't think you will mind.''
Tenten chuckled and smiled, when he opened his arms, welcoming her in a warm hug. She raised her head on his shoulder and stared at the tv. Neji wrapped his arm around her and stopped on some movie, leaving it like that. Pulling her closer to him, he closed his eyes, forgetting about all the things that were involved with two guys. No it was just him and her and nothing mattered apart from that.
Not far from his own flat, Ino and Shikamaru were walking down the road, talking. Yamanaka had just passed her exam and was about to go for another one. Her smile was radiating warmth and positivity, making everyone else around her happy. Shikamaru hugged her tighter and kissed her temple. Her loud voice was making him feel so much better, especially after the talk that he had with the headmaster of the university.
''Shika, just try to at least look like you're interested'', she said and nudged him in the ribs. ''It is not that hard, really.''
Nara only sighed and hugged her tighter. He was really tired of all those talks about how lazy he is and how absolutely and utterly not devoted to his studies he is, as everyone thinks. He got the highest points on all of the tests, why they just can't leave him alone? Ino pouted and he chuckled, leaning in and pecking her lips.
''Okay, I'll try'', he said and smiled, when her face quickly changed. ''You're such a child, Ino.''
She indeed was like a child. Ino was a girl, who can get happy with the simplest things, like a rainbow or ice-cream. There was something naïve, pure in her and Shikamaru promised to himself that he won't let this world change her smile. The girl smiled and looked around. She froze and narrowed her eyes.
''Is that Lee?'' She asked, pointing at the guy not far from them.
''And Shino'', Shikamaru added, looking at the two guys. ''Wanna go and say hi?''
''No, I hate them, they always steal Tenten from me'', Yamanaka said and pouted. ''Idiots!''
Shikamaru rolled his eyes and they continue on walking. Nara turned around, narrowing his eyes and then looked at those two guys, who were acting very strange. Lee and Shino keep on turning around, like they were afraid of getting caught. Nara shrugged and turned all his attention to the girl, who now was talking about the bag that she saw in the shop.
''Are you listening to me?'' She asked loudly.
Shikamaru smiled and messed her hair, kissing the top of her head.
''You're the only one, who I always listen to'', he replied.
Ino, being satisfied with the answer from her boyfriend, continue on talking, not understanding the whole message of his words. He didn't bother with this, because in the right time, he will say the right words and she will understand them perfectly.
A/N: So what are your thoughts? Do you think Lee and Shino are somehow involved with the whole story in the pit? Let me know your thoughts in the review! – Nizza. xx