A/N: Autumn is my absolute favorite season. There's just something so inspiring about it. Also, I know I've asked before, but if you have a minute, please answer the poll on my profile.

Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

…..

"There's a war coming."

Neji's gaze shifted from the cup of tea in his hand to the woman sitting beside him.

"Of course Tenten. We've been anticipating it for weeks," he told her.

"Yes, but it just seems so…" she trailed off, searching for the right word.

"Surreal?" Neji offered. "Our generation has yet to face a conflict of this magnitude. It is normal for you to feel anxious. "

Tenten snorted and shook her head, a small smile flitting across her lips. She hadn't been able to talk to Neji for what seemed like months about the upcoming ordeal. His quiet, calm, patient manner somehow always seemed to fill her with confidence, even at times as troubling as these. His presence itself was soothing enough. She pressed her pencil to her lips, looking down at the clipboard in her lap. She was reviewing the extensive weapons inventory for the Allied Forces. She was instructed to divide the weapons mostly among the divisions on the front lines. Intelligence and scouting divisions would be mainly armed with poison darts and gas. Which I have yet to track down, the female remembered, scribbling the memo on the corner of the paper.

It was a cool autumn day, the sky turning shades of pink and purple as evening approached. Jewel toned leaves fluttered in the wind, and the scent of pine was heavy in the air. Neji had arrived at her door at his own accord, exhausted from another day of preparation. And so, after making two cups of tea, they had sat down on the front porch in comfortable silence.

Preparation for our deaths, Tenten thought, chewing on the pencil eraser. She was more frightened than anxious, especially at the thought of losing Neji or Lee or Gai or anyone else she associated with. She had seen what Sasuke's departure had done to the youth of the village. Every time she imagined a casualty, she would see herself with a face full of tears, just like Sakura's had been.

"We'll be all right," Neji murmured taking another sip of tea, trying to keep a brave face. Even he was filled with doubts about the outcomes of the war. The Allied Force was not some ragtag group of soldiers, but an elite shinobi team. It certainly had an advantage in numbers, but still…

It was Tenten's turn to look at her teammate. "Be careful," she told him softly, though she knew there was no need. Neji was the protector, not the protected.

"I thought you had more faith in me. "

Tenten scoffed and rolled her eyes. Idiot.

"You be careful. Don't impale yourself-"

"Neji!"

He cracked a small amused smile, probably the first in a long time. Tenten stuck her tongue out at him, feeling considerably lighthearted (and lightheaded- Neji's smile never failed to daze her). It was like they were children again, inexperienced genin. For a moment it felt as if there was no war looming on the horizon, that life would continue to go on as it always had.

Tenten returned her gaze to her work, grinning.

We'll be fine.

….

A/N: I decided to douse you in a layer of fluff after all the dark pieces I've written.

Thank you for reading and please review!

~M.I.