A/N: Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

…..

"Focus," Tenten whispered, arms quivering in protest as she pulled out another arrow and took aim. The world doubled and shifted and she almost lost her footing on the tree branch. She only had two ninja to take down and she was surprised no one had taken notice of her yet. Lee and Neji were doing a good job at keeping them occupied.

She released the arrow. "Bingo."

She took out another arrow, more confident, and shot it. One second, it was on target. The next, Neji was sprawled out on his back and the final ninja had escaped. Her arrow was lodged in the spot, the one spot he couldn't see. Lee looked toward her with wide eyes and she immediately realized her mistake.

"I need to find the antidote. I know that the plant does grow in these woods. Stay and watch him, will you?

"Tenten-san, it is not your fault-"

"Yes it is." She glanced at the Hyuuga's limp form and tried her best not to cry. Who would have thought that the one who would potentially end his shinobi career was his own teammate?

"If I don't do this, Lee, I'll be taking away the one thing he found in this lifestyle." Lee looked at her, perplexed.

"What's that?"

"Freedom."

There was pain, immense pain, starting near the base of his spine and moving up his back to his neck in quick jabs. Neji blinked blearily, eyes slowly adjusting to the glow of the fire. He did not move, his senses straining to pick up signs of life. There was a spike in chakra nearby, then another closer, though this one was considerably duller. Suddenly, Lee appeared, hovering over him, watching him curiously. Neji did not know if he was relieved or disgruntled to see a familiar face- the proximity bothered him. Finally his teammate turned away and somewhere in the Hyuuga's muddled hearing, he picked up the shout "Tenten-san!"

He could feel the vibrations of light hurried feet, and a soft thud as his team kneeled beside him. He could see Tenten now, feel her fingers run down his face, probe here and there, and readjust a bandage or two. "Neji," she said quietly, and the Hyuuga felt himself relax as he gazed into her chocolate brown orbs. He tried to speak, but only let out a small cough. Water was forced down his throat, and hands pushed and grabbed to assist him in sitting.

Stars danced across his vision and he wondered just how long he had been unconscious. Lee was uncharacteristically quiet and kept an arm around his shoulders to hold him upright. Tenten was hurriedly squishing leaves into a dark green paste. "This might sting a little bit," she murmured, moving behind him to lift his shirt. The Hyuuga hissed as he felt her rub the substance along his spinal cord. When she finished, she and Lee shared a grim look. "It's infected," she explained, "But it's manageable."

"What's going on?" Neji questioned, eyes narrowing as he scanned their surroundings. Tenten remained mum, giving Lee a pleading glance.

"You need to eat first. Then we'll tell you," he said.

Dinner was mix of plants and fish. At Tenten's insistence, Neji let her feed him. He chewed slowly and tried not to focus on the acidic vomit bubbling in the back of his throat. She avoided looking at his face as much as she could, knowing the Hyuuga could read her like a book. She was ashamed and fearful of something; that much was certain. But this hiding from him, this was a new development.

Lee wasn't talking to him either and looked exceptionally downcast. He picked at his food and buried it in the dirt when he thought no one was looking.

Lee fell asleep shortly after eating. Tenten remained awake and poked at the dying embers with a broken tree branch. Slowly, Neji stood, wobbling awkwardly. Tenten was at his side in an instant and helped him limp over to the fire. Sitting down took an even bigger effort and by the end of his five-foot journey, he was thoroughly exhausted.

"You shouldn't be moving so much," Tenten scolded, hands already lifting the hem of his shirt to check his bandages.

He grabbed her wrist and gave her a stern glare. Gently, he took hold of her chin and forced her to meet his gaze. "Tenten. What's going on?"

His teammate bit her lip, tears building at the corners of her eyes. Neji wiped them away with his knuckles, tucking loose strands of hair behind her ear.

"I'm sorry," she mumbled.

"For what?" Tenten shook her head and slowly drew her knees to her chest, turning her face away from him, willing herself to stop crying.

"You can't always protect people, Tenten. It happens."

"I didn't protect you. I hurt you. You could have been paralyzed for the rest of your life because of me."

This revelation hung in the air between them and for a while, the only sound was that of Lee's snoring and her shuddering breaths. Neji understood it all now; the poisoned arrow meant for his attacker had instead hit him. This was the first time she had ever missed (though it hadn't been all her fault, the Hyuuga had moved in its path).

"It happens," he repeated.

"But-"

"You have nothing to be ashamed of." He leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. "After all, you saved me too, didn't you?"

She didn't deny it.

…..

A/N: Thank you for reading and please review!

~M.I.