Chapter Seven:
With You
Neji was in the hospital for at least two weeks until he was finally released. Tenten stood by his side through the good days and the bad days. The good days he was able to sit up, converse and sometimes participate in physical therapy. On bad days, his medication made him ill, he couldn't move or his pain was unbearable. Regardless of the hot and cold patches, Tenten stood by him. She loved him. And he loved her.
Neji gathered his things and went to the flower shop shortly after his release. He saw Ino at the counter looking bored. Once he opened the door, she shot up. "Neji! How are you feeling?" she asked.
"I'm fine," he said in a boring tone, "thanks."
Ino smiled and narrowed her eyes. "How's Tenten?" She asked.
Neji's face turned red and looked over at her. "How did you-"
"Everyone in the village knows! We were actually starting to think you guys were never gonna get together."
"Humph. So it was that obvious, huh?"
"Yeah, it was pretty obvious. Need anything?"
"Yes. Can I have a bouquet of white orchids?"
"Of course! Hey, you know what? Free of charge!"
"Thank you."
"Say hi to Tenten for me!"
Neji walked to Tenten's house with the white orchids. He knocked on the door and heard fumbling within the house. She opened the door to reveal that she was still in her pajamas and her hair was down. She looked at him with wide eyes and flung her arms around him. "You're out!" she said as she squeezed him. Neji flinched. She stopped hugging him and looked up at him. "Sorry," she said as she blushed.
Neji smiled at her. "It's fine," he said as he revealed the flowers, "I got you these."
Tenten's face lit up. "White orchids," she cooed as she accepted the gift, "my favorite."
"You've helped me so much these past two weeks. I wanted to get you something special." He bent over and kissed her on the lips.
Tenten was overcome with giddy and a thousand other emotions all at once. "Come inside!" she beckoned. Neji laughed and joined her. Neji sat on her bed as she brewed tea. She sat down on her unmade bed and Neji rested his head in her lap. She sipped at her tea as she ran her fingers through his long, silky hair. Neji closed his eyes and smiled. He was finally where he wanted to be.