Neji had begun to grow tired of looking at the same four walls for days now. This was his third day in the hospital, but to him it felt like eternity. Visiting hours had started an hour ago. Why wasn't Tenten there? Was it about those stupid flowers? He didn't know. For some reason he missed her company. The only people that came in were people dressed in scrubs. They came in every two hours or so to change his position so he would not get pressure sores. He sighed, trying desperately to hold his anger in.
'Why did this have to happen to me? I'm one of the best ninja in this village. Now what am I? I'm useless! I have no control over half my body now. Why? Is it because of that one misstep that I'm here. Of course it is. I was clumsy and foolish and it cost me everything. I might as well forget about being alone. I have to rely on everybody now. This is just great!' He thought to himself
He threw the vase Tenten had used for the flowers to the floor. The loud crash was strangely soothing to him. He tried to stomp on the shards of glass, but was instead reminded of his limitations. He let out another sigh and punched the bed. The noise from the vase drew in a nurse.
"What happened?" She asked
"I threw it! I hate this place!" He yelled at her
She began cleaning up his mess, "I know it is hard for you right now Mr. Hyuga, but be patient. You will learn that being paralyzed is not the end of the world."
"Oh, thanks. Try telling me that when your legs are strapped to a table, you have to have someone clean out stool from your body, and you can't do anything on your own! Do not tell me that my life isn't over! You have no idea what this feels like!" He snapped back
She looked away from him, "I was only trying to help. I've seen people who are paralyzed who live amazing lives. If you choose to look at this the way you are now, then you will become depressed. I'm simply telling you this to warn you. You can either change your attitude or live miserably for the rest of your life."
He only rolled his eyes as a response.
The minute she left the room, he went back to staring at the wall. The clicks from the clock were enough to drive anyone insane. The only thing that he looked forward to anymore was when the door opened. He had not realized how much he would miss visitors until he had none. He could not care less if Lee came in. His mind only focused on Tenten. Maybe he had gotten so used to her coming that he expected her to walk through the door every day. As if on cue, he heard the creaking of the door henge as it swung open. There she was.
"Hello Tenten." He said
She smiled, "You know, I wasn't planning on coming today." She sat down, "Your nurse told me about your little outburst right before I came in."
"Oh please. That woman will do anything to get on my nerves. Is that really all you have to say to me?" He asked
"No, I just wanted to see your reaction. I came here to see if you wanted anything. Maybe something to ease your boredom." She offered
He thought for a little while, "I would like some crossword puzzles."
"Really?" She asked in disbelief
"What is the problem?"
"I don't know, I just wasn't expecting that. I don't know what I was expecting, but it wasn't crossword puzzles." She said through a fit of giggles
"You have too much fun at my expense." He told her
"Sorry Neji. I just never knew you could be so funny."
A moment of silence washed over the room. Eventually Neji was the one to break it.
"Can I ask you something?" He said looking at her
The question caught her off guard, "Sure, what is it?"
He sighed, "When I finally get out of here, I will need help doing a few things. You know, daily activities. I was wondering if you would be able to help me." He wanted to say much more, but he didn't know how to word it.
She was surprised by what he said, "Whatever you need, I'll do it."
"You do know what this entails right?" He looked away as a blush began to creep up his cheeks, "I would need help getting out of bed, bathing, and just getting around."
She had never seen him so vulnerable, "I don't mind at all. If you need help, I want to be the one to help you."
"Are you sure?" He asked
She smiled at him, "I hate seeing you like this. Your depressed Neji. If I can do anything to make your life easier, then that's what I'll do."
A/N: I am open to suggestions for later chapters. If you have an idea, please feel free to let me know. Thanks for reading!