She hated the park. She hated the way it was abandoned in the dusk awaiting the teenagers to claim it for themselves in the dark. But it was at this limbo time Neji had pulled them away from the party to be able to and hear themselves think. Tenten loved Kiba but honestly the man forgot that not everyone can take music so loud. So she smiled as Neji placed his jacket on the cold metal of the roundabout and the sat on it. They hadn't been to a park since they were teenagers themselves, and given the part they just left she felt a little nostalgic despite her earlier thoughts. Neji sat next to her as he took her hand, he'd been quiet, not Neji quiet it was something else. Something was eating at him and she hoped he was ready to talk.

"Hey, you know you can tell me anything right?" She assured him and he held her hand a little tighter the slight movement of his brows coming together the only sign he was actually upset.

"I am sorry Tenten" he spoke and she chuckled

"I don't mind, you still came and we stayed for a bit even though you clearly weren't in the mood"

Which is another reason she was hoping he would talk to her now. He sighed and shook his head and that's when she realised... somethings was wrong.

"What's going on Neji?" She asked and he pulled her back to his chest. She tried to turn to look to him but he only held her tighter. She put her hands on his arms as he rested his cheek on her head.

"Just... a minute" he whispered.

Tenten frowned but didn't push it, did something happen with his uncle? That wouldn't surprise her, Hiashi was trying to be better but occasionally she found he stumbled and Neji had a hard time getting over the harsh treatment. He confided in her once the hardest part of the abuse, or the look of utter indifference was because the man had his father's face. Logic didn't seem to matter sometimes. She'd thought about asking him to move in with her, ever since the first Chunin exams when she saw the true extent of his trauma because of his heritage. But Neji had never told them for a reason, and now he had Hinata, he would never abandon her now. She felt his chest fill as he let her go completely

"I want to break up with you" he said softly and for a moment she didn't process it. Her eyes widened as she realised what he had just said her heart dropped as she straightened up against him to turn around. He didn't say anything and his features were nothing but neutral, as if this wasn't him ruining a three year relationship.

But Neji never said things for the sake of it, she knew this. If he was saying it, he'd thought about it and she couldn't change his mind. No... that feat belonged to Naruto. She was always thankful to Naruto for it, if he hadn't she was sure they never would have got together, he changed Neji that day, opened up his mind and heart that made him the man he was today, the caring and protective man who would always help his friends, who would even face his Uncle's wrath for his little sisters. But right now, as her throat closed up, her eyes stung as she had to swallow down the bile rising in her throat she couldn't help but resent Naruto just a little bit. Neji didn't move, he waited for her to react.

"Okay" she choked out trying to keep the lump of heartbreak out of her throat, she failed. But she refused to stay and let him see how much this hurt. It was no longer his problem. She lifted herself up using the bar for help holding on a moment more than she needed because her legs felt unsteady. A break up. Why? What did she do? Did she miss something? She didn't understand and she wanted to ask but she knew it was pointless, it only sounded pathetic so she nodded at him weakly "goodnight, Neji"

"Tenten" he began to get up "let me walk you home"

She shook her head and held her hand up

"I-its okay. Its..." her face crumpled and she quickly composed herself because dammit, it was over "I'll be okay"

And she turned and left heading back toward the party. She missed the look of pain on his face, the way he bit his lip and had to hold the rail so he wouldn't follow her.

Tears fell down her face as she tried to wipe them away, but they just kept coming. Stopping at Kiba's back gate trying to compose herself. The music was still loud and her friends were talking and laughing. She leant against the fence and a sob escaped causing her to clamp a hand over her mouth. It hurt, her chest felt as if someone was constricting her lungs, squeezing her hear causing each beat of her heart to hurt. Closing her eyes tight she put her head onto the fence. Why? Why? She felt his hand bandaged hand on her cheek, the uncovered fingers warm, familiar, safe and she couldn't hold it anymore. She didn't need to look to know who had found her. Falling forward she sobbed letting him put his arms around her as it all burst out. They hurt her throat but she couldn't stop, he moved to put his arm under her to lift her up and she put her arms around his neck.

"I have got you, Tenten" his voice was low, and she felt it from his chest, he kissed her head and she only held on tighter.

"Lee? Is she okay?" Came Naruto's voice but she only turned further into Lee holding him tighter as she cried.

"I do not know"

"Where is Neji?"

Tenten stilled and as a result Lee held her closer as her sobs became silent.

"I do not know, I am going to take her home" Lee announced

"Good idea" Naruto sounded closer and then she felt his hand on her back "I'm here if you need me Tenten" he offered "let me know if you need help" he said again but she felt that was more for Lee.

She felt Lee take off and he didn't ask questions as her body shook against him from her silent cries. When she felt the warmth of his room she finally opened her eyes not surprised at he brought her to his home. He set her on his bed and put his hand to her hair for a moment before putting tissues in her lap and leaving his room. A small smile ghosted her lips as she took one. Her nose felt blocked while a headache was forming from the intensity of her tears. Lee, of course he came. That man had the best instincts she has ever known. He always seemed to know when his friends were in some sort of turmoil, turning up to comfort or help. Gathering people if need be. She didn't remember a time he didn't appear when she was truly upset. When something weighed her down or when she was simply feeling lonely. What would become of their friendship now? Her heart dropped as the panic of her and Neji's breakup meant. They had the same friends, Lee especially and now... she shook her head and remembered how it seemed as if Neji was fine about the whole thing. It was far from a messy breakup, they could still be around each other and not make it awkward for their friends, right? Lee was hers first but he had trouble making friends, true friends as they had and she didnt want to be the reason for that. And he loved Neji.

Lee came back in with a steaming mug handing it to Tenten causing her to choke out a laugh before sniffling. Taking the hot chocolate she smiles sadly

"Thank you" ugh her voice sounded all thick and naselly.

"Did you two fight?" He asked gently taking her hand with the tissue in it. She looked at her drink her heart feeling heavy

"He... broke up with me" she sighed and felt Lee tense underneath her.

"He did what?!" Lee asked furious and Tenten looked up to him her eyes widening at the look of utter rage on his usually kind face. Tenten shook her head and held his hand a little tighter

"It's okay..." her voice cracked "he... he wouldn't have said it if he didn't want it" she suddenly felt tired

"I will go find him!" Lee declared "and knock sorme sense into him"

Tenten held him shaking her head as tears tried to come back

"Please, don't? He made his decision I don't want to... It's no use arguing about it" she finished

Because whatever his reasons he had given up on them. Whether it was his feelings or something she did she didn't know, but she knew that much and as much as it hurt, as much as she wanted to scream and fight and maybe even throw a mace or two at his stupid beautiful face... in her heart of hearts she knew he gave up. She wasn't worth the fight to him. Lee took the mug from her and she realised she was shaking. The hot liquid landed on his bandaged hand and he didn't so much as flinch.

"Come here" he said softly placing the cup on the floor to sit up on his knees and hugged her. She accepted it. Because he was Lee, because he knew her enough to know she was doubting her own worth. "He is an idiot to let you go" Lee whispered and she laughed because they both knew Neji was not an idiot. He was smarter than them both put together but she supposed in matters of the heart... perhaps he was. She cried more until she fell asleep in Lee's arms

-

Two weeks had passed and Tenten had done a wonderful job at pretending she was fine, of course Lee knew better. Work hadn't been affected and they were returning from a mission. They would be back tomorrow and Tenten couldn't wait for the space. Lee had told Gai the reason for the tension at the beginning of the mission last week. But it was a relief they worked fine despite the break up. It was her watch and to have the time to breath in the silence of the forest was a relief she didn't know she needed. Gai had given Neji and her watches that wouldn't require them to wake each other and she was glad for it. So he had woken her up to start her watch but she was confused when he followed her to her spot on the tree above the camp.

"Are you alright Tenten?" He asked

Her smile was genuine because of course this is something he had likely waited all week for.

"I will be" she answered "I don't understand what happened and it hurts but... I'll get over it one day I'm sure"

He looked at her concerned and the way his mouth turned down had her confused

"What is it?" She asked and he sighed looking back to the camp

"You haven't been told yet have you?" He sighed shaking his head, her stomach churned and suddenly she didn't want him to continue. He sighed shaking his head.

"I get the feeling this is best for after we get home" Tenten whispered and Gai shook his head

"You need to know before we get back later" he frowned at the tent where the boys were sleeping looking a little torn. "I'll take the last watch. You need to talk to Neji" he said

"I'm... okay" she said she didn't know why but she knew whatever he was going to say she didn't want to hear it now.

"Tenten, I really think you should"

"I will, when we leave. We're still on mission and it's personal so..." she shrugged softly and he nodded

"I want you to be prepared Tenten, talk to him as we're leaving" he ordered

"Yes sir" she nodded and he left her to continue her watch. She sighed leaning against the trunk and wondered what he worried about. Remembering the days after the breakup she didn't think she couldn't handle it, but she did especially after Lee and all his support. Her friends who all came to comfort her but were angry she didn't even get a reason until she explained that she hadn't asked. Hinata had avoided her and Tenten was missing her friend but she imagined she didn't want to get between them so she was staying out the way for now. She sensed him watching her and smiled not looking his way.

"You know, I'm pretty sure you've already had your watch" she chuckled lightly as he landed in front of her

"It felt like you needed me" he said stepping round to move himself between her and the trunk. She nodded at his assessment, she never had any problems being honest about her feelings with Lee. Never had the urge to pretend she was okay for him. Something she has now started doing with Neji that she never used to. Another painful reality of their break up.

"I get the feeling today is going to hurt" she smiled as she leant against him.

"I will be there" he promised "you will get through it"

"You know?" She asked

"I do"

"I miss him" she blurted out her voice cracking

Lee hugged her from behind and let her pull herself together. They sat there in silence for a long time, his meer presence was just so comforting. One she had almost her entire life, she will never regret the day she walked up to him in the orphanage. And soon enough the sun was almost rising.

"You didn't need to stay up with me" she whispered as she sat up stretching her back.

"I wanted to" he grinned wide causing her to mirror him because his smile was just so contagious. He leapt down to go wake the others so she could have a moment.

Tenten was packing up the last of the gear into a scroll when Neji finally approached her. Steeling her nerve she looked up to him rolling up the scroll.

"I was hoping to talk to you" He said and she forced a smile nodding

"Sure" he held out his hand to help her up and out of pure habit she took it, scolding herself when for a moment felt like there was nothing wrong. She let go immediately and thought for a moment she saw him frown. "So what's going on?" She asked as they followed behind their two green jumpsuit wearing teammates. They left some distance and Tenten didn't miss the two usually aloof men a little tenser and quieter than usual. It made her nervous all over again.

"I have to apologise. I was selfish and now you're hurting. And I am despicable that I'm about to hurt you more"

"I don't need you to tell me why, Neji" she sighed despite herself, she was actually really wanting to know what she did wrong. How she missed it. She thought they were happy and he never said anything "it'll only upset me more"

He stopped and took her arm making her look at him.

"What I need to tell you is still going to be painful" he told her "I don't want you to be blindsided"

She scoffed and pulled her arm free because that was just bulshit.

"Too late for that, don't you think?" She snapped he had the sense to look apologetic at least.

"When we return my Uncle will be waiting" he said. She was unsure how this affected her suffering unless the man was cruel to Neji in front of her so she scowled at him he looked back up to her "with my fiance"

SLAP

The sound was sharp and Tenten only registered what she had done when her hand burnt from the sheer force she put behind it. Her eyes stung, tears quickly falling as she felt betrayed, guilty and lost. Unable to focus on one pain as he had just figuratively slapped her across the face too. She decided to just keep going. He no doubt knew it was coming he could have easily dodged her if he had wanted to so she wasn't going to apologise. Even with her hand print on his face as it swelled up a little

"That's fine. I get it" she cried out as she understood. Remembering the moment before he broke up with her. The way he held her, the way he looked torn, upset, he apologised. Despite not wanting it she now had her reason. She went to walk away but he caught her looking panicked

"It's not like that!" He said desperately "I never-"

"I said I got it" she snapped barely holding herself together

"Do you?" He asked

"You chose them!" She yelled "you gave me up to make them happy. I wasn't worth the fight so here we are!" She pulled her arm from his hand cradling it close to her heaving chest "You followed your obligation instead of your heart. I shouldn't be surprised, I should have seen it coming because I was never going to be worthy, not even a little bit would he have approved" she wiped her eyes and tried to smile at him her anger falling away "I don't blame you. It's not your fault"

"You're more worthy than she is" he said softly and she let out a dry laugh

"Right. That's why you've had to leave me and she gets to marry you" Tenten scoffed and turned away. Suddenly he was right behind her his right arm coming round her shoulders as his left hand gently took her hand.

"To me" he whispered leaning next to her ear his breath brushing her skin "You're more worthy of my heart than she is. And you will always have it" his head rested on her crown and she felt his chest taking deep breaths against her back. She wanted to turn and hold him. Kiss him because this wasn't fair, he loved her, she loved him and why couldn't they just be together? So after a few erratic breaths she nodded and he dropped his arm from around her and walked ahead, stopping at Lee to say something she couldn't hear before Lee nodded and came over to her. She felt dizzy, and nauseous, and angry and she just couldn't take it anymore.

"I'm so sorry Tenten" Lee whispered as he put his hands on her shoulders to guide her forwards. She only nodded and blinked at the two men in front of her before turning to smile at Lee

"I need a drink" she breathed out.

"We can do that" he nodded and she actually laughed

"Lee you can't, you pick fights" she reminded him and he nodded

"So light beer for me. Someone has to carry you home when you pass out" he encouraged

Which he did. He had had one beer and was already tipsy. And he had sat with her as she threw back numerous drinks and cried, got worked up, lay her head on the bar, she went through it all as he sat there watching over her. Only when her words started to slur that he called it and lifted her from the bar. She felt a wave of love for him which caused her to tear up. He was the best, and he was always there for her. Even in the academy days, in the orphanage it was always the two of them. They'd grown up together, worked together and kept each other alive almost all of their lives.

"I love you Lee!" She wailed and held him tighter as he chuckled "You're the best! And I want to alway be in your life. Promise! We will never leave each other!"

"I promise" he declared with no hesitation which had her stop and blink at him.

"You love me too, huh?" She slured and he held her tighter to keep her upright

"More than you will ever know" he nodded as he reached into her pack to retrieve her keys she moved to his front wrapping her arms around his neck

"You're too good for me! So kind and gentle, you never let me down Lee" she wailed and he has to move his feet apart to keep them balanced he put his arm around her waist to hug her back as he reached behind her to put the key in the door and pushing it open

"Okay, let's get you in" he sighed picking her up bridal style so he could get her in quickly and not disturb her sleeping neighbours too much. She sagged against him and began to think about her situation.

"Why? Why am I not good enough?" She whimpered into his neck "I want to be good enough" she sobbed out as something soft came underneath her. Why do people leave? Her parents, Neji... What did I do? Opening her eyes to see a blurry Lee she smiled sadly. Not him though. No, Lee was different and had been the one and only constant in her life.

"You're more than good enough" he told her gently taking her buns down and brushing out her hair with his fingers "this isn't in question. He has a duty, and its not in him to abandon it. He gave you three years, and they were great, weren't they?" He asked and she nodded biting her lip. "What I would give to have just a fraction of that with you" he smiled down her and she frowned at his wording.

"You mean... to have the same?" She asked and he looked devastated for a moment but covered it with a smile

"Exactly" he wiped at her eyes and gently patted her cheek "get some sleep now. I shall be here when you wake up" he promised chuckling at how quickly she fell asleep.

Her head hurt and she felt like she needed to throw up as a cold sweat came over her, her legs were bare, and it felt nice tobhave the coolness. It was still dark and she felt weight against her back as he sat up reaching over her for the bowl holding it close to her. It was still for a moment while he waited and she took breaths to stave off the vomit. As she closed her eyes the to focus on it she remembered her actions, her crying, her little breakdown and Lee's comfort as he let her hair down. She slowly opened her eyes the nausea subsiding as she looked at the clock. 3:43am.

"I'm okay" she whispered as he placed the bowl on the floor his arm over her, chest right up against her back. And suddenly it wasn't comfortable. She felt nervous, and exposed because she was almost sober now, and she understood what he wasn't saying. He loved her! Not in the way she thought but in a romantic way, he was in love with her.

"Lee?" She called timidly turning to face him, he was lay on his side, head on his hand looking down at her

"How do you feel?" He asked but she shook her head, that wasn't important.

"You said..." she trailed off and his face dropped

"It doesn't matter" he deflected "come on, go back to sleep, you're in for a rough morning" he smiled widely. It was fake and she frowned at it. Because right now all she wanted to do was know the truth. She suddenly had the urge to kiss him but she was still tipsy and just hurt because of the news she had today, of seeing Neji's beautiful fiance. A girl she would never be. Not in a million years. And Lee was always her comfort. A warmth she had always had and she took him for granted. Did he hurt? It must have been painful these last three years.

"You meant what you said, you were talking about me" she whispered her voice cracking as the guilt bit away into her. He sighed "You're so selfless Lee! You should have said something! You've watched for years, just letting me be happy while you had to wa-"

"I do not mind" he interrupted and she glared up at him. Stupid man! She thought and he could see her disagreement and frustration clear as day on her face. His hand came to her cheek and he held her gaze as he frowned down at her as his hand moved down to cup the side of her neck as he moved closer to her "You want me to be selfish?" He asked his voice was low eyes swimming with a desire she had never seen in him before. Her mouth was suddenly dry as her heart pounded violently against her chest.

"S-sometimes" she stammered and he closed the space as he kissed her. His lips met hers and suddenly she was wide awake, sobered right up as the contact sent a jolt right through her. She opened her mouth and he let his body fall against her as he deepened the kiss. She lifted her hand to wrap around the wrist to the hand on her neck and she kissed him back moaning as his tongue touched hers as his other hand snaked under her back and round her torso pulling her flush to his body. It was not what she expected. She wasn't sure what she expected, the idea of kissing Lee was not something she had ever considered, other than scoffing when people asked, because it was Lee. But he was amazing, her arms wrapped round his neck turning into him and lifting her leg over his hip as breathing became hard to concentrate on. She gasped as she felt his arousal against her and pushed her hips closer to meet him. He pulled back smiling down at her as she pouted up at him

"That is all I am willing to do while you're intoxicated" he told her and her heart swelled full love of this sweet, sweet man. He kissed her head "try to get more sleep"

"Yeah, that is not happening!" She scoffed as she clamped her hand over her mouth as the shock of what she just did caught up with her. She kissed Lee! Lee! And it wasn't weird, she remembered as kids they'd pretend they were married but they were four! That was the closest they had ever been to more than friends. Now, he had kissed her and she had kissed him back, went for more and now she was confused. Sure she was drunk and hurt but to...

His fingers moved between her hand and her mouth to pull it away and weave his fingers with hers.

"Do not worry about it" he told her putting their hands to his chest while his thumb rubbed circles on the back of her hand. "I am happy to be here for you"

"It's not fair on you" she sighed and he only laughed softly as she glared at him. She felt like she had just gave him hope and she wasn't even sure why.

"I do not expect anything. I was being selfish, remember?" He scrunched his nose shaking his head playfully and she couldn't hold the laugh

"Right" she nodded suddenly tired and nauseous all over again. Despite how she felt while kissing him she was in fact not as sober as she thought.

-

There was knocking. And a weight against her causing her to smile before opening her eyes to look at Lee on his side leant against her slightly, completely ignoring the pain the light caused her eyes. The knocking began again and she groaned slowly getting out of bed to trudge out of her room, ignoring the churning of her stomach. Crossing the hallway, through her livingroom she opened the door

"Tenten!" He yelled and she groaned putting her hand to her head

"Naruto?" She sighed "what are you doing here?"

"Sorry" he lowered his voice grinning nervously "sorry. Uh Bushy Brow was supposed to meet me and he didn't show, he's not at home so I assume he is here?" He questioned

"Yeah" she waved him in and closed the door wondering why he was looking at her face with something akin to determination "what?" She asked and he cleared his throat.

"You-Uh you don't have any pants on" he stammered her eyes widened as she looked down to see that was in fact true, her shirt covered her underwear but only barely and she felt the heat rise up to her face.

"I am- God! Sorry Naruto" she stumbled back and pulled the material down her bum now realising that it wasn't covering that part well at all.

"Naruto?" Lee called and Tenten felt herself turn red. Oh god. She wouldn't have minded before the knowledge of last night, and being her teammate it isn't as if he hasn't seen her naked before. You can't be self conscious around them. Even poor Gai has seen all of them naked. But to have him walk out of her bedroom, with her like this and Naruto here had her heart racing. But now she knew he wanted more and how many times had he looked? She wondered her thoughts cut off when she felt a throw go over her shoulders followed by Lee's hands.

"I am sorry. Tenten was drunk and I overslept" he apologised

Tenten took hold of the throw to wrap herself up trying to calm her heart.

"Oh" Naruto looked between them then a wave of sympathy came over him "he told her huh?"

"Did everyone but me know?" She asked

"We wanted him to tell you" Lee answered "he wanted to tell you. It's why Hinata has avoided you. I'm sure she will turn up soon now you know"

Tenten looked at him sharply. So... she still wants to be her friend? She doesn't have to lose Hinata too?

"She's been very anxious about the whole thing. And berating Neji for taking so long" Naruto smiled softly and Tenten couldn't imagine Hinata berating anyone.

"I'll uh... go get dressed" she announced stepping back and leaving the two men to talk.

As she stepped out she stopped at her doorway

"You need to tell her" Naruto hissed

"She is hurting Naruto. The last thing she needs is her longest friend to try to date her. Besides, she knows now"

"Really? How?"

"I... misspoke and she didn't miss it" Lee sighed "and then I kissed her" there was the sound of a smack and Naruto chuckled "she returned it with more enthusiasm than I predicted. But she was drunk, and heartbroken so do not go meddling Naruto. Let her heal" he warned and Tenten smiled against her doorframe. The world did not deserve a soul like Rock Lee. Pushing off the doorframe Tenten entered her livingroom and both men looked at her from the kitchen counter, that's when she smelt the eggs and toast.

"I've never seen you with you hair down" Naruto grinned "it's nice, you should do it more often when you aren't working"

"Thank you, Naruto" she smiled putting her hair into a pigtails ready to put them into her signature buns. Lee handed her a plate of food placing some water next to it. Taking her pins from her hands he walked around to finish her hair

"Eat something" he ordered gently and suddenly she was blushing again. She was used to this side of Lee, but not in front of people and she didn't miss the amused look on Naruto's face as he watched the interaction. Instead of saying anything she picked up the toast and took a bite. Not entirely sure if the nausea was the hangover it the sudden wave of self-consciousness she had. Before she had moved onto her next slice of toast he was done

"You do that often?" Naruto asked smirking and the warning in Lee's eyes wasn't missed

"Yeah" Tenten said around a bit of toast. She covered her mouth "I used to do his braid too when he had it" she told him and went back to chewing

"Whoa, Lee you had a braid?" Naruto asked and Tenten winced at his volume. She had to give them credit though, she was sat between the two of loudest people she had ever know and they were doing their utmost to be calm for her.

"I did" Lee grinned and Tenten had to admit she missed it.

"Wait why did you cut it?" He whined

"It was against regulations" he said factually and Naruto scoffed

"That never stopped Shikamaru. Or Choji! His hair is almost as long as Ino's these days not to mention Pervy Sage! Do you remember how long his hair was?"

"He has a point" Tenten smiled "anyway, I'm sorry I kept you, you seem to have plans"

"It's okay, it was just training" Naruto assured her

"Well I'm okay now" she looked to Lee "you go. Thank you... for being so you"

"You are welcome" he nodded and they left. Leaving Tenten to her thoughts. What was she going to do? She groaned putting her head in her hands then dropping it onto the counter with a light thud.


So this would NOT leave me alone and has become a problem. I haven't even been able to focus on other stuff so here I am two days later. I also have no clue how it is going to go because I can't decide! Hoping to keep this as a two shot but we will see.

I am already writing the second part so hopefully it won't take long.