Chapter 15: Cold Shoulder

Lee left his home, hellbent on finding Tenten and confessing his feelings. He rushed through the village and arrived at the block by her store. Lee saw the building, and his heart began to drum.

This is it. I will go right in there, look her in the eyes, and tell her, Lee thought as he approached the door.

Lee took a deep breath and furrowed his brow. His hands shook nervously as he reached for the door handle. He pushed, only to be met with resistance. Lee read the hours of operation at the door.

Shoot, she won't be here for at least another hour! Lee thought. She must be at home.

Lee took off again, scanning the streets for Tenten as he walked toward her home. He noticed a familiar face in the street, and he smiled as he approached her.

"Good morning, Hinata!" Lee beamed. "How is the soon-to-be Mrs. Uzumaki doing?"

"Hi, Lee." Hinata greeted. "I am doing well. And how are you?"

"I am quite nervous, admittedly," Lee confessed. "I am going to Tenten's home to tell her how I feel."

"Oh, good luck, Lee." Hinata cooed as she smiled.

"Thanks!" Lee chirped as he turned to leave.

"Lee, wait." Hinata said.

Lee turned around, curious as to why she delayed him.

"Maybe, you should get some flowers first." Hinata suggested. "They will make her feel even more special."

"That is the best idea!" Lee beamed. "Thank you, Hinata!" Lee said as he smiled.

"Good luck." Hinata said as she smiled.

Lee went to Yamanaka Flowers, a popular flower shop in the village. There, he carefully selected a large bouquet for Tenten. He was willing to pay any price to make her happy.

He continued his journey to Tenten's home with the fresh flowers in hand. His heart drummed louder as he approached her apartment. He arrived at her door and began to focus his concentration. He held the bouquet behind his back with one hand to surprise her.

This is it. I am going to tell her right here and right now! Lee thought as he reached to knock on the door.

The door opened suddenly.

"Oh, Lee." Tenten said, her eyes wide with surprised. "I wasn't expecting you."

"Tenten! I have something to tell you!" Lee said boldly as his cheeks became crimson.

"I do too." Tenten sighed, looking quite sad, to Lee's surprise.

"Tenten, what is wrong?" Lee asked. "Are you unwell?"

"We need to talk, Lee," Tenten said. But let's do this later. I'm running late to work." She said as she locked her door and walked past him. "I'll see you later."

"But… Tenten…" Lee said, surprised by her coldness.

"Later." Tenten said firmly, not slowing her pace.

Lee watched her walk away. His heart sank. Without thinking, he followed her.

"Please, Tenten-" Lee started.

"Lee, why don't you listen?" Tenten groaned. "Just leave me alone. I have a lot on my mind and can't deal with you right now." She snapped and continued walking.

Lee froze again, watching her as she continued walking. He frowned, feeling hurt as she continued without even looking at him. He turned around and walked in the opposite direction. He wandered as he thought over what had just happened.

Neji said Tenten is struggling. Why couldn't she tell me now? Lee thought. Something is very wrong.

Lee noticed Naruto walking down the street, a bag of fresh groceries in hand. His smile returned.

Maybe Naruto can help me! Lee thought.

"Naruto!" Lee called out, running toward the blonde shinobi.

"Oh, it's Bushy-Brows." Naruto said to himself after identifying the green ninja rushing up to him. "Hey, what's the matter?" he asked, noticing the sadness in Lee's face.

"I was going to confess my feelings to Tenten, but she is very upset about something." Lee said, showing Naruto the flowers as evidence. "Please, Naruto, won't you go to her store and find out what's happening?"

"Sure, why not? I'm just doing some errands today anyway." Naruto shrugged. "Let's do this!"

"Thank you, Naruto. You are a great friend." Lee said, misty-eyed.

Naruto and Lee walked to the weapon shop. They peered inside through the glass stealthily. Tenten was seated in her usual seat by the register. She rested her chin on her hand, frowning as she read a magazine.

"What should I say?" Naruto whispered.

"I do not know. Maybe ask her how she is doing and see where it goes?" Lee suggested, whispering to avoid detection.

"Alright. Here I go." Naruto said as he approached the door and went inside.

A bell chimed as Naruto stepped into the store. Tenten glanced up from her magazine, but her frown did not dissipate. Naruto smiled as he strode into the store toward her.

"Hey, Tenten." Naruto said.

"Hi." Tenten greeted. "What brings you here?"

"My feet." Naruto grinned.

"Get out." Tenten muttered as she returned to looking at her magazine. "Unless you want to buy something."

"Sheesh. I just wanted to know how you're doing. I haven't seen you in a while." Naruto said. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine." Tenten asserted.

"Oh, um, are you sure?" Naruto asked.

Tenten glared at the blonde.

"Give up the act. I know Lee put you up to this." Tenten sighed. "What does he want so badly that can't wait until later?"

"It's better that he tells you." Naruto said bashfully.

"Ugh, seriously?" Tenten pouted.

Maybe I'm being too harsh, Tenten thought as she sighed.

"Well, what's going on between you guys anyway? You both have always gotten along so well." Naruto asked, puzzled. "C'mon, let's talk this out."

"I'm sorry." Tenten apologized. "You see, I like Lee. But we're friends, and he deserves someone who will be there for him when he needs it."

"Do you think he feels the same way?" Naruto asked.

"I don't know. I think so, but I'm afraid it's just wishful thinking." Tenten said. "Besides, I already failed at being a good friend to him when I let him struggle alone." Tenten said, thinking about the deaths of Guy Sensei and Neji. "It's just been weird lately. I love spending time with him, but he's been avoiding me. Then, when I see him, he looks like he's got something on his mind, but I can't figure it out. But I can't take it anymore. It hurts."

"I understand," Naruto replied. "Please, won't you just hear him out? He needs to talk to you."

"I have a business to run. Can you tell him I'll talk to him after I'm done for the day?" Tenten asked. "Tell him I'll meet him by our old training grounds. He'll know where that is."

"You can count on me!" Naruto said, smiling.

"Thanks." Tenten said, feeling nervous now.

"Later." Naruto said as he turned to leave, exiting the store.

Tenten let out another long sigh as she reclined in her chair. She looked back down at her magazine, now alone with her thoughts.

Could Lee like me too? Tenten thought. Maybe it's about something else. But what could it be?

[A/N: Sorry for the slow updates. I got busy and took a break, but I'm back to finish this!]