I freestyled this story off the top for the NejiTen Week 2024 festivities. Though it came out pretty solid, so I made minor edits, added some more body, and decided I should post it. Hope you enjoy it!

Disclaimer: All rights owned by Masashi Kishimoto

Day 2: Gezelligheid (Dutch)

A convivial, cozy, or warm atmosphere. The warmth of being with loved ones, or seeing a friend after a long absence.

~ 00000 ~

Life has been kicking Neji's ass. It's always been rough between losing both his parents before he could remember and the constant turmoil between his family. Almost losing his Sensei, comrades and then having to come to terms with all that. The war left him a broken and less resilient man. Or at least that's how he felt.

His recovery was long and hard. Took close to a year to be self-sufficient but the limitations on his body often reared its ugly head. The fogginess of his mind and spirit were also stark reminders. As much as he wanted to be grateful for a second chance at life. Today just wasn't that day.

His monthly meeting with Hinata, Hanabi and Hiashi to discuss clan politics. Even as a free agent, there were somethings A Hyuuga can never really step away from. Today being the 3 year Anniversary of the 4rd Great Shinobi War brought some caveats to the usual back and forth. How many more times would he have to be reminded of what sacrificed before it was enough? Neji was over it.

There was no escaping it because the Village itself carried the same sentiments-arguably if not m ore potent. A mixture of pain, pride and other conflicting emotions was heavy in the air. But Neji just felt numb. He didn't want to celebrate. Gai Sensei was adamant about joining him, Kakashi, Yamato and the other old timers. But he kindly declined. He just wasn't in the mood to talk about the war. Especially not, without his best friend Tenten. He missed her.

The war brought them closer. The lines between them blurred even more, and Neji couldn't tell whether she was his champion or maybe….even his crutch. Trying to get answers to that question just made his head spin. If he was being honest. He just didn't want to know. Ignorance is bliss. Lessen accountability and in some aspect of his life ease was welcomed.

Neji sighed, finally reaching his property. He bought a small townhouse on the outskirts of the village. Which allotted him the privacy and space he's always wanted. Neji reached into his pocket fumbling to find his keys as his latest migraine started to set in. Before he could unlock the front door. It slowly swung open. Strains of brown hair catching his attention.

"Hey, I'm back " Tenten smiled at him. Stepping aside so he could walk inside. "You look like shit. Is everything okay?" She shut the door behind him.

Neji shook his head. Tenten searched his body checking to see if he was injured. When nothing seemed amiss. She gently patted him on the back, guiding him into the living room. She helped him get comforty on the sofa before tending to the whistle of a tea kettle. The brunette came back with two cups just as quickly.

"Hey, Is there anything I can do for you ?" closed the distance between them.

"I have a migraine" and my body is aching. He decided to keep that to himself.

"Okay, the pressure points that help are in head neck right "

Neji nodded as he felt her cold fingers press up against the sides of his face. She massaged the pressure points like she's seen him do a bunch of times. The pained look on his face dwindled away.

"How have you been?" the brunette asked while threading fingers through his slightly damp and wirely hair. To her surprise, he pressed his forehead against her abdomen.

"Not so good, huh" she brushed some loose stains behind his ear. "let me take shower first and then you can tell me all about it.

"I don't mind" Tenten sucked her teeth and he could practically hear her eyes roll.

Okay, maybe he did mind…a little bit. It's been such a long time since he last saw her. A few minutes in her presents made him felt lighter. Before she could step away. The Hyuuga gently grabbed her by the waist and pulled her as close as possible. When she squirmed, the hyuuga squeezed her tighter.

"So what have you been up to while I was away" Tenten resigned to what he wanted. Rubbing his back. Neji shivered, more tension spilling from his body. Further melting into her touch. He relished it and resented it the same.

" I trained with Gai Sensei the other day. I watched him do reverse planks with his wheelchair. If I didn't see it with my own eyes. I wouldn't have believed it"

"what?" She couldn't have heard hin properly.

"He used the footplates on his chair to hold his legs in place. The precision of reps tells me that he does this all time. I could barely keep up"

Tenten chuckled, taking a seat next to Neji.

"Then he flipped his wheelchair on its side to do push ups. Mere minutes apart. I don't know if I should be impressed or concerned"

"He really is something else" She handed him one of the tea cups she left on the table before picking hers up "Seems like you put on some muscle while I was away. Hope your not over doing it though"

"No. But I'm back to my original body weight but I'd like to bulk up a bit more. Gai Sensei has been helping with that. But enough about me. I want to hear about you"

The Hyuuga searched for her eyes to get his point across. So she wouldn't disappoint. She explained how she was invited to perform at the Daimyo conference. She was one of 5 representatives from all the great nations and specifically the only woman. The Fire Daiymos flaunted her off like his prize possession and in the same breath, spoke as if she wasn't even really there. Ironically, her performances made her even more desirable Which she quickly glossed over.

Neji listened attentively and asked questions to show that he was attentive. While nursing on the Tea Tenten gave him. Tenten was good alot of things but making tea wasn't one of them.

They sat in silence for a while. The energy slowly shifted around them. Tenten cleared her throat to grab Neji attention before talking again.

"You know how I was in the land of iron. Right? Neji nodded

"Well, General Mifune introduced me to his Master Weaponsmith. He wants me to be his apprentice"

"Congratulations Tenten" He said it honestly. "When do you leave?"

"The day after tomorrow" she pulls out a rolled up piece of paper from her Shinobi flak jacket. "I got a few errands to knock out before then so we'll see."

Neji hand brushed against hers before gently grabbing her list. Quickly reading it over. "This seems like a lot for one person."

"Lady Tsunade arranged for most of it. I just have to wait and see what actually comes through. The rest i'll have to trackdown on my own"

Tenten smiled and rose to her feet. She took a big breath and exhaled. She was getting really antsy. She spoke up while she still had the nerve.

"Hey, If I asked you to come with me. Would you?" Her voice softens more with every word.

Neji turned to her. Reading the panes of her face.

"I need a partner for my training. But after seeing you like this maybe I shouldn't have asked.

Neji reached for her pacing form. Pulled her back into the seat next to him. This was a quirk that he's gotten used to. "Some days are worse than others but I'd still like to go with you" "straightened his posure too. "Unless this was just a formality"

"There's nobody else I'd rather do this with. I'm just worried about you"

"How can I ease your mind?

Tenten shared her concerns about his injuries and the toll this would put on his body. Not wanting to dismiss her fears, he offered her a solution in a hospital visit. Lady Tsunade already gave him the go for training. But he'd go through another full body exam If Tenten needed the reassurance. Whatever it takes. Even if it meant taking that nasty pain elixir, Shizune subscribed.

"I guess that settles it then" she sighed "If everything goes well at the hospital tomorrow. I won't fight you on this. But you gotta promise me the same courtesy"

Neji nodded, gently bringing her hand to his mouth. Pressing a kiss on her knuckles and then her palms.

"But hey, I got you something"

Tenten pulled out a small black velour drawstring pouch from his vest pocket. Handed it over to Neji. He loosened the drawstring and empty the contents of the pouch. It was a Brown leather string with a small round pendant on the end. It had a picture of kunai and on the other side it was engraved with Team Gai's moto. Stronger Than Yesterday.

"This was made from a special material that can only be found in the land of iron. The cold temperatures and mountain air does something to metals. It imprints on them and gives off this blue color finish" She leans over to help tie it around his neck. "I have one too" Tenten pulled out an identical string from under her flak jacket.

"So no matter where you go. I'll always be there with you "

And I, with you….

Gezelligheid