More Than You Bargained For [Neji]

[Hyuuga Neji]

Neji didn't know how she would take the complainant that he just gave her. He wasn't even sure if she got what he meant by it. It was not every day that he was telling someone how nice they looked, and the furthest thing from his mind was making Tenten feel like a fool. He also felt out of place after giving her the complainant, because to him it had meant something deep inside of him that he could not place his fingers on just yet. At the same time tho, he knew things was about to take a turn in their relationship.

The turn could be anything and Neji himself felt like he could not lose her has a friend. There was not many that understood him to start with, and those that did always tried to bully him into doing things with them, Tenten didn't do that for the most part. He couldn't deny there was something about her tho that pulled him towards her, he had never allowed his emotions to get carried away like that. Tonight however seemed to be rather difference. Tonight he would be anything that she wanted him to be without fight for once.

Since he was not facing her at the moment of her reaction he missed it, and to him that was the good part. It did leave him wondering how she took it but it also left him not trying to come up with the reasons why he had just told her that. Her three little words, which from what he could tell was just a stutter said it all to him. Just the way she had said it meant that she was taken back, but it seemed like it was not going to get him have something thrown at him so he would leave it at that and not say anything more. To him there was nothing else to say, everything was said, and if she needed a reason behind why he said that, than she was out of luck he wouldn't tell her why he said it.

Neji followed her back to the large and over crowded room, but also saw her flinch, and that was never like Tenten. Did she flinch because of what he said about how she looked? Did it make her that uncomfortable talking like that to her? Sure he didn't give her a direct complainant and if she was doing this because of a indirect complainant he would hate to see her one someone did give her one about her looks. There was plenty of guys in there that would give Tenten that, and most of them Neji would have beat up to a pulse if they even think about laying a single hand on Tenten. So he was a little protective over her, but she was his team mate and she deserved much better than them.

Before he could give his input on going over to the gazebo or not she was already heading over there. He had to agree that it felt like it was boiling inside of the room, and that just didn't suit him, being in a overly crowded room and having girls watch him and guys watch Tenten. He turned without a word and started to follow her, if she wanted to dance there they would dance there, has long she didn't trick him into dancing to another song after this.

What came next was a shocked him. He watched has Tenten fell to the ground. Without even thinking properly for maybe the first time in his life, he ran over to her, and rolling her onto her back. He watched her for a second. "Tenten..." He couldn't even keep his emotionless voice under control. What came out of his mouth was a voice that was worried and didn't know what to do. Tho it didn't last long has his brain kicked into high gear.

He stood up picked her up and carried her over to the gazebo and laid her down inside of it so she couldn't be seen by new comers. He then raced over to the door of the ball room. His lavender eyes searched for one girl. That was Sakura that had just passed them heading in there, that was no way that she could have gone too far inside of the ball room yet. About ten feet away his eyes locked on her. He walked over to Sakura, and tapped her a bit hard but not quite hard, it was just enough to get her attention was all. "Sakura come with me, Tenten just fainted..." He said in a whisper. Without another word he started to walk back outside.

His own mind was in overdrive thinking that somehow this was his faint.If he hadn't agreed come here with her, she might be find and not laying on the ground unconscious at the moment. he clutched his left hand into a fist, there was no way he was going to allow anyone inside the building see him loose it, what would Tenten think of him if he lost his cool over her. Tho it was taking nearly everything he had not to lose his cool and keep calm. He reached where he had left Tenten and looked behind him. Sakura had better have followed him or he would make him his new practicing post.

[Tenten]

Stand In The Rain, Stand Your Ground, Stand Up When It's All Crashing Down...

~She Doesn't Know Why, But She Knows That When She's All Alone, Feels Like It's All Coming Down~
❃♈❃ тєитєи ❃♈❃
"Okay, if you insist, remember you asked for it!"

______________________________________________________________________________________

She was still partially conscious... Her eyes were closed, she felt like she was in a pool of absolute heat, her vision was black... But she could hear someone's very familiar voice, sounding terribly worried. Then she was being moved, to where she didn't know, but was then set comfortably down on a bench... What was wrong with her? Why was she all... Strange? Minus feeling overhead, panting a little, and rather shaky, with chills running involuntarily down her spine, she felt absolutely perfect. What was going on?

Sakura had just been inside the ballroom, frowning and groaning. Where was Naruto? She had something to discuss with him... Though she wasn't entirely sure. She was giving up slightly, so she began to scan for Ino and Kiba... Probably off in a corner somewhere, if she knew her blonde friend a little too well. Look for something to do with flowers... Ah, a flowery dress and a beautiful corsage made of real flowers, most likely. Ino was a botanist, after all, so it wouldn't be a surprise for her to have real flowers in her hair, too. The girl had her ways, after all...

She was interrupted, however, with a sharp tap on her bare shoulder. Huh? A worried-sounding male voice sounded behind her, and Sakura turned to see Neji, with a very... Different look in his eyes. Obviously it wasn't for her... Sakura would've been a little scared if that had been the case. Then he said it. His best friend's name... Tenten. One girl that Sakura didn't associate with too terribly often, but they were friends enough to talk to each other... And tease each other. The one-year difference in their ages didn't make a difference now; even if Tenten was already sixteen, and Sakura herself only fifteen, it didn't really matter, not that much. Sakura watched Neji's retreating back as she gathered her skirt and ran as best as she could manage in a pair of stilettos... Yes, stilettos were hard to run in, even for a shinobi.

She finally managed to catch up to the worried-seeming Hyuuga teen only to see the face of the chocolate-haired kunoichi, a little sweaty... Feverish, Sakura could tell from a glance. Gently pushing Neji aside, she took about three or four looks, and slapped her own forehead.

"God, her too?!" Sakura mumbled, shaking her head. So many people had been caught by that irritating virus now... Luckily it was just a quick passer. Sudden high fever, dizzyness, loss of consciousness either fully or partially... Chills as the body tried to down its body temperature, and slight shaking. Sakura didn't even have to do much for an examination before she knew exactly what it was. Thankfully, the girl should be perfectly fine in the morning... If not, someone would probably have to send for her. Sakura wouldn't take too long to get a small medicine going. Glancing at Neji... She probably guessed from the look on his face that he was itching to know, at least to an extent.

"It's a random virus that's been going around lately, with a number of people. The same one Hanabi had a couple of days ago... I remember Hiashi bringing her in while I was working. You might remember that, I'm not sure... Anyway, it's nothing terrible." Just to be sure, however, Sakura did a little more of a thorough examination... Noting the fact that she could barely see the outline of two blades strapped to the kunoichi's thigh. Sakura smiled at that, shaking her head... Of course Tenten would come armed. Sakura didn't need weapons to kick ass... All she needed was chakra and a limb.

"I'd suggest just taking her home, basically just keeping down the fever. She should be all right by morning, but..." Sakura rummaged in the small bag that was situated at her hip, and pulled out a small bottle of a bluish-purple liquid. "That should help keep it down, just add it to a glass of water or something, and I'd suggest... Um, careful when you're carrying her. It might help you to know that yes, she's freaking armed, the little devil," Sakura said, rolling her eyes. "Yeah, those are senbon needles in her hair, so watch out for those... Actually." Sakura reached over and plucked them out of the girl's hair, not even disturbing the gentle bun she wore. "I'm sure she's got however many more hiding somewhere. Two won't hurt her dearly, and I'm sure you don't want sudden holes in your body," she added, chuckling as she stood up. She handed Neji the liquid and pointed to the outline of the weapon on Tenten's skirt...

"Oh. And there's a pair of blades, too," she threw over her shoulder, and walked back inside. She'd helped how she could... Now hopefully she could enjoy the rest of the night. "If you need me, just come back, or send a message!"

Tenten could hear something... Sounded like... Sakura? So she'd collapsed, then... And Neji must have gone to get the bombshell med-nin from inside. Well, that was good... At least that would explain what the hell might be wrong with her. She tried to force her eyes open, and slowly, she stirred, rather drowsy. Slowly her eyes fluttered open, images blurry above her... She caught the back of a rose-haired kunoichi, dressed in a shimmering red evening gown, and the worried-seeming face of her lavender-eyed team-mate. She was so confused... She had no idea what was going on.

"Nnh... Uh... Huh?" she managed, shaking her head slowly to clear it. She could feel the sticky heat around her... But it hadn't been warm outside before, had it? A hand reached up to press to her forehead... Her own hand, of course. She felt fine, it seemed... But she was still quivering, with involuntary chills shooting down her back. It had to be something else, not something that he or anyone had to have said. She was way confused... And she wanted to sleep. What? She had been wide awake before...

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You Stand Through The Pain, You Won't Drown, And One Day What's Lost Can Be Found...

[Hyuuga Neji]

Neji walked backed out with Sakura glad that she had followed him without a problem. He really would go out of his way for a chance to make her a punching post if she hadn't had came with him and saw to Tenten. He didn't know what it was about Tenten that made him draw most of his attention over to her, but she had got it tonight and that was the only thing that crossed his mind, if she was going to be okay in the long run. There was no way that he could deal with Gai and Lee on his own, and there was no one else that was his best friend, sure most of the rookie nine kids was somewhat his friends but none was has close has him and Tenten.

He allowed Sakura to push him aside for now, but if she did it again he didn't know if he could hold back and not stab at her chakra points. He didn't like to be touch most of the time, only to a select few people he would allow to touch him from time to time. Sakura was not one of the select few, hell he barely even really knew her. Really the only few things that he knew was that she was on Team 7 under Kakashi, once had a crush on Uchiha Sasuke, and now was studying under the Hokage in the medical field, other than that the two never really talked to each other. Neji never forced himself to go out of the way to talk to anyone that was not training with him.

His eyes narrowed when she commented that something had got Tenten to. He wasn't that dense to ask her what it was. This also meant that there was no way that this was his fault and that he shouldn't be has worried had he was, but he couldn't help but to feel worried over her, his eyes went back to her has Sakura finished up examining her.

His left eye twitched slightly when she commented on his uncle and cousin about when Hanabi was rushed by her father to the hospital. His uncle forced him to train with Hinata that day. It was not something that he like doing, Hanabi showed more talent of the Byakugan than her older sister, Hanabi was more annoying to him than Hinata, but if he had to choose between the two of them he would pick training with Hanabi than Hinata any day of the week. "I remember." He turned his attention away from Sakura and Tenten and towards a group of passing males going into the ball roll. He was making sure that none of them would think of coming over here and if they did he would give them a nice beat down. Tho he did have to admit that it was rather hard to move in the suit he was in.

Once the group was back inside, his eyes traveled back down to the two of them has Sakura talked about it was just a virus, and told him what he needed to do with Tenten. It was clear to him that Tenten was not going to get her last dance that she requested from him tonight. He would somehow had to make that up to her. He took the purple liquid and slipped it into his pocket had Sakura kept pointing the weapons out to him. He was not that dense not to realize that his team mate had these things on her. He was slowly becoming annoyed with the medical ninja constant remarks about his team mate and her weapons. "Tenten is a excellent weapon specialist, just because she feels to be prepare an have her weapons on her doesn't mean anything. The same thing could be said to you about this liquid for her fever. I would suggest for you to keep your mouth shut next time you choose to speak about things that you also see fit to carry because of your field. But Thank you."

He watched her walked off and back to the ball room. He slowly bent down next to Tenten and saw that she was coming to it somewhat. He pushed one of the strains of hair out of her face. "I am taking you home. You are sick." He slowly placed his arm under her knees and the other under her arm and stood up with her. He didn't care who say him at the moment carrying her, she was sick and there was no one that he trusted to take her home. He was careful where he stepped at the moment. The one thing that he didn't trust for himself was running into people and buildings this late at night. He looked down at Tenten for a second.

[Tenten]

Stand In The Rain, Stand Your Ground, Stand Up When It's All Crashing Down...

~She Doesn't Know Why, But She Knows That When She's All Alone, Feels Like It's All Coming Down~
❃♈❃ тєитєи ❃♈❃
"Okay, if you insist, remember you asked for it!"

______________________________________________________________________________________

She heard rather clearly Neji's little lecture to Sakura... And instantly she was ready to slap her own forehead. Of course, if her mind hadn't been so hazy, she would've not only done that, but told Neji he was absolutely dense then and there. And he was... Didn't he understand that Sakura was both complimenting her and teasing her? Not to mention saving Neji's ass on it, too... Those senbon needles weren't exactly dull, after all. He wasn't dense for the most part, but... At some turn, men were always dense. Tenten claimed it was a side-effect of testosterone.

She felt a cool hand brush her forehead... A strand of hair moved with it, and she was almost glad that her cheeks were lightly pink with fever. At least he couldn't tell her blush from the touch... Or so she hoped. She didn't really care whether he caught it or not... She could just blame it on the heat. Yeah... that would make an amazing excuse. However... If Sakura punched him later on, she wouldn't forget it, surely. Nor would she defend him, either... For one, he knew how to defend himself, and for two, with that last remark he probably deserved it.

"You're so dense sometimes..." Tenten muttered, shaking her head slightly. Her mind was still fuzzy, like her vision, but she could see... To an extent. Her sight was clearing already, but that was simply because she was regaining consciousness. She knew she was being moved, and she knew she normally would have had a fit; however... She herself knew she wasn't in any condition to walk, meaning she wouldn't complain a bit about being literally carried out of there by Neji. Now... When it came to getting into her house, however... She would definitely have to do a little work. Her mother wasn't home, as per usual, and there was absolutely no freaking way Neji was going to get the key Tenten had hidden. Not to mention... He probably wouldn't go for it, anyways. Unlike some of the other men she knew, he at least had some semblance of dignity and respect, and at least he respected her dignity.

Though she slipped in and out of consciousness as they moved, she could tell they were taking the least populated streets in the village until they reached her front door... She didn't remember much of where they went, but it was a long route, the 'scenic route' as some might have called it, but it didn't seem like as long as it probably was... As they came upon her doorstep, Tenten reached up with a shaky hand to tap him on the shoulder.

"It's locked," she managed, her voice sounding slightly weaker than it should have, "Just set me down so I can unlock it..." Thankfully, he complied without hassle, and she found herself on her feet, leaning against the frame of the door for support. Her legs felt like marshmallow... It was all she could do not to collapse as she fumbled for the key that was hidden in the small pocket on the inside of her skirt, near her waist. As she retrieved it, the blade she wore on her thigh flashed in the evening light, only to be hidden by the garment once more.

A shaky hand gripped the key as tightly as she could at that moment as she fumbled to get the key into the slot... Her hand was shaking terribly, and she stopped for a second, trying to focus. Her vision was breaking at the edges again... Please no, she didn't need to pass out again tonight. She swayed, slightly, trying to force her body to stay conscious as she blindly tried to put the key in... Her hand shook horribly, and she just couldn't seem to get the key in. Again she swayed as her vision flashed black... She tried to focus, to right herself, only to stumble backwards, the key cluttering to her feet. Good thing Neji was behind her, otherwise she would've stumbled and fallen straight down the stairs... Headfirst, probably.

______________________________________________________________________________________

You Stand Through The Pain, You Won't Drown, And One Day What's Lost Can Be Found...

[Hyuuga Neji]

Neji looked down to when Tete called him dense about some things. He knew now that when she came to herself that she would have some rather nice words with him about whatever it was that he was called dense. In some ways he knew it was probably because of how he just treated Sakura, but there was a part of him didn't have a clue to what she meant by that. He looked down to her for a moment and raised his eyebrow, he would have started to question her right then and there but decided that it was not the best time to do so. He didn't want her to waste unnessecitary movements just because he wanted something answered.

He choose to walk the past that had less people due to the rumors that was sure to come tomorrow. There was nothing going on between the two yet, but people liked to talk and he didn't see one of the famous gossiper there at the dance yet. Ino, if he would have ran into her it would have meant trying to talk his way out of a lot and there was no time for that, he wanted to get her home so she could rest without walking all over the place. Plus after a while carrying someone one was tiring on the arms, no matter who it was. Tho he did like being this close to her for some reason and yet he pushed it all to the side because of her. He didn't feel like dealing with Ino's loud mouth at the time, and he was sure that Tenten wouldn't either.

He reached her door and felt her tap his shoulder, he looked down to her and listened to him. It was against his better judgment to let her stand on her own but he gently lowered her legs for her to stand. It was either that or be stabbed with one of her weapons if he didn't. He was careful to stay right beside her, it didn't look like she could do this on her own that was what worried him the most. It was just like Tenten not to accept help when she needed it, but he had not room to talk, he was the same way and could not fault her for that. He had not choice but to watch Tenten fight with trying to get the damn key in the keywhole, he could tell that it was taking a lot out of her just by leaning up against the door frame like she was doing at the moment.

When she dropped her key to the ground his first reaction was to drop down and get them from her but found that she was falling once more. He quickly without thinking wrapped his arms around her waist almost like he was protecting her from some unknown danger. "Are you all right Tenten?" He held her not knowing what she wanted to do for the moment but there was no way that he was going to allow her to try that again. Now that she had her keys out, there was nothing stopping him from opening the door in front of them now.

He looked down to where her keys was, a thought ran across his mind. He moved his foot slightly, supporting himself and her on his right foot. He moved and pressed the keys up against the door and wiggled the keys on top of his shoes. He was careful not to touch Tenten with his movements, there was no need for her to worry at the moment. He started to store just a bit of chakra in his foot enough to give the keys some momentum that was. He kicked up his foot and released the chakra. The keys came up and he caught them in his left hand that finally released Tenten. He then quickly looked through them and picked the one that she had just been fighting with and stuck the key into the hole. He turned the doorknob and pushed the door open.

After the door was open he picked her up again in his arms. It was not his first time in the house, tho he had yet to meet her mother properly, then again he was not wanting to meet her mother. It didn't take his eyes long to adjust to the near pitch black of the house, it was fine tho. All he had to do was to activate his Byakugan if he ran into anymore trouble than what it was needed. He walked inside with her and made sure he kicked the door closes with his left foot. He didn't really have the time to take off his shoes, for the moment. He walked carefully down the hall and towards Tenten's room, remember most where everything was for the moment.

Once he reacted her room he carefully crossed the floor and laid her on the bed. He dropped her keys on the table in the room and went and turned on the lights. He looked back over to her and bent down and took off his shoes. He had socks on but at the same time it felt good to get out of the shoes. He placed his shoes against the wall that was next to the door. "Tenten I am going to go get you something to drink to take this medicine that Sakura gave me to give to you."

[Tenten]

Jul 20, 2009 21:50:59 GMT -5 Tenten said:

Stand In The Rain, Stand Your Ground, Stand Up When It's All Crashing Down...

~She Doesn't Know Why, But She Knows That When She's All Alone, Feels Like It's All Coming Down~
❃♈❃ тєитєи ❃♈❃
"Okay, if you insist, remember you asked for it!"

______________________________________________________________________________________

Had the moment been a little less tense and not affected by the fact that she was rather ill, Tenten would have been redder than ever before... Not because she was embarrassed, really, but because such close contact was bound to induce blushing... Especially if your accompaniment was one, the incarnation of gorgeous, two the prodigy of your graduating class, three, probably the most sought-after male of said graduating class, and four... Your long-time team-mate and best friend... All topped off with the fact that you were probably considered 'falling for him'.

Well, at least being sick had it's positives...

Her retort to his worried question, had it been a bit more 'normal' of a moment, would have been the phrase, 'you tell me, Hyuuga' or something of that sort, but all she could do was stay silent with half-lidded eyes as she was close to passing out again. She watched the ground as he went to pick up the keys... Sort of. She knew, subconsciously, why he hadn't simply bent down to pick them up; for one, he was basically the only thing supporting her from keeling over like dead weight, and for two... Well, actually, there was only one reason she could think of at the time. Later on she might've liked to figure the second reason out... But that time would come, or so she hoped.

Gracefully he caught them in one hand after kicking them up - probably with chakra, she could assume - and swiftly opened the door. He then promptly picked her up once again and carried her to her room, managing to close the door without hands, a method Tenten used quite a lot... As well as her mother. Her vision was beginning to come back... And she thought she would at least be better off sleeping in something more comfortable than her dress.

Once set down, she nodded when Neji said he was going to get her some water... And something to do with medication that Sakura had given him. Well... If the medication would kill off whatever was getting to her right now, she wouldn't complain, even if it tasted disgusting. She waited until Neji was gone, then slowly swung her legs over the bed so she was sitting. Her heels were still on... She methodically removed them and slid her dress over her head, hoping Neji wouldn't choose that exact moment to walk in. She could still hear the water running, so she guessed she was in the clear...

Her mind was a little focused now, so she slipped on a pair of her more... comfortable pajama pants and a comfortable - and rather form-fitting - tank top and sat with her head and shoulder leaned against the wall, eyes closed. Her head was throbbing a little, but she knew it wasn't from whatever illness had decided to plague her at the moment. No... It was something totally different. For one, her entire night had been ruined because she'd become suddenly ill at the last minute... Right before she was possibly going to bring something up, something important. God, why did karma have to come after her? Or Murphy's Law, whatever it was.

She'd been so close... So close in a lot of ways. To an extent, she could read it in his eyes, but his voice was, strangely enough, what was speaking for him [no pun intended]; she could tell, just by his worried tone and facial expression... He was worried, of course, which meant he cared. And now he was still here... Taking care of her, in a sense. He'd carried her all the way here... While he could have possibly waited. Hell... He'd put his arms around her waist. Every gesture like that struck two nerves inside her; one that told her he was just caring because she was his best friend - a painful thought for her - and the other that spoke of something else... Just thinking that he might only be doing this because of their friendship made her ache deeply. And yet... She wasn't even sure why.

Nonetheless, she mused as she laid down... Once she was much better, she would have to bring up the subject. He absolutely deserved to know... Even if it would ruin their friendship. It wasn't good to keep him in the dark... Because, being who he was, he'd see through the dark eventually. He'd figure things out... But she was sure he would rather have her tell him straight out than keep it a secret. It was called maturity... And she wouldn't cling to him if he disagreed, either. No, she would give him his space if he wanted it, but... Well, she wouldn't think of the other situation. There was no need to cause herself more heartbreak if he didn't agree.

Slowly her eyes opened to the world about her... It was comforting to be in this familiar place. Her eyes glanced around her room... She saw the sketchbook lying on the bedside table. Hopefully Neji would notice it and at least take a look, like he'd wanted... If not, she'd point it out to him later. All she wanted now was sleep and to get better... So she could actually see straight the next time she spoke to him. As he came back, she slowly sat up, sitting back on her knees with her head and shoulder against the wall once again, otherwise she would probably fall over as dead weight. It seemed, however, that slowly it was starting to clear... Now hopefully it would clear by the next morning, like Sakura had said...

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You Stand Through The Pain, You Won't Drown, And One Day What's Lost Can Be Found...

[Hyuuga Neji]

Neji walked out of her room when she didn't respond. It was a given that she was not feeling like her normal stuff, he was worried because really this was the first time in so many years that he had actually saw her like this. Sure she missed a few missions and training because she was sick, most of them had in the long run, but she had never allowed them to see her like this before. He knew that she was strong and wouldn't really need to take care of but he knew he just could not leave her like this on her own.

He walked to the kitcken and looked around for a glass. The layout of the kitchen was somewhat like his own, but wasn't. Once he found the glass he went to placed some ice in the cup, but only a few tiny pieces. He then went over to the sink and started to run the water. He slipped his hand into his pocket and took out the vile of medicine that Sakura had gave him. When the glass was nearly full he placed it on the counter and fetch a spoon, and then poured the purple liquid inside the glass and stirred it.

He watched the clear liquid changed colors. It seemed to him that life was now just like this change. Over the last few years he had opened up more and also started to train with his uncle and had been know to help with his youngest cousin Hanabi. Now things with Tenten seem to changing. He didn't understand why he was so worried about her tonight, it was not like him to worry. Had Saskura seen and heard it in his voice? What about Tenten when she was someone able to make out what the things was said was? Now things started to turn into a headache for the young man, not knowing what exactly what was going on.

When the large areas of where it was purple faded into the liquid he took the spoon out and washed it. He knew how to clean up after himself and being in Tenten's house didn't excuse him of picking up after him. There was no need for her to wake up in the morning and feel like he had left her house a mess. Besides if his mother had learned about that he was sure to get scolded for it.

After dried off the spoon he placed it back where he got it from. He picked up the glass and turned off the light. He walked carefully back to her room, mainly because he was not use to walking in socks for the most part. Maybe when he left here he would just take them off and walk home barefooted. That did seem like a better plan for him to do. "But would it be okay to leave Tenten...." That was the thought that kept running through his mind at the moment. If it was okay if he left her. Sakura did tell him to keep her fever down, and her mother was not home to make sure it stayed down. There was no way around it for him in the matter. He would only leave her house tonight if she told him to get his ass out. To him this was a mission that needed completed.

He walked into the room once more. It was not hard to tell that she had changed. She had the strength to make sure she changed so that was a good thing right. He reached up and grabbed the knot that tied the tie around his neck. He wiggled it down slightly so it was loose around his neck. He walked over to her. "I saw that you changed..." He held out the water to her. "It just water tinted purple, but you need to drink it. Sakura said it will help with the fever."

[Tenten]

Stand In The Rain, Stand Your Ground, Stand Up When It's All Crashing Down...

~She Doesn't Know Why, But She Knows That When She's All Alone, Feels Like It's All Coming Down~
❃♈❃ тєитєи ❃♈❃
"Okay, if you insist, remember you asked for it!"

______________________________________________________________________________________

Tenten sat up slightly when Neji came back in, a purple-tinted glass of water in his hand. Well, she knew that if it was partially a concoction from Sakura, it was bound to taste disgusting, but nonetheless... She could really care less at the moment. She could feel the thirst in her throat, and she was rather thirsty, now that she thought about it... Definitely dehydrated from her feverish state, and that was to be expected. Managing a weak smile, she took the glass from his outstretched hand and took a swig of... Whatever one might have called that.

Upon swallowing, Tenten coughed and sputtered at the taste... Oh, disgusting was an absolute understatement! That was probably one of the most horrible things she had ever tasted. A disgusted look crossed her visage, and she waved her free hand in a rather weak 'don't worry about it' gesture as she glanced at the water with a small groan. The phrase 'screw it' fit rather well there as Tenten shakily raised the glass again and literally chugged it as fast as she could, to avoid tasting it. It worked to an extent, but she still swallowed hard afterwards to help get rid of the taste.

A shaky hand set the glass down on the bedside table carefully, making sure not to knock any inanimate objects over. It was then that she remembered... Neji had wanted to see her drawings, and she didn't want him to leave yet, either. She didn't think he would, not with that meaning she would be left absolutely alone, without anyone to take care of her should something else go wrong; whatever that might be. Surely if she asked, he would stay... But did she have the guts to ask? She wasn't sure.

She tapped the sketchbook lightly, hoping to draw his attention to it. "You said... you wanted to see my drawings... right? Well... there's some," she said, and a yawn escaped her lips ever so slightly. Her bed was getting comfortable... Even though her position was slightly uncomfortable. She moved her hand to rest in her lap with her other one, and continued speaking. "There's some there, and... More on the... Desk, or in the drawers... I can't remember," her weak, tired voice spoke as a second yawn escaped her lips again.

"And please... stay... I don't want you to... Leave..." Those were her final words as sleep claimed her, in the very awkward-seeming position that she was in. Her head and shoulder were up against the wall, meaning that Tenten was basically sitting on her pillow. She wasn't shaking as much now, but every so often she would convulse slightly, a simple effect of her feverish state. Her legs were half-kneeling underneath her, slightly out to the one side, and her hands rested limply in her lap. Her breathing was even, deep, slow, and soft, utterly characteristic of sleep. The kunoichi's face was serene, peaceful, with a gentle smile and a feverish flush gracing her features. Someone had been rather tired, now hadn't she?

______________________________________________________________________________________

You Stand Through The Pain, You Won't Drown, And One Day What's Lost Can Be Found...

[Hyuuga Neji]

Neji watched her take the glass from his hand and take the first drink of it. The expression that she gave off from drinking it he knew what it was. There was no way in hell he would try whatever he had placed in the glass unless he was like her now and was force to. He was about to question if she was okay or not but when she waved her hand around like that he knew not to question her. He had learned before when she did that it mean just to pretty much ignor her for the most part. There was no helping the matter of bad tasting medicine, most of it tasted nasty come to think about it.

He blinked slightly when she commented about the draws in the pad and how she got his attention. He walked over to the desk and sat down in the chair. He took up the pad and started to flip through it. The details that he saw in it was remarkable, he didn't know anyone else that could draw like this. He allowed a small smile slip due to the details of the draws. It could not be help from him in the long run, besides there was no one else around at the moment beside the two of them. "Well Tenten, these are amazing..." That was the only words that he got out before she had fallen asleep where she laid. He was tempted to look into her draw to look at more of them but knew better in the long run. He didn't know what he would find in the draws and wasn't sure she had anything valuable in there so he kept his hands out.

He looked up to her and placed the drawing pad back down on the desk. He walked over to her and sat her up slightly and pulled her legs from under her and straighten her out. He picked her up gently so that he could play her down right on the bed. After he repositioned her. He took off his jacket and tie and laid both of them on the back of the chair. She had requested that he didn't leave her and that was what he was going to do. Stay all night with her. Sure he would have to explain to his mother later to why he didn't come home tonight but her fury was something to deal with if it meant that Tenten was doing better. He walked back to the kitcken and got himself some ice water. Once back in her room he took his socks off, having felt better with them off.

He sat down on the floor beside her bed and looked at the drawing pad some more. He made sure to place his glass of water on the table so that it didn't fall. From time to time he had dozed off, with his head on the back of her bed, but he would wake up and check on her from time to time.

---

Neji was not sure exactly what time the sun had hit his eyes from the window in her room, but when they did he was up. His black hair was somehow still in the tie he had place in it last night. His bandage that he had placed around his forehead however was down around his neck. He yawned slightly and stretched slightly. His shirt came up and he pulled it out of his pants. This might be the last time he wore something like this, next dance that Tenten dragged him to he would be sure to wear something more simple than this death trap.

He got up to his feet and took a step, but nearly fell back down. He might be graceful and able to move quickly when he was totally awake but when he was still half asleep and only doze for the most part of the night it was a different matter all together. It usually when there was nothing to do in the morning it took him nearly twenty minutes or so to get up. How he was sitting on the floor made sure he got up and stretch quickly there. He unbutton the sleeves of his long sleeve shirt.

He allowed his eyes to wander around the room. This was not his room....it took his brain a moment or so to realized what happened last night. Tenten got sick at the dance and she wanted him to stay here with her. His eyes traveled to behind him, stepping side ways has he turned to look. His eyes fell on big brown eyes that seemed wide awake now. He hoped that he hadn't woke her up. "Tenten...how are you feeling?" His voice was much more calmer now than it had been last night. Throughout the night her fever stayed down and hoped that like Sakura posted that she was feeling better.

[Tenten]

Stand In The Rain, Stand Your Ground, Stand Up When It's All Crashing Down...

~She Doesn't Know Why, But She Knows That When She's All Alone, Feels Like It's All Coming Down~
❃♈❃ тєитєи ❃♈❃
"Okay, if you insist, remember you asked for it!"

______________________________________________________________________________________

She was surprised, absolutely surprised, that he had actually stayed the entire night. She felt much better now... Her mind was still thick with sleep, sure, but she wasn't having chills, wasn't shaking... Nothing. She sat up to see a sleeping Neji at the foot of her bed, and decided not to disturb the Hyuuga teen. He'd done enough for her... The least she could do was allow him some sleep. Carefully she leaned back, lying down to think, at least for a little bit...

Her mind was going crazy. Everything that had happened was fully registering now... She knew her mind had to've been hazy even from the start of the evening. She'd danced. With Hyuuga Neji. Dancing meant close contact... Close and somewhat personal contact, too. Then they'd sat, only inches away, on a porch swing... The common porch swing that lovebirds always sat on. And then she'd collapsed to hear a worried Hyuuga's voice... Followed by him rushing to find Sakura, then him snapping at Sakura for something. Oh, she would have to explain why she'd called him dense... If he could understand, that was.

Then there was her trying to put the key in... She remembered clearly her hands shaking, her vision blurring and blacking, only for her to drop the keys and stumble back into the somewhat protective arms of Neji. The thought of that made her blush... That factor was the clearest in her mind. She didn't even notice the tear run down her cheek... And she angrily wiped it away. Why was she crying? Well... For one, her night had been absolutely ruined. For two... He'd been so sweet to her, the whole night, and just thinking about that as well as the fact that he was so in the dark about her feelings made her feel... Hell, she wasn't even sure. Guilty, perhaps?

And then... The thought of him not agreeing. That struck a chord deep in her, but she held back the tears. They subsided as she thought more... Until she saw stirring at the foot of her bed. So he was awake now... Good thing he wouldn't be able to tell how she'd been feeling. Her face was bland, wide awake now, and hopefully didn't betray anything to his all-seeing lavender eyes. She watched his fluid movements as he got up, and noted they weren't as fluid as they normally were... Well, that was to be expected of anyone who was still half asleep. Lavender met chocolate, and she heard Neji's question quite clearly.

"Aside from disgusted, slightly annoyed, distraught, and still half sleeping... Perfect like a whistle," she said, pushing herself up into a sitting position. Her eyes were downcast towards her knees, seemingly immersed with the patterns she could find in the stitches of her duvet. "Neji..." she started, her voice a little shaky with emotion, but not as bad as it possibly could have been. "Th-thanks... I mean it, really. You didn't have to stay the whole night... but you did anyway... I feel like a complete idiot," she said sheepishly, lazily resting her forehead in her palm as her elbow rested on her knee.

"I-if you wouldn't mind," she said, looking up again, her face much brighter than it had been the night before, "I'd kinda like to spend a day just, you know... Hmm, what's that they call it now? "Hanging out"? I don't think I'm in much of a... Condition, nor mood, to train," she said, adding a gentle smile to her statement as she stood up. She was still in her pajamas... Oh well. She didn't really care at the moment. "Of course, if you want to train, that's fine... I'm fine with that.

"Though I do think new clothes are on the agenda for you," she added with a laugh.

______________________________________________________________________________________

You Stand Through The Pain, You Won't Drown, And One Day What's Lost Can Be Found...

[Hyuuga Neji]

Neji have expected Tenten to be still asleep but when his eyes meet her chocolate ones, he knew right away that she had been up longer than what he had. He kinda himself felt embarrassed at the moment for her seeing him in the state of his clothing and appearance. He was known to get up early but usually he forced himself out of bed after about thirty minutes or so waking up rather early. He was normally out of bed before the the sun raised but considering what happened last night with Tenten and how uncomfortable he was sitting all night it was suppose to like this he suppose. There was no reason to get in a rush now anyways about things. He had to keep reminding himself tho that things could have been worse, but it was thanks to Sakura that it seemed like Tenten was fine now just like she said she would be.

It only took Neji a couple more minutes to compose himself like he normally was when he was out in about in public and around people that he knew. Tho there was still a hint of worried in his eyes for Tenten, even if she seemed like herself at this time. Neji has experienced the normal colds and illness that each child developed throughout their years, and he had always witness the sadness in his mother eyes when he didn't open up to her about how he was feeling and stuff. Maybe he would have to work on that with his mother, because the pain in Tenten's eyes and face last night really did scare him a bit. This was nothing that he was going to tell her of course, but somehow he knew that she already knew exactly how he felt last night. It seemed to him that he could no longer hide his true emotions ways from her like he did the rest of the world.

He broke eye contact finally and looked out the window, it was bright but not to bright, so he knew that his mother might still be asleep. He was not planning on sneaking into the house, that would be a bad move on his part. It would tell her that he was up to something last night and which he wasn't. Oh well he would deal with his mother when the time came for him to deal with her and not dwell on the matter at hand.

He listened to how Tenten felt at the moment. He could understand most of it but not why she felt disgusted with herself. He knew that she was annoyed and might be disappointed with how their evening ended last night. "There no need for you to feel disgusted, Tenten. No one important saw you pass out last night, or laying down sick. I made sure of that. No one really saw me carry you here either. The only person that does know about it is Haruno Sakura." He hoped that she was not too mad at him for getting Sakura to look her over last night, but he didn't know what else to do and if he had just left her there to take care of herself than he knew she and a few other people would give him a hard time if not a beating. He himself would have been beating or training rather hard by now if that was the case.

He blinked slightly when she commented on how he didn't have to stay last night. A few thoughts ran through his mind at the moment on what to say to her on this subject at hand. It was not like him to care for anyone or be seen caring about someone other than himself and his pride. The right way to say things was usually what he was best in doing. He was not sure tho if she would buy what he was about to say or not but it was a worth a shot in the long run. Even if she saw right through him to him it didn't matter. He placed his hands in his pockets, finding something useful about the western style pants that he was wearing finally. "Haruno Sakura, told me to watch your tempt, so I was going to stay even if you hadn't asked me to. I can deal with my mother later." His eyes slowly traveled back down to her chocolate ones for a belief moment.

He walked over to the drawing pad on her desk and brought out his hand and gently placed three of his fingers on the cover of it. He looked back to her. "You surprise me once more Tenten. Not only are you Konoha's finest sharpshooter, but you are a pretty good artist has well. Keep it up." Words of encouragement so that she didn't stop just because she didn't think that she was worthy of being called an artist. It was also very rare for him to give a complainant like out right like this. He was not sure how she was going to take this, and he was expecting a smartass comment from her back.

He looked backed to her when she talked about hanging out today, and quickly cover up if he wanted to train they would train. It had been a while since he had token a break from everything, and with the events of last night and everything for once he felt no need to make an excuse to go train. His body on how he was position most of the night was aching a bit and the lack of sleep that he got didn't help the matter, only made it worse. "Tell you the completely truth Tenten, I don't feel up to training today. so this 'hanging out" is okay with me." Then she commented about the state of his clothing. He looked down at himself and saw his white shirt all wrinkly and frowned slightly. His tie was still around his neck but was rather loose than what it was last night. "....I don't like these clothing, so yes a change of clothing would suit me better than this thing." At lease at the moment he was being completely honest with her.

[Tenten]

Stand In The Rain, Stand Your Ground, Stand Up When It's All Crashing Down...

~She Doesn't Know Why, But She Knows That When She's All Alone, Feels Like It's All Coming Down~
❃♈❃ тєитєи ❃♈❃
"Okay, if you insist, remember you asked for it!"

______________________________________________________________________________________

Each thing he said made her flush a little more of a red colour... And shit, this time, she couldn't blame it on her temperature. If he asked, what the hell should she say? Hell... She didn't even know. Hopefully he'd have another one of his male denseness moments and allow it to fly straight over him. Then she would be out of the clear... Or so she hoped. If not... Well, she'd clear that roadblock [somehow] when she got to it. No need to worry about it for the time being, now was there?

"You know, maybe next time we decide to do something as stupid as this - oh yes, I know you will agree that you felt a little ridiculous last night - maybe you should stash a change of clothes here so you don't have to go out in public... and broad daylight... Like that," She said, the blush fading ever so slowly from her cheeks. Please allow him to have a male denseness moment and not notice, please oh please... Yes, she was mentally praying for that. Normally she hated it when men were as dense as they were, but sometimes it came in handy...

"So, uh... I'll get all ready and only take about five to ten minutes, and then we'll take the back roads and you can clean yourself up," Tenten said as she literally pushed - not hard, of course, more like an usher - out of her bedroom. Before closing the door, she added, "I swear I won't be more than ten minutes. Promise." With a nod, she shut the door gently, turned around, and let a gentle, quiet sigh escape her lips. For a moment she could at least gather her thoughts... It tends to be hard when probably the most gorgeous male, not to mention your more-than-crush, is standing in the same room. Good thing Tenten wasn't the fangirl type... Otherwise she probably would have fainted. Again. And that simply wouldn't be a good thing.

She hoped she didn't make it seem as if something were up... That surely wouldn't be a good thing. Being obvious that something was eating at her - well, not necessarily eating at her in a bad sense, but to an extent it was terrible - wasn't exactly on her agenda. And she didn't have any 'sickness' to blame it on, either. Taking slow, deep breaths, she walked over to her dresser and quickly threw on something that was more casual; a better pair of her black kapris, the ones she'd usually be seen in as a mere Genin, and her black sleeveless shirt. Quickly she brushed through her hair and tied it up in the usual buns she wore, but this time didn't bother with her headband... Nonetheless, she shoved the metal and fabric object into the pocket of her pants... One could never know when they'd need it, now did they?

For a moment, she thought she might look at herself in the full-length mirror as she removed the leftover makeup from the night previous. Even without the makeup, she couldn't do anything but assume she was pretty... Ordinary, but pretty nonetheless. Bright, chocolate-brown eyes, gentle brown locks, smooth and unscarred skin... And it wasn't like she didn't have curves, either. No, most of the time they were hidden underneath her clothing... But when one looked upon her closely, especially in the dress she'd worn the night before, she had soft curves in her hips, waist, and buttocks... Not to mention a nice bust when one thought about it, too. Of course, she couldn't rival Tsunade - nobody could rival something that large, ever - but she definitely had something going there... Elegant, feminine hands that looked both gentle and strong at the same time - Much like Neji, she thought, then shoved the thought away - and a few other things... She snapped out of her minute trance as she glanced at the alarm clock... She'd taken five minutes. Quicker than she'd assumed...

She thought food would be on the agenda first, or at least, after Neji changed into some more proper clothing. Yeah... Proper clothing was a definite must. Although, she had to admit, he still looked rather gorgeous even though his clothing wasn't in the best state... God, what the hell is wrong with me?! She scolded herself, slapping both hands over her face. She really needed to quit with those random thoughts... Her mind was going haywire on her. Must still be the cold... Stupid, absolutely stupid. Whatever the case... She opened the door, a smile on her face.

"There, now... Deserted streets. Definitely. I'm sure you'd like to keep your reputation... Not to mention avoid lurking fangirls," she added as a joke, chuckling. Sometimes it was fun to tease him about fangirls... Because every time he heard such a word, she saw the cringe behind his lavender orbs. "Actually... I'm surprised none of them decided to leap on you at first sight... Or did I stake a claim?" She chuckled about the last statement, throwing Neji her 'you're welcome' slash 'yeah right' look... She was just being her sometimes-playful self. Yeah, lighten the situation... That sounded like a good idea. Hopefully it would keep her thoughts clear as well as keep her from having her... Spontaneous thoughts.

"Well, lead the way, Hyuuga."

______________________________________________________________________________________

You Stand Through The Pain, You Won't Drown, And One Day What's Lost Can Be Found...

[Hyuuga Neji]

Neji looked back over to Tenten when she started to talk about stashing a pair of clothes over here when and if they did this again. He looked over to his coat and grinned slightly, unsure if she expected him to dress up like this once more. If she wanted him to do it was going to be a lot of work on her part to get him back in this suit anytime soon. He placed his hands in his pockets and looked back to her, he was kinds slouching at the time for once. He eyes did noticed the tinted look on her face, he tilted his head just slightly. He was sure the last time he woke up to check her tempt that it broke, so he knew it wasn't that. "Why is your face turning red?"

He didn't mind if she wanted slash a pair of his clothes over here, but he didn't see himself wearing that outfit for a long period of time. Having a pair over here though meant that he didn't have to go all the way back home to change when they was dirty from training and was summoned to do a mission. He never did like to show up in front of Tsunade where his clothes was wrinkle and dirty from the fighting him, Lee and Gai did. True they barely touched him now but the fast movements he did could only take so much on his clothing has well. 'I don't mind if you keep a pair of clothing here, it will save some troubles later down the road."

He blinked slightly when she stood up and pushed him out of the room, he grabbed his shoes, socks, and jacket that he had in her room. He nodded once at her, and walked out of the room. He went over to the living room and placed his shoes on the floor, stuffing his socks deep into the toes of the shoes. He placed his jacket on, there was no need to hide just at the moment of how he looked in his outfit.

The only thing that he was worried about was being seen coming out of Tenten's house looking like this. He was a bit worried at how people would look at this, he was more worried for her reputation than his own. He had one of being cold and not too outspoken for the most part. he could usually place more in their places, he knew Tenten could to, but still he didn't want her to deal will all that from the other girls and especially Sakura like she had commented on her weapons. He was not even sure why Tenten has called him dense something that he still had to ask her about.

The thoughts of her reputation faded once he heard the door open from the hall way. He leaned down and picked up his shoes, he wasn't about to try and place them back on for that distance of a walk. Besides it was just to early to try and remember how to tie a know in these western style shoes, he would rather stab them with a kunia or something before he placed them on. Sure he might be in a bit of pain from the rocks and all on the ground but it was a small piece to pay.

He turned around and noticed the clothing Tenten was wearing. It had been a while since he seen her in that style of clothing, he was used to seeing her in the long sleeve kimono shirt somewhat similar style that he wore now, since he was embracing more of the Hyuuga traditional style of clothing. He looked away from her for a moment, usure what to think about this sudden change in her appearance, tho he finally force the thoughts out of his head.

He turned his head back to her just has she slapped her hand to her face, this caused him to raised his eyebrow slightly at her. It was weird seeing her in this state, and he was not sure what was wrong with her, he just knew that it couldn't be the cold. Sakura didn't mention anyone of these symptoms of the cold. Either way he decided to ignore it for now, she would talk when she was ready to right?

He followed her out the door has she commented about the fangirls and the party last night. What went mostly into his ear was her realizing that she was the one that kept them all away from him. He was not even sure how he managed to get into the dance room to get Sakura without them all over him. It most likely had to do with his look he was giving them all last night. Annoyed and stressed look was a good combo of all things that he noticed that worked with them for the most part. "Something like that." That was all he was going to say on the matter.

He looked up over to her when she told him to lead the way, getting to his house from the backways was easy and he knew the route like the back of his palm. He nodded and allowed his left fingers to hold his has he started to walk, he knew she was bound to follow him. He lead them towards the training ground, luckily it was still to early for anyone to be there to noticed them. Once at the training ground he located a small path that was slightly worn from his running from his house to the training grounds. He had discovered it years back and found it the best way to avoid the green duo on days he didn't want to be found. Plus this was perfect for looking at nature. Tho he had never realize it.

[Tenten]

Stand In The Rain, Stand Your Ground, Stand Up When It's All Crashing Down...

~She Doesn't Know Why, But She Knows That When She's All Alone, Feels Like It's All Coming Down~
❃♈❃ тєитєи ❃♈❃
"Okay, if you insist, remember you asked for it!"

______________________________________________________________________________________

"Why is your face turning red?"

Shit. Tenten didn't want to have to deal with it at the moment... Um... Play stupid. Yeah, that seemed like the smartest idea... Ironically. Pretend you've no idea what he's talking about. Then again... Tenten wasn't exactly a stupid person, either. Would that look normal? Maybe... She could blame it on still being a little sleepy. Yeah, that sounded good... If he asked about it.

"Huh? I don't know what you're talking about," she said as Neji started leading the way into the trees. She chuckled when his signature three-word sentence started to come into play again... It made her giggle. He was such a genius, and yet sometimes he talked with so very little words... Four word sentences from a genius. Giggle. Nonetheless, Tenten guessed she must've acted as fangirl-repellent or something... So Neji surely owed her for that, now didn't he? Well, they could be considered even, with Tenten repelling the fangirls and him simply keeping an eye on her all night... Though she still felt he'd done a lot more than what she had.

Tenten's attention was turned, however, as a familiar voice called to both of them from ahead. She couldn't mistake that flurry of pink hair, the black gloves and sandal-boots, the red top... Everything. She smiled as Sakura came up to them, though it looked like the girl's attention was turned to Neji, which confused Tenten quite a bit. Why would Sakura need to pay attention to Neji..?

Suddenly, however, Sakura's face contorted into anger, and she literally belted Neji in the mouth. Hard. Confusion rattled Tenten until Sakura spoke.

"Next time, think about what you say, genius," the kunoichi snapped, both of her hands on her hips. Oh. So that was what Sakura was talking about. "And don't you dare do that again, or I'll break your damned jaw next time." With that, Sakura stalked off... With Tenten left to do not much about anything. She glanced at Neji, and could see he had a split lip... And from the way that punch rocked him in the mouth, he was definitely going to have a bruise.

"...You deserved that," She stated simply, giving Neji her 'idiot' look. "And that is exactly the reason I called you dense last night." There she stood... Shorter than him... Looking up at him, to be exact, both arms crossed and a single chocolate eyebrow raised. "I would've thought you of all people to be... Intelligent enough not to lip off to Haruno Sakura... Have you seen what she can do?" The kunoichi's voice raised an octave with the last sentence, pointing to the direction that Sakura had walked off in. Tenten shuddered then, out of pure fear. Well... She was overexaggerating, but whatever. Neji would get her point. He wasn't that dense... Not all the time, anyway [at least, she hoped].

Taking a quicker glance, she quickly assessed the injury more... And could see that his lip was bleeding, all right. Well... Whatever. Her face softened as she reached back into the hip pouch she always wore and brought out a handkerchief, promptly dabbing at the blood with a gentle touch. It stained the white fabric, but that wasn't the focus at the moment... Too bad Tenten didn't have any semblance of medical prowess like the rest of the kunoichi she knew did... Sakura was basically fully medical, Ino knew some, and Hinata knew herbal remedies from what Tenten guessed... Which left her as the only one without medical prowess or knowledge, at least nothing more than basic.

"There," she said, handing him the white square of fabric. Well... If she couldn't care for him the way she hoped, at least she could care for him as a friend. It hurt to think like that, but good thing she could keep that from showing in her eyes. He didn't need to see how deeply such a thought cut her, at least not if it didn't involve him directly. Why worry him about anything that he didn't need to worry about?

Her mind flashed back to the night before... Though most of her recollection of that wasn't too clear, one thing came through painfully bright: the sound of Neji's worried voice... And that same worried look in his lavender eyes. For a moment, she was frozen in her own mind... Until she remembered, she wasn't standing alone. After a second or two passed, she snapped back to reality, blinking and hoping Neji hadn't noticed her zoning out.

"Uh, let's keep going."

______________________________________________________________________________________

You Stand Through The Pain, You Won't Drown, And One Day What's Lost Can Be Found...

[Hyuuga Neji]

Neji was kinda shocked that Tenten for once told him that it was nothing. Usually when he asked her a question like that he normally answered him and went on and on about the problem. This time however it didn't come. He felt like he was trying to make at lease some sort of connection with the weapon specialist and here she was shutting him out like this. It was just not like her, but he had leaned from serious times from his mother when a girl told him it was nothing than she would talk about it later, other wise it would only end up with him getting scolded or worse hit.

He lead the way towards into the training ground, what came next shocked him. he heard his and Tenten's names called out from in front of them. He came to a stop and watched the pink hair girl come up. He was about to thank her for last night, until her fist meet with his lip. If he was expecting the hit he might have pushed it back with his chakra. This was the first time someone actually hit him like that and he was sure that she placed some chakra into the punch.

When he moved his lips to part to speak he tasted the liquid that tasted like iron. He knew right away that his lip was spilt now, and his mind searched for an question to ask Sakura whhy she had done that. He turned to Tenten as she spoke about how he deserved the punch he just took from the girl that was walking away now. He was not sure how she had found out about this path or how she knew that they was on it, but either way today was not his day. Now he would have to explain to his mother why he didn't come home and while his lip was split. Could the day get any worse.

He grinned slightly, but stopped half away once he realized that grinning would only make the pain that he was feeling hurt worse. It was his first real spilt lip, and it was not something he was going to go brag about specially to how he got it. "I diidn liip off too her." Even speaking right now was only causing more problems for him. He couldn't even get his words out correctly. "....Waii...youu...herd mee?" He raised his eyebrow at her slightly, confused. One thing for sure he was not about to talk to Sakura at any point for the time being after he received that punch he would past. She probably was the only girl he knew besides Tsunade to throw a punch like that. He did know enough not to piss her off again for the time being.

He blinked slightly when Tenten took out her own handkerchief and tapped it against his slowly swallowing, bleeding lip. He would have most likely tapped his tie against the lip to stop it from bleeding over his chin and white shirt. He was not sure what to think, this was about the first time that she seemed to soften when he was hurt like this. Usually they would suck up their shattered egos and keep on training until there was barely any strength left to go. Today however things was different, because he saw that she was worried about him. Had she seen that from him last night? Could he hide that fact from her? He didn't think he could.

When she handed him the white fabric, he would be sure to get it cleaned up later today and give it back to her. He tapped it against his lips some more has she suggested that they keep on going. "Thanks." There would have been more feeling in the word if his lip was not aching in pain. He walked a head of her not wanting her to see his bruised ego for the moment. It was not like him to take that from anyone and there he was unable to speak clearly to defend himself, and too worried that she would see him has someone that was a big mouth like a few other people that he knew. He just wished that she didn't think that way about him. The fact that he didn't shout back at Sakura just now or hit her back was something right?

He walked out of the small path and onto the main road of the village. He headed into the Hyuuga District of the village. It was all he need was for one of his cousins to come and see him like this. Holding his shoes at this side and a fabric up to his mouth. What a sight at the moment, he was regretted the moments when he will have to explain to his mother what just happened.