I finally edited this piece of work. It's probably been sitting in my flash drive for over a year and I'm only posting it now. Anyways this is my first post for the NejiTen pairing and I hope it isn't too bad.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of it's characters nor am I making a profit with this writing.
Dancing in the moonlight
The wedding was beautiful. Hyuuga weddings were always extravagant – outdoors with countless streamers crossing from tent to tent, flowers in every row, and nearly the whole village invited. There were so many people but Tenten still sat alone. Still remained at the same table since the evening meal while everyone went off to mingle, dance, and drink champagne. Spending the night in solitude was not what she had in mind, nor was it how she wanted to spend it.
She had a few glasses of the bubbly substance and discovered that she didn't have the tolerance for alcohol, but the pleasant feeling that came with inducing such a substance was something she couldn't pass up. Especially if it was free. She thought that maybe, just maybe, the best part about Hyuuga weddings were the open bars that would undoubtedly be a part of the extravagant package. When her legs were numb, her face hot, and the world was slightly spinning, she decided that she had enough but decided to remain where she was until she was able to walk stably on her legs. She had only walked around once and it was to excuse her self to the restroom – thanks to the effects of the alcohol.
The sun had long since set and the bright stars made for a beautiful wedding night. The breeze was cool but with the large mass of people contributing their body heat, warmth wasn't much of an unbearable issue.
The reception was loud, crowded, and fit for the setting of a wedding. Tenten watched as countless people walked by – many with white Hyuuga eyes and many without. She didn't know half the amount of people who attended and didn't even know why she attended in the first place.
Perhaps it was because she was Neji's date, even though she hadn't seen him for most of the night. He was part of the wedding ceremony as an usher – his older cousin of the branch family was the groom. The bride was a beautiful, green eyed, black haired girl and she looked absolutely ravishing with her long white kimono trailing behind her as she made way to the altar – she was a non-Hyuuga like Tenten. Tenten didn't feel as out of place as she thought she would be with so many Hyuuga's present.
The reception was coming to an end, and Tenten has yet to see Neji since the last time they made contact was at the beginning of the reception. He hadn't even eaten dinner with her, instead seated at the large rectangular table at the head of the courtyard where the rest of the family were.
He had asked her to be his escort but she was beginning to feel like she had been used, that maybe Neji may have been a bit embarrassed in attending his cousin's wedding alone and had asked her as a last resort for a date. She happily agreed thinking that maybe just for one night; they could forget ninja duties, training, and the stress that came with missions. She had a mission in two days time which gave her enough time to rest, especially to recover from any effects she may have consequently imposed on herself, even if it was just one more glass. She was looking forward to a night of fun, a night with him.
It was getting late and the crowd had significantly dwindled but she still couldn't find Neji from where she was sitting – with no help from the haze created from the champagne of course. She really wanted to leave but knew it would be rude to leave without saying anything.
But he's being rude in leaving me here alone!
~ X ~
"Tenten. Tenten."
The constant prodding at her side barely registered in her alcohol hazed mind, but after a few times, it became quite the annoyance.
Tenten lifted her head while mumbling something incoherent about rude dates causing Neji's brow to arch into to the cloth covering his forehead. He held back a chuckle when he peeled a napkin that was stuck to her cheek as she looked around dazedly before remembering where she was.
"You fell asleep at the table."
The too familiar voice brought Tenten back to her senses and it was then that she realized that she was still at the wedding reception, only the reception was gone. The guests were gone, most of the tables were cleaned up, and aside from the people who were there specifically for clean up, she and Neji were the only ones left.
"How long was I asleep?"
"Couldn't have been too long since last time I checked up on you was about half an hour ago, you were still up then."
"You checked up on me? I don't remember that." Tenten slightly slurred.
A puzzled look donned his face. "I did. You even spoke to me. You said you were ready to leave so I thought you had left and I just came back to find you sleeping."
Tenten tried to search in the hazy recesses of her mind but could not pull up that piece of information. It was then that she realized that she was still a little drunk.
"Maybe you should lay off the drinks next time."
She didn't know if it was the alcohol speaking or perhaps that the alcohol brought her true feelings to the surface but she couldn't quite hold her tongue when she blurted "there won't be a next time Neji. You left me here by myself all night!" And Neji couldn't help but feel extremely guilty.
She felt a warm material shielding her from the cold as Neji put his suit jacket around her shoulders. It was then that she actually looked up at him.
He looked very handsome tonight. His hair was tied at the nape of his neck holding back all of his hair, apart from the few bunches of strands that always framed his face, and he had a black head band that all branch house members wore to cover their seal rather than using their forehead protector, his white button down shirt was now untucked and his pants fit nicely – not too loose and not too tight – as it hung on his lithe figure held up by a black leather belt.
It was a westernized wedding for the most part, hence the western attire, but the bride insisted on wearing the traditional kimono, which worked wonderfully giving the wedding a modern yet traditional feel.
"I apologize. I know I shouldn't have left you but my family can make it quite hard for me to politely get away."
Tenten seethed for a little longer before getting up and dropping his jacket behind her. She had only taken two steps before gracefully falling over, hitting the ground with barely a thud. She may be intoxicated but still had the grace and lithe movement of a ninja. She sat un-lady like on the ground while she took off her heels. Neji could only try and not stare at her red satin panties that were clearly visible beneath her not long enough dress with the way she was sitting on the grassy floor.
Tenten ignored the hand that was offered to her and stood up to continue on her way but Neji made a grab for her wrist.
"Please don't be mad. I know what I did was inconsiderate but please hear me out."
Tenten took her hand back and crossed her arms, back still facing him. "I'm listening."
Neji sighed. "It's not often that the whole family gets together like this – and by whole I mean the main and branch family. If I had known that I would spend the majority of the night with the entire family, I would not have brought you. This really wasn't what I had in mind when I asked you to be my date."
Aside from the brief clanking of glasses made by the table bussers, and the usual chirp of crickets, it was silent – a nerve racking, seemingly never ending pause.
"Oh? So what did you have in mind?" Tenten finally voiced.
Neji remained silent for a brief moment, trying to choose his words carefully as to not scare her off.
"I wanted to spend time with you, but due to unforeseen circumstances, I have neglected you and I truly apologize."
Tenten tried not to smile. He wanted to spend time with me.
She turned around, still a bit incoherent, but she would remember what he said the next morning.
Neji moved closer and once again offered his jacket.
"It's cold. Please take it."
Tenten obliged as he helped her put her arms in the too long sleeves.
"There's something I want to show you."
Neji held out his hand, and after Tenten thought it through, much longer than necessary, she placed a sleeve covered hand in his and picked up her heels with the other.
He pulled her slowly, helping to keep her steady on her feet and guiding her at the same time.
It was a cloudless night, the moon shone high, full and bright – the scant amount of lighting made for excellent stargazing. Summer was nearing its end and the breeze had the chilling bite of autumn, the sound of the wind brushing through the leaves was a comfort to the both of them. Sometimes a strong gust would pull the loosened leaves off their branches, creating a whirlwind of orange, brown, and a lot of green.
The walk seemed much too long to Tenten but anything was worth spending time with Neji, especially if she was wearing his jacket and he would guide her by holding her hand, or by briefly touching the small of her back, or the jut of her hip to keep her steady. The touches were like electricity sending currents up and down her spine.
They always had some sort of chemistry but they never acted on it not knowing what the other would do – and neither wanted to risk their friendship to test whether they returned each others feelings. A friendship built over many years since their academy days should not to be tampered with and neither had the courage, even if they were top ninja and could hold a kunai to ones neck without an ounce of fear or hesitation.
Neji asked Tenten to close her eyes then slowly helped her turn a corner. Tenten could tell that they had left the sidewalk; she could feel the cool, dewy grass on her bare feet. They walked about 20 feet out before Neji allowed her to open her eyes.
It was beautiful. A fountain with a magnificent reflection of the moon shining high above, fireflies flying about, and the grass glistened from the moon reflecting off the dewdrops. But what caught her attention were the countless moon flowers uniformly planted along the fountain, surrounding and spreading out. The moon flowers only bloomed at night and were best to view when accompanied with a full moon. The flowers glowed in all their glory, the white petals reflecting in Tenten's light brown eyes.
"It's beautiful."
"You're beautiful." Neji whispered in her ear.
Tenten looked up to see Neji gazing down at her. His eyes, reminded her so much of the moon – pale in color and shining so brightly. She had watched as Neji grew from that bitter little boy into this caring, warm-hearted man – at least when he didn't leave his date alone for more than half the night.
They held each others gazes for much longer than usual and they both could only hope that their moment, this moment, would give to bigger and better opportunities and no regrets. Whatever they did, they didn't want regrets.
"You know, I haven't danced with you all night." Neji smirked. He relieved Tenten of her shoes, putting them down near the fountain.
"So what's your point Hyuuga?"
He quirked his lip at the smile that graced her lips.
"My point, is that I've neglected you for long enough, and its time for me to make it up to you."
Neji placed his hands on Tenten's hips, and she placed her hands on his shoulders and she followed as he slightly swayed. Not much of a dance, nothing fancy, just a little sway, just a way to be close to her.
She rest her head on his chest and it was then that she discovered that she no longer felt intoxicated. The cold air and the breathtaking moon flower garden had somehow sobered her up and she wouldn't have it any other way – she was also glad to be able to stand on her own, not relying heavily on Neji to keep her balance.
They lost themselves in their dance, content in mood and giddy on the inside. The soft touches, even if it wasn't direct skin contact, were more than electrifying. Tenten's hands moved down to Neji's chest, her fingertips feeling the taut muscle formed from many years of training. Her head resting on his chest could hear his heartbeat, a rapid beat despite his calm composure, a knowing smile on her lips.
Neji could feel the curve from her waist to her hips, and when his hands went low enough, he could feel the rim line of the panties he had shamelessly stared at just moments before. She felt so small, so fragile in his arms, even though she was far from it. Her feminine form was a lithe weapon – a weapon to be feared, yet irresistible to any man who set sights on her. He leaned his face in to the top of her head and held her, taking in the scent and silkiness of her hair. He vowed to be the only man who would give her this kind of affection.
"I'm really sorry for leaving you alone all night." He whispered.
"Stop apologizing. I forgive you."
Neji stopped moving, a soft chuckle leaving his lips as he lifted his head and she lifted hers to look at him.
"What's so funny?"
"You're so forgiving. So was it my charm or this lovely garden?"
Tenten playfully slapped his chest. Your head is as big as this garden.
"Maybe a little bit of both. Actually I think it was the garden." Humorous sarcasm dripping off every syllable.
"You know, I've always loved your sense of humor." He also loved the slight crinkle at the corner of her eyes when she smiled, and the slight intake of breath she takes when she's surprised, and the rare occasions of seeing her hair down, and when she fails at holding back her tears when reading a sad story, and how she strives to be strong, to be the best, and he just loved the way she looked at him. A look she never gave anyone else – a look of longing, cheeriness, love, and even lust.
"Hmm. I was unaware that I had one." A light laugh, music to his ears.
"Tenten…"
Neji lifted his hand to her face, stroking her cheek with his knuckles, her skin soft to the rough texture of his hand – his weapon. He leaned down to accommodate Tenten's height, especially with her lack of footwear, just as Tenten stood on her toes to meet him halfway.
They were just a hairsbreadth away when the sound of sprinklers and the spurting of water utterly destroyed their moment.
The moment was gone, both were disappointed, and both were running for dry ground.
~ X ~
It was nearly three in the morning when Tenten finally reached her front door. The part they both dreaded was the awkward moment that would undoubtedly ensue at her front door.
Silence.
"So…I guess I'll see you tomorrow?" Tenten tried, and she didn't think it could get more awkward.
Neji's movement was sudden.
He met her lips in a millisecond and it was only a matter of two more that he had Tenten leaning on her front door, returning his kiss.
Their kiss was soft and a bit clumsy. They started slow, gently moving their mouths on each other and when they got the hang of it, Tenten licked Neji's bottom lip and entered his mouth, but pulled away before he was able to return the favor.
"Sorry." Even in the dim lighting blush was apparent on Tenten's cheeks. She looked away, too embarrassed to make eye contact. I can't believe I did that!
"Sorry for what?" Neji couldn't help the smirk forming on his lips. He also couldn't believe the word adorable was an existing word in his mind's vocabulary.
"I…I…well you know!"
"It's ok Ten. Don't freak out. I rather like that you would make the first move."
Tenten could officially feel the burning embarrassment in her face and ears.
Neji brushed his lips against hers in an attempt to calm her down then placed a kiss on her forehead.
Tenten moved to take off his jacket but Neji stopped her movement with a hand on her shoulder.
"Hold on to it."
"But…."
"If you give it back now, then I won't be able to come back for it tomorrow."
The red was returning to her cheeks. He wants to come back? Tenten couldn't help the way her insides fluttered – she felt nervous, happy, and still a bit embarrassed. She could only imagine the goofy smile she knew took control of her lips and hoped she didn't look too goofy.
"Good night Neji." Tenten whispered one last time then the door came into view. Sneaky Kunoichi. Neji stood in front of the door for another minute before walking in the direction of his home, a happy grin plastered in his face.
I hope it wasn't too crappy (nervous smile). I'm not a writer so if it sucks then I really truly apologize. I also apologize for any type of mistakes that may have been found while reading this piece of amateur work.