Neji & Tenten: Words Unspoken

Disclaimer: I own nothing except for my poor writing capabilities and possibly lousy storyline.

Summary:

She was always at his side, silently watching his back and supporting him in times of need. She never asked for recognition or credit. He believed it would remain so for a long time to come. But the next thing you know, she was gone. His world had fallen apart. Nejiten pairing and possibly some others but I am still undecided :P

PROLOGUE

The setting sun cast a warm glow throughout Konohagakure. The villagers milled about as usual at a relaxed pace as they tidied things up for another day's end. In the training area, only two shinobi were still training hard, both so focused on their sparring with one another that time and space were forgotten. They moved swiftly, each releasing a series of elaborate taijutsu on one another.

Tenten consistently blocked and parried Neji's barrage of attacks easily. Still, it was apparent that Neji's speed and skill were draining her energy and chakra. To another's eye it would seem that Tenten's loss was inevitable and that Neji should be able to rest easy but if it was one thing that Neji had learnt throughout the countless hours of training with Tenten was to never underestimate her powers. True enough, a sudden kick directed at his shin threw Neji off balance for an instant and Tenten took her chance to attempt a finishing blow.

"Heavenly Chain of Destruction!" Tenten unrolled her scroll in a practiced move and unleashed a storm of weapons on Neji, creating a dust cloud that enveloped him.

Tenten surveyed the target area carefully, uncertain if she had gotten the Hyuuga genius this time. As the dust cloud settled, a badly injured Neji slumped to the ground and disappeared with a puff of smoke.

"A clone?" She realized.

"It's over." Neji whispered as he seemed to materialize from behind her with his gentle fist aimed at her fatal spot.

With the two softly spoken words, the spar had ended with Neji victorious once again. Tenten dropped to her knees with fatigue.

"Oops, you got me again." She smiled weakly at him as he offered his hand to pull her up.

"Hn" Came his non-committal grunt as usual.

"Wow, it's gotten really late huh?" Night had fallen while the two were busy sparring. Tenten quickly packed up her fallen weapons and scrolls with Neji's help. Together they walked in companionable silence to the village junction where they would separate on their way home.

"I will see you at eight tomorrow as usual then." Neji spoke before he turned towards his way home at the junction.

"… I guess so." Tenten replied softly. There was a look of uncertainty in her eyes but Neji found it unnecessary to question her. The Tenten he knew did not hesitate to speak of her troubles and he found that she would often reveal what was troubling her in time. Neji turned to leave as usual when she suddenly tugged at his sleeve, stopping him in his tracks. He raised an eyebrow, questioning her troubled gaze.

"Ah… Sorry. It's nothing. I guess I'll be seeing you then." Tenten released her grip quickly as she blushed. She quickly plastered on a smile and forced herself to wave and walk away. Watching her retiring figure, Neji found Tenten's actions odd and disconcerting. He considered questioning her about this tomorrow since it was late already on his way home.

The next morning however, Tenten was already gone.

A/N: I apologise for the short chapter. It's been a long time since I wrote a story :P The last time I was here I had abandoned by Ouran High School Host Club fanfic and deleted it from the face of earth. Well, I had a few good reviews so I kind of missed that. Guess that's why I'm here now. Please don't be too hard on me! Read and review please! Authors feed on reviews if you must know.

Chapter One coming up soon.