Blood In The Water: A Tenten Fan Fiction (#3 In Shifting Series)

So You Love Me

Tenten waved good-bye to her parents as they started on their way to see Reno's mom next.  She gave a small gasp when he wrapped his arm about her waist and pulled her into a side alley.  He had a very pleased expression on his face as he loomed over her.  Her back was pressed against the wall as she looked up at him.

"So you love me, huh?"

She pushed on his chest, "Don't get all prideful.  I only said that because my Dad looked like he was going to brain you."

Reno laughed while leaning down to whisper in her ear, "I don't believe you."

She shoved him hard and he barely moved.  She was avoiding his eyes.  "It just came out, don't read too much into it."

Reno chuckled and lifted her chin up to make her look at him.  "I don't know why you're being so stubborn about this.  We are getting married, you should love me... at least a little."

Tenten opened her mouth to say something when a voice cut into any further discussion.  "Tenten!  Is it true?  Are you going to be marrying the other worlder?"

Reno raised a brow as he looked over at the young man that was coming their way.  He was wearing a green jumpsuit, with a goofy looking bowl cut, and the biggest eyes he had ever seen on another man.  He did not look like he was very happy about the announcement and Reno wondered if he was one of her beaus.  He reluctantly leaned away from Tenten and allowed her to pass in front of him to approach the young man on the street.

"Hi Lee!" Tenten said with a smile, relieved to have escaped the discussion in the alley.  "Yes, this is my fiancé, Reno Klein.  Reno, this is my former teammate, Rock Lee."

Rock Lee gave him a long look, as if examining him for any kind of defect.  "If you are marrying Tenten then we must spar!  I want to know what kind of man will be marrying my teammate and friend, if you can protect her or not."

Tenten almost face palmed.  "Lee..."

Reno's eyes narrowed slightly.  Did this goofy looking kid really think he could take him?  "I assure you, I'm more than capable of protecting Tenten if the need arises."

"I am happy for you Tenten but I must know.  I challenge you, Reno Klein, to a battle."

Reno was a little annoyed at the other man.  What kind of man calls out another man that is going to marry one of their former teammates?  He narrowed his eyes slightly and leaned forward, "Trust me, kid, you don't want to do this."

Tenten looked at Reno worried.  He was definitely not taking Rock Lee seriously and had no idea what kind of fight it would be if he accepted the challenge.  "Lee, please, I'd rather you two not fight."

"Nonsense, any man worth his weight would love to prove how strong his youth is!" Rock Lee announced loudly.  "So what do you say, Reno?"

Reno crossed his arms in front of him and smirked a little.  "Okay, name the time and place, Lee."

"The training fields, tomorrow morning at 0800."

"Challenge accepted, I'll see you there."

Rock Lee smiled big and clapped his hands together.  "This will be a fun endeavor!  I'll see you tomorrow morning!"

Reno raised his brow as Rock Lee jogged off.  Tenten elbowed him in the gut.  "Are you crazy?  Rock Lee is one of the best Taijutsu fighters in the village!  He's going to mop the floor with you!"

He pointed a thumb in the direction Rock Lee had left, "That guy?  You're kidding.  He looks goofy as hell.  I can't imagine he's that good of a fighter."