In My Dark World

4

Ayame's eyes didn't leave Tenten all through the morning. She had known her only for a short while but there was something different about the delivery girl today. She seemed happier than usual, bubblier even. Something was up. What was it? Realization hit Ayame upon a closer look at Tenten's smiley face.

"I know that face, you have a date!" The older woman predicted slash squealed triumphantly. Tenten's flushed face was confirmation enough for Ayame who slipped beside the other with a sly smile. "Aoyah, so I am correct. Who is it? Is it a customer?"

It was a Sunday and Tenten's day off and even though she'd promised Neji to treat him to ramen she wasn't so sure he considered it a date. It could just be a friendly meeting between two acquaintances to Neji for all his concern. "I wouldn't say it's a date...I just met him and no, he's not a customer. But you'll see him today, I guess." Tenten said shyly, unsurely. It caused Ayame to coo.

"How cute! I can't wait to see him later on today. Alright I don't want to hold you back on your not so sure date so I'll stop talking now. Have a great day." Ayame winked and went into the kitchen to help Teuchi.

Tenten said hello and goodbye to the middle aged man in the kitchen before leaving for the bus stop which had become a rendezvous point with Neji over the course of the week. A warm, fond smile spread all over her face when she saw the fashion disaster that was her blind date- literally- and walked over.

"Neji." She tapped his arm and he looked over at the direction in which he felt the impact, a soft smile highlighting his handsome features.

"Hello, Tenten." He greeted breezily.

"I'm sorry, did I keep you waiting?" Tenten expressed her worry about letting him stay at the bus stop for several minutes. It must've been a boring wait.

"Ah no." Neji blushed beautifully, almost bashfully as he raised a finger to scratch his cheek. "I'm the one that arrived a little too early. I was excited about our date, I still am..."

"D-date?" Did Tenten just hear right? Her gasp must've been mistaken for disapproval because Neji became crestfallen at once, though he tried to hide it by playing cool.

"Oh. It must not be to you. I'm sorry for assuming-"

"No no no!" Tenten hurriedly interjected him, waving her hands frantically as if he could see it. "I'm- I was just surprised you consider this a date. I thought I was the only one...I mean...I don't mind going on a date with you." Her face grew redder with every passing word.

Neji sighed in relief. "Thank goodness. I thought I was being rejected." He said dramatically and Tenten giggled. She boldly intertwined her arm with his own which caused Neji to go still with surprise. "Uh..."

Tenten giggled again. "So shall we move on then to our first spot?" She asked and the man mutely nodded. He folded up his cane, giving himself totally to Tenten's leading. That made the woman swear internally that she would never allow him to stumble.

The trip to Ichiraku ramen was short but fun. They both talked about random things and about themselves on the way that gave them more insight about each other. Despite how stern he looked, Neji was quite the tease and he was funny as he was generous with compliments. Compliments that made Tenten feel hot and tingly inside.

Unlike the usual 'you look nice today' which were mostly based on physical appearances, Neji commented on things like how beautiful her voice sounded and the nice feel of her calloused but soft palms. Those weren't things Tenten usually got complimented on if she got any, so she got flustered each time he dropped a random complimenting comment about her.

"Welcome to Ichiraku's ramen, where I work at." Tenten announced as they arrived at the restaurant.

"Ohrah Tenten, you're back already?" Ayame stopped on her way back to the kitchen after taking an order. She didn't wait to let Tenten answer though because her ebony eyes landed on the handsome man beside Tenten and she gasped. "Oh goodness, is he the one?!"