NejiTen - One Last Chance (Completed 2015)

Ch. 4 - Dance With Me

Tenten looked around with a wide smile on her face. The area wasn't just a bright white area anymore, but a valley with flowers galore. Blue ones, white ones, pink ones, even purple ones surrounded the area and zipped over the hill. Tenten could feel the wind brushing against her cheeks and blowing her bangs about. It felt like she'd never even closed her eyes. She heard rustling behind her and found Neji walking towards her.

She smiled and waved at him. Ever since last week, Tenten had gotten emotionally better than before. It was like Neji never died. She was able to enjoy every day as if it were her last, but the only thing missing was the man standing before her.

Tenten embraced Neji, to his surprise, and said, "I missed you."

He smiled and wrapped his arms around her. "I missed you too," He replied, burying the lower half of his face in her hair.

Tenten smiled shyly and said, "Did you sleep well?"

Neji chuckled and said, "Yes, I did. How's it going down there?"

"It's going great, Neji," she replied, tucking a loose strand behind his ear. It was so odd seeing him without his curse mark.

Neji kissed her forehead and said, "I have a place to show you. I figured that since it's spring, you should look at something pretty." Tenten wanted to say that she already was, but after thinking about it, she decided against it.

He didn't look pretty; he looked beautiful, like the perfect angel.

Tenten nodded and said, "Show me, Neji."

He nodded and gently grabbed her hand, walking with her as they started to climb up the hill. Neji watched Tenten carefully as she looked around. She really did become better emotionally and mentally, which Neji had hoped, but it made him sad and guilty. When they reached the top, Tenten gasped. There was nothing over the hill but endless water and crystal blue skies.

Tenten looked at Neji with a smile so sweet, Neji could've embraced her then and there. Neji jumped down and Tenten followed, and both proceeded towards the water. Their footsteps made small ripples, but their reflection was clear in the water. In fact, it didn't even seem like the water went deep.

"It's beautiful," Tenten gasped, looking around with her eyes as side as saucers.

Neji smiled softly and said, "I made it for you. I was given the chance to while you were busy today." Tenten was so busy admiring the area around them that she didn't catch the sad tone in his voice. After a few moments of walking, Neji stopped and said, "Tenten. I have a request."

Tenten stopped walking and turned to look at him.

He blushed slightly before saying, "May you dance with me?" Tenten's face lit up at the request but didn't see a need to refuse. She carefully moved towards him, and the moment they touched hands was the moment soothing music started playing out of nowhere. Tenten giggled softly and blushed as Neji gently moved her about with the music.

It was like she was in a dream – well she was – but it didn't feel like that to her. She felt their spirits touching and connecting in a way she never felt before. And it scared her. Neji looked down at her and asked, "Tenten, are you alright?"

She nodded softly and said, "Yes Neji. For the first time in a long time, I'm alright. I'm at peace. All because of you."

Neji felt the lump growing in his throat, but didn't dare break down. This was her night; her chance to fully enjoy his presence. He gently twirled Tenten moments before tracing kisses around her jaw. The affection was killing Tenten, and she too started to fall apart. They both knew that they could never be together like this on the physical plane.

Her head was the only place they could meet. And after six nights, Tenten didn't want it to end. Neji held Tenten close to him as they continued to spin in graceful circles. No words needed to be said; no questions asked. Tenten simply embraced Neji in one of the sweetest ways possible. After a while, Tenten started to feel his hands become lighter in hers.

She looked up at Neji in a panicky state and said, "It's too soon."

He sighed and said, "I know it is. I'm sorry I can't stay longer." Tenten nodded and waited a moment before taking a deep breath.

"Neji?"

He looked down at her and asked, "Yes?"

She smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Don't ever leave me," she said quietly, "please... No matter what, just stay by my side."

Neji frowned softly. He didn't think it was possible, but at that point, he would've loved to have found a way. "I'll see what I can do," was all he said. With that, he placed the softest of kisses upon Tenten's lips.

She then watched him as he slowly faded from sight. Knowing she wouldn't wake up quite yet, Tenten walked back to the hill and picked a flower, inhaling its scent. It smelled just like Neji. She enjoyed her surroundings for just a moment longer, feeling so peaceful that it felt almost alien to her. As she slipped back into the darkness, Tenten could've sworn she heard someone whisper words in her ear, but she couldn't zephyr what exactly.

It sounded like love.

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Chapter Revised (8/14/20)