The Man Who Lived

Chapter 11: Tenten's Birthday

A small, yellow bird pecking at her window sill awoke Tenten. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes and pulled her blanket over with a big yawn.

She popped her window open, allowing the bird to hop inside. In its beak it carried a scroll with the seal of the sand village.

She quickly pulled it open and read:

Happy birthday, Tenten.

- Gaara

It was brief, but she was startled to see the bird pushing a box over to her. It was a customized gauntlet to carry her pill-sized scrolls. She screamed in excitement. She could fit at least 6 scrolls in here. But that wasn't all. Also neatly inside the package, lay a small, pink shiruken tied into a necklace. She immediately clasped it around her neck, smiling.

When she attached the gauntlet to her arm, she noticed a beautiful patterned inscription. It read "Tenten, the Brave and Beautiful." 

If she wasn't already red, she was now. She couldn't believe how much thought he put into this present. She wanted to thank him. She wanted to see him and tell him herself.

She was nearly set on making her departure when she heard a knock on the door.

Assuming it was Guy and Lee, she opened the door without a second thought.

"Happy birthday, Tenten," Neji smiled, pulling her into a hug as soon as she opened the door. He was carrying a plethora of pink balloons 

"T-thank you Neji," she managed to breathe out. "You didn't have to go through all this trouble," she laughed holding onto her arm shyly.

"I did, Tenten and I'll tell you why," he grinned briefly before he noticed the shining gauntlet on her arm.

"That's new!" he pointed and Tenten's face flushed.

"Y-yeah, a birthday present," she smiled while clumsily trying to remove it. She felt the rush of guilt flood over her again.

"Here, let me help," Neji rushed over and began to fiddle with the clasps when he noticed the words inscribed on the gauntlet. Tenten, the Brave and Beautiful. His heart sunk and he was afraid to ask, but did so anyway, "Who's it from?"

Their eyes met and panic ran all over Tenten's body. She knew there was no merit in lying and it would only make things worse in the end.

"Gaara."

Neji knitted his brows together in confusion. "Gaara? Since wh-" he paused midway thought before remembered the afternoon Tenten was pulled away from him in the forest and pushed into a mission from Sakura and Ino. 

"Did he give you that too?" he gestured toward her necklace.

She nodded painfully, not meeting his eyes.

"So what? Is he your boyfriend now?" suddenly Neji felt like her teammate again. Cold, quip, and stern. He no longer looked at her like anything more and his Hyuga eyes were as empty as ever.

"N-no, it's not like that. We aren't any-" she started before Neji cut her off.

"Whatever," he muttered before walking away, shutting the door on his way out.

Tenten fell to her knees, ready to burst into tears until she heard another knock on the door. She couldn't take this right now.

She slowly opened the door and was taken aback by the chorus of "Happy birthday to you!" sung by Ino, Sakura, and Hinata.

But when Hinata saw the state Tenten was in, she immediately cut them off and wrapped her arms around her, "What is it Tenten?"

The girls followed suit, helping Tenten to her bed.

Tenten sighed and told them e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g. From the mission to the kiss, to her feelings for Neji, to Gaara's birthday present, and Neji's frustration.

The look on their faces was more surprising than Tenten anticipated.

Sakura's mouth was gaped open and her eyes pleaded with envy, "Who knew the Kazekage was so romantic?! On my birthday, Sasuke literally only sent a note."

"But what about Neji?! I always thought you two looked the best together," Ino snuffed.

The always supportive Hinata simply asked, "Who's name does your heart whisper to you?"

Without thinking Tenten replied, "Neji."

She clasped her hand over her mouth.

"Gaara is incredible, clearly," she gestured to his gifts, "But there's something so effortless and natural between me and Neji. I have so many memories of him. When I thought he was gone... my heart gave out. It took so long to uncover these feelings and I know it's unfair. But isn't a great love worth waiting for?"

Hinata blushed, "It sure is."

Tenten smiled, holding onto Hinata's hands.

"I should find Neji."

They all nodded in agreement.

Once again, Tenten's mind was set and she was ready to go. She pulled open the door and...

"Good morning Tenten."

Tenten nearly passed out at the sight of her auborn-haired first kiss.

The girls jaws dropped and Ino squealed.

Gaara was adorned in an all black coat with golden seams. His pants were his iconic maroon shade. A warm smile was pasted on his face.

He caught her in his arms as soon as she began to fade away.

He chuckled, "Did you like your presents, Tenten?" 

She nodded woozily. 

"S-should we go?" Sakura whispered to Hinata. 

Hinata's face reddened as she nodded slowly. 

Sakura pouted, "Maybe they won't notice we're still here."

The girls draped Hinata's arms over their shoulders. "C'mon Sakura!" Ino shouted.

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Tenten slapped her cheeks to stir herself awake.

"Here," Gaara handed her a glass of water.

"I'm glad you're wearing them already," he smiled, "They look great."

She smiled weakly, "T-thank you so much Gaara. It was such a thoughtful gift. I love it so much."

"Did I surprise you?" he laughed.

She nodded slowly, "After the little bird came with these, I was ready to have Sai draw me a bird and fly me right to you." 

"I would've liked that too," he grinned. 

Tenten braced herself for what she was going to have to say next.