Just say it! - Neji X Tenten Three-shot

Part II- The Final Dare

Here it is, part 2! Thanks guys, please let me know what you think!

I glanced up at the navy early evening sky above the cinema and inhaled deeply. As I exhaled, I paced in front of the building with an uncharacteristic anxiousness for me. I was dressed again in my robes (but they were the only clothes I possessed, since my life revolved around training) but without the forehead protector. I wasn't a fool, however; I still wore my black headband with the tassles hanging down each side, to cover up the mark of my heritage. I wore no ninja vest underneath, and no bandages were wrapped tightly around my legs. It wasn't much, but I had made some attempt at appearing more relaxed. But, from the growing moisture in my palms, it most likely didn't look that way from the outside.

I idly activated my byakugan and scoured the surrounding area for a sign of Tenten. I had never considered using my kekkei genkai in this manner before, but it was handy right now. Especially since Tenten was late.

There was an uncomfortable lurch in my stomach.

She was late.

Did she care?

No. She cared. I breathed a sigh of relief when my eyes picked up a girl stumbling hurriedly about 600 metres from where I was stood, to the South South East of me. I quickly switched off my byakugan; I was to see what she looked like in person.

I waited another five minutes or so, when I heard that familiar voice I had grown so attuned to.

"Neji!"

She came running towards me, completely breathless, grinning apologetically. I swallowed, unsmiling. She was wearing her pink Chinese-style top with golden ties and buttons, and a pair of blue trousers and shinobi sandals. What really amazed me was that her hair was down. It flowed in a chocolate wave just past her shoulders and her fringe fell just above her eyebrows. I stared for a tiny moment, and then paid eye contact.

"Good evening, Tenten," I said awkwardly.

"Sorry I'm late. I was doing my hair, and then I thought I would be able to read over something I saw in a book I borrowed from Konoha library, and then before I knew it, I was leaving late and running out the door without any thoughts at all, apart from 'I have to be there on time!' Haha, I'm sorry, Neji," she rambled, placing one hand behind her head and smiling. She waited for my reaction.

I cleared my throat. "It's fine, Tenten." How I loved saying her name. "Don't worry about it. The next film doesn't start for ten minutes or so."

"Great! Neji, why are you not looking at me properly?" She folded her arms.

"No reason!" I let out.

"Erm... okay." She switched on her cherub smile and poked me in the arm. "I can see how hard you're trying to stop being a misery all the time. I admired the old Neji a lot, but now I see what you really are, now that whole grudge thing is sorted out."

"So was that a compliment?" I tried not to sound worried or slightly irked.

"Yes, Neji. Anyways, shall we go inside? Do you know which film it is?"

"Well, I believe it's called The Final Dare... I'm not too sure what it's about, but I suppose we will find out when we get inside."

"Cool, can't wait!"

**********

Within ten minutes of the film, I was feeling a tension in my chest like never before.

"Agh!" she squealed for the fiftieth time next to me.

"Are you sure you want to stay?" I asked politely. I watched as she looked tearfully sideways at me. "I didn't realise you don't enjoy scary films..."

"Can I grab onto you?"

I gulped. "What?"

"Please?"

"Er..." I clicked my tonuge. "Why not?"

She nodded. When the next scare came, she squeaked a piercing sound and her arms clampled round mine. I was sure I would lose circulation.

Her death grip could nto be rivalled. All the training she'd had in weaponry had paid off and given her extraordinarily powerful arm muscles. I bit my lip. Having her so close inspired many feelings inside me, and I felt my face flushing with heat.

"Tenten..." I muttered. Insinctively I patted her hair lightly. "Don't grab so hard."

"Eek! Sorry." She threw her hands back and grinned weakly at me.

"No, no, it's fine, you can still hold, er, me..."

"Oh. Okay."

The small moment of awkwardness passed and we stayed to endure the rest of the film.

******

We stpped outside into the fresh, cool air of the night. I breathed in the moist air and closed my eyes. It was good to be outside, free, again. Not just of the cinema, but also of Tenten's incredibly strong grip.

"Did you have fun, Neji?" she asked.

"I supposed you could say that. More importantly, did you?"

"Well it was so embarrassing to have you see me like that, but ah well! It was a good time."

Just say it.

Say it.

Now.

In the brief time you have left.

Now!

"Tenten?"

She spun around to face me. "Yeah?"

"I... er... have something to say." I cleared my throat, feeling myself burning up here.

"What's that?" Her smiled began to fade.

"I believe I may, er," I hesitated, "I like you, Tenten. I like as more than a teammate or friend. I have..." I squirmed to get the words out, "...Feelings for you."

Tenten blinked. "Oh," she said. "Oh..."

What would her reaction be? I would die if I didn't find out now.