Title: Just You

Author: Juniper11

Rating: T

Series: Sensei

Pairing: NejiTenGai

A/N: This story is a part of a series. It's not necessary to read all parts of the series in order to know what's going on in this one. There's only one I would advise reading first which is 'I'm in love with my sensei!' but since I just told you the title of the story I guess you can kind of figure out what it was about. :D This is story is going to have three parts only. And from there we'll move on to another kunoichi.

Where's Hinata?" Temari demanded the moment she arrived at their destination only to see three of her friends and not the four she was accustomed to. She graced them with a scowl that wasn't unusual for the other women to see.

"Wedding preparations. She's going to meet up with us later." Sakura answered.

"I see. How does she seem to you?" Temari inquired of her three friends.

"Happy. Deliriously so." Ino answered. "I'm jealous."

"And yet at the same time I'm happy for her. Naruto really is a good guy." Tenten finished.

Temari waved a hand in the air dismissing momentarily the subject of Hinata because she had bigger fish to fry. "Well, I have an announcement to make." Temari said. They all paused before moving in closer to hear what the woman had to say. "I'm moving to Konoha."

"What?" Tenten, Sakura, and Ino shouted.

"No need to act like that. You make me feel unwanted."

"Whatever, Temari. Like you care whether or not you're unwanted." Temari reached out and pulled Sakura's hair. "Ow! What's Gaara got to say about this anyway?"

"Well…it's not a permanent move." Sakura smirked knowingly. There was no way in hell Gaara was going to let his sister move to Suna and they all knew it. "Its mission related and I'm representing him here for a few months so he's fine with it."

The women walked into the club looking for good seats. Sakura glanced at the dancers on stage and asked an obvious question. "Are we really sure Hinata is not going to run as soon as she walks through the doors?" They had all decided at Temari's last visit to have her bachelorette party as soon as Temari visited them again. It was way ahead of the wedding but Hinata had been rather busy of late and they didn't want to inconvenience her when last minute wedding plans became a big issue for her.

"Little Hinata's going to run alright but it's going to be towards the closest chair and not out the door." Temari assured them.

"Oh, really?" Ino questioned. "Cause that doesn't really seem like the sweet little prude that we all know and love."

"Who's idea do you think it was to come here in the first place?" Temari asked amused.

"Yours." The women chorused.

"Okay, so it was, but I Okayed it with her first. She approves."

"Mmm-hmm. You probably bullied her until she caved." Sakura said with a smirk taking out a few bills to slip into the g-string of a hottie that was closing in on them.

"Your thoughts of me are disturbing, Sakura." Temari said then immediately changed the subject because it 'bothered' her so much. "Okay, so this is what's up. I'm here in Konoha for a reason."

"Of course." Ino said flipping her hair and slipping a few bills into a g-string herself.

"I'm here to find wives for my brothers."

Startled, the kunoichi stared at their friend dumbfounded.

"Gaara's looking for a wife?"

"I'm here for a wife for Kankuro as well but yes he's looking for a wife. He wants to strengthen our alliance with Konoha."

"And you're telling us this because…." Ino inquired.

"I want two of you to consider coming back with me as potential brides for my brothers."

"…"

"…"

"…"

"Hello, everyone." They all breathed a sigh of relief at Hinata's sudden appearance.

"Hinata!" Sakura yelled standing up and pulling her into a hug. "Congratulations. I'm so happy for you guys."

"Thank you, Sakura."

"It's like we're going to be sisters, now."

Hinata frowned and Sakura sighed. Hinata would never say it but she was still a bit upset with her because of the way things ended between her and Kiba. She had been even more upset when she learned of her affection for her sensei, yet she hadn't said a word about it. Sometimes, Sakura wished that she'd just yell at her instead of keeping it all bottled up. Their relationship had really suffered.

"Hinata…." Sakura began but Temari cut her off.

"Ladies, look at that."

Their heads turned towards the stage only to see one of the sexiest men ever rip his shirt off and toss it into the audience. Shrill screams filled the air and wicked grins stretched across several pairs of lips.

"I didn't know that civilians came in packages like that." Ino murmured. "Maybe I'm barking up the wrong tree."

"I bet you twenty that he used to be a shinobi." Tenten said.

"Hell, no. I know better than to take you up on any bets. You always have inside information." Ino grossed.

Tenten just shrugged and directed her attention back to the scrumptiousness on stage.

"Ladies, I'm still waiting for a reply." Temari stated.

"A reply to what?" Hinata inquired.

"I'm looking for wives for my brothers. I want two of them to come home with me as potential candidates." Hinata's mouth fell open, but Temari ignored her. "Look, this sensei madness has to stop. Maybe if I get you out of Konoha and off your teams it will be easier to let go. My brothers are good men they'll take care of you." Temari neglected to mention the fact that they would be with her always in order to keep her company because then they'd see right through her. "I wouldn't mention this if I thought they'd do you wrong."

"It's not a good idea, Temari." Tenten stated. "What if things don't work out? There will not only be tension between us and your brothers, but between us as well-not to mention between Suna and Konoha. It's not worth sacrificing our friendship. Besides, I really don't think it would be fair to do something like that when I'm in love with someone else."

"I agree with Ten." Sakura muttered.

"I'll go." Ino said. At the raised brows in her direction Ino continued on. It was just like Ino to go against the grain. "I'm sick of it. I really am. I just want to…move on."

"Ino…" Sakura began.

"There's no reason for me to stay. He avoids me, Sakura. He avoids me even when drunk."

"You think you're the only one being avoided? You're just going to let things end like this?" Sakura yelled.

"Yes!"

"Hey, look. We came here to have a good time. We can talk about this later. I'm sorry for bringing it up now. Sorry Hinata." Temari offered.

Sakura glanced over at Tenten noticing immediately that she had stiffened. They were on their way home from training and Sakura knew that she still had a bit of energy to work off, but Tenten had not really seemed focused so she ended their session and they both were headed home a lot earlier than what they had planned.

"What's wrong, Ten?" Sakura then glanced around to see none other that Gai Maito heading in their direction. "We can make a detour, if you want." Sakura offered tentatively.

"No, it's not necessary." Then he was upon them flashing them with a smile that for Sakura was blinding, but for Tenten was something else entirely. It made her heart pound and her palms sweaty. So much so in fact that she was having a difficult time meeting his gaze.

"Tenten, Sakura. How are you this evening?"

"We're good, Gai-sensei." Sakura said offering him a smile. As a child Sakura had been very…wary of Gai but as she became older—mostly after Tenten's revelation—she began to see slowly that he was a good man. Weird, but good and since that described her own former sensei as well she wouldn't fault Tenten for her odd taste.

"Please, no need to call me, Sensei. Just Gai will do." Sakura nodded her head and noticed that Tenten had said nothing in greeting so she discreetly elbowed her in the ribs.

Tenten cut her eyes at Sakura moderating her evil glare so that Gai wouldn't know what was going on then met Gai's gaze. "Hello, Sensei."

"The same goes to you as well, Tenten. No need for you to address me any longer with the title of 'sensei.'" Tenten nodded her head saying nothing more. Sakura glanced at her friend not at all liking the downward turn of her emotions. She had already seemed off but now it was even more so. "Are you ladies headed home?" Gai asked curiously.

"Actually, I was walking Tenten home since she's a little tired from training and I didn't think I should leave her alone. If you don't mind, Gai, would you walk with her? My house is in the opposite direction."

Tenten's eyes shot daggers Sakura's way but she ignored it and focused her attention on the man before her. Tenten watched his eyes flicker her way then towards Sakura who looked at him imploringly. Tenten realized then that Sakura was a rather accomplished actress. Judging by the expression on her face she was a hundred percent honest and truly needed help. She couldn't believe Gai was falling for it but he was even though Tenten could tell he didn't want to walk her home, but he was going to do it anyway. His nature would not allow otherwise. If Gai was anything, he was a gentleman.

"Actually, Sakura it's okay. I'll be fine on my own."

"But—" Tenten turned her body so that Gai couldn't see her face and gave Sakura a look that promised a world of pain if she didn't shut her mouth that instant. Sakura took the hint. She really didn't want sharp pointy objects thrown at her at random times. It tended to induce paranoia. "Well, if you insist." Sakura said, leaving without another word.

"Later!" Tenten called out to Sakura. Tenten then took a deep breath and turned to face her sensei. The look he was giving her shook her a little with it's intensity but she forcibly dismissed it. "Good night…Gai." Tenten said and began walking away. She didn't get far before his footsteps fell in place beside her. Tenten folded her arms across her chest and looked everywhere but at him.

"You don't really have to walk me home. Sakura was just exaggerating. I'm fine." She was going to kill Sakura and she swore she'd never know what hit her.

"Yes, I'm sure you are but it would me rather unyouthful for me to let you go home alone."

"Of…course." Tenten muttered and an unnatural silence fell between them. Tenten realized that this particular trip was the longest it ever took her to get home—or at least it seemed that way as she walked beside the man who was the object of her unrequited affection. He was close enough that she could feel the heat radiating from his body and found herself hard pressed not to move a little closer to bask in it. Tenten watched him out the corner of her eye. His green jumpsuit was nothing but indecent. Seeing every ripple and muscle of a man's body was just cruel—especially if you couldn't touch it.

"Tenten…." Gai began breaking her out of her thoughts. Gai paused in his walking and Tenten automatically followed suit. Her head raised and her coffee colored eyes looked up into his searchingly. There was something in his tone that pulled to her like it did that one night that seemed so long ago….

"Yes?"

His words weren't immediately forthcoming and that made her frown. Gai was never hesitant over anything nor was he one to lack words. Tenten took a small step closer to him concerned, however Gai hastily stepped back and turned away from her missing the flinch that flowed over Tenten's face.

"We're meeting tomorrow on training grounds 4 at five o'clock." Gai said after another moment of silence.

"Right." She said nodding her head and for some reason felt like that wasn't what he originally intended to say. But what else would he say, really? Her imagination was getting the best of her. Flights of fancy generally weren't her style.

They finally arrived at her home and Tenten turned and gave him a diffident smile. "Thanks for walking me home."

Gai nodded then spoke. "Your smiles are different, Tenten. I've noticed they no longer light up your eyes like they used to. Is everything alright?"

Tenten completely glossed over his concern and latched onto one particular part of his statement. A genuine smile stretched across her lips as she asked, "My eyes light up when I smile?"

Gai blinked at the sudden change in her demeanor and took a small step back. "Yes, they do. You should smile like that more often."

Unable to rid herself of her big, cheesy grin she nodded her head and moved towards her door before she made a fool of herself. "Goodnight, Gai!" Tenten said and rushed into her home.

Gai stood outside for several moments staring at the door before him. He knew she felt an attachment to him and had hoped she'd get over it, but such didn't seem to be the case. She had begun withdrawing from them as a team and he knew it would only be a while before she requested to be placed on a new one, yet he didn't want to see her go. Yes, Lee was his favorite student. He always would be. Yet, why did he feel the need to see Tenten truly smile?

"Guess what?"

Ino looked at Sakura's smug face curiously. The woman had a secret and was dying to tell it and to be frank—Ino was dying to listen. So she tossed aside the magazine she was idly browsing through and focused her full attention on Sakura.

"What?"

"I followed Tenten home tonight." Ino's face which had briefly held eager expectation quickly fell. How often did interesting and Tenten go together? Ino turned her nose up at Sakura, went to grab her magazine, and ignore her long time friend but fingers froze when Sakura dropped the bomb on her. "Gai walked her home."

"Say what?"

"And get this—He has a thing for Tenten's smile."

"A thing. What do you mean 'a thing'?

"I mean our little Tenten flashed her megawatt smile at that hunk o' beef and he turned into a puddle of goo."

"Bull shit!"

"What's bullshit?" Temari asked entering the room.

"How did you get in here?" Ino said incredulously as Temari waltzed into her home and made herself comfortable. The woman propped her bare feet up on her sofa and put her hands behind her head. "Sakura gave me a key." Temari replied with a shrug of her shoulders. Ino looked at Sakura who just shrugged.

"It was either give her your key or mine. I opted to give her yours."

"Sleep with one eye open, Forehead. One. Eye. Open."

"Yeah, yeah." Sakura said dismissively. "So, anyway, Temari, guess who walked Tenten home tonight?"

"Neji?" Temari asked curious to see whether or not the Hyuuga had come to his senses. From the facial expressions Ino and Sakura were sporting Temari could immediately tell that wasn't the case. "Who?"

"Gai Maito."

"No!" Temari shouted immediately sitting erect. "Details. Give me details."

"Well, you know Tenten-she was shy and all withdrawn."

"Right. Right." Ino and Temari said simultaneously.

"She told Gai that she was going to walk home alone and she walks off and I swear he followed after but here's the kicker—before he caught up to her he was totally ogling her ass."

"Quit shittin' me. Gai doesn't ogle." Ino said skeptically.

"He's a male. He ogles." Temari corrected.

"She's right, Ino. Even Sasuke ogles. I caught him eying my chest a few times."

"What chest?" Ino inquired, laughing as a pillow was tossed her way.

"Anyway, so he walks her home all smooth-like then tells her that when she truly smiles her eyes light up."

"Aw." Ino was reluctantly moved. "That's so sweet."

"Isn't it? But that was when Tenten hit him with the whammy and he had a really difficult time tearing his eyes away from her lips."

"Interesting." Temari said tapping her chin thoughtfully. "I guess I know who's going with me to Suna." Temari said looking at Sakura pointedly.

Sakura held up her hands. "Wait, Temari. I never agreed—"

"You have been chosen by default." Before Sakura could argue Temari continued speaking. "You can at least come and get to know them."

"I do know them. They're great guys…even if one looks better in makeup than I do." Temari barely stifled a guffaw. "But I will not mistreat your brothers. Look at me and Hinata's relationship. She hardly comes around us anymore because of what happened with Kiba."

"She hardly comes around us anymore because she has a man—something you don't have but could."

"Shut the hell up, Temari."

"Look, if you're so bothered about your relationship with Hinata stop being a damned coward and talk to her. You at least owe it to her—to us all really. I miss my little Hinata."

"You miss harassing her." Ino corrected.

"Don't act like you don't miss it, too." Temari retorted and smirked when Ino couldn't reply.

"Fine. I'll talk to her."

"Please do and do it before the wedding." Temari stated.

"Fine! But if I get kicked out of the wedding I'm kicking your ass, Temari." Temari tossed her a look that said, 'As if' but Sakura ignored her. "So what are we going to do about Ten?"

"Nothing, we'll let things run their course—but in the mean time we spy." Temari said with an evil grin that was shared by her closest friends.

"Good morning!" Tenten called out too cheerfully for it to be five o' clock in the morning.

"Good morning, Tenten!" Lee cried out just happy to see his teammate for once not looking down. Lee glanced at Neji to see if he had noticed the change in Tenten but he wasn't looking in their direction. It didn't matter though, because Tenten planted herself by Neji's side as usual and turned her head to and fro searching the area.

"Has Gai arrived yet?"

"Yes, Tenten!" Lee replied. "We just finished a hundred laps around Konoha."

Tenten blinked glad she hadn't come earlier, but she still wondered how she managed to escape the team exercise. She glanced at Neji intent to ask him what time had he shown up that morning but he seemed to be abnormally cold. This was unusual because while the man showed no interest in her it didn't mean that they weren't on friendly terms.

"Are you alright, Neji?"

"I'm fine." He replied and said not another word to her. She knew then and there that he was pissed at her about something but not quite sure as to what it was.

"Neji—" Tenten began.

"Good morning, Tenten. Isn't it a glorious, morning?" Tenten immediately forgot to probe and find out what was bothering Neji when she heard Gai's voice.

"It is." Tenten said grinning at Gai who averted his eyes. Tenten noticed and unknowingly her smile dimmed a bit. When his gaze returned to hers Tenten finally realized that her emotions were riding on a yo-yo going in every direction in the blink of an eye. Tenten forced herself not to smile and simply listen as Gai spoke of how they were going to train that particular morning.

For once in her life she didn't mind the rigorous training.

"May I speak with you for a moment, Tenten?" Tenten smiled tentatively at Neji recalling that he seemed rather upset with her earlier. She didn't know what she had done but she was willing to make amends. Just because Neji didn't occupy the place in her heart that he once did didn't mean that she no longer cared about him.

"Sure, Neji." Their teammates were gone. Tenten had intended to join them since Lee and Gai offered to walk with her home, but at Neji's request she waved them off to speak with her friend.

"I was wondering if you'd like to accompany me for dinner tomorrow night."

Tenten blinked uncertain of what she had just heard. "What?"

"Have dinner with me." His words were cajoling and earnest. She wasn't sure she ever heard Neji speak to her in that tone before. Tenten's brow furrowed. Surely he meant in a purely platonic way. He couldn't be asking her on a date. "Is something wrong?" Tenten asked.

"…No. I simply wish to spend a little time with you. You have been…preoccupied as of late."

Gai flashed through her mind. Yes. She had been preoccupied. Thoughts of her sensei had filled her mind to a point where it was brimming full. A thought struck Tenten.

"You've been worried about me, haven't you?" Tenten smiled at Neji wanting to hug him but made no effort to touch him since he wasn't particularly fond of displays of affection. "I'm fine. Really. There's no need to trouble yourself, but thanks for caring Neji. That means a lot to me."

"Tenten…that's not what I meant. I'm asking you on a date."

Tenten froze.

"Tenten! There you are. We've been looking all over for you." Tenten looked around quickly spotting Temari and Ino coming her way. Tenten was certain in those moments she had never been happier to see her friends.

"Tenten come on!" Ino shouted. "We've got stuff to do!"

Tenten looked at Neji apologetically. "Another girl's night out?" Neji questioned.

"No. Sakura and Hinata would be with them if that was the case. Still…."

"It's fine. Just think about it. If tomorrow is too soon we can arrange another date."

Tenten nodded her head and rushed off to join her friends. Temari took one look at Tenten's face, looked around to make sure the Hyuuga was gone, and then asked bluntly, "What the hell did he do to you?"

"What?" Tenten replied startled. "Nothing!"

"Then why do you look like you're about to cry?" Ino demanded silently thinking that she was going to go kick her some Hyuuga ass if Tenten shed one more tear over that worthless excuse for a man.

"I'm not about to cry." Tenten said raising her chin stubbornly.

Ino and Temari shared a look. "Spill it." Temari said, throwing an arm over her friend's shoulder and leading her off.

"He asked me to dinner." Tenten's softly spoken words were still heard loud and clear by her friends. Temari stopped moving and Tenten could feel the duo's incredulous stare.

"To dinner as in a date?" Ino asked.

"Yes."

"Go."

"Don't go." Temari and Ino said simultaneously and then glared at each other.

"Why are you telling her to go out with him Ino?" Temari demanded. "He had his chance and he blew it. She waited too damn long for him. He can't just waltz into her life whenever he feels like it thinking she'll wait for him forever."

"And what should she do instead? Wait around for Gai to wise up? Put her life on hold for a man that will never see her?"

"Hey…" Tenten said trying to calm down the women whose voices were growing in volume.

"Think about it. Why would he do this now of all times? It doesn't feel right and I don't want her getting hurt."

"She's not going to get hurt. He's her rebound guy. If anyone gets hurt it will be him." Temari and Ino looked at each other for a moment then turned to look at Tenten.

"Go out with him." Came their once again simultaneous reply. Tenten's eyes widened.

"I am not going to go out with Neji in order to hurt him!"

"Of course not." Temari said soothingly. "Don't look at this like that. Give yourself the chance to go out…have a little fun. When was the last time you went out?"

Tenten frowned. It had been some time—quite a bit of time since she had been out with a man. She didn't date much.

"See what I mean? Just go out, have a little fun. Who knows maybe things will work out with the Hyuuga and you'll be able to move on."

"Maybe I don't want to move on." Tenten said stubbornly.

"Ten…" Ino began. "Don't you owe it yourself to at least try?"

"I—"

"Just think about it. That's all we ask." Ino said. Tenten pursed her lips together and nodded her head.

And that was how Tenten ended up sitting across from Neji in one of fanciest restaurants in Konoha. Once Temari and Ino had ensured her surrender they made sure she had on a little navy dress that was sexy yet sophisticated. Ino said that was sure to make his eyes pop out his head and his tongue loll on the floor. If he had been anyone but Neji Hyuuga, Tenten was sure that is what would have happened. As it was, when he saw her, the masculine appreciation in his eyes was more than flattering—especially since until the day before she was certain she didn't register on his radar as a female.

Could it be that she was a bit too boyish to capture the attention of a man?

Tenten shook her head immediately dismissing that ludicrous thought. She was all woman and if he was too stupid to realize that then-

"A penny for your thoughts."

"You look nice." Tenten stated and he did. It was rare for her to see Neji go casual but when he did it was something that haunted her dreams. It surprised her but he wore a suit. It was navy blue and he also wore a baby blue button down shirt. He didn't wear a tie and Tenten decided it suited him just fine. She smiled a little realizing how well they matched. It was kind of cute in a sickening way.

"As do you." Neji replied and Tenten felt a blush begin to creep upon her cheeks.

It was a nice start to an evening that could have been memorable…but things have a way of happening. They hadn't even ordered their dinner with the evening went to hell in a hand basket.

"Neji?" Tenten had her glass of wine half way to her mouth when she heard the feminine voice call out. She glanced around her looking for the source and landed on a pair of Hyuuga eyes. Her hair was dark and her features were delicate and doll like. Tenten glanced at Neji and raised a questioning brow but saw the stiff set of his shoulders and knew that whatever it was that was going on…wasn't good.

Then Tenten noticed that the girl wasn't alone. She stood with none other than Hyuuga Hiashi head of the Hyuuga clan. She had always wanted to meet the man. She had dreams of meeting him and Neji introducing her as the woman he intended to marry.

"What are you doing here?" Her voice questioned as she looked at Tenten with a frown. Tenten, in turn, smiled and extended her hand which she took with seeming reluctance. Tenten's brow furrowed. Her hand wasn't dirty. What was with the look?

"Hello, I'm Tenten—Neji's teammate."

She replied, "I'm Airi—Neji's fiancé." Tenten's smiled froze on her face. Anyone looking at her in those moments would be certain she was a statue.

That was certainly news.