After writing my short SasuSaku oneshot, I decided that I had to do one for other couples I enjoyed. But as I explored the relationship between Neji and Tenten, the story went a little longer than I had first expected, thus creating my very first twoshot. I'm really proud of this story, and I hope you enjoy it!

All characters, techniques, and terms belong to Masashi Kishimoto, creator of the Naruto Universe. The only rights I claim to this story are for the plot. Do not distribute this fic without my permission and proper credit.

"This looks like a good place to stop," Hyuga Neji called to his team as he landed in a small clearing. They had been running for hours towards Sunagakure.

"Neji!" Rock Lee yelled from only a few feet away. "If we take a break now, we'll never reach our goal of making it there in half a day!"

"I told you to stop acting like that!" Tenten sighed, trying to catch her breath.

"That's why I insisted on making one full day our goal, young Lee!" Gai announced.

"I told you," Neji sighed, "that you could set as many goals as you wanted, it's going to take three days."

Tenten panted beside him, grateful for the respite. She knew Neji was doing this for her sake.

If not for me, she thought sadly, Gai-sensei, Lee, and Neji probably could make it in a day... I always hold them back...

"Where is your youthful energy, Tenten?!" Gai was suddenly shouting next to her.

"Did you lose it on the way here?!" Lee asked loudly. "Gai-sensei, is it possible to lose track of one's youth?!"

"Of course, my astute pupil!" Gai praised loudly. "And when that happens, we must search for it!"

"Hai, Gai-sensei!" Lee saluted.

"Don't waste your energy," Neji said calmly. "We need to rest. The sun has been down for several hours. We shouldn't risk entering enemy territory at night."

Tenten looked at him and smiled with a silent "thank you." He nodded curtly.

"Very well!" Gai interrupted with his usually volume. "We shall set up camp here, and wake at dawn!"

"Dawn?!" Tenten groaned.

"Of course!" Gai continued. "We must wake up with enough time for morning training!"

"You know, sometimes I really wonder how great it must be to be a part of Asuma-sensei's cell..." Tenten mumbled. It was absolutely exhausting to be part of Team Gai.

"No point in wishful thinking," Neji sighed. "Lee and I will get some logs. Tenten, find some kindling."

That night, Tenten lay in her sleeping bag, staring at the stars. She was incredibly comfortable. Maybe because she was so exhausted from the day's journey that just lying down felt like a gift from Heaven, or maybe because the warm glow of the fire was the perfect distance from her. Neji had insisted that she set up her bed on the soft patch of grass a few feet from the pit.

She smiled at the thought. He was so kind to her. She would have to thank Naruto for that when she saw him again. His fight against Neji, and the resulting meeting with Hiashi, had completely changed her cold comrade.

She tilted her neck back as far as she could, just making out the top of his head behind her. Unsatisfied with just a glance, she turned over onto her stomach as silently as she could. For as much as they spoke of youthful energy, Lee and Gai were asleep already. Tenten lifted her head to watch his chest rise and fall with each breath.

"Tenten," Neji said softly, making her jump slightly. "Are you alright?"

"Y-yeah..." she whispered back. She hadn't known he was still awake.

"Are you having difficulty sleeping? You have been moving around quite a bit."

"I guess I'm just enjoying the rest... and the stars," she replied quietly.

"Hm," he seemed to consider this for a few moments before speaking again. "You should sleep, Tenten. We've two more days of travel ahead of us."

"I suppose..." She replied, but she didn't roll over to her back. She had grown used to lying awake at night, thinking about the genius before her. Thinking about what it would be like to be held in his arms, what it would be like to be the only thing in his all-seeing eyes, knowing that he was hers.

But this is just more wishful thinking I guess, Tenten sighed. Neji deserves someone better than me... Someone who can help him get stronger. But... I can't just let him go.

Tenten buried her face into her pillow to muffle the shaky breath she took. I can't cry now! Neji already sees me as weak... I can't break down now...

She raised her head back up with tear-filled eyes. I know that I'm a burden to you, Neji. I know that I have nothing more to offer to help you get stronger. But I can't let you go. I have to figure something out...

How pathetic... She thought bitterly. How selfish of me... to hold you back just so I can keep you for myself. I promise... I'll get better. I'll do whatever it takes to stay by your side.

Why is she still awake?

He still hadn't heard her roll over on her back.

Go to sleep, Tenten, Neji urged silently. How he yearned to watch her passive, sleeping form. He would wait all night if he had to. He had grown used to lying awake at night, thinking about the vibrant young woman behind him. Thinking about what it would be like to hold her in his arms, what it would be like to gaze upon her perfect face, knowing she was his.

But she doesn't feel the same, Neji sighed. She's so open and honest... I would know if she did.

She was like Naruto. They didn't hide their emotions. But Neji... always silent and distanced, could never share his own. He was always afraid that she would see through it, always afraid that he would give his feelings away with a movement or glance. But he would stay near her always. He would risk his feelings being discovered rather than risk losing her to someone else.

How pathetic... He thought bitterly. How contemptible... that I would keep you by my side always, forever fearful that you would fall for another.

After several minutes, Tenten rolled onto her back. She couldn't bear to watch him any longer. It hurt her too much to know she could never watch him with his knowledge.

I need to sleep... She thought sadly. I can't deprive myself of sleep thinking about him... these enemies were powerful enough to kidnap the Kazekage. I'll need my strength.

A few minutes later, her breathing evened out, and she dreamed of a certain white-clad warrior protecting her. After he had defeated the enemies, she collapsed against him, and he held her against his chest affectionately as she slept.

Once her breathing had slowed, Neji finally stirred. He had been lying completely still since their conversation, waiting for her to sleep. As he was turning over to lie on his stomach, a soft cry of distress was heard from the girl before him. He froze mid-turn.

"Thank you..." she mumbled in her sleep. "Please, don't leave my side."

Neji's heart leapt to his throat. Who was she dreaming about? She looked so peaceful. So happy. He couldn't bear the thought of someone else making her look that way.

Thankfully, she was a heavy sleeper. He knew that it took more than a soft shake or a quiet voice to wake her. He reached out and stroked her cheek delicately. Suddenly, she let out a soft whimper.

Neji retracted his hand like he'd been burned. No way... she always sleeps so soundly... I'd assumed that nothing so gentle could wake her.

He sighed sadly. I suppose you'll always be out of my reach, right, Tenten?

Neji watched her sleep for a few more minutes before finally lying down himself. Once the darkness overtook him, he began to dream of a chocolate-haired goddess sleeping against his shoulder.