for the last time;

The arms he dies in aren't hers.

Naruto brings him back after everything is over, face sullen and tired and weary, looking not at all like the Naruto Tenten remembers. He carries him in his arms and looks at her. Shakes his head. Opens his mouth to say something, only to close it again.

Lee appears by her side, eyes wide and unbelieving.

Naruto ducks his head, ashamed. Lays him down in front of them and brings them together again. The three of them, together.

Together.

Lee sucks in a sharp breath as Tenten crouches next to his unmoving body. Traces her fingers down his cheek, waiting for something to happen. Waiting for him to open his eyes. Waiting for...

Lee chokes on a sob. Tenten closes her eyes and lets him lean against her.

"Neji."

There's no response. Tenten stares at the empty space on his forehead and feels her heart clench. His eyes are closed. He's not moving. Not breathing. Not living.

"I still love you," she whispers, to the emptiness in the air. She wonders if that's enough to bring him back.

Lee grabs her hand and squeezes it hard.

They're together.

For the very last time, they're together.

Owari

2012.12.18