Muchas gracias for the comments!
ED

Disclaimer & Distribution:No, 'Naruto' is NOT my property and the characters are only on loan for the purpose of this narrative. However, I do NOT want this to be posted elsewhere without my consent. Many Thanks.

Notes:In the chronology, this little episode could perhaps be placed inthetwo and a half years.


Rapunzel

The sun began to set, adding pale blue, purple, and orange tones to the blue of the sky.
Sweat ran down her face and she wiped her forehead with the back of her hand to prevent salty drops from running into her eyes.
Her training partner watched seemingly unmoved as she collected needle lancets, throwing stars and knives with which she had attacked him during the exercises. Not one of the weapons had penetrated his "circle of prophecy," the ultimate defense.Except for a thin film of sweat on his face and the fact that he was breathing harder, it was impossible to tell that he had just finished an extensive workout.
Tenten didn't mind for a long time that she wasn't a real challenge for Neji. She was secretly pleased that he was sticking to her practice sessions.
But it wasn't more than just training.
They met at the practice site and went their separate ways after their work was done. Sometimes they went the way to the village together, but at the latest there they always took different directions. And he never spoke an unnecessary word.
At first she had tried desperately to have conversation, but she had given up on that too. Now she even found pleasure in his silence.
But sometimes ... sometimes she wished he'd talk. Sometimes she wished he'd spend more time with her than necessary.
She tucked the last throwing star in her hip pocket and turned to the Hyuuga offspring, still breathing heavily.Pale purple, pupilless eyes studied her in an unfathomable way. She met them with her own warm brown eyes. "Neji ...," she started.Would you accompany me home. Maybe you would have dinner with me.She felt the heaviness of his gaze that weighed down on her.
She smiled broadly. “Oh nothing.” She raised her hand in parting as she left. "Good night."
“Tenten!” The Kunoichi stopped when she heard her name. She turned around. “Yes, Neji-kun?” Her heart was beating a little faster. He pointed to her head. "Your hair."
What about it? She touched her hair, which she tied up in buns for training, and noticed that one of the buns was about to come undone. With an angry sigh, she removed the loosened headband and undid the other knot as well. Then she shook out her long, brown strands that came down to her hips.
Neji had come closer and gave her a strange look.Her eyes caught him again and held him out. Barely noticeably hesitant, he reached out a hand and gently touched her hair, sliding a strand through his fingers.
When he withdrew his hand, Tenten let out her bated breath.
The young Hyuuga had already turned his back on her and was heading back into the village. "If you're not exercising, you should wear your hair down more often," he said as he walked.
The young woman looked after him in amazement and felt her cheeks heat up.
She smiled; then she ran after him.
This time Neji accompanied Tenten to her front door.


FIN