After a while, Neji was already seated in the middle while Tenten was kneeling in front of him. She was already holding the garter, as well as a mocking smile on her face.
"So, we meet again, Cocky Jellyfish." She smiled at him sweetly.

"Jellyfish?"

"I'm referring to your kissing technique."

"Damn you," he muttered.

She smiled brightly at him. "Well then, let's begin the ceremonies." He looked at his pants. "So how should we do this? Should you pull your slacks up or would you rather remove them?" She looked at him innocently when she received a lethal glare. "What? I was just asking."

Neji quietly lifted the hem of his pants up.

"Higher, higher!" chanted the crowd.

"Hear that? They said higher," said Tenten, grinning at him.

"And you would follow them?" he snapped, losing his cool.

"Naturally," she said, shrugging. "The voice of the people is the voice of God!" She lifted the hem of Neji's slacks even higher.

His fists clenched. "I think that height's fine..."

She looked at him, feigning surprise. "But it hasn't even reached your knees yet! This is a garter not an anklet, stupid." She pulled the garter higher.

Neji felt a soft tingle in his thigh. "I said that's enough..."

She frowned. "Why are you so afraid to expose your legs? Do you have varicose veins? Do you have three feet?"

"Shut up."

She lifted the hem some more. "Hmm... I'm becoming insecure; I think you're legs are better shaped than mine..."

"Another word from that vulgar mouth of yours and I wouldn't hesitate-"

She pretended to cower. "Don't! I may agree to it!" She secured the garter. "Ok! Done!" The crowd erupted in applause and cheers as Tenten bowed.

Neji, on the other hand, walked away from the line of vision of the guests. "Why did you suddenly appear here?

"I'm looking for Hyuuga Neji," she replied simply.

He smirked. "I knew it. You were addicted to my kiss."

"How I wish it was so, but I'm not very fond of seafoods." She gave him a saccharine smile. "I went here because my friend said your family raises pigs-

Neji stiffened. "Watch your tongue, lady. My family and I are decent so-"

"I didn't say you weren't," she said soothingly. "I said, you were probably raising pigs which I need for my business. I make chicharong flowers." She went on to explain her dilemma.

After hearing the story, Neji scowled at her. "And you think I would help you?"

Tenten smiled."Why not? Just one look at you, everyone would infer that you are a gentleman, a good citizen, loving to his family, an obedient son, has a heart of gold especially to poor people and poor chicharon...

"There's nothing free in this world."

"I would pay you up after I sell my flowers," she said quickly.

"Are your flowers delicious?" he asked gravely.

She quickly nodded. "Very, very crunchy! And good for the heart too!"

"I'll think about it," he said, non-committal.

She grabbed his sleeve. "Oh pleaaasee, my house will be taken away and-"

"Take it or leave it," he said firmly.

"Yes, yes, of course. Like what you said, some things are meant to be thought over a hundred times," she amended, smiling forcibly.

•••

Will Tenten get her most desired chicharon from Neji? And what kind of payment would Neji ask of her?

Side Notes
(1) kuya - older brother

(2) tikbalang - half-man, half-horse creature.. the horse is the upper part :D, quite famous for scaring children to sleep

(3) Naruto's English is awkward deliberately; it's one of the story's punchlines.