Lee's pov

"this time I'll beat neji for sure" I said determinedly as I walked beside tenten.

Neji hyuga is my greatest rival. I haven't beat him yet but I'm not giving up!

"you said that last time Lee and you still got your butt kicked" tenten rolled her eyes.

"yeah but I'll beat him this time" I caught sight of neji "neji I challenge you to a fight!"

Neji turned to us with tears in his eyes "I dwont want to fwingt" he whimpered.

"it's ok neji you don't have to fight him if you don't want to" tenten said looking startled by nejis behaviour "Lee you idiot you made him cry!"

"Well he doesn't normally cry over fights" I argued. I bent down to his level "neji what is wrong with you my friend?"

"mmm I fwell wittle" he mumbled twiddling his thumbs nervously.

"you feel little? What does that mean?" I muttered confused.

"he must be talking about littlespace" tenten gasped.

"littlespace? What's that?" I asked.

"It's where you regress to a younger age to reduce stress" tenten explained.

"oh I see. That's why neji was acting like a baby!"

"I'm not a bwaby" neji teared up.

"of course your not honey. Lee apologise immediately" tenten scolded.

"right I'm so sorry neji" I bowed apologetically. Neji giggled. He has a pretty cute laugh.

"ok neji we're going to take care of you until your big again ok hun" tenten said petting his head.

"ok" he smiled.

"wow his smile is really cute" I muttered.

"I know right. It's a shame he doesn't smile more often" tenten gushed.

I looked over at my rival who now had the mind of a small child. I guess instead of fighting him I now have to protect him!