A/N: This is a bit different than what I usually do, since I've never tried such a challenge before, but I've heard numerous things about this iPod shuffle thing, so I wanted to give it a go. Now, I know what you're thinking:

"BUT PANDA-CHAN. YOU HAVE NO UPDATING SKILLS."

While that remains true in all situations, the majority of these chapters have been planned out already, and I'm starting on the writing process of them. So if I don't update, that's just me either being a lazy ass (a plausible explanation), me being a greedy bitch (also plausible. I like them reviews.) or me not having internet (which is also something that could happen. And uh. It is happening *currently at the library because fuck you*) Ahem. Without further ado, let's get this fuckin' thing started already, before I tire my fingers out by typing this incredibly pointless and long author's note. (…Shouldn't it be "authoress" since I have a vagina and not a penis?) This is also what I shall be working on this entire November (I AM TYPING THIS AUTHORESS NOTE ON 11/4/2012) as my NaNoWriMo project, since I'm still working on the brainstorming of my two novels. Come next year, I hope to have a bit more luck and have more preparation (unlikely. I'm famous for my remarkable procrastination skills).

I promise future Authoress Notes will not be this ridiculously long.

Warning: I don't think this one is very in character, so I'll just go ahead and say it. I know it's a weird point of view, but it's just sort of how it worked out. I apologize if it's a bother to anyone.

Note: The lyrics in this particular piece are not in order.

Disclaimer: *insert appropriate disclaim on songs used in this collection of fics and Naruto characters borrowed from Masashi Kishimoto-sama.*

Enjoy!

#1: The Pretender – Foo Fighters.

So who are you?

Yeah, who are you?

Keep you in the dark

You know they all pretend

Neji's back stiffened against the wooden chair. Hiashi's eyes swept over his nephew's tense body for a couple of seconds before he sighed.

"Neji, I'd like to do more on the matter, but the elders have spoken, there's nothing to do; Tenten is a fine young woman and certainly an outstanding kunoichi, but clan reassurance comes first, and all Hyuga know this. I'm afraid you'll have to–"

The young man stood up, gripping the mahogany desk tightly in his large, pale hands. "I'm not giving up Tenten. I'm not going to simply dump her over a matter like this." His voice as low and dangerously laced with velvet, baritone venom. His eyes were to his feet.

Hiashi frowned. "Do not make this harder than it has to be, Neji."

And for the first time, Neji directed his eyes, so like Hiashi's very own, to his uncle. His look was determined, and Hiashi knew no one would be able to change his mind. "All my life, I've been living, caged, under the ostracizing, degrading rules of the Branch Family. She is the only one who ever cared to help me and my sanity. I'm not losing her; not now, not ever." His voice was laced with emotion, though Hiashi could not decide if it was simply stubbornness, or actual anger. He guessed it to be a mixture of both. His eyes, the clan head realized, were so like Hizashi's. Determined, fierce, and most of all, filled with a purpose.

"Neji, the clan–"

"To hell with the clan." He growled quietly, his eyes hurt. Hiashi didn't want this for his nephew, but the elders were extremely strict about marriages outside the clan.

"Neji–"

The young man in front of him shook his head as if trying to clear it. "Hiashi-sama, pardon me. I know I'm being exceptionally rude," his voice was still quiet, but Hiashi knew he was trying to compose himself. "But I'm not going to spend the rest of my life with some random woman whom I don't love or even remotely care about."

Hiashi, despite of popular belief, was actually a very benevolent, considerate person. He reviled the thought of Neji, his brother's son, his nephew, his blood, being so restricted, so limited. He actually quite liked Tenten and knew her immense capabilities as a ninja. The girl genuinely loved and cared about Neji, and it was more than obvious that prodigy had fallen for her along the lines of their shinobi life together. Hiashi didn't want them to have to writhe like he knew it was going to happen. He, as clan head, thought that it was a perfect combination. A Hyuga and a Miyazaki would make fine ninja, no matter how noble the blood of the latter was or wasn't.

The older man sighed, suppressing the urge to run a hand over his face. He understood, he really did, but Neji was making things even more problematic.

"All right then. I'll speak to the elders again." He said, his voice tired. Neji's eyes were thankful though, and Hiashi could tell.

"Thank you, Hiashi-sama." He said, and bowed the lowest he'd ever bowed to him. He left the room shortly thereafter, a titanic feeling of liberation lingering behind as the door was closed.

The clan head, you see, is the most important person in the clan. The elders, no matter how elderly, are still required to listen to him.

As Hiashi walked down the corridors of the Hyuga compound, he head a female voice and hushed whispers. Quirking his aristocratic eyebrow, he neared the source, and realized it as emitting from Neji's room. He frowned, walking up to the door, only to realize it was slightly and maybe even carelessly, left open for him to glance inside.

The girl was sitting on the bed, trying hard to not let the moisture in her eyes slip out and run down her flushed cheeks. Her hands were engulfed in his nephew's own pale, long ones. He was kneeling before her. Hiashi suppressed his chakra, and swept a bit closer to the door.

"Neji, this is just–" she was interrupted when said male took her hands to his lips, kissing her knuckles slowly. Tenten's expression was torn.

"Don't tell me you're giving up, Tenten," he said, his eyes boring into her large, honey-chocolate ones. A tear finally broke free of her eye and rolled down her cheek. Neji frowned delicately, releasing one of her hands and raising his own to wipe her tears away. His thumb caressed her cheek tenderly, as if she were to fall apart at any second. "Because I'm ready to fight for you. For us."

His voice as firm, but Hiashi could tell how hard it as for him to keep his composure.

"Neji, I love you more than anything else," her eyes were closed as she muttered quietly. Hiashi had to strain his ears to understand her hushed words. "But they don't care about that. I'm no one. I'm not noble enough for you and the rest of the Hyuga."

Neji shook his head. "Don't ever say that. You're perfect, and I don't care about anyone or anything else. I'm not going to give up, Tenten. I'm never going to give you up."

Tenten opened her large eyes, looking troubled. She stared at Neji for a couple of seconds, and it seemed to Hiashi that she had more to say.

"I love you."

Neji's voice was smooth when he whispered the three little words to the Kunoichi in front of him. Hiashi was stunned: He never thought he'd hear Neji say those words to anyone.

With a little sound that sounded dangerously close to a choked sob, Tenten threw her arms around Neji's shoulders as soon as the tiny, meaningful sentence left his lips and reached her ears. Neji, it appeared, was prepared for the reaction, and quickly returned the hug with as much fervor as her. She buried her head in his shoulder, and he kissed her temple.

"You're my everything," Neji said into her hair, directing his eyes towards the slightly ajar door, looking directly into his uncle's eyes. "I've already lost enough. I won't be losing you too."

Hiashi stared at the couple of a couple of seconds before Neji turned back to his teammate and girlfriend, closing his eyes as he held Tenten closer.

The older man sighed quietly. Neji felt more than strong about the subject, and the clan head as more than sure that his nephew knew from the beginning that Hiashi was present at their little secret rendezvous. Tenten seemed unusually distracted, her troubled mind overwhelming her senses.

Hiashi walked a couple of steps back, not sure what to think of the situation.

With a final quiet sigh, he walked away from the room slowly, his decision forming in his mind.

What if I say I' not like others?

What if I say I'm not just another one of your plays?

You're the pretender.

What if I say that I will never surrender?

"It is unheard of."

"There is no way such a marriage will be taking place in this clan."

Hiashi sat still as the older men around him grumbled and complained.

"I would like to remind you," Hiashi said, speaking up. The room went silent almost immediately. "That a marriage of that nature is only unheard of when referring to the Main House. It is a fact that various members of the Branch House have married to simple commoners and civilians." He paused, a frown setting upon his face. "My brother among them."

"And look where he ended!" another old man, one of the hoariest ones, barked.

This made the clan head extremely angry. The same elder continued. "Neji is one of the most promising young men we have around, Hiashi. He could very well be the next leader of our clan, and we can't just permit–"

At this comment, Hiashi stood up harshly. The room went silent. "Hinata has agreed to becoming Clan Head in the future, and to be quite frank, I don't believe you should be inquiring upon Neji's decision over who he will be spending the rest of his life with, then go back to saying he's a Branch Member, and then inquiring that he could one day become Clan Head. I absolutely no doubt in my mind that if Neji desired to, and the opportunity presented itself apposite, he'd excel perfectly. However, I believe it is a tad hypocritical of you to make those presumptions. He is a well-fitted Ninja, a prodigy, and the pride of the Hyuga clan. Tenten's abilities go beyond that of any of her clan (1). The Miyazakis are well-known weapon smiths al throughout not only our village, but most other shinobi nations. A child from their marriage would not only carry the genes of the Hyuga, but the unique skill of Tenten's own family." Hiashi's eyes swept over he tensed room, eyes that mirrored his own looking (or perhaps a better word would be 'glaring') back at him. "We'd be selling him short if we were to choose someone for him."

The rest of the men in the room did not look convinced.

"Hiashi, we're only looking for the reassurance of the clan. Neji, as a Branch Member, understand this. He–"

"I will not force my nephew to marry against his will." He said, interrupting the elder who had spoken.

The older Hyuga's eyes narrowed in distaste. "Is that your final decision?"

The clan head hesitated, taking a couple of seconds to breathe and think clearly. He squared his shoulders once he had his response ready.

"It is."

I'm finished making sense.

The young man walked down the hallway, away from his room and towards the main entrance of the compound. It was early in the morning, perhaps 8:30 or 9, and the sun was bright in the village sky. Hiashi, as he neared the young man, masking his chakra, noted some dirt and his slightly disheveled clothing, which could possibly explain the small jar of ointment he held tightly in one pale hand. The older man intercepted the former's path quickly.

"Neji, if I could have a word,"

The long-haired 20-year old looked at his uncle. "Hiashi-sama," he acknowledged, bowing marginally.

"I have spoken to the elders," he started. His stern-looking white eyes seemed to meet mirrors as he looked down at his nephew.

The young man straightened precariously, a look of almost eagerness passing by his pale white and soft lavender eyes. "I see."

"I'd much rather speak about this somewhere else," Hiashi murmured, pursing his lips ever so slightly.

"Hiashi-sama, I'm in a bit of a rush at the moment," the Clan Head noticed how Neji's hand instantly tightened in its hold on the small ointment jar. "I would appreciate it if you could perhaps be a bit brief."

"Very well," the older Hyuga said quietly. He straightened up a bit. "Upon much – discussion with the elders," Neji's eyebrows rose minimally, but Hiashi could see how eager the younger Hyuga was to know what the verdict was. "We've reached a final decision. It is what it is."

Neji tensed, and Hiashi struggled to keep his stoic face from slipping.

In the end, he gave in to a small, soft smile, letting it graze his older, aristocratic features. "Do take care of Tenten. My future niece-in-law should be treated with the nobility she deserves." He murmured, and Neji's own stoic face slipped from his control.

"H-Hiashi-sama," he said, falling to his knees and bowing to the ground. His voice broke with relief, utmost relief that even the Clan Head could detect in the air. "I can't thank you enough. I – I can't…"

"My nephew, raise your head," the older man said, his voice gentle. "It is nothing to thank me about."

Neji raised his head, and Hiashi immediately knew that he'd done the right thing. "It is, Hiashi-sama. I owe my happiness, along with Tenten's, to you. I will never be able to repay you."

The long-haired man shook his head. "There is no need to 'repay' me. I have done this because I wanted to. It's only fair. Not only to you, but to Tenten as well."

Neji's face softened as he thought of weapons' mistress of Konoha. "Thank you, uncle." His face was graced with a small smile, not unlike Hiashi's own.

"Now, go on. I'm not sure Tenten would appreciate you making her wait for that ointment."

Neji chuckled, looking down at the small jar in his hand, his small smile still in place."

"Oh, I almost forgot," Hiashi said, reaching into his long sleeve, pulling out a small box. The material was velvety black and soft-looking. He held it out for Neji to seize.

"They belonged to your parents. I found the box in your father's room the night he… passed." He said, his voice solemn. "I meant to give it to you earlier, but the time hadn't presented itself fitting."

Neji eyed the small box in his uncle's hand as if he were almost afraid to touch it. He remained silent, letting it sink in.

"Go on. Take them, they're yours now." Hiashi said, his voice gentle.

The young man in front of him reached uncertainly for the box, his hand hesitating. When he took it, he regarded it with utmost delicacy, as if it were a newborn baby. "H-Hiashi-sama," his eyes were glued to the box. The man in question waited in silence.

"I – I don't know what to say." The prodigy admitted quietly and sincerely. Hiashi smiled.

"Neji, my son," he placed a large, pale hand on the boy's shoulder carefully. "There's nothing to say." Neji looked up, and both men shared a smile.

In time or so I'm told

I'm just another soul for sale… oh well

The page is out of print

We are not permanent

We're temporary, temporary

Same old story

"Are you certain you want to do this now, Neji? Perhaps the correct time will present itself appro–"

"Hiashi-sama, I do not wish to wait any longer. I've waited enough as it is."

Hiashi nodded thoughtfully as the two of them walked to Tenten's home. It was almost a week after the day of the rings, and Neji was growing incredibly impatient. He wanted to see the ring on his girlfriend's hand: a sign that they loved each other and wanted to spend the rest of their lives together.

"Very well then. Have you spoken to her parents?" the Clan Head's voice was conversationally casual when he spoke again, as if he were merely commenting on the weather instead of his nephew's marriage plans. "Or her, for that matter?"

Neji nodded, his hand in his pocket, where the ring was currently residing in.

The engagement ring in itself as a thing of stunning beauty: An infusion of silver and a few specs of gold illuminated the band beautifully. The small stone was a clear-cut emerald. It was one of the simplest, most beautiful rings Neji had ever seen.

And it was perfect for the young Kunoichi, who claimed she did not enjoy expensive jewelry (no jewelry at all, really).

"We've talked about what our future life together would hold. I've also spoken to her father once or twice about the prospect, and I'm sure he's brought the subject up to his wife, so yes. He knows of my intentions."

Hiashi nodded approvingly again. "Well, you have full permission from the clan to marry her as soon as you two please."

At this, Neji stopped and looked at his uncle. "Hiashi-sama, if I may inquire…" the clan head nodded his consent for him to continue. "Why are you so keen on helping me out in this situation? I understand that I've made my feelings for Tenten more than painfully obvious, but... I can't help but wonder."

The long-haired man stared at his nephew for a good ten seconds before turning away, sighing. A tiny smile irradiated his usually-stoic face.

"You're identical to your father."

Hiashi could see nothing but surprise in Neji's eyes.

"You're practically glowing with the determination he bore when he met your mother," the two had recommenced their walking. "She was a civilian. Had no clan or nobility to her name. But he didn't care. He wanted to be with her anyway. So he tried talking to me and the elders. To say they weren't pleased is an understandment. But he insisted, and so, they were wed."

Neji was quiet, looking at the rings, which were now out of his pocket and in his hand. His expression was soft.

"Two years later, the prodigy of the Hyuga clan was born into the Branch house, and his mother passed away post childbirth, happy that her son was alive and well."

Neji's fingers wrapped around the ring tightly as his uncle spoke. "And then that same genius, that prodigy, was left orphaned at the immature age of four." This time, Hiashi's voice came out in a whisper, almost strained.

Neji's hand free hand reached for his forehead, where the bandages covering his cursed seal wrapped around his head. Hiashi noted the unconscious reaction in silence, feelings of guilt washing over him.

The rest of the way to the Miyazaki residence was spent in silence. Though it was true that Hiashi did not know Neji as well as he wished he did, he thought he detected a hint of nervous excitement from the prodigy.

They got to the large house a few moments later, having chosen to walk there at a civilian pace rather than the Shinobi way of leaping over house and building rooftops.

Only Tenten's immediate family lived in the residence – her mother, her father, her older brother (who was an ANBU Black Ops leader, as far as Hiashi knew). The mother was a retired Kunoichi who sometimes chose to substitute teachers at the academy when needed. Tenten's father was a weapons' smith. His kunai were the trademark of the Leaf village, along with the shuriken and senbon. Word had it that he'd taught Tenten everything she knew about projectiles, explosives, and extensive weapons such as Bo staffs, scythes, and nun-chucks. Everyone knew, however, that Tenten's prowess even surpassed that of her father's. Her grace and sill in battle could not be denied: She was breathtaking.

Neji rapped his fingers on the wooden door, his nervousness was somewhat hidden (quite sloppily for him, if Hiashi was being honest with himself) behind his stoic demeanor. But the older man could tell just how impatient he was starting to get.

The weapon smith family seemed to be out for the day. Neither Hyuga dared use their Byakugan to make sure, however: They both had tact and respect.

At last, right when both men turned to go (Neji looking disappointed for a brief second), the door behind them flew open.

A disheveled Tenten appeared behind the door, looking slightly peeved. Her hair was unbound, wet, and framing her moistened face carefully.

Hiashi came to realize with startling surprise, that the female teammate of his nephew (not to mention his girlfriend) was in a towel.

The older Hyuga promptly looked away, noticing his Neji's blush as his head whipped to look the other way.

"Can I help you?" Tenten's moodiness hung freely in the air.

"Er," Neji seemed to not know what to say, for once in his life. He cleared his throat. "Do you have a minute?"

The woman's eyebrows shot up at once. "…I suppose." She nodded to herself. "Please, come on in."

The clan head inclined his head with appreciation. Neji pursed his lips nervously as he entered the house.

"Make yourselves at home, and I'll be right back," she turned to go, but Neji would have none of that. He tugged on her wrist, bringing her back to him.

"Tenten, I need to talk to you. Now." some desperation seeped through into his voice, but only slightly.

"Neji, I don't know if you've noticed," Tenten's confused eyes narrowed. "But I'm in a towel. Let me at least go change–"

"Not necessary, you look perfect." he said, forgetting that his uncle stood a mere three feet away from them.

"Neji, Hiashi-sama is present, and I don't think it's very hospitable–"

"Oh, no, it's quite all right. Do not mind my presence here."

To say Tenten was confused was an understandment. She blinked once, twice, as if it'd help clear her head of confusion. When she looked back at Neji, he was ready, box opened in and in his hand.

"Tenten, marry me."

It wasn't a question, it was a full-fledged command. The awkwardness in his voice as apparent, and Hiashi tried to not smile at it.

She stood there, blinking once again, before she realized what he'd just technically demanded of her.

And then she burst out laughing.

Neji's flushed cheeks were enough to convince the elder Hyuga that this was not what he had expected.

Tenten, still giggling, threw her arms around Neji's neck, pulling him close to her towel-clad form.

"Okay." Was all she graced them with before she continued to giggle. Neji put his arms around her waist, pulling her close to him as he closed his eyes. His face was lit by a tiny smile.

Hiashi sighed contently, his face mirroring his nephew's.

So who are you?

Yeah, who are you?

Yeah who are you?

A/N: I feel like it turned into full-on CRACK towards the end. I assure you, this was not intentional. It also seemed to me like it was a bit OOC… My bad. Also, I feel like the transitions between scenes could've gone a bit less choppy. I apologize.

I realize this is too long. It was merely meant to be a DRABBLE.

Either I'm wayyy over productive, or I get distracted a bit too easily.

(1): I know she is not given a clan in the anime or in the manga, but for the sake of this, she has one.

Okay, so maybe it's both.