Never Lost
NejiXTenten. She knows of his abilities. She knows of his aspirations. And she wants him to soar. Even without her.
Naruto is Kishimoto Masashi's.
-------------
Chapter One
When he asked if he can court her, it came as a shock. So shocking that it didn't sink into her until Ino, one day, teased her about the flowers purchased from the Yamanaka's on a daily basis. The word 'courtship' seems absurd, out of date. Boys and girls would date once and end waking up beside each other. But this is Hyuuga Neji and to Tenten, that made all the difference.
On their first date, she took the initiative to hold his hand as they walked side by side. His hands were cold, obviously nervous. It's funny how someone who constantly puts his life on the line gets so tensed over the real, simple things. At her doorstep, he said good night. She stepped closer to give him a kiss on the cheek for the memorable night. He was startled by her actions, however, and the supposed to be memorable night has turned into an unforgettable one when their lips brushed- lightly, fleeting, magic.
They had to avoid each other's eyes until she has finally closed the door behind her. He headed home, his pale cheeks adorned with a blush too rare for his personality. She slept smiling, like a little girl who has just received her favourite candy.
They were officially a couple even before the new month began. And for their celebration that night, she had to practice wearing the houmongi kimono that she finds so uncomfortable. Not to mention that it took hours to perfect her kanzashi laden coiffure. The Hyuugas has a flair for those traditional, formal outfits. He only gave a meaningful smile, seeing her all dolled up for the very first time. She felt uneasy and yet, proud. She looked great and he liked it, he whispered to her. Although he chose to wear comfortable, casual clothes- perhaps to match her usual look.
But she was extremely worried when he started acting strange. She has caught him staring at nothingness for minutes, as if occupied by a heavy thought. She had to call his name several times before she can get a response, as if he couldn't hear her at all. Something is bothering him but he wouldn't tell. He always dismissed it as a simple headache although he refused to see a medic. She believed him though blindly.
Until one day, an unexpected visitor came to see her. Hiashi-sama, the head of the Hyuuga clan, asked if she has some time to spare. She allowed him in her apartment. This is definitely serious, she thought. This man doesn't just go dropping by people's houses. She asked him if she can get him anything but he just shook his head. She was anxiously wringing her fingers as he started talking. Their conversation or his monologue rather, was short and straight to the point.
He wishes to pass on his position to his nephew. The entire clan feels the same, recognizing that no one else is more worthy than the young prodigy. However, this will only happen once he agrees to one simple request, an arranged marriage. It seems that the girl, a distant relative, is highly favoured by the main family. But Neji repeatedly declined the proposal.
It wasn't a simple headache after all. Just like what she felt, not a simple heartache. After her esteemed guest left, she remained sitting there. The pain was caused by the activation of the seal on his forehead- a punishment for disobeying the main family, a punishment for choosing her. The branch family was not pleased either. It's a one in a million chance that a branch child is offered to be the head of the clan. In exchange for a little sacrifice, he can alter fate. He can put an end to the Hyuuga clan's tale of hatred. Isn't that all he ever wanted?
So what happens to them? They have a few choices- all leading to misery, all leading to tears. It's unfair, she thought. How can his clan be so selfish? Or was it them being selfish? Is it so wrong to be with the one person she cares for the most? Maybe their love has been forbidden even before it has begun. She doesn't want to just smile with him- she wants to cry with him too. She doesn't want to just feel the warmth of the sun with him- she wants to feel the cold of the rain too. And so she decided, he doesn't have to carry the burden all on his own.
-------------
This is some sort of a preview for the next two to three chapters, the 'meat of the story'- for the lack of a better term. Well, this is something new for me and the rating might change to an M later on, depending on my mood (or courage) because I have this thing about Neji...
I can't make him do it XD
Alrighty! I hope I didn't bore you too much and I hope you'll check back for the next chapter!
