'I kissed her! What was I thinking? You're so stupid Neji Hyuuga.' He thought to himself as His cousin walked up. "Neji? I thought you weren't coming until tomorrow? What are you doing here?" He smiled at his cousin, so easily confused, her innocent eyes widening with worry. Then it hit her, the realization of why he was here early…

"Where's Uncle?" She asked slowly, even though she knew the answer, she needed to hear it out loud. Neji's eyes closed tightly, pain and sadness evident on his face. Slowly he shook his head, unable to speak, fearing that if he did, his cool would break and he'd look weak. Crying was not an option.

"There was- We were- He was-" Shaking his head, unable to look his uncle in the eyes. He knew what he would see if he looked, there would be disappointment and shame. His eyes darted everywhere but to his uncle. He already has to face what's happened to his father, he didn't want to deal with his uncle.

Turning abruptly, he walked out of their living room, straight into the guest room; his new room. He lay in his bed that night feeling so lost. There was a light knock at his door, before it opened a crack and Hinata popped her head in. Neji crossed his arms under his head, barely acknowledging her as she entered.

She sat on the foot of his bed, staring at the wall above his head. She quietly said, "Neji… I-I'm so sorr—" Sitting up in a swift movement that almost knocked Hinata off the bed, Neji silenced her. "I don't want your sympathy. I don't need anyone's help. I can handle myself and my own problems!" Hinata stiffened, her eyes starting to water and her cheeks coloring with emotion.

After a long pause she took a deep breath, calming herself before saying, "He wasn't only your family, Neji. He was mine too! " There was a long, tense silence. After awhile, Neji let out a aggravated sigh. "I know," He said slowly. "But he was my dad. Nobody can replace that. It was all my fault, and Uncle won't let me forget it."

Hinata shook her head. "Oh no, Neji, it wasn't your fault. Don't let Dad tell you that! There was nothing you could do to stop it." She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand and stood. Looking back at her cousin, she smiled, saying, "You might want to stay in your room for the night…" Giggling at his confused expression, she simply stated, "I'm having a sleep over; my friends should be here any minute."

'Oh God,' He thought to himself. 'The last thing I need is a bunch of girls around—' He stopped as his thoughts traveled back to the girl in the forest… 'It couldn't be… She wouldn't…' The sound of a doorbell brought him out of his train of thought. Getting up and peeking out the window, he saw the pink haired girl from earlier arrived, dressed in pink (of course), and carrying a big bag.

"Hurry up Tenten," I told myself, tossing my nightclothes into my small bag. The sun was just starting to set, and the girls would be furious if I didn't show up. 'This should be fun,' I thought to myself as I threw a random shirt and pair of jeans for tomorrow into my bag as well. Packing a few necessities (Toothbrush, Hairbrush, etc.), I stashed a few weapons in my hidden compartments and hurried out the door.

The Hyuuga manor was HUGE! I walked up the stairs, rung the doorbell, and waited. I took this time to look around. I knew Hinata was rich, but I never thought she was this rich. There were at least 5 rooms facing the front, and the left side jutted out, like an L. A slight movement of the curtains caught my eye. 'It's probably Hinata,' I told myself just as the door opened and I was greeted my one of their servants.

The butler that opened the door tried to take my bag, but I refused. He insisted, tugging a little harder, saying, "Miss, Let me take your bag please. I'll put it with the others." My grip tightened, and I yanked it loose from his hands. "I said NO thank you." Hinata came in, saying, "It's alright Kelton, Tenten's a bit stubborn." She smiled at me, ushering me to follow her.

We walked threw the main part of the house, into a marbled hallway, and down to her room. As soon as she opened her door, I was bombarded by Ino and Sakura. "You made it!" Ino squealed. "Hand it over," Sakura called over to Temari, holding out her hand. Temari sat on her sleeping bag, shuffling cards, and rolled her eyes. "We made a bet that you wouldn't show." She said, fishing for a twenty out of her suitcase.

I laughed, joining them on the floor. We sat there, playing cards for a bit, just laughing and having fun until we heard a bell tolling. Hinata jumped up walked out of the room. The three of us looked at each other for a moment, confused expressions on all of our faces when Hinata walked back in. Her cheeks turned pink with embarrassment as she said, "Oh, um- that means dinner is- uh ready…" With that, we all jumped up, racing towards the kitchen.

Everyone froze when we saw a figure leaning against the counter. Hinata walked past us, took her seat beside her father at the table, and smiled at us. Ino was the first one to move. She walked up to the guy, wrapping him in a hug, saying, "You must be Hinata's cousin. I'm Ino." He stiffened as her touch; relaxing a little only once she let go. Ino waved with her hand, pointing to each one of us, saying. "There's Temari, Sakura, and Ten—hey, where'd Tenten go?"

The guy straightened up at the sound of my name, his eyes searching the three of us. I ducked down behind Sakura, and quickly bolted from the room. I was already down the hall, and in Hinata's room, before they had a chance to turn around. 'Oh God! This can't be happening!' I thought as I paced back and forth. The door opened and Hinata and Sakura bustled in wearing worried expressions.