I have been gone for so long that I actually forgot how this stuff works. well anyway here's an update a year late. I'm crazy I apologize.


Neji stood glued to Tenten's porch. No part of his body moved as he stared at her now closed front door. He could feel the ghost of her breath on his face and his body felt like it had been dipped in a bucket of ice. After a minute he stepped toward the door and lifted his fist to knock. He wanted to feel the heat that radiated off of her body again.

He tapped lightly at the door and waited. Over a minute passed and then he tapped again. When she once again failed to answer he prepared to take his leave. He exhaled loudly and pivoted toward the street. When he heard the door knob slowly turn he in return turned his head to see Tenten in an oversized shirt and cotton shorts.

"Oh,"she said blushing, "I thought I was hallucinating when I heard the knock."

"Hn."Neji replied turning his whole body to her.

"So do you want that tea then or...?"

Neji stared directly at her and she lowered her gaze and began to study her uncovered feet. slowly shifting her weight from one to the other.

"You will get a cold if you sleep in such skimpy clothing," He replied.

Tenten's head shot up and she let out a sound halfway between a laugh and a grunt, "Is that it?"

Neji suddenly felt uncomfortable because he couldn't exactly remember why he had actually knocked. Tenten stared at him questionly until he finally spoke.

"Training will be held on the Hyuga grounds tomorrow."

"What? Why?"

He looked at her but did not answer her question because he did not actually have an answer,"Because."

Tenten rolled her eyes, "Whatever I expect breakfast."

Neji nodded his head pleased that she accepted his excuse,"You should arrive at 7:30 then training will begin at 8"

"8? Come on Neji can't we take it easy for once!?"

"No."

"Come on 9."

"No."

"Please!"

Neji huffed in frustration, "If we begin at 9 we will not finish before the tea shops begin to close."

Tenten let out a surprised sound. She had somehow forgot his promise to have tea with her the next day after training.

"Well," She started, attempting to still get her way, "We never actually said where we'd have tea so I don't understand why it has to be in a shop."

Neji glared at her. She had made a fine point but that did not mean he liked it. Sometimes he despised how quick on her feet she was.

"Fine breakfast at the manor ends at 8:30 anyway."

"Then I shall be there at 8 and take a nap after!" She laughed.

Neji smirked and nodded his head. They both stood in their respective spots silently.

"So is that it?" Tenten asked.

"Hn," Neji answered.

They both continued to stare at the other until Tenten finally spoke. "So I'll see you tomorrow then..."

"Hn"

"Eight O'Clock on the dot."

Neji stared at her without answering.

"Alright well goodnight Neji," She said awkwardly about to close the door.

"Goodnight Tenten," He replied.

Tenten smiled and finally shut the door.


March 10

Neji awoke at 6:30 the next morning with a pristine all white room felt like a bombardment on his senses and he expected it was because he had barely slept the previous night. Every time he closed his eyes all he could see were long brown wavy locks of hair and it had driven him insane.

He got up slowly removing the soft snow white blanket from around his waist and took a neatly folded black shirt from the desk chair located on the left side of his bed. He covered his previously barren chest with the cotton shirt and adjusted his grey sleeping pants as he walked to the other side of the bed toward a meditation mat. He sunk down in a meditative position with the intent of erasing the horror that was the night before.

His meditation lasted an hour and after he was done he slowly raised himself up and entered the bathroom connected to his room. By his calculations it took him exactly Twenty-three minutes and thirty-six seconds to take a shower and dress in his practice robe. He used the rest of his time to make his way to the pristine, subtlety decorated, all white kitchen which was connected to the morning eating area.

When Neji entered the eating area he greeted his uncle and his two daughter's, who were all already seated, with an incline of his head.

"You are up quite late Neji," Hiashi noted.

"I have been up for hours uncle but I was mediating," Neji responded as he took a seat across from his uncle and next to Hinata. He made sure the spot on his left was empty "Even so at this rate you will be late for your training."

"TenTen will be joining us shortly for breakfast and afterward we will begin training at 9." Hinata's head shot up at the mention of Neji's female teammate, "Tenten will be coming he-here to train with you?"

"Hn," He answered.

"Why?" She looked at him eyes wide. Neji attempted to ignore the question but that created an awkward silence which drew the attention of the entire family.

They all stared at Neji as he grabbed jam and a piece of bread. He lightly spread the jam on the bread as his uncle put down the tea he had previously been holding and cleared his throat.

Neji, realizing that not answering his cousin's question would cause an altercation, put down his food, "We will be having tea after training and I would not like to venture elsewhere for conveniencey reasons."

His family seemed to be appeased with that answer as it was very logical and true to Neji's character to avoid any inconveniences. However, Hinata kept pestering him with well intended but prying questions, "I-I never got to see the gift you got her... Did she like it?" She smiled.

Neji exhaled loudly hoping to put an end to the conversation but his cousin continued to look up at him and he didn't want to catch his uncle's attention once again.

"Yes she did," He stated with finality pouring himself a cup of green tea.

Neji relaxed as Hinata returned to her tea and began to sip it gingerly but to his dismay Hanabi was also quite curious in the matter of the gift.

"I thought Hinata always picked out Tenten's gifts. What did you get her?"

Neji tightened his jaw. He hated personal conversations and he really did not want to talk about the girl who had ruined a night of rest for him. He opened his mouth to answer when a particularly loud and familiar yawn stopped him.

"Two jade hair combs,"answered the offending young women sleepily as she took her seat on Neji's left and smiled, "Good morning by the way."

Everyone murmured back their greetings except for Neji who noted Tenten was two minutes late. He pushed his tea over to her and she smiled up at him appreciatively. He began to pour himself another cup when she shook her head, took a few sips, and handed it back. Without a word he accepted it and she reached for a water pitcher on the table to pour herself a glass. Hinata and Hanabi exchanged a surprised look as Neji drunk from the cup Tenten had previously sipped from and then handed her his bread. She took a large bite and while still chewing offered it back to him. He simply glared at her and she in return giggled, swallowed and took another bite.

"Happy birthday by the way Tenten,"Hiashi spoke. The entire table shifted their attention to the clan leader as it was very out of the ordinary for him to engage a house guest that was not his In conversation.

Tenten gulped down her bread and smiled at him, "Thank you sir, the flowers you sent me were lovely."

Hiashi nodded his head in recognition but Neji, perplexed, shifted his head so he was staring down at his teammate.

"I was unaware you sent Tenten flowers uncle," he stated in a voice so even an outsider would think the gesture had not affected him at all.

Tenten looked up at him and bit her lip nervously. She knew that although Neji and his uncle were on relatively good terms Neji still got upset when he felt the man was encroaching on his personal life.

"Guess I forgot to mention it at dinner," Tenten spoke trying to shrug off the topic, " The card actually said they were from the entire Hyuga clan but I mean Hiashi-sama is the head so it's only right I thank him...Right?"

Neji narrowed his eyes slightly to communicate that he wasn't happy with her and that they would continue the conversation later in private. If she had been planning on actually taking that nap she was going to be extremely disappointed.

Tenten turned forward and began to nibble on her half eaten toast her appetite slowly fading as she wondered what hell Neji would put her through because she forgot to mention the flowers.

She was however snapped out of her musings when Hiashi spoke again, "Actually you should probably thank Kiba. He came to the manor to ask Hinata what she had purchased for you and kindly reminded me the date of your birthday. I felt it only appropriate that I show my appreciation of you on such an important day."

Tenten blushed and Neji raised a fresh cup of tea to his lips and drank with his eyes lowered. His uncle was testing his patience and the mention of the Inuzuka boy did not help ease his irritation.

"Well I'll be sure to thank him the next time I see him. Still the flowers were quite pretty and I am happy that you even put the time in to order them," She responded with a slight tint on her cheeks hoping that would be the end of the conversation.

"No problem. However if I had known how extravagant and expensive my nephew's gift to you would be I would have sent flowers that were equally," he paused for a moment attempting to find the right word, "Luxurious."

Neji noted how very talkative his uncle was this morning and wished to kami that he would just shut up.

Tenten looked sideways at Neji with question in her eyes. She had never thought of how much the combs had cost and even though the Hyugas were more than wealthy and he had always gotten her expensive things on her birthday she did not like the idea of him spending a small fortune on her.

"I'm sure the flowers you sent were more than lovely uncle," Neji replied in Tenten's place trying to stop the conversation from going any further.

"I believed they were too," Hiashi continued, "Until I saw the statement from our jeweler after that I felt quite... out done."

Hinata looked at her father's emotionless face with open confusion. He was playing a game she didn't understand and she was worried it would end badly for her cousin. She opened her mouth to speak but shortly closed it unable to think of what to say. Tenten was shifting uncomfortably in her spot picking at her bread and Neji was tightening his grip on his tea cup.

"Did you use flowers from the garden father?" Hinata finally spoke attempting to dispel some of the tension

"Yes I did," Hiahsi responded, "Actually they were from Neji's personal garden. I thought they would hold more value that way."

Hinata's eyes widened as she watched her cousin lower his tea cup to the table and glare at her father. No one spoke as the two stared at eachother. Tenten took the opportunity to steal a sip of Neji's tea and the other two Hyugas silently ate their remaining food.

Hiashi was the first to break eye contact as he shifted his gaze to Tenten, "You will come to the party tomorrow night and show off those hair combs." With that he got up and moved toward the staircase leaving the young adults shocked and confused.

Tenten looked at Neji and he nodded his head confirming that she would indeed be doing exactly that.

Hanabi was next to leave. As she got up she offered her late birthday wishes to Tenten and bowed to the older girl.

However, after her sister got up Hinata did not make an attempt for an exit. She had finally realized the game her father was playing and although she thought it quite cruel she also believed it to be necessary for her cousin's future sanity.

Neji was placing healthy options on Tenten's plate and huffing every time she attempted to reach for a breakfast pastry or sugary option. Hinata smiled at the pair about to take her leave.

Noticing she was getting up, Tenten quickly halted her attempts to stop Neji from poisoning her with what he called "appropriate food choices" and frantically waved her arm in the Hyuga's direction trying to get her attention.

"Hey Hinata will you go shopping with me for this party thing?" She asked when Hinata finally turned to her.

Hinata was shocked but began nodding her assent when Neji interrupted her.

"No need," He spoke, "I'll take you."

Tenten blinked a few times and then shrugged her shoulders returning to her breakfast.

Hinata was taken aback by Neji's offer to take Tenten shopping but quickly realized that this was possibly her only chance to further her father's plan.

"No," she said as firmly as possible for her, "I'll take Tenten it will be better that way"

Neji was irritated but because he couldn't think of a reason on why his cousin would be wrong he just nodded his head.

"Okay then!" Tenten smiled "How bout tomorrow morning?"

Hinata nodded her head and Tenten agreed to meet her at the shops at 8 the next morning. The Hyuga girl left with a shy goodbye.

After he had finished forcing her to eat half a bowl of melon with her disturbingly unhealthy breakfast choices Neji led Tenten to his room. She planned to curl herself up in his bed and take a nice nap while he meditated or did whatever it was that Neji did when he had free time.

As soon as Neji opened the door to his room Tenten walked past him and threw herself on his bed. She reached for the blanket when she felt it being snatched out of her grasp.

She looked up at Neji who was holding the only thing that she wanted in the world in his hand.

"Hey," she whined.

"We need to talk," He stated throwing the blanket in the corner of the room making it the only thing out of place.

Tenten sighed. She sat up and looked at her team mate with remorse in her brown eyes, "I'm sorry I didn't tell you about the flowers. It just sorta slipped my mind. I didn't mean anything by it."

Neji smirked. He had completely forgotten about the flowers and in no way blamed her. He knew what his uncle chose to do was in no way her fault. Even if it had agitated him at first it'd be illogical and wrong to punish her for his uncle's actions.

"Not about that," he started, "That is forgiven. We need to talk about this party."

"Oh" she spoke surprised., "I just assumed it was one of those Hyuga get together things you're always using me to get out of. Nothing serious right?"

Neji exhaled and pinched the bridge of his nose. He had no idea how he was going to explain to Tenten exactly what was going on without getting angry. He sat himself down on the bed and looked at her, "This is a Hyuga party. An occasion my family has been acknowledging for a while," He stopped and gave her a once over to make sure she was listening. He noticed she was attentive and her mouth was agape as it usually was when she was focusing. He continued," It is an occasion that goes back for centuries. It is always held at the main compound and is handled by the head of the family. They decide on the decorations, the date, and they only invite the most prestigious and-

"So what you're saying is that you don't think I'll fit in," Tenten stated the anger evident in her tone.

Neji gave her a look attempting not to lose his patience. The blank stare assured her that he had in no way meant that and she shifted, a bit embarrassed, and nodded her head for him to continue.

"The people the head invites are always prestigious and unattached," Neji once again stared at his female teammate. The information he had given her seemed to have no effect and so he continued with a sigh,"This party only serves one real purpose and that is to introduce the higher ranked family members to appropriate matches."

Tenten's eyes widened, "You mean this is a mixer?"

Neji huffed at her improper term, "It is a meeting in which the most important members of the next leading generation of Hyugas can find suitable spouses."

"Suitable spouses!? Then why the hell do I have to go!?"

" I assume it is because my uncle believes you to be... Suitable."

"Me? A 'suitable' bride for one of your cousins?" Tenten giggled

Neji sighed again, "Yes I believe that is his thought process."

"But I don't want to marry one if your cousins! Especially if it means I have to go to things like this after I do!"

"I am aware of that Tenten which is why I want you to be aware of your surroundings at all times. As the future head of the branch family I have duties and I will not be able to watch you. The Hyugas are a very old family and there are many customs that could land you in an engagement. The people who will be attending will all be aware of these customs which will put you at a disadvantage."

"So you're saying if I blink wrong or accept food from a Hyuga I could end up married!?"

"No you're being more than melodramatic I am saying you may end up in a courtship with someone you would rather not deal with if you are not careful. The Hyugas are not cavemen nor absolute rulers no one can force you into a marriage Tenten."

"Oh well in that case being wined and dined by a Hyuga wouldn't be all that bad. I'm sure I'll be fine," she laughed.

Neji glared at her. She was not taking the situation seriously, "Tenten this is not something to take lightly this is a serious matter if you act in a manner that displeases my uncle you can end up blacklisted."

Tenten tilted her head up to look at Neji quizzically, "Does that mean we wouldn't be friends anymore?"

"Again you're being melodramatic it would just be harder for you to get missions from more well off families and you would no longer be able to enter the compound. It may also affect your future marital prospects."

Tenten let out a sigh, "Alright. I'll be extra careful and I'll ask Hinata some questions."

"There's no need. Take your nap. I will prepare downstairs for an etiquette and customs lesson."

"Wait! Are you serious!? You're gonna let me nap and we don't have to train today or tomorrow!?"

Neji glared at her and she simply smiled and threw herself back on the bed curling into a ball.

He picked up the blanket from the corner and fanned it until it lay evenly on top of her, "This will not be easy you know."

"Neji shh it's nap time."


Neji stared at Tenten's curled body on his bed. It amazed him how someone could nap right after they woke up from a night of sleep. It had taken him twenty-three minutes to set up the ball room properly. it was now 8:57 AM and so he had decided to allow her the extra three minutes of sleep. Her breathing was even and unbothered despite the fact that he knew she could feel his gaze. She had once said she believed she made the unconscious decision to ignore any threatening feelings when he was around. She explained that she knew she was safe because he would take care of any problems. At first Neji had thought she had lost her mind. But then on one mission when they were fourteen he singlehandedly defeated an attacker while on watch without waking her from her slumber and realized she was right. He would always protect her.

At 8:59 he made his way to the bed.

"Tenten."

"No," she turned over.

He had known it was going to be a fight to wake her up as soon as she layed down and at this moment he wished he had forced her to stay awake.

"Tenten."

"I said no."

He snatched the blanket off of her and she shivered from the lack of covering.

"There is no way it's 9 o'clock!"

"You're right. it's 9:01."

"Neji! It's my birthday!"

"Your birthday was yesterday. Now hurry up I do not have time for this."

Tenten rolled over on to her back and glared into the empty eyes of the Hyuga prodigy. He really knew how to test her patience. She huffed and proceeded to get off the bed. Neji threw the rumpled blanket back on to it as she headed out the door.

Together they walked into the smaller of the two Hyuga ballrooms. In the center Neji had laid out a round two person table with multiple pieces of cutlery.

"The party will be held in the grand ballroom but they are currently decorating for the occasion. "

"Why? They have a whole day." Tenten rolled her eyes.

"These things are not thrown together Tenten," Neji huffed.

Tenten sat down in the chair farthest away from the entrance, " Well teach me things then."

Neji sat across from her and for the next hour they went over aspects of Hyuga dining that Tenten already knew. Such as what fork to use for desert and proper topics to discuss during dinner.

"Neji, I know all this already! I've been to a Hyuga party before!" Tenten yelled.

"Not one like this," he snapped.

Tenten rolled her eyes. She was tired of Neji's constant talking she decided that she liked him better when he was silent, "If the entire point is that I don't end up with one of your cousins wouldn't it be better if I didn't know any of this stuff? You know so I could like repel them with my commoner upbringing or whatever."

Neji huffed. His teammate was not taking this as she should. Either she was making snide remarks or she was acting as if the world would implode. He wished she would just listen to him. This party could end her career as a ninja and then where would they be? She would be unable to support herself and he would be left without a training partner. Most ninja's partners just died but he was having to go through this.

"The point of this is that you do not upset my uncle! I could care less about my cousins," Neji seethed. He pinched the bridge of his nose. A habit he only ever did in private or when Tenten was around mostly because she was the only person who could irritate him this quickly.

She smiled at him. He had practically yelled at her. It was entertaining. Neji never yelled at anyone. Sure he made sarcastic remarks or chastised others but he never yelled at anyone. Anyone that is except her. Most people would be upset about that, that they're best friend and team mate only seemed to lose it around them but Tenten always felt triumphant when it knew she was the only person on earth who could ever rile up the Hyuga prodigy so much he would lose his infamous Neji cool.

"Fine, fine." She smiled at him. He looked so upset. He hated that she never truly listened to him about things like this and she knew it, "I will do my best to not upset your uncle and simultaneously not get into any sort of weird relationships with your cousins."

She brought her right leg up onto her chair and rested her right arm and chin on her knee and giggled continuing to smile in his direction. Neji appraised her wondering if her statement was genuine.

"Why do you not wish to wed a Hyuga?" He suddenly asked.

Tenten stared at him in surprised mouth agape. Neji had never asked her a question about any sort of personal matter unless it would somehow upset their almost daily training.

"Why do you care?" she retorted dropping her leg and crossing her arms over her chest . Attempting to seem like she hadn't been caught completely off guard.

In truth Neji had no idea why he had asked. The question sort of just came out. Which was unnerving in itself as almost everything he said was calculated.

He thought before he spoke this time, "The Hyuga are a reputable clan. You would be well off, protected and respected. I just do not understand how any of that is unapealing."

Tenten shook her head and smiled again. That was such a Neji thing to say. Of course that's why he wanted to know. To him marrying into the Hyuga family was probably like getting rid of any inconveniences and Neji could not understand why anyone wouldn't want that. "I don't care about those things that way Neji and you know that. As long as I'm fed and healthy I believe I'm well off and I can protect and gain respect for myself you know. I'm not going to marry into a family just because they can make those things a little easier to obtain. Especially when that family is filled with politics and treacherous assholes. No offense but your family isn't my cup of tea. While I respect their dedication and skill I'm also well aware that they can be ruthless and down right cruel. Your family is cold and calculating and I don't believe I would fit in." When she was finished she stared at her comrade he seemed to be deciding how to reply.

Several moments later with a blank stare he finally answered with another set of questions, "Do you feel the same about me? That is do you believe I am cold and calculating also?"