Neji sat in his room reading through the scroll his Master had sent him. His "interrogation" with a cloud peddler had seemed quite resourceful. Mouthing the words written, the assassin absorbed the information. They were stolen, the books. Each taken from different guilds across the nation; even his own. Maru, the kid he killed on his last mission, was suspected as one of the traitors. Their motive was-of course-gold. The Cloud kingdom had been low on finances for years. This sprouted the issue with the Golden kingdom. The advisors didn't see eye to eye and the Cloud king wanted help. However, Tenten's father refused. Their finances emptied by their inability to harvest certain essentials, which caused them to import in the masses. Apparently, with each year came a revised contract..."deal" of some sorts to become economically dependent on each other. His master continued to write that the Cloud kingdom's ties had withered with the Mist Kingdom (their trading partner) once the Assassin Queen took over and turned the kingdom into an isolated guild...a guild to which Haku hailed from.

Neji sucked on a strand of hair. If he recalled correctly, his encounters in the Mist kingdom were rather brief and blunt. His ability to explore was restricted, and he always had a watcher on him as he worked. Granted, that mission was to kill a spy that had been hiding out in the Mist kingdom. Shortly after he harvested the head of his target, the Queen shuffled him out of the village in a hurry. His master had a good working relationship with the Guild Queen over there, only he could freely walk about the kingdom without an escort.

The Hyuga shook his head slightly; he needed to get focused. His mother was somewhere in the kingdom. How did she get there? Who took her? Why was his uncle so hell bent on getting him back on Hyuga stature? To top it off Shin-Ten was investigating without him. Throwing the scroll across the room, Neji stood and swiped the piece of now damp hair out of his mouth. With that, he began to pace. His mind was piecing everything together slowly; politics, economics...hell even personal connections. Speaking of, Tenten was whisked from the palace so quickly, it was almost as if her father was trying to make her disappear.

What did this have to do with Tenten? Her Heavenly magic could be used as a weapon, but only of they had her. With that failed attempt a few years ago, Neji doubted they'd try again to get her magic. Or...maybe it wasn't her magic they were after.

Something clicked.

He rushed over to the desk in the corner of his room and dug out a piece of parchment. Neji jotted down his thoughts and pulled out an envelope. His fingers fumbled as he casted a sealing spell over the opening. Neji ran from his room to the hallways. The desert guards glanced at him curiously as he shuffled about. Was there no messenger? He mused. There had to be.

"Oh."

The assassin whirled around. Gaara stood in the halls with Tenten on his arm. She looked at the Hyuga curiously as he swiftly bowed at them. Since when did she hold onto him like that? He thought bitterly. His eyebrow twitched as she tilted her at him, trying to read his expression.

"What's wrong, Neji? You seem panicked." Tenten said letting go of the Prince's arm and stepping toward him.

Feeling the redhead's eyes draping on him, he shook his head. An urgent message to her bother, was his answer. The messenger was no where to be found. Gaara blinked before answering; their messenger was away to another kingdom.

"In what level of urgency is this?" Gaara asked.

Neji pursed his lips together. Tenten put a hand on his bicep, actually showing a bit of concern. He had flinched a bit and was quick to brush off her hand. Glancing between her and the prince, he stated this was not for the ears of the princess. Said princess puffed up her cheeks and argued that she he was to be queen soon and that she should be able to take part in anything he deemed "urgent". For this, the Hyuga shook his head. He gestured for the desert prince to follow him. Gaara raised a brow at Tenten, who was tugging on Neji's cloak. The prince's eyes catching every mannerism of hers as she tugged on the fabric and frowned. The assassin took a step to the side

-causing her to remove her grip. Gaara lifted his chin and placed a soft kiss on Tenten's temple. The bun head side glanced at him; a bit stunned at his action.

"Do not worry, my love. It will only be a moment."

"But-" she turned to Neji.

His eyes were narrowed slightly at her and he too had his chin in the air. "My love", he nearly snorted. One night of bliss and he was completely he's over heals-calling her pet names and showering her with attention. "My love."Yeah, right- his teeth clenched bitterly.

The princess closed her mouth as the assassin shook his head. He was insistent that she stayed out of this conversation. He was glaring at her, his mouth tight and his eyes stone; she wasn't sure how to respond. Sighing, she took a step back and watched as the two men stalked down the hall. It was Gaara who looked back her with an apologetic smile. However, her eyes were glued to the back of her protector's head. She knew he could feel her right now judging by how his shoulders had retracted up to the ears in a tense state. Good, she thought. That's what he gets for being a jerk.

Neji grunted as his forehead tingled. His stomach felt hallow as he walked down the hall with the prince. Her initial shocked emotion was expected, although, he didn't mean to glare at her in such a way. It could be labeled as disrespectful if the prince had interpreted so. Right now though, she was toying with him. His stomach returned to normal, and yet his forehead still tingled. Teasing him was one thing, but forcibly toying with his emotions was another; especially since he had been raised to surpass many of his own.

"Does this have to do with whatever Shin-Ten is investigating?" Gaara said as he opened the doors to his study.

"Yes...and a bit more than that." Neji replied. "However, it is just a hunch."

"Hunch or not, your instincts have yet to fail." The prince replied as he waved his hand at a seat near his white clay constructed desk.

So, the assassin explained most of the information he had pieced together. The desert prince listened intently, his state hardened when the Hyuga had mentioned his theory concerning the princess. Perhaps since she was gone, the cloud kingdom could find place to strike. She was after all their goddess. Something in that idea caused Neji to shake his head. No, it wasn't that and he was sure of it. If the cloud kingdom really wanted to cause a muck, they would've attempted to kidnap her again. Only this time, since word had gotten around the nations about the contest, there was a chance that they used the distraction to come up with another plan...thus came the books. Leaving out his family affairs in this matter, the assassin guessed that the cloud kingdom must've found a hole. Gaara clicked his tongue as he tried to piece it together himself. Neji knew he wouldn't be able to without the Hyuga information; it's not like he wanted the desert prince to know it anyway.

"I can send Sana to deliver it." Gaara stated leaning back.

"The maid?"

"Sana is a tough cookie. Any bandits she encounters are as good as done if they try." The green eyed teen shifted his gaze to a piles of papers that were neatly stacked and awaiting his attention. "She should be dressing Tenten right now."

Neji nodded before pocketing the letter and swiftly exiting the room to Tenten's wing.

OOOOOooooOoOooOooo

Hinata leaned against the draped wall outside her Lady's dressing chamber. She wasn't too sure how to spend her time since her job was to keep away from the desert nobles and stay to shoulder with Tenten. Sakura and Ino, on the other hand, had begun making friends with the other noble girls that lived on the palace grounds. The Hyuga girl played with a strand of her hair. She wanted nothing more than to return home and be with her sister (and that blonde messenger boy). Perhaps this is why her father had sent her away; to have a change of environment. The Hyuga business consisted of constant contact with trading partners and social gatherings. At this, Hinata sighed. It was her last chance to prove to her father how well she can adapt and perhaps comeback a bit more confident. Maybe, just maybe, he'd get off of her back about how she needs to stand up for herself and stop acting like a child.

"Ack!"

Hinata watched as Tenten tripped over her skirts.

"These are so long! Why must I wear unnecessarily long skirts when it's so fucking hot outside?" The princess cried.

"The ladies at court need to see you as elegant and fragile like a blown glass flower." Sana explained casually.

"Yeah, I'm a delicate fucking flower," Tenten huffed. "Why am I even going to this court? I'm not married yet."

Unfazed by the princess' attitude, Sana adjusted her own skirts. Being acquainted with the other nobles was a mere formality. She'd learn how the system works and what to expect. Tenten grunted; she'd rather be thrown into Lord Orochimaru's lab. Hinata giggled as Sana rolled her grey eyes.

"At least you will have Lady Hyuga to accompany you."

"You're not coming?"

"Heavens no. What goes about in court is none of my business." Sana replied pushing her to the door.

Tenten grumbled under her breath as she walked behind her maid-something told her Sana was leaving her alone with the nobles on purpose. This was nonsense, she thought as her fingers curled into tight fists. Utter waste of time... Next to her, Hinata hummed which caused the princess to look forward. Neji came walking down the hall, his face stoic as ever, holding something in his hand. Sana blinked as he approached her.

"I have a task for you." He said quietly. "I have received permission from your prince to request your personal services."

"After I bring our Lady to court. Come along, Assassin." The woman stated as she continued to walk.

Tenten stiffened as Neji fell into step next to her. Glancing over at him, she could tell whatever talk he had with Gaara was probably not a good one. His shoulders were still tense, she noticed. It wasn't her doing this time, so something must be really troubling him. His chin was lifted and he kept his gaze forward, meaning he wasn't up for any further conversation. It was his stature as an assassin that was filling showing now; like a royal military officer except, he had nothing to lose. The princess wanted to reach out and touch his arm. Just some recognition was all she wanted. A look, or a tap on the shoulder or...something to let her know he wasn't involved in anything too serious. Walking in silence didn't help either...They reached a set of rose wood doors and Tenten sighed to herself. Here that were. The princess shot the assassin-whom was looking dead at her now-a mixed glance. Taking Hinata's hand, she marched inside. Once the doors closed behind the two girls, Sana looked at the Hyuga.

"Now," she crossed her arms over her chest. "What do you need?"

Neji handed her his letter; Instructing her to deliver it to the Golden Kingdom's prince-and the prince alone-the assassin told her not to ask what was inside.

"Very well. I will put a protection spell over it so it cannot be viewed until I reach the golden palace." She said. "I will leave once I set up the princess' outfit for dinner."

Neji nodded. This maid seemed to be more flexible and obedient than he thought. It was almost as if he was talking to Tsunade...except the blonde was definitely more of a handful and had no problem telling him off. Adjusting her sash, Sana bowed her head slightly before walking past him, back to the Golden Princess' wing. Fingering the daggers at his belt, the assassin exhaled sharply. He needed to keep a closer eye on Tenten if what he thinks is right. Which means, he needed someone else to jump in...

Someone who can be overlooked as another face in a crowd of nobles.

OOOooOOoOOoOoOOOoOo

"Absolutely dreadful." Tenten grimaced as she sat herself on her bed cushions.

Neji merely rolled his eyes as he laid on his back. Two hours. That blasted court lasted two hours...now he had to endure Tenten's complaining until he can think of a way to change the subject. He had waited outside her sleeping chambers, greeted by a grunt from his fair lady. The bun head merely brushed him off as she entered. He deserved that, he supposed. Her irritation was trailing behind her. He was able to gain her feeling back when he placed his gloved hands on her shoulders and lightly robbed his nose against her cheek. It was an odd gesture, however it was one that suggested his stress to be none of her concern-to which she complied; forgiving.

"Thank goddess your cousin was next to me. They began speaking their desert language so I couldn't catch on. Talk about rude." The princess grumbled.

"Perhaps you should learn it, then." He replied flatly closing his eyes.

The bun head looked at him. His tone was still cross from earlier, which was a bit odd since Neji got over a lot of things very quickly. What this so annoying that he couldn't get over it?

"Hey." Tenten leaned over him.

Her brown eyes were big as she looked down into his face. The crystal in his forehead tingled slightly as she peered at him, her lips dropped into a frown. The assassin sighed. There was no use in being so uptight. Great, he thought, he's turning into his uncle...

Reaching up, he cupped her cheek in his palm and traced her tinted bottom lip with his thumb. He faced became relaxed as he felt her warmth on his skin. Perhaps he was just paranoid. Yes, he supposed that was what he was feeling. And yet besides that...something was still pulling at his lungs. A certain topic to which he was definitely guilty of entertaining-to which he NEARLY twitched a brow.

"So," he flicked her nose. "How was it?"

Tenten blinked. A blush creeped onto her face. He was referring to her and Gaara's embrace.

"How did you-"

"Your posture," he stated. "You hold your chest higher. The way you gripped onto his arm so tightly...also I felt a bit odd and my forehead was tingling."

The princess gasped. Of course, she thought. It was an overwhelming wave of emotion and he felt everything she did.

"Did...did you, uh..." Tenten couldn't find the right wording to ask what she wanted to. Shutting her mouth, she decided she didn't want to ask that question. The answer was a bit curious to her, but the princess didn't really think it mattered...well kind of.

Neji blinked. He was a bit confused. Was it really that big of a deal? Granted, he never experienced such actions-however, something was still off from what he felt. If seemed empty in a way, he told her. Like, something was missing. She wasn't feeling what he expected her to feel...or what he thought she should have felt.

"What do you mean?" She asked.

The assassin hummed, piecing the words together in his mind. Whenever they kissed, the warmth of her lips would travel down his face to his chest. His heart began to beat faster, and he ached for her warmth to spread further into his skin. Her touch was so gentle to him; long slim fingers that would lace with his so easily. And those eyes, he looked into her golden-brown orbs, were enchanting. Their deep color was alluring and held sparks of golden light. Whenever the sun hit them, they glowed. The way she thought was equally fascinating. Her quick come backs and sharp tongue always kept him on his toes. Now that they were bound together, her emotions were driving him up the wall. She held emotions that he never experienced or had to push away. With those, he understood her better than her own brother. His way of thinking has been compromised ever since then; his speech toward her had altered to accommodate to her feelings. He knew his touch excited her, his kisses comforted her, the way he said her name...the Hyuga pursed his lips together.

And yet...

"Passion." He whispered.

"Hm?" Tenten tilted her head to the side.

"I felt that something was odd." He explained. "You were missing passion."

"I'm not sure I understand."

Neji shook his head. It was nothing more than lust, he mused. She had come to terms with that fact that she could never fully embrace the Hyuga; at the moment, there was too much at steak. She didn't belong to him. He belonged to her, however not in the way he'd want to. Still, Neji brought her face closer to his, even for moments like this he was grateful.

"I do not...understand." Tenten murmured.

The Hyuga pressed his lips against her's softly. Neji watched as her eyes fluttered close and a small smile appeared on her face. He may not experience too many deep emotions...but this, he was certain, was something he never wanted to have to push back.

"When you kiss me, what do you feel?" He brought her knuckled to his lips. "How does your skin tingle whenever I run my fingers across it?"

He let go of her hand and hoisted her on top of him by her waist.

"Does your mind go at ease whenever I hold you?"

Tenten laid her cheek against his chest. The cool surface of his assassin jump suit was refreshing. She could hear his heart beating faintly in her ear. Closing her eyes, the princess allowed herself to sink into his body as he ran his fingers along her hair.

"Does your heart sing when I call your name?" He whispered.

Tenten hummed. Why was he getting all tender on her? Her fingers found a strand of his hair and began to play with it. Usually when he lectures her, there is some kind of deeper meaning since he isn't one to just flatly state what's on his mind.

"I know," she looked at him. "You believe in fate. Do you think that maybe, in the end, you and I will have some kind of stronger bond?"

Neji blinked.

"You tell me, goddess."

The princess puffed up her cheeks. A smirk came to his face and he pinched her nose.

"The hell if I would know." She murmured.

"Well, princess, it's safe to say the golden goddess may not have any idea what the future holds." Neji said.

"You're right."

"As usual."

Tenten yanked his hair.

OoooOoooooooOooOoOoOoo

The sun had begun to set when Neji walked out of Tenten's room. He nodded to the desert guards that stood outside her door. Almost jogging, the assassin made his way down the hallway. If he hurried, he could catch Hinata before she retired for her bathing.

And he did.

He was leaning against her doors when she approached, a bundle in her arms. The Hyuga girl nearly jumped out of her skin when she noticed him.

"Neji..." She murmured.

"A word." He stated lifting his chin.

Hinata led him into her sleeping chambers. She placed the bundle on the vanity and turned to him. Her older cousin sat himself on a lounge chair and leaned back.

"So..." She mused playing with a strand of hair.

"When was the last time your ungrateful father gave you a magic lesson?" He asked stiffly.

The ravenette nearly finches at his tone.

"N-not for a while." Hinata replied.

"How far can your eyes reach?"

"Uhm..."

Neji rolled his eyes and sighed.

"Forget it." He mumbled.

"What's this about? You never come to me," she leaned back. "Unless this has to do with Tenten."

Neji cocked an eyebrow, impressed that she was able to guess.

"In fact, it is." He replied crossing his arms over his chest. "But first. I must warn you; do not ask any questions. Do not seek me out unless I call for you. Do you understand?"

Hinata's eyebrows went south.

"What are you-"

"Do you understand, Hinata?" He snapped.

The Hyuga Lady nodded. Of course. And so, Neji sat back. She was to snoop around the palace, mapping out and memorizing all the exits, the tunnels, the hidden passageways...everything. Her job was to document and give him that information-but tell no one. He needed the count of every guard, every shift cycle, how long it takes to transition. She is to tell no one, not Sakura, not Ino, not even Tenten herself.

"Neji..." She looked at him. "What's going on?"

At this he stood and walked over to her window. Opening the glass, a cool breeze swept by his face. The nights here were freezing for such a hot place.

"I believe your father has gotten us into a bit of trouble." Neji stated.

"I will be scouting the area tonight. You will be contacted to meet me within a few weeks to see what you have discovered." The a assassin mounted the window ledge. "Oh, by the way-Work on your sight. How can one be a Hyuga when they cannot see?"

"R...right." Hinata murmured.

And with that, the Hyuga assassin dropped quietly from the window.