Neji stared uncomfortably at the pair. They were now looking at him hands clasped together and TenTen nodded her approval of his departure. She smiled wearily at him and he turned to take his leave to what he was sure would be the worst part of the night. He walked towards his uncle and the dainty girl he was accompanying with the most composure he could muster.
"Neji, this is Keiko of the Ito clan" Hiashi spoke once Neji approached them.
The girl smiled brightly and inclined her head.
"Happy child." Neji thought noting the meaning of the girls name. He also noted she was making him anything but happy.
"It is a pleasure to meet you Ito-San," Neji bowed low to show respect.
The blonde giggled,"Please call me Keiko. I'm sorry you were pulled away from your friends. I was just telling your uncle how I had the pleasure of watching you compete in your second Chunin exams. I didn't think he'd actually call you over," she rambled, "Especially because I was gushing about your technique! Oh my this is embarrassing please just pretend like I haven't spoke a word to you ever! I am not usually this-this-distraught by a person but you are kind of more than a person y-you are amazing to say the least," Keiko finished with a very apparent blush on her cheeks that she had received because she was both out of breath and severely embarrassed by the audacity of her comment. She looked up at Neji completely abashed.
"Thank you," was all Neji could muster. No one had ever talked about him in that way. As if he was more than he was.
"I shall leave the two of you alone," Hiashi spoke.
"I apologize again that was completely inappropriate please do not think ill of my family for my statements,"Keiko shook her head all the while staring at her shoes. They were a silver color and she had chose a deep plum for her kimono. There were silver cherry blossoms etched into it along her right side.
"I appreciate your candor there is no need to worry about your family's reputation."
Keiko smiled brightly at Neji. he was a head taller than her and she had to tilt her head backwards to look him in the eye.
"Do you often watch matches between ninja?"
"No not particularly. I'm more of a reader. I prefer the behind the scenes roles."
"I understand," was all Neji said as he turned his head to a rather loud strangled laugh.
His eyes landed on Tenten doubled over from laughter and Akio chuckling into his kimono sleeve. Neji's temper flared again and he clenched his fist.
"Are You close to them?"Asked Keiko
Neji nodded slowly, "My teammate from my genin team," he described Tenten. "Aiko is a main branch member."
"They are sweet. Are they betrothed?"she questioned innocently.
Neji's head snapped towards the small girl,"Why would you jump to such a conclusion?"
Keiko's eyes widened, "Well...they haven't payed much attention to anyone else and they seem quite comfortable around each other."
"Tenten is unattached," Neji snapped.
Keiko shuffled back and fidgeted with her sleeve,"I apologize it just seemed as if they were quite close. I even saw them holding hands. And at an event like this the implication is that..."
Neji let out a strangled breath. While her observations were correct wasn't he also just touching Tenten? He had wrapped his arm around her in order to ease his anger but nonetheless they were still in very close proximity. Why would she assume Akio was the one she was betrothed to?
"Would you like to meet them?" Neji asked abruptly. He wanted to get back to Tenten to separate her from his irritating cousin but knew if he left the blonde haired girl here his uncle would make sure he was punished later.
Keiko's eyes widened, "Oh yes! Of course!" She beamed.
They walked over to the still giggling pair and Neji made sure he stood an appropriate distance from Keiko not wanting to give her the wrong idea.
As they approached Tenten turned her head slightly up to beam at Neji.
"Enjoying yourself?" He asked with a hint of sarcasm only Tenten noticed.
Her smile fell. She was about to retort when he spoke again,"Tenten, Akio this is Ito Keiko."
The smaller girl bowed and raised herself with a bright smile, "It's very nice to meet you both. I've heard and read a lot about the both of you. You're both very...amazing," she finished.
Tenten and Akio both smiled and nodded their thanks.
"Not as good as Neji though," Akio joked.
"Speak for yourself," Tenten spoke aiming a half hearted punch at Aiko's shoulder.
At that moment Neji realized Tenten was still very close to Aiko. He quickly rectified that by pulling her to his side by the waist.
Tenten didn't flinch but looked up at Neji to try and figure out what exactly he was doing. When he didn't look down at her and kept his hand firmly on her waist she came to the conclusion that he wanted Keiko to leave and intended to use her to his advantage.
She simply sighed. This wasn't the first time Neji had used her to ward of females and it wouldn't be the last. But she had just decided she did kind of like Keiko. She had been rambling about how she often read copies of mission reports. She explained it was the reason she knew so much about the three decided the girl was quite sweet and very knowledgeable,"He could at least give her a chance," She thought.
But either way she leaned into his body laying her head on his shoulder in an intimate matter. "I guess she's too sunny for him. Both physically and emotionally. Seeing her probably reminds him of Naruto. No wonder he has that scowl. He more than likely has a headache thinking about that idiot."
Tenten raised a single finger to the side of his lip where there was the slightest downturn and lifted it giggling. He didn't swat at her like she expected. But gave her a look That said "Behave" it just made her giggle more.
They both turned their attention back to Keiko who was now rambling about all of Neji's greatest achievements. "What a champ," Tenten mused, "Usually only takes a quick hand hold for girls to go running with their tails between their legs. She really thinks highly of him. Though it's quite rude of her to try and flatter my fake boyfriend." Tenten suddenly let out a snort and a giggle at the ridiculous notion of Neji being her or anyone's boyfriend. Fake or not. He looked down at her questioningly and she patted his chest half heartedly letting him know to just ignore her small outburst.
Tenten began to engage Keiko in conversation her head still on Neji's shoulder. And as she did Akio decided to search for the eyes he could feel staring in their direction. He knew the only reason Neji couldn't feel them was because he was too preoccupied staring at Tenten. Akio wondered if the younger Hyuga even knew he often watched her so intently. Hanging on to her every word like she knew the answers to life. Akio had once witnessed Neji listen to Tenten talk about the different materials of Kunai and their pros and cons for two hours without so much as a single interruption. It was in some ways fascinating. In other ways hilarious. Neji reminded him of a newly adopted shelter puppy admiring his savior.
He found the eyes that had been intently watching them and did not hide his perplexed expression when his eyes locked with the family head. Hiashi was seated at the ornate head table. And when he made direct eye contact with Aiko he nodded his head in the direction of Neji and Tenten and his mouth curved upward.
"Oh," was all Akio thought as understanding dawned on him.
He returned his gaze back to the group and then settled his eyes on Keiko. Poor thing was just a part of the head's chess game and now it was time for her to take her leave. "Would you like to go get a drink with me Keiko."
Keiko stared up at Akio and then looked back at Neji and Tenten. Neji had moved his hand from her waist to interlock their fingers. Keiko nodded her agreement with a blush and Akio noticed how cute the reaction was. They took their leave and as they walked away the only thing Akio could think was how much he would miss purposefully irritating his territorial cousin.
As the other half of their group departed Tenten made to remove herself from Neji's but as she lifted her head his grasp on her hand tightened.
"Did I not tell you there was a two foot minimum you should uphold," Neji glared referring to the distance he had told her to keep from males in his family.
"It's just Akio," she stated, "You said I could stand near guys I'm familiar with. Besides we are literally holding hands right now. So I'm pretty sure I've already been deemed the most improper person at this party," she looked down at their still clasped hands.
Neji released her hand at that instant and frowned. She had worked hard to listen to him and follow all the rules. And he had been the one to break all of them. If his uncle was unsatisfied with Tenten's performance at his party it would be his fault. He had made her unapproachable. Even though he would never allow her to date one of his cousins they both agreed the day before she should still play the role.
He sighed and Tenten understood it was his form of an apology. She rolled her eyes and told him it was okay because it's not like she wanted to be whisked away by any of his cousins anyway.
"I think it's best if we just stay together for the rest of the night. If my uncle has not said anything yet. He likely will not say anything at all," Neji decided.
"Well in that case can we just leave!?" Tenten said exasperated. "This thing is heavy and I barely have any weapons on me!"
Neji glared at her last statement. He knew "barely" was still more than anyone else here, "That would lead to accusations that would insinuate you were to become my wife." He stated matter of factly.
Tenten scoffed, "Is it at least dinner time? I'm starving."
"We have another hour."
"Ugh! Are we at least allowed outside then? To ya know breathe."
Neji huffed.
"It's just kinda stuffy in here. And I feel like people are staring at me."
Neji nodded he felt the eyes too. He had felt them when she first entered. It made his blood boil, "Wait here I will get us some tea from the serving table and then we can go out to the balcony."
Tenten nodded her gratitude and backed herself into the nearest corner.
Neji exited the ballroom and made his way straight to the kitchens. He was sure they had prepared something when she had entered. They usually didn't need much warning and he was sure someone had heard his uncle invite her yesterday morning even if he did forget to make the official announcement. He needed to calm her down.
Tenten was standing in her corner constantly meeting unblinking pupilless eyes. She assumed they were all staring because they believed the act between her and Neji was real. "They should know better," she thought with an eye roll. It was a complete surprise when one of the Hyuga's appeared on her right hand side. She had seen him approaching but assumed he would keep walking past her.
"I am Kei of the main branch," he bowed.
Tenten knew who he was. He was haughty and proud so she always enjoyed when Neji was matched with him in a spar. She found it fun to watch Kei lose. She didn't repeat that and simply said, "Yeah. I know."
He didn't seem put off by the finality of her tone and instead continued to keep talking,"You look quite wonderful. A woman of your beauty looks best in formal wear you should take a position that allows you to wear it more often."
Tenten scoffed, "You mean the position of housewife."
He smiled. It was cold. Nothing like Neji's small smirks she often received she noted there was no amusement in Kei's face.
"Are you insinuating you'd never tire of playing ninja? Because I believe you'd make a great housewife as you put it."
She was insulted to say the least. She was not playing ninja and she had also realized he had been stepping closer. "This is definitely not two feet," she noticed and scrunched up her face moving off the wall and shuffling to her other side putting more space between them.
He continued to step closer, "I believe you'd make a lovely addition to the main branch. Your beauty is understated and you are quite intelligent especially for a girl with such an upbringing."
"Does he even know what a compliment is?" She thought attempting to keep her distance without outright running in the opposite direction. She scanned the room for a single familiar face and was appalled when she could find neither Hinata or Akio, "Great no one here to save me. If I take him out Neji will definitely be pissed. Where the hell is he anyway!?"
As if he had read her thoughts Neji appeared from the entrance with a small box in his hand. Tenten noticed he held no drinks but shot him a "Save me please" look. And in less than 30 seconds he had crossed the room with inhuman speed. "Kei." was all he had to say and the offending young man slithered away. While the young man was daring enough to talk up Tenten while she was alone. No one was dumb enough to do it around the Hyuga prodigy.
Neji huffed his irritation. And glared at Tenten.
She was smiling up at him and then looked down at the box, "Dumplings!"
Neji nodded and then told her to grab two water glasses from a passing servant. She thanked the boy by name before he left.
They made their way to the balcony connected to the grand ballroom. They were the only two outside besides the guards below them in the garden. It was still quite chilly. Neji took the glasses from Tenten's hands and handed her the box filled to the brim with dumplings.
She opened the box, inhaled their scent and then popped one in her mouth making a sound of satisfaction.
"No wonder you took so long. I kinda thought you were being chastised by an elder or something," she spoke after she finished chewing.
"They weren't done yet. The cooks were already in the process but they had yet to finish them so
I had to wait."
Neji noticed even though they were the only two people outside many male gazes were still set
on Tenten. They were literally craning their necks from the inside of the ballroom to get a good look at her. He was irritated.
He placed the glasses he was holding onto the barrier of the balcony and moved Tenten so that she was facing towards the gardens instead of
The ballroom. She didn't seem to mind even when he stepped directly behind her and placed his hands on the railing on either side of her shielding her with his body.
"So," she said in between chews. "What's so wrong with me?"
Neji looked down at her in confusion there were lines in his forehead and she recognized it as a sign that she needed to elaborate.
"What's so wrong with me that you seem as if you'd rather die than let me join your family." She continued ending the statement with an eye roll.
Neji noticed the tension in her body. While her tone was light he knew she was uncomfortable and that she actually believed it was her who had done wrong.
"I did not know you wished to wed one of my family members. I believed you had made it very clear to me that you did not want to marry a Hyuga and so I was simply attempting to aid you. I apologize if I misunderstood." He however made no inclination he was going to move.
She turned so she was now facing him and raised a single finger to his chest. "Do. Not. Use. That. Diplomatic. Tone. With. Me." She poked him with every word for emphasis. After a moment she dropped her hand blinked a bit and then her shoulders slumped, "Seriously. You were even cold to Akio. They don't think we're together or anything ya know. They realize that could never happen. They just think you don't want them around me for some reason. Like I'm secretly diseased or somethin' so it doesn't really work the way you think. They'll just stop talking to me all together."
"Why would that never happen?"
Tenten's eyes shot up to find Neji staring into space, "Well cause you're you know well... you're you."
"And what does that mean?"
"It means that you're not one to... participate in... recreational... relationships," Tenten answered slowly as she struggled to find the right words.
Neji's eyes snapped back to hers and for the first time in a long time she saw pure anger, "Because I'm cold and calculating? Unlike Inuzuka and Akio I'm guessing? It's completely logical that you'd be in a relationship with one of them. The way they practically throw themselves at you. Keiko even believed you and Akio were to be married."
After his outburst Neji looked down towards where his hands were gripping the bars around Tenten. His knuckles were turning white from the tight grip.
Tenten giggled, "It's so like you to hate being second best at anything."
"Hn."
"I'm not interested in either of them. Even though it wouldn't matter if I was. We've fooled people before it's just harder when the people you're trying to fool have known you for years. And I told you before you may be cold and calculating but that's okay. I like it actually. I think it balances me out."
"Hn"
They stood in silences for a while which was not new or uncomfortable for either of them. Tenten ate her dumplings until she finished off the box and Neji stared out at the trees. And then he felt it. There were eyes staring into his back. He knew someone in his family had activated their blood trait. To stare through him. To stare at Tenten. He finally snapped.
He lowered his head in an instant and pressed his lips firmly against hers in a possessive manner. The kiss was chaste and only lasted a total of 6 seconds by his calculations but it had made his entire body warm in a way he wasn't used to.
He felt the prying eyes disappear and scoffed at their audacity. After he sent a triumphant smirk in the direction of the eyes he looked into Tenten's and blushed slightly. She giggled.
He didn't exactly know what had possessed him to kiss her but he knew it was the only way to stop all the prying eyes, all the unnecessary and inappropriate gifts. It also felt nice he noted.
She continued to giggle at him noticing his obvious discomfort.
"What is it?" He demanded.
"I'm wearing that perfume Lee gave me from Suna." Her giggling continued.
"Hn."
The End
Well I did it.
