A/N: Thank you so much to those who continue reading this story, especially to those who give reviews! You guys inspire me. :)

This chapter features one of my favorite songs. Enjoy!

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Their lunch was silent. And it wasn't what you can call a comfortable silence.

Ino cleared her throat before she spoke, "So Ten, what time was the archery contest again?"

Tenten looked up from her plate, "Oh, at 1 pm..," was her short answer.

The moment she looked at her friend's eyes she realized Ino wanted to form a conversation with that topic. "I'm really looking forward to it"

Ino nodded enthusiastically as she faced the others, "Did you guys know that Ten here trained some of the participants?"

"Really? Cool!" Kiba said as he grinned.

"Sugoi! Then there's something to watch after all!" Naruto joked, he's totally supporting Ino and Tenten in the attempt of easing the ambience.

"What do you mean by that?" Tenten asked with sharp eyes.

Naruto didn't flinch, "I mean, if you trained those kids then they're surely be impressive and entertaining to watch" Tenten smirked at him as Naruto smirked back.

"To be honest I wasn't looking forward to watch a boring archery contest" Tenten glared "which was just my thought awhile ago" Saved Naruto.

"A-ano Tenten-san, you seem to really love archery" Hinata surprisingly commented.

Tenten smiled at that, "yeah, I do, guess I grew into it, after all I started it since I was 7"

"Neji-niisan was also fond of archery before, h-he won a number of archery contests before" Hinata said without much stuttering, she's proud of her cousin's achievements "b-by any chance, Tenten-san, we-were you able to play with Neji-nii before?"

-

Chapter 7: What Hurts the Most

-

Tenten blushed lightly as her eyes widened, she tried her best not to stutter, "U-uhmm, y-yeah.. once.."

"That's how the two met Hina-chan! It was a close fight too, I remember it clearly as if it was just yesterday" Naruto interjected animatedly as he began to narrate the story, based on his own perspective of course, and well the others listened half-heartedly, except for Hinata who had given him her full attention.

Tenten watch and sighed as she remembered that event, on her own viewpoint.

-

9 years ago..

It was a perfectly sunny and fine day for a competition of Junior Kyudo (Japanese archery). Invitations were sent to well-known dojos and families with honors in said sport. Each was to be represented with one participant.

Eight years old Tenten Ama, sent as a representative by her father, a former kyudo champion in his days, is strolling around the area, with her custom-made yumi (Japanese bow) hanging on her left shoulder, with an adorable pout on her cute face.

She really isn't fond of this kind of occasions but being the daddy's little good girl that she is, she attended. She once again tugged her hakama, which she isn't really comfortable with, as she started to grow nervous.

Really, she tried reasoning that she had only started practicing kyudo for about a year and that she wasn't ready for this kind of competition yet, but no… Daddy has great confidence with his only daughter's abilities. And besides, he's not after the trophy, he just wanted his daughter to have experience when it came to actual contests. But he couldn't help but feel proud, for only a year of practice Tenten's abilities can be considered exceptional.

She adjusted her yugake (protective glove) as she neared the field.

There was still half an hour left before it starts and she had a good view of her other opponents target practicing. "Hmmm, I might win this!" she exclaimed happily. She watched as kids around her age, the other contestants, shoot their arrows quite shabbily.

A giggle was heard from behind her, "Now, now dear, I wouldn't be so sure of myself if I were you"

Tenten tilted her head, "and why is that okaasan?"

Her mother smiled lovingly at her as she knelt down and pointed to a young boy calmly sitting in seiza position with his eyes closed. Tenten examined him carefully before turning to her mother once again.

"What about her kaasan?"

A soft chuckle, "He's cute isn't he?"

Tenten blushed furiously, "She's- he's- she's a boy?!"

Her mother nodded with a smile on her face, "well good luck dear, have fun" she said as she gave her shocked daughter a kiss on the forehead and a little push towards the field.

The order of contestants was done by draw lots and Tenten found herself third to the last. And as if fate had done it, the last contestant was none other than the she-boy her mother had pointed earlier.

She tried her best to keep her line of vision straightforward but for some completely and utterly unknown reason it would always linger back to the boy at her farthest right. She was getting frustrated, really.

With all of her practice of discipline and meditation, what the hell is wrong with her?!

Finally, the first participant stood up and Tenten forced herself to watch. She could see him sweating as he readied himself to aim, 'that's not good' she thought. She could tell his nervous, and the tendency of it is to sweat profusely and shake slightly, both not good for archery. She watched as the boy released a small breath before releasing the bow.

Hmm, not as bad as she thought, but not good enough.

And before she could steal yet another glance her right, the second one was called. This could end faster than she had anticipated, the judges definitely doesn't waste time.

Again another shaky draw of the bow, eliminating an accurate aim.

It continued awhile longer and she was already into watching to remember the boy she was kust staring at awhile ago.

Then came her turn. So far no one had directly hit the bull's eye and for that she was thankful. She's confident enough to know that she would have the shot. Now that she thought of it, she might just have started archery for about a year but she definitely makes sure at least 5 hours of every day would be spent for her practice. She is way past amateur's level, which she is sure of.

She took a deep breath as she stood up. She then positioned herself to proper stance as she loaded her yumi, held it with her left hand and drew the string with her right. There is no one else but herself, her arrow, her bow, and the target just meters away from her.

'I'll make papa proud' her last thought as she released her hold on the string.

Her eyes that were narrowed just minutes ago sparkled with delight as a smile formed on her face.

Applause erupted as the crowd grew wild for they seem to have their mood renewed by the impressive and unbelievable bull's eye the little bun-haired girl just made.

She now had a smile on her face, in placed of the previously bored and frustrated look, as she resumed sitting

She didn't even notice the participant next to her until it was the last one's turn.

"Hyuuga Neji" the announcer said. Said boy opened his eyes and stood gracefully. Tenten could have really mistaken him for a girl at that moment, high ponytail fluid movement, until he looked at her.

He looked at her.

He LOOKED at her!

And Tenten felt her breath trapped in her throat.

She felt herself melt under the intensity of HIS gaze, now she was sure he was a boy, no girl has eyes with such strength and intensity. It almost lasted forever for her but in the real world it was only about 3 second gaze. She felt her cheeks hit up as he gave her what may seem playful smirk.

Standing at meters away from his target, he assumed correct stance as he brought his bow to the position adjacent of what may seem his dominant eye, which by the way, Tenten couldn't help but admire of its uniqueness. She watched in awe as he pulled his string with utmost preciseness and released it without faltering.

He seemed satisfied and so sure that the arrow hadn't truly hit the target yet, he held his yumi down and nodded as if to say he's done. She had never seen such confidence.

And true enough, another bull's eye.

The crowd was astounded. And once again, a round of applause erupted.

Tenten suddenly found herself taking a deep breath to calm her fast heartbeat. She barely even heard the announcer calling her name for the next round.

It isn't considered that large to be called a tournament yet it is an important competition narrowed for well-known and honored families and dojos. Thus having only started with around eighteen contestants, they reduced it to half for the next round.

This time though, they would shoot their arrows altogether. And of course with full concentration she managed to hit the center yet again. And not to her or anyone's surprise, Neji did too.

It didn't take long though for them to reach the last round and they were narrowed to five.

And now, only one target to shoot for all of them.

Tenten breathed in deeply as she tried to calm herself. She could feel her fingers getting cold and sweat forming on her forehead.

She's nervous, again. Then the next thing she knew it was her turn, again.

Spacing out is not her thing, yeah, she figured that out by now. It doesn't do her any good. And it's that entire damn white-eyed boy's fault!

She took a deep breath as she loaded her yumi with a bow, she angled it like she always do and aim for the center. So far no one had hit it yet, but, she isn't feeling that confident anymore.

The moment she released her bow, she knew it wouldn't turn out the way she wanted it. And true enough, the arrow landed on close to the center yet of course it isn't enough for Tenten. The crowd cheered as they saw yet again an amazing shot from the exceptional young girl.

There was a frown on her face as she walked back to her place. She glanced up only to find Neji standing up and again looking at her. They stared for a second or two before Neji let a smirk form on his lips. As much as Tenten wanted to deny and disregard the fact that he had look so mightily handsome for someone just his age, she just couldn't help it.

But she also comprehended the fact that he is such an arrogant jerk! Really, the two of them, both undeniably skillful with the bow, know for a fact that Tenten's last shot wasn't like she'd always have. But still! Did he have to rub it on her face?! Tenten huffed.

It was only then that she noticed the female girls, 12 and under, screaming like crazy.' Oh, they're cheering for the white-eyed jerky she-boy' she thought with a sweatdrop

And the contest ended by a breeze, Neji shot his arrow and landed directly to the bull's eye, Tenten's arrow went off. Cheers were heard and Neji was awarded with that shiny gold called a trophy.

She was huffing as she packed her things, her medal dangling harshly. We can say that she's a sore loser. She hates losing, she would be the disappointment of her father or so she thought. Still, she was really aiming for that trophy not for a silver medal.

"It wasn't that bad" Tenten spun around only to be met by Neji Hyuuga's hard gaze.

"Hmmmph! That's what you say you, you, YOU!" apparently she can't think of a proper nickname to call him with him so near.

Neji raised a brow, "You lacked confidence with your last shot" he said, well, stated.

Tenten looked at him appalled ' and how did he know that?' she wondered but chose to stay silent.

"You tend to lose trust in yourself when you find someone better" she huffed at him "or you consider to be a threat" Neji continued.

"I do not! You are so full of yourself Mr. whoever you are!"

He didn't waver under her accusing stare, "Better that losing confidence the last minute" he countered with a smirk. Tenten gasped and was about to retort but he cut him off.

"All I'm saying is that you could have shot that arrow right at the center point, but all in all, you did good" he heard his watch guards looking for him and he needed to make this quick. His day started well for his uncle had wished him a good luck. And It amused himself to find a suitable rival for this contest and find it in a girl's form. He just thought to give a boost to her confidence when he saw the defeated look on her face. For him, Hyuuga Neji, to compliment a girl like that?! Oh yes, he was in a good mood that day.

She was speechless. Did he just compliment her?! And here she was trying to lash put on him when all he was trying to do was make her feel better. She suddenly felt ashamed.

"And another thing, make sure you play for yourself and love the game" and with that he walked off.

And how did he know that too?! Sure she didn't like archery too much for her to excel in it. She just did it too impress her father, who loved archery.

Before she could further comprehend her thoughts she heard yet again his voice, and her mother's.

"Congratulations Neji-kun" her mother said, it was obvious she was quite fond of the boy.

Neji bowed, "Arigato Ama-san"

She gave a soft chuckle, "Such a respectful young man" Then they heard his name being called.

Neji again bowed, "Thank you for the praise Mrs. Ama, but I shall be on my leave"

Her mother nodded, "Take care then Neji-kun" with a nod he walked off.

Tenten found herself blushing under the mischievous look her mother was giving her, "Okaa-san!" she exclaimed.

Mrs. Ama feigned innocence, "what dear?"

Tenten huffed and continued fixing her things. The current Ama matriarch walked over to her daughter, "so, what'd he say to you?" the mischief was back.

"Okaa-san!" she was blushing furiously.

-

With a light blush on her face she smiled fondly at the memory. Since then, she started to love archery and play it for her for her own satisfaction.

Brought back to the present she watched as Naruto continued to talk with Hinata animatedly, 'they'd make a cute couple'.

Ino is distracting Sakura with stories of Kiba's misadventures together with Akamaru on one of their private Amazon islands. Kiba of course defended whatever dignity he had left.

And well, Neji would just spare glares towards Naruto's directions and other than that he remained silent, as well as Sasuke. They would either nod or mutter one-syllable answers to questions thrown at them.

Tenten could only roll her eyes, these two are so alike and yet they act like they will never get along. Oh well, boys will be boys.

-

x0x

-

"You did good" a smooth voice said from behind her. She was fondly watching her students when she was suddenly startled by that all too familiar voice saying the same line he did years ago.

She gave a small smile, as she returned her gaze to the tournament. "Thanks, I just taught the basics"

And she turned the lightest shade of pink, "and advised them to play for themselves"

Neji gave her a smirk, "besides they really love the sport" she continued.

"Glad to hear" she heard him say.

And they spent the rest of the time watching in silence.

-

x0x

-

The tournament took about 2 hours to finish and Tenten was made proud when a student of hers was awarded with the trophy. They arrived at the mall almost at 4 pm, another two hours left before the chateau opening.

And of course, what better things to do in the mall than to shop till you drop! According to Ino that is.

There was a heated argument before the boys reluctantly agreed to accompany the girls with their shopping with the stressed thought of no dropping.

So the nine of them strolled around the mall with an ecstatic Ino on the lead, dragging a Shikamaru of course, followed by a cooperative Sakura who is distracting Neji so that he wouldn't glance back and see another ecstatic blond walking beside a blushing Hinata.

Which leaves us with the three of the at the back.

Kiba has a scowl on his face as he saw how this all looks like, "should've brought a date along" he grumbled. He took sideway glance when he heard an irritated sigh beside him, "should've not come" Sasuke deadpanned.

Tenten who was just behind them look at Kiba then at Sasuke. Sure, she was feeling left out with the pairings and all, being the only girl without a counterpart, but she wouldn't want to ruin this day for herself. After all, she had a great time at the park; she's in a good mood, if you know what I mean.

She suddenly linked arms with the two guys in front of her, startling the two. "Oh come on you guys! We'll have a smashing time, the three of us on a date!" she exclaimed.

She grinned as Kiba shook his head but nonetheless grinned back at her and Sasuke gave a scowl but not before catching Sakura's eyes with his.

Sakura, seemingly surprised, smiled but immediately averted her attention back to Neji.

Sasuke frowned.

Though no one took notice of a frowning Ayumi in a nearby shop.

-

x0x

-

Applauses were heard as the ribbon cutting ended and guests were allowed inside the newly furnished and authentically designed chateau. It was fairly huge, enough to take about 70 people or so. It was located at the first floor of the Konoha mall, with an extension outside for those who prefer the outdoor ambience.

Sakura took in the relaxing and snug atmosphere it provided as they were seated to a mahogany table at the corner and leather seats. She also took notice of the stage at the center. All in all it gives the impression of a country club, a high-class country club that is.

She picked up the paper cloth in front of her and saw a symbol. She already saw that in some of the paintings and canvasses but she couldn't quite put a finger to it.

"It's the Aburame's" Neji whispered to her, sensing her train of thought.

"Oh, Shino!" Sakura almost yelled, delighted to yet again meet an ex-classmate/friend.

"Delighted that you still know me Sakura-san" a voice said from behind them.

Greetings were exchange between all of them. Shino was an old friend and classmate during their elementary years,though he left early to study abroad. He then returned a year ago, wrapped up in his study of entomology. He was able to have communication with Shikamaru and the others, though now would be his first meeting with Neji and Sakura after many years.

"Wow! I didn't know you owned this place" Sakura said as she stood up to lightly hug Shino.

Shino shrugged, "we know a couple of wine producers, family wanted something to do with winery, so here we are"

The others at the table sweat dropped, the Aburame's are a rich bunch known to their impulsive knack for business. They open or start a new business or branch, and unsurprisingly they click. Though known for their impulsiveness, they are not to be treated lightly. They do not allow any unnecessary interference and they are known for their blunt judgments. You'd be surprised on how strong their connections are with other powerful families and clans.

Minutes later Shino excused himself to tend to other guests, but not before ushering a waiter to deliver drinks to their table.

"It's on the house" he said as the cocktail drinks were served. "The buffet table would be ready in a while, hope you could wait" his statement directed to Naruto who sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck.

"Man, this is good!" Kiba said as he took a drink from his cocktail, "I want something stronger, who else?" he asked. Neji shook his head, Sasuke stood up, Shikamaru muttered a 'later' and Naruto stood up as well. The girls obviously didn't want anything stronger, they have low tolerance of alcohol after all.

Sasuke and Kiba found their way to the bar as Naruto lagged for awhile, "Want some Hina-chan?"

A deadly glare was thrown at him by the overprotective brother figure/cousin. The idiot is trying to influence his sweet and innocent cousin to hardcore drinking!

Naruto quickly went on defense with his arms protectively in front of him, "not what you're thinking Neji! I was asking if she wanted seconds! I'll get her some!"

Neji's glare wavered a bit but he is still keeping an eye on him, "n-no thank you, N-naruto-kun" Hinata managed to say.

The girls cooed at the added suffix as Hinata flustered more. Naruto had a light blush on his face and didn't notice anymore the increased heated glare thrown to him.

"I'll have some Naru-kun" Ino said laughingly. And poor boy blushed further, Hinata feels a little faint.

"u-uh sure, who else?" he asked.

Sakura raised her glass and smiled sweetly at him and Tenten just shook her head. Naruto darted immediately to avoid anymore embarrassments.

A couple of minutes later Kiba and Sasuke are walking back towards their table, each with both hands occupied.

"Here you go Ino, careful, your boyfriend's laziness is rubbing off in you" Kiba said as he sat down and handed Ino her drink.

Shikamaru rolled his eyes as Ino glared at Kiba. Kiba just raised his hands in surrender.

Sakura was laughing quietly at the scene, Neji's arm slung lazily over her shoulder, when a drink was suddenly placed in front of her. She looked up, lightly startled, only to see onyx depths.

"Hn, the dobe needed to use the washroom" that was Sasuke's explanation.

She could feel the slight tightening of the grip on her shoulder; she smiled politely, "Thanks Sasuke"

He nodded and resumed his seat.

Then they heard Shino coming their way, "Excuse me, Sakura, could you do me a favor perhaps?"

That caught everyone's attention, "sure, what is it?"Sakura said as she smiled. She loves it whenever she could do something to help.

Shino leaned an arm on their table and leaned closer, "some customers are requesting a performance from you, a number would do"

Sakura's smile broadened, "no problem" and she stood up as Neji released his hold.

"I'll be back" she said to her friends.

"Amaze me forehead" Ino said with a wink.

"Aight! Go get them Sakura!" Kiba said as he raised his glass.

Tenten smiled at her as Hinata muttered a soft "good luck"

Sasuke just stared at her while Neji gave a nod as he suddenly grabbed a random drink to the waiter who passed by, not minding whether it was heavy or not. Shikamaru is currently sleeping.

Sakura gave them a wink as she walked off with Shino escorting her. She inwardly shook her head at the stoic boys.

"Well, are there any specific requests?" she asked.

Shino nodded and gave her a folded piece of paper cloth, "a customer asked for it, I'll have the music ready" with that he walked off.

Sakura opened the piece of paper and she felt her heart tightened for a second.. she didn't have enough time to react as she was called to the stage with the applauses and cheers following.

She sighed heavily and planted a well-practiced smile on her face, there was a lone bar chair at the center where she figured she would sit.

"Good evening ladies and gentleman, first of all I would like to congratulate the owner of this lovely chateau, a friend of mine, Mr. Aburame Shino" she gestured to Shino who was leaning on the bar, the crowd applauded and Shino gave a nod.

"And I would like to thank you everyone for coming, to the one who requested, this song is for you"

She breathed deeply and was able to form a genuine smile on her face.

"it's called What Hurts The Most" and the music played.

I can take the rain on the roof of this empty house

That don't bother me

I can take a few tears now and then and just let them out

"Hey guys, so- Hey that's Sakura-chan up there!" Naruto yelled. He was immediately quited down after Tenten pulled him to sit and the others shushed him.

I'm not afraid to cry every once in a while

Even though going on with you gone still upsets me

There are days every now and again I pretend I'm ok

But that's not what gets me

She wanted to keep her eyes closed but she knew it wasn't possible for her to pull it throughout the song. Once she opened her eye, her emerald gaze laid on their table. Their table though at the corner is the greatest spot to be viewed when on stage. She forced her eyes elsewhere before it start to drifts to the particular raven-haired boy.

What hurts the most

Was being so close

And having so much to say

And watching you walk away

And never knowing

What could have been

And not seeing that loving you

Is what I was tryin' to do

She had written this song for him damn it! It was included in her first album, Reminiscing. She was still on that 'heartbroken' stage when she composed this.

It's hard to deal with the pain of losing you everywhere I go

But I'm doin' It

It's hard to force that smile when I see our old friends and I'm alone

Still Harder

Which made it all the harder to gaze at their table, she should be looking at Neji, that's what the people would've presumed. And yet she can't. She'll end up only hurting themselves more. What is wrong with her?! She figured she isn't making any sense. Good thing she was enticingly and calmly singing in the outside when in the inside, she's a complete mess.

Getting up, getting dressed, livin' with this regret

But I know if I could do it over

I would trade give away all the words that I saved in my heart

That I left unspoken

Neji shifted from his seat. Everyone was entranced by Sakura's voice and he would be too if his heart isn't tightening every passing second. Of course he knows for whom this song was made for, he was there for her when she was crying and pouring her heart out to this damn song. He knew something was up when he saw the plastic smile of Sakura as she stepped on the stage.

What hurts the most

Is being so close

And having so much to say

And watching you walk away

And never knowing

What could have been

And not seeing that loving you

Is what I was trying to do

He stood up and went out towards the veranda, not before getting himself another strong drink. He would do Sakura the favor of not seeing him while she sings a song dedicated to the one she once loved. Or so kills him to say, still loves, deeply if he may add. Neji knows for a fact that the last thing Sakura would want to do is to hurt anyone. And singing this song with his presence is a major hurting thing for him. She couldn't even look at him straight at the eye awhile ago. He sighed heavily, Sakura's voice could still be heard from the outside, his heart threatening to stop due to pain.

What hurts the most

Is being so close

And having so much to say

And watching you walk away

And never knowing

What could have been

And not seeing that loving you

Is what I was trying to do

He took another sip as he leaned on the balustrades, his head spinning lightly. Unlike Sasuke who has high tolerance for alcohol, or the others perhaps, Neji couldn't reach his fifth glass sober. He could tell that Sakura's song is about to end, he could also hear footsteps closing his way. He frowned, he thought he was the only one on the patio, all the others gathered inside to watch Sakura sing. He drank once more before turning around to face whoever it is. He narrowed his eyes.

Not seeing that loving you

That's what I was trying to do

Ooohhh

Ovations erupted from the inside at the end of Sakura's song, though the noise didn't seem to affect the two figures outside.

"What do you want Hazugawa?" he was in no mood to be polite.

Ayumi smirked, "Hyuuga Neji" she crossed her arms, "I have a proposal for you"

-

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Tbc.. ü