I'm going to be real busy with upcoming school and such, so it'll take a bit longer (maybe) for me to update. But I'll try to continue as fast as I can. Anyways, thanks for the reviews! Enjoy the seventh chapter!

Royal Punishment

by iJutsu

Chapter Seven

Tenten awoke the next morning, feeling extremely numb in the head from all that thinking from the night before. Tenten rolled over on her bed, now laying on her back. She didn't want to go to school, remembering the incident with Ino, and having everyone practically knowing about it. The only thing she has solved was the fight with Lee. Tenten groaned loudly and smacked her face with a pillow. "If I don't go," Tenten thought, "Their going to think I'm too chicken to go to school because of the fight, and if I do, they're probably going to nag me because now they know that me and that stupid prince are together. And it was his fault!" She stopped her thoughts, remembering what he said the day before during the fight:

"I chose her because I love her. I can't get any simpler that that."

A blush formed on her face. She glared at the ceiling. "Stupid Hyuuga Neji," she muttered softly, "He even sounded like he meant it. It's like he likes embarrassing me."

Shaking her head, she suddenly remembered her plan. Her perfect plan. Immediately jumping out of bed, she ran to her closet and pulled out her school uniform that she actually ironed last night. Placing that gently on the bed, she went to the bathroom and showered quickly, except now using what was known as conditioner. Wanting to make herself look twice as better as somebody else was something she doesn't do, but she wanted to surpass Kami with whatever it took- right now, starting with the hair. Getting out of the shower and wrapping a towel around herself, she brushed her hair, which oddly seemed easier now, and then brushed her teeth. Tenten then blow dried her hair. Finally, she finished cleaning herself. Walking out with the towel still around her, she quickly placed on her undergarments and grabbed her shirt. She went over to the mirror and watched her reflection put on the shirt, this time now making sure she didn't miss a button she she usually did. Tenten grabbed her skirt and pulled it up. Finally being able to open the window, she grabbed her knee length socks and slowly placed them on. She grabbed her tie and walked back to the mirror. She almost didn't recognize herself. Her socks were usually not pulled up, her shirt was never buttoned up all the way, and now her tie was tightly around her neck.

"Sacrifice," Tenten breathed out in annoyance, hating how she looked, "Sacrifice, Sacrifice, Sacrifice."

It was clear that this wouldn't be a bother to Neji, for he wanted to change her appearance in the first place. She then grabbed two hair ties and ribbons from the drawer beside her and tied her up back up in her usual buns. Tenten wanted to keep at least one part of herself for now. She did plan to remove it when it came to the end of school, which hopefully, doesn't happen just after 10 minutes. Taking a deep breath, she looked over at the clock and her eyes lit up. "Just on time," she giggled in her head. After grabbing her backpack and placing on her shoes, she left her apartment room. Once leaving the whole apartment building she looked up at the sky.

"Please give me a good day, for once!" she yelled towards the sky, instead of her 'Today will be a good day' chant.

Huffing, she looked down and practically stomped over to the school. As she walked, nervousness started to build up in her. Everyone was bound to stare at her at the least today, especially those girls that tried hard to get Neji to notice them. And Ino. Tenten grunted. She did not want to deal with her or her 'crew' today. "I'll just stay with Lee and Sakura for the whole day, ignore Neji until school ends, and I'll be safe and sound." she thought to herself once she stopped walking and stood right before the school. Taking a deep breath, she slowly pushed open the gate and entered the school campus. When she thought today would finally be a good day, she was wrong. Once she entered the school, an immediate feeling of doubt conquered her. She took a couple steps more into the campus, only to be welcomed by student stares. Most every person that she passed by just kept staring at her, like she was somebody new to their eyes. And she had a feeling it wasn't just her outfit. To her relief, she made it to the front of the first building. Then, somebody who walked her way suddenly stopped in his tracks once he saw her. Tenten blinked.

"Ah! G-good morning, Miss Tenten," he replied nervously, then bowing deeply.

"Good...morning?" she stammered back, staring at him strangely from his bow.

He stood back up straight and giving her one final nod, he walked out of the building. Tenten turned and watched him leave, thinking confusingly of what he just done. "Why did he just bow to me and call me that?" she thought stupidly before shaking her head to ignore it. It must've just been a joke. Staying calm, she walked over to her locker, which was only a couple of feet away from the entrance. When she got to her locker, she saw the two girls at their lockers, which was right next to hers. She never actually spoken to them, nor did she not know what classes they're in. The girls looked from their locker and towards Tenten, making Tenten look back at them with her locker slightly open. Both girls blushed embarrassingly and did the same thing the boy did. They bowed.

"Morning!" they both said to her together, as their raised up. Tenten raised a brow.

"Morning," Tenten replied back slowly. The girls smiled shyly, closed their lockers and left. Tenten stared at them oddly. "What the heck is going on?" she thought annoyingly. She closed her locker rather hard and sighed deeply.

"Hey! Tenten!" called some voices- voices Tenten was relieved to hear. She turned around and smiled happily.

"Hello, Sakura. Hello, Lee," Tenten smiled. Her smile then sort of vanished when she saw their blank expression on their faces as they stared at her. After a couple of seconds, Sakura pointed at her and let out a surprised laugh before she spoke. Lee remained quiet, as he stared up and down at her.

"Whoa," Sakura breathed out, "What's with the sudden outfit change? Lost a bet?"

"No!" Tenten pouted, before rubbing the back of her neck sheepishly, "Long story. But, um, hey, do you know what's going on with everyone today?"

"What do you mean?" Sakura asked. Lee snapped back to life, for he stopped staring at her outfit and then towards Tenten.

"People keep on bowing to me and one even called me 'Miss Tenten! I'm not even worthy of that! I mean, I enjoy the respect, but why the heck are they doing it?" Tenten asked, speaking a bit fast. Sakura couldn't help but laugh.

"Tenten, it's pretty obvious," Sakura laughed, "I mean, come on! You're Prince Neji's freakin' fiancé."

"Eh?" said Tenten, finding only that word able to slip out of her mouth.

"She's right," Lee added, "You're the PRINCE'S chosen one. You're practically royalty now. They have no choice but to respect you."

--

Neji walked out of his room, finally finishing dressing up for school. He glanced over at the clock as he button up his school coat. 8 o'clock, it read. He sighed. He was able 15 minutes late for school. Neji did have a hard time falling asleep last night, for his mind was only focused on one thing:

Tenten.

Neji grunted, strangely regretting what he did the night before. The instant he saw her cry, he felt a huge shot in his heart. A feeling of guilt washed upon him that night, and is still stuck onto him to this moment. Although, he didn't regret his action of trying to kiss her, even if that was probably the main reason that caused her to break down. He still wasn't giving up. Exhaling softly, he straightened out his coat and walked straight through the hallway. He looked forward seeing that Kami's given room, which was unfortunately near his, door was open. Neji closed his eyes tightly. "Don't let her come out," he thought in his head repeatedly. His wishes failed him.

"Good morning, Prince Neji!" said the voice. Her voice.

Neji froze on his spot annoyingly and sighed, slowly opening his eyes. There stood Kami herself, smiling as sweetly as ever towards Neji, wearing a pink and white ruffled dress, and her hair down like it was the day he met her. Neji nodded.

"Princess," he said simply in return.

She turned around quickly to close her door, and then turned back to face Neji. Neji was confused by her still, because he recalled just walking out on her during the dinner last night. Kami noticed the look and giggled, already knowing how he felt and what he was thinking about. Neji raised a brow.

"I know we got off on a rough start," Kami began, rocking her body softly back and forth as she spoke, "And there's no doubt that you think I'm pathetic. So, let's just start over."

Neji didn't give in that easily. "You had no right to judge her like that," Neji started calmly, stuffing his hands deep into his pocket.

Kami blinked and let out a sigh. It was obvious about who he was talking about.

"You're right," Kami replied, voice filled with guilt, causing Neji to be a bit confused from her quick reaction, for he surely did think she would be a little hesitant about speaking of the matter, "I had no right to judge your lover like that. It was my own mistake. I mean, I don't even know the girl, so I could see why you're so disappointed in me."

Neji stared at her oddly. Kami noticed and managed a smile. A small one at the least. Slowly, she extended out her hand towards him, indicating that she wanted him to shake it. Neji looked at her, and then back down at the hand in slight hesitation. Kami then spoke, noticing his reaction.

"Like I said, Prince Neji," she continued, still giving him the smile, "Let's just start over, okay? Friends?"

Her hand didn't move, and Neji just kept staring at it, as if it was a dangerous risk to shake her hand. She waited patiently for him to take her hand, and her smile towards him only made it more awkward and difficult. Neji thought for a moment. The guilt in her voice was really convincing, for it really sounded like she was really sorry. Sighing a deep, shallow sigh, Neji slowly took her hand and shook it briefly. Kami's smile widened and she shook back before drawing her hand back to herself.

"So, anyways. I'm free for the day," Kami said, eyes full of hope, "Maybe we can get to know each other better if we, you know, how these people say, 'hang out'. Like a date!"

Neji looked at her strangely. He just now forgave her, and she's already hyped to be hanging out with him as if nothing happened. He looked at the clock from a distance. He grunted quietly. He was now 20 minutes late. Neji opened his mouth to speak, but then was interrupted by a common voice.

"Why, I believe that would be lovely!" said the voice, making the two turn around to reveal the presence of Queen Hyuuga herself, "Why don't you go, Neji?"

"I have to go to school," Neji countered back plainly. The queen gave a small sad look.

"Just take this one day off, son," the queen assured, "Honestly, don't be so rude. This is the least you can do for leaving her suddenly during the dinner."

Neji's eye twitched slightly, hating the Queen and her ways of persuading him to do something. A feeling that he hated most was guilt. And having the queen literally having him take Kami out in return his 'mistake' was a sign that the feeling wasn't going to leave. Neji looked over at Kami, who just kept staring at him with such hopeful eyes. Neji glared slightly at the queen and gave in. Suddenly, he saw Iori walk in the hallway, obviously looking for him. They caught glances. Once Iori saw the queen and princess, he frowned slightly. Neji spoke.

"Iori, I'm not going to school today," Neji called out to him, "Pick up Tenten at 3 and bring her here."

The queen's and Kami's faced dropped. Iori, who just now found his smile back, nodded and bowed towards the three before leaving. Neji seemed to notice the look he was given by the females, and he looked over at Kami. He gave her a small smirk.

"Is there a problem?" he asked.

"N-no," Kami said, managing a fake smile, "No problem here."

"Hn," Neji merely said, before turning around, "I'll be right back. I'll go change."

Once Neji began walking back towards his room, the queen let out a frustrated sigh. Kami left her sight of Neji and focused it on the queen, who was staring at her a bit disappointingly. And all Kami did was give her the same mischievous. The queen blinked in confusion.

"Why are you smiling?" she asked, "Things are going not according to plan."

"Not for long," Kami said with a wink, before walking back into her own room, leaving the queen alone and confused. The queen watched her enter her room before turning around and laughing quietly to herself. "Ah, that girl," she thought, "Full of surprises."

--

After school, 2:55 P.M. ...

The whole day of school with Tenten went swell. Everyone bowed to her, paid her with respect, most students didn't even talk to her or talk about the chosen love situation, Ino avoided her, and the school day ended with her not encountering any problems.

Tenten hated it.

She may have left the school safe, but she was hurt. She hated how she was treated differently just because she was Neji's 'girlfriend'. It now felt that she was indeed a new girl at the school. "I guess, on the bright side, Neji was absent for some reason. That saved me some trouble." she thought, still confused of the fact of why Neji would be absent in the first place. Sighing a bit sadly, she left the school campus and closed the gate gently behind her. "If I have to go through this everyday," Tenten groaned in her head, "I don't know what I'll do." Remembering what she had to do, she quickly removed her ribbons on her hair, letting her long, brown, hair fall freely down. Having finished closing the gate and fixing her hair straight down, Tenten focused her eyes forward and jumped back, her back hitting the stone wall in surprise. Before her stood the official she only knew the real name of, standing in front of the white car she and Neji always drive in. She sighed in relief.

"Iori! You startled me," she panted, giving him an embarrassed smile.

"Ah, my apologies, Miss Tenten," he replied, bowing, "I didn't mean to startle you."

"It's alright!" Tenten laughed, seeing how serious he was taking the matter, "Why are you here?"

"I was given orders by Prince Neji to come pick you up today, Miss Tenten."

Tenten twitched. "Figures," she thought annoyingly. Tenten then nodded at him. Her first intension was to refuse and just walk on home, but she couldn't delay on her plan. Iori, seeing a bit relieved that getting her to the palace wasn't as difficult, turned around to open the back seat door. Tenten's eyes went a bit wide as she spoke up.

"Um, Iori, may I sit with you in front?" Tenten asked bashfully, causing Iori to stop what he's doing and focus his attention on her, "I just need somebody to talk to."

Iori stared at her for a moment, then giving her a smile, nodded. He opened the front door for her and waited for her to get in. Tenten bowed towards him thankfully and stepped in as fast as she could, not wanting any students to see her. Iori closed the door gently and walked to the other side of the car to get in himself, for he was the driver. Tenten sat calmly in her seat, already secured with her seatbelt. The front seat was strangely more comfortable than the back. Iori fastened on his own, started the car, and began driving smoothly down the road. After 3 minutes of driving, Tenten finally decided to speak.

"Say, Iori, I have a problem."

Iori winced slightly. He wasn't what they exactly called a 'problem solver'. Especially when it came to female problems. He focused on driving, but spoke.

"On what, Miss Tenten?" he asked.

"Neji! That's what!" she said, startling him a bit from her sudden raise of voice, "I...I just don't what to do anymore. Don't get it the wrong way, I...er...'enjoy' being with him and I...love him and all, but you should have seen what happened yesterday! He...he...he tried to..."

"Kiss you?" Iori finished. Tenten blinked and raised a brow at him.

"How did you know?" she asked, confused.

"Lucky guess," Iori said with a shrug, trying to hide the obvious in him,"Continue on."

Tenten just kept staring at him weirdly, but decided to continue like she was told, "Anyways, there's something I don't understand. I didn't want him to kiss me. I really didn't. We...um, we're moving our relationship rather quickly, and I don't like that. But..."

Her tone of voice caught his interest. "But what?" he asked.

"...I hate to admit this, but...part of me really did want the kiss. I kept thinking about what it would've felt like. But being in this situation, which you will obviously never know about, no offense, I...just can't admit this all to him. I just can't. It's...complicated. What should I do?"

Tenten paused for second before speaking, eyes full of confusion.

"Am...am I in love?"

Iori thought for a moment, trying to gather up all that she said. She spoke fast, so it was pretty hard for him to understand. After a moment of thought and silence, Iori took a deep breath and looked at her once they stopped at the traffic light.

"Well, considering that you're his lover, I guess you are in love. But, I believe that you should just tell the prince," Iori replied, "It may hurt, and you may be extremely embarrassed, but at least you'll have it out of your system and he'll know. No worries there, right?"

Tenten stared at him dully, giving him such a glare that he was even scared to look in her eyes. After a couple of seconds of the death glare, Tenten pouted and groaned loudly in frustration. Iori blinked.

"Ugh! That's never going to work!" she whined, then jabbed a finger towards him, "Don't you dare tell Neji about this little conversation we had, okay? If you do...I'll...kill myself! Got it?"

Iori stared at her oddly, but then gave in, knowing that he indeed was not a problem solver. "As you wish."

--

"Oh, Prince Neji, I had so much fun!" chirped the joyful Kami, who was clinging onto his arm while they walked.

Neji sighed, glad that their 'date' was over. He had went over to the Konoha park with her to watch the lake and it's features, went to a romantic lunch or dinner, as she always puts it, and then just walked throughout the huge palace garden, arm in arm. They were just now leaving the garden. As they walked, Kami rested her head on his arm, causing Neji to shiver a bit. He decided not to say anything at the moment. He planned to meet Iori and Tenten outside of the palace before they arrive. Finally leaving the garden and walking back inside the palace, Kami sighed dreamily.

"You know, you're really handsome," Kami complimented, smiling up at him, "No wonder Tenten likes you."

Neji looked down at her oddly and slowly nodded. He then let the idea fall of Tenten actually liking him in his head. He sighed, still thinking exactly what to say once he sees her again later today. He did expect Tenten to still be mad at him. Kami continued looking up at him, seeing that he was deep in thought of her. Kami pouted, and just held on tighter. Neji was obviously annoyed, but being him, he didn't want to show it. After a couple of minutes, they reached the hallway that led straight to the palace entrance. Neji released their arms and looked up at the clock. They were bound to show up soon. He made his way to the door, leaving Kami with nothing else to say. "This is my chance," Kami thought to herself.

"Prince Neji!" she called out, causing him to stop his walking. He didn't look back at her, however. Without hesitation, she quickly ran to him and wrapped her arms around his body from behind. Neji's eyes widened.

"W-what are you doing?" Neji asked sharply, eying her, which only caused her to hug tighter. She rubbed her face against his back.

"Don't leave me," she said, voice muffled a bit, "Don't leave me for that...that pitiful girl!"

Neji froze on the spot, shocked of what he just heard. Placing a glare on his face, he removed her arms around him and turned around to face her, who was staring up at him with those eyes. Those eyes that could easily cause a man to fall all over her. He continued glaring at her. He opened his mouth to speak to her, but she beat him to it.

"How could you have chosen her over me?" she said to him, "I thought you weren't interested in people like them! And...and why HER of all certain people?"

Neji face softened up a bit. It was like talking to Ino all over again. "I love her," he said, although sounding more convincing than his usual lies of this situation.

Kami glared but didn't both to speak. Hearing footsteps from a distance, she acted quickly. Suddenly, she wrapped her arms around his neck and tip-toed up towards his face. Neji's eyes widened as her face got closer. But again before he was able to push her away...

She kissed him.

She kissed him gently. Neji's body was solid still, not being able to move from the shock. His eyes remained wide open as her lip motion started to increase in speed. He couldn't take this much longer. He shakily moved his arms towards her own to pull her off. Once he had a grip on her arms, suddenly nothing but the sound of the door creaking open shot them. Neji eyed to his side.

It was Tenten.

Neji's eyes grew more wide in surprise, and he finally managed to push Kami off him. Kami blinked and looked to her side, seeing Tenten. A smirk came across her lips seeing the shocked expression upon Tenten's face. Neji fully face Tenten with a face expressing worry and disbelief. He began to slowly walk towards her.

"Tenten, this isn't what it..." he started, finally making it up to her, but stopped once she took a step back from him. She looked up at him with a face so blank it got to him, bad. Tenten kept staring at him, until a time came where she realized her plan was sinking towards the end already. As unbelievably surprised as she is now, she had to pull it back up. Just...not right now. With her shoulders shaking a bit, she took another step back. Neji stood where he was at, staring at her in daunt.

"I-I'm sorry," Tenten said, almost reaching a whisper, and trying to sound as polite as she can, "I didn't mean to interrupt."

With just that to say, she turned around and ran. Iori, who was right beside her the whole time, gasped and ran after her. Neji's, who's feet was as if it was glued onto the floor, stared at her run away from him. He was petrified. To his annoyance, Kami laughed.

"Ah, what a girl," she let out, "She gets hurt so easily."

Neji sharply turned around, gave her a glare, and ran straight by her, having only one person to talk to. He ran quicker within the halls, not having time to stop. Finally reaching his destination, he rudely pushed the door open, instantly showing no one other than: the Queen. Queen Hyuuga stared bewildered at Neji, who welcomed her with a mad glare as he panted softly. He spoke.

"What are you up to?"

TBC

GAH! That was long (sort of). Not much of a cliff hanger, but still. Wanted to save more for future chapters. Well, I hoped you enjoyed it and please wait patiently for my next update! Thank you ! R&R!