Author's Note:

Holy crap! Almost twenty people reviewed? Geez, that's basically creepy.. then again.. I've had more before.. so.. I guess I'm sorry if this chapter is bad.

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto at all. Possibly some OCs though.

Main Pairings:

NejiTen

Mentioned Pairings:

NaruHina

SasuSaku

ShikaIno

Keys:

Tooken over Narration; thoughts

Subtitles

Written Notes

Chapter 7: Memories of My Brother

It was pure irony. How everything had worked. One moment, everything could be fine, once in my life. But the next, it goes wrong. It was like my life had an on-off switch so someone could push to decide when I would have a tragedy or not. It all started because of my mother. My real mother. In her words, she had given birth to the gift from heaven. But she had also given her life for me. She had to trade in her life for mine. Thinking about it now, just once, I would like to have been able to be held in her arms, comforted by my mother. So she could tell me everything was okay, and so she could wipe away new tears that would fall. Mingmei.. her name. It could mean smart or beauty, how Wong had often described her in stories. But I want those stories to be real. I want to see her myself, so I could hug her. Tell her everything that has happened to me. But I can't. Because what happened to her happened because of me.

Then, there was my poor father. He married the cruel women Lien so Wong and I could have a mother in life. Sure, she had been sweet to us when we were young, but not anymore. She was just a bitter old woman who hated us. All of us. The only thing I was sure she loved was money. Tao.. Papa's name. It means long life. So why didn't he live a long life? Why did he have to endure such pain? He died from lung cancer, died because of chemicals. He died because I wasn't there for him.

Now? It was my brother. It was the frustration of life. Of everything around him. The alcohol relieved him of the stress, relieved him of everything. I just kept telling myself: letting him drink one more won't hurt, right? But the more he drank, the more hungover he was. And it seemed that night just made it worst. The night he was dead. I remembered confronting the man who had been feeding him all this beer as well. None of these memories were cheerful. None of these memories were worth remembering. None of these memories were as cherished as a certain one in my mind.

As I followed Hyuga-sama and Hyuga-san, I couldn't help but smile. After all that I have been through, as much as I had wanted to cry but didn't, all my memories of Wong would be with me. I knew that. I remembered the first time I had met his wife as well.

Flashback

"Bye, Tian-Tian!" some of my friends chimed.

I waved at them and ran to my brother. He was picking me up today to take me to out to eat. It had only been a few months since we moved back to China, but I had almost felt at home.

Home.. every time I thought of that word, a tug could be felt at my heart.

Yes, this was my home. The place where I was born. But.. I missed Japan. I missed everything there.

I took a deep breath, putting the thought of Japan in the back of my head. I smiled once I had gotten to Wong. "Aniki! I'm really glad you could pick me up."

He simply smiled at me and embraced me in a hug. "Of course, Panda. Why shouldn't I pick up my baby sister?"

I frowned at him. "Aniki! I'm eleven now! I'm not a baby anymore!"

"Really?" he asked me, obviously amused. He took me by the hand and started we started walking. "If so, does that mean you have enough money to pay for the both of us?"

"Well I'm not that old.." I squirmed. I grinned at him. "So, where are we eating tonight?"

"Well.. I'm not sure. Where do you want to eat?" he asked me.

"Hm.. I dunno.." I shrugged. "How about at the mall?" I looked at him excitedly. "Can we go see the new movie? They got it sent from Japan!"

"Which one would that be?" he asked.

I looked at him, trying to remember the title. "I think it's called Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi."

"Spirited Away?" he asked me.

I nodded. That was what the English title was. I looked at him pleadingly. "Can we?"

Simply, he chuckled. "Of course."

Five Hours Later

As we exited the movie theater, I tugged on Wong's arm. "Wasn't that movie great, Aniki?"

"It was pretty interesting." he grinned at me. "Did you get scared in some of the parts?"

"Of course not!" I screeched. I held a smile confidently. "I'm a brave girl!" my smile turned into a frown quickly. "And I could've become a kunoichi if we stayed in Japan."

"There's always a better hope in the future." He leaned over just a bit to meet eye contact with me. "Are you enjoying this time?"

I nodded. "Yeah! I'm sorta glad now considering Papa and Mama went out as well!" I pounced him with a hug. "You spoil me too much, Aniki!"

He returned the hug. "You're my little sister, Panda. I'd do anything for you."

"Could we get some ice cream before going home?" I gave a yawn. "I think that movie took every last bit of my energy."

"Really?" he asked me, obviously surprised. He chuckled. "Knowing you, I would've thought you'd go on for at least another hour or two."

I simply stuck my tongue out at him. "Even this girl has her limits, Aniki!"

So we got out of the mall and walked a few blocks towards a different street. We got into my favorite ice cream shop.

"Well little girl, which one would you like?" the old man working the machines asked.

I smiled at him. "Could I have a scoop of chocolate cream and a scoop of mint, mister?"

"Of course, young lady.." he replied kindly. As he gave me my cone, he looked up to my brother. "And what will it be, good man?"

"A scoop of Rocky Road, please." Wong replied.

After paying for the ice cream, both of us said our good byes to the man and went out of the store.

"He was really nice." I chimed.

My brother nodded. "I used to come here all the time with Dad when I was your age." He held out his free hand. "Shall we get going?"

"Of course!" I replied excitedly. I took a lick of my ice cream and held out my free hand. But almost ignorantly, a boy much older than me had skated across at the wrong time.

He shoved into me, causing me to drop my cone on the ground, with him leaving without a knowledge of that.

"M-My cone!" I exclaimed. They were both my favorite flavors as well.

Wong just picked up the now-dirty ice cream cone and glared at the path the boy left behind. "Hey! Watch it!" he looked at me soothingly. "Do you want to get another one, Panda?"

"I-I don't know.." I replied quietly.

At the next second, a different cone was shoved in front of my face.

I looked up, seeing a woman no older than Wong. She had the prettiest green eyes and the most gorgeous auburn locks. She just looked at me and smiled. "Would you like some?"

I stared at the ice cream. It was the same as the one that I was eating. I looked at her with hesitance. "I-I.."

"M-Michiko?"

That was my brother. Did he know this girl?

"I thought it was you, Wong." she looked at my brother passionately, talking in Japanese. She looked at me slyly. "So this is the little Panda Tian-Tian that I've heard so much about."

I nodded slowly, not exactly sure of what to do. "A-Aniki? Who is she?" I turned my head, only to see my brother's face mixed with emotions, his face red from who knows what. "Is.. she your girlfriend?"

That only caused his face to darken. "N-No.. this is Aishi Michiko. She was a classmate of mine in college."

Michiko nodded. She bent down and ruffled my hair. "Yeah, kiddo. I've known your brother since first year. You'd be surprised how sweet he can be." only, she stuck her tongue out as if she were a little kid. "Then again, you probably already know that, considering how much he spoils you."

"So.. what are you doing in China, Michiko?" Wong asked. His voice was more calm than it had been the last time.

Michiko simply giggled. "Well, an easy reason, actually. I was trying to find the man who had stolen my heart in college. But when I found that he actually moved, I just had to track him down. Now here I am, searching through about five-thousand Chinese men to find him."

I inwardly smiled. This Michiko seemed really nice, and I could already tell that she was talking about Wong.

"Really? You find him?" Wong asked, disappointment brewing in his voice.

Michiko shrugged. "You tell me. I'm staying with my cousin here for a while." she smiled as her eyes reached mine. "Do you need an escort home?"

"That would be really cool!" I said excitedly. I looked at Wong. "Can she, Aniki?"

Wong's face had turned a bit more red. He tugged at the collar of his t-shirt and nodded. "Sure? Why not?"

End Flashback

My smile widened. I guess you could tell how that night ended. At least there was one bright side to this: Wong would be happy in heaven with Michiko. The same with my father with my mother. Even if they were dead, their spirit would live on, right?

But my smile slowly faded. I didn't want to let go. I missed them a lot. Though I knew it. It wasn't me who was gonna need the comfort. What about Tian-Tian? She's an orphan, only 8 months old. She's only had the comfort of her parents for eight months. Her father eight, her mother for only a minute or two.

I looked to the corner of me, seeing Neji look a head, Tian-Tian soothingly in his arms.

Finally, we stopped at the very end of the mansion. I remember this hallway. This was where all of the events years ago took place. This was where Neji's room was. Where I got lost repeatedly.

Inwardly, I chuckled.

Hyuga-sama looked at me, his eyes filled with pride. We stopped at a door between Hinata-chan and Neji's rooms. "Tenten, for the time being, this shall serve as your room."

I nodded. "I understand." I smiled and bowed in front of him. "I can't thank you enough, Hyuga-sama. Your hospitality is too great for words."

"You can thank Neji for introducing you to me years ago." Hyuga-sama said. He let out a chuckle. It had been similar to the Emperor's chuckle.

I looked at the corner of my eye. Neji had been scowling, blushing a bit.

Hyuga-san smiled at me. "The butlers have already unpacked your things. Go ahead and rest, Tenten. You've had a long day."

I smiled and nodded. Hyuga-san and Hyuga-sama got out of my way as I opened the door. Neji would be taking care of Tian-Tian. I knew he would take care of her well.

Silently, I closed the door behind me and collapsed on my bed, not caring of anything.

I looked at my alarm clock. It read 7:30 PM. It was a lot later than I thought it was.

As I rolled over on my bed, cold warmth tingled over my chest. I dug into the t-shirt I was wearing, taking out a small locket. I smiled at it. Yet again, it was another cherishing memory, such as the one where I had spent the whole day with Wong.

Flashback

Winter came soon. It had only been around two months since I moved to Japan, and it was already Christmas.

I tugged on my brother's arm. "Where are we going, Aniki?"

Wong simply smiled at me. "You'll see soon enough, Panda."

I shuddered as a snowflake pressed against my nose. I readjusted my snow hat and tightened my grip on Wong's hand. "When will we get there?"

We stopped at a store.

Wong smiled. "Here we are."

He opened the door, it ringing from a bell. Both of us went inside. I sighed in relief of how warm it felt inside. I looked around. There were many different Christmas ornaments hanging from wires.

Near the counter, there was string where many necklaces hung, bracelets to follow. Hanging from the ceiling were more string, with kunai and shuriken as the

"Wow! This place is really pretty!" I exclaimed.

"It's also where I work, Panda." my brother explained. "I make weaponry and accessories here."

"Did you make all of these?" I asked, quite amazed with my brother.

He only chuckled. "Just a few."

An old man came to the counter. He smiled once his gaze met Wong's. "Ah.. Wong. What are you doing here so late? After all, it's Christmas, I let you off duty." His smile widened once his gaze met mine. "And who's this little girl?"

"This little girl is Tian-Tian!" I replied proudly.

"My little sister." Wong simply chuckled. He ruffled my hair and smiled at the man. "Jii-san, I'm here to pick up the gift for her."

"Oh! Of course, Wong." the old man got up to the wires near the counter, taking down a certain necklace. He gently gripped my hands and gave it to me. "This is for you."

I gasped in surprise once I saw it. It was a beautiful locket. It's charm had been a panda head, the markings of its face engraved on it. Its ears and eyes had been painted black, with "10" engraved in each ear.

"Kirei.." I commented. I looked up to the old man. "How much is it?"

"Why, no cost at all, young lady." the old man grinned. "Your brother made it for you."

I smiled in awe. "You really made this for me, Aniki?"

Wong only grinned. "Of course." He crouched down to my level and took the locket. "It's my Christmas gift to you."

He put it around my neck and smiled. "There."

I grinned and twirled around. "How do I look?"

"Cute." he replied simply. He looked me in the eye. "It's made just for you."

My smile widened. "I'll never take it off, Aniki!"

He shared his own smile. "All you need to promise is that you'll never lose it." He gently gripped the panda charm and opened it. Nothing was in it, but his smile only widened. "This locket may be empty, Panda, but it's full of our memories."

All I did was frown. "But what if I lose it?"

He put a finger at my chest. "Then your memories will be in here." he smiled. "What ever happens to us, Panda, all you need is this locket to reach me."

I smiled happily and pounced him with a hug. "Thank you, Aniki!"

End Flashback

I smiled and cradled the locket. It meant a lot to me, mostly because of the special memories its been through with me. I could lay here, only dreaming of each and every one of them, but I knew Wong wouldn't want my life to end that way.

There's still his daughter to take care of.

This is my decision.. I thought. I looked up from my pillow towards the door. A smile appeared on my face. Softly, I whispered,

"Tian-Tian.. you'll be safe with me.."

I pulled my covers over my shoulders, readying myself for bed.

"I promise.."

The days passed by quickly. After a few troubles, I had gotten used to the Hyuga Clan. And they have gotten used to me. I was okay with everything. But there was one thing I wasn't willing to face alone.

It was now Saturday. The week ended before I could even count.

Every Hyuga would be going to a big party with relatives from another country. I was allowed to come, but I didn't accept the invitation. So I was all alone with Tian-Tian in this Mansion.

I got up from my bed and walked over to Tian-Tian's crib. She was already awake, smiling and giggling, obviously happy.

"Ohayo, Kawaii-chan." I whispered softly. I picked her up and gently put her into a hug. "You have a good night's rest?"

She only giggled in my ear in response.

"You probably woke up earlier than me if you're this cheerful. How about I get your bottle?" My smile widened as I heard another giggle.

Opening the door, I stood with an awed expression.

There was Neji, who had most likely been up for hours, judging by how calm his eyes were. What shocked me was that he was roaming around the Mansion without a shirt and his hair unbound.

I felt my cheeks quickly become pink. "N-Neji.."

He didn't seem to be affected by it one bit. "Tenten. Good morning."

My cheeks began to get warmer. I looked away, trying suppress my embarrassed blush. "Good morning, Neji." Slowly, I turned my sight. "How come you didn't go with the rest of the clan to the party?"

"Because there are a lot more insane cousins other than Yuki-chan."

I turned my full attention to him and giggled. I smiled as my gaze met his. "Well, I was just about to go get Tian-Tian's milk."

"I see.."

An awkward silence came afterwards. He broke it after how uncomfortable it was. "Considering there are no tasks here, are you going to visit your brother?"

My smile faded. Quickly, I forced a different one. "No.." I shrugged. "In fact, I really don't know where the Graveyard is."

He looked at me in amusement, obviously surprised that not once had I visited the grave where my brother was. He turned around, heading for the door next to me.

"Where are you going?" I asked, quite confused why he left in a haste.

He turned to me as he opened the door. "To change. You should to, after all, you wouldn't want to go out wearing just a t-shirt and shorts."

"But.. where are we going?" He never told me anything.

He just stared at me.

"Out."

It was rather cheery outside today.

I smiled and put a lock of my brown hair behind my ear. Neji was currently driving next to me towards the graveyard.

"You know.." I started. I stared at him with a smile. "You don't have to do this."

He looked at me from the corner of his eye as he turned the direction of the car. He put his hand over mine and squeezed it comfortingly. "I want to."

I smiled back at him, happy we were alone. After feeding Tian-Tian, we had stopped by Ino-chan's to drop her off. Ino-chan had gladly agreed to watch her while I had the day to myself.

"I don't know where I would be without you, Neji." I replied. My cheeks flared pink, but I just kept smiling at him.

Soon, we arrived at the graveyard. Even there, it was cheery. Today seemed great for everything.

As I got to Wong's grave, my confidence slowly drifted. My hand ran across his gravestone, feeling the small bumps where words were engraved.

Wong

A Loving Husband

A Cherishing Father

An Admirable Brother

A smile appeared on my face as a ran my hand across again. I took off my locket and put it in front of the stone. I didn't care if it was just another death among hundreds. I would never forget Wong. I would always remember him throughout this eerie place.

Flash Back

"Why are we here, Aniki?" I asked. Only a week after we had moved back to China. We were at a graveyard, just me and my brother.

I shuddered as the wind blew against my face. Judging from the skies, it looked like it would rain soon.

Wong only smiled at me. "I wanted to show you our mother."

A smile appeared on my face. I was really excited. "Our Mama is here?" I looked around. "Which person is she?"

He only gave me the same smile. He set down the bouquet of white lilies he brought and turned me by the shoulders towards a gravestone. "This is her grave."

I looked at it.

Mingmei

A Gentle Wife

A Brave Daughter

A Strong Mother

"How can you tell it's her? There are a lot of different graves here." I stated.

Wong smiled again. "Think about it, Panda. What would you do if you couldn't find me?"

"Hm.." I looked at him in thought. "Let's rephrase that question: How would I lose you?"

"Anything can happen at anytime, Panda." Wong replied.

I tapped my chin with my pointer finger and looked at him. "I would..." I grinned. "Keep searching!"

He chuckled. "Exactly. All you need to do is keep searching. Soon, you'll recognize her."

I looked at the gravestone once more. Turning my sight, I asked a question, "Aniki? What was Mama like?"

"Mama?" he repeated. He looked at me, thinking of the right words. "Let's see, Panda.. Mama was.." he shrugged. "A mom?"

I pouted at him. "Not like that, silly!" I looked at him with excitement. "Was she pretty?"

Wong gave me a smile. "She was the prettiest woman you'd ever meet."

"Did she and Papa ever get in fights like our Step-Mama and Papa did?" I asked once more.

Wong smiled once more. "Never." he put his hand on my shoulder. "In fact, you take after her a lot."

I smiled back at him. "Thank you for taking me here, Aniki."

"We're not done yet." he picked up the bouquet of white lilies and gave me one. He crouched in front of the gravestone, holding up the flowers. "May all your wishes come true in heaven, Mother."

"Aniki?" I called out slowly. It had been more than a minute before he said anything else.

He looked up, a tear falling down his face.

"Why are you crying?" I asked sadly.

"No reason..." he said quickly. He wiped away the tear and turned to me. "Your turn."

I looked at the flower in my hand and the gravestone of mother's. I put it down next to Wong's bouquet.

"May all your wishes come true in heaven, Mother."

End Flashback

May all your wishes come true, Wong.. I continued to stare at Wong's grave. I wiped away the tear falling down my face and smiled. Now isn't the time to weep, Tenten. You have a niece to think about.

I got up from my spot, only to see Neji gone. "Neji?"

"Over here."

I turned my head. Neji had gone to the row of graves under Wong's. He held a bouquet as well, the same kind of flowers that Wong had had. I slowly walked over and leaned over to see the stone. "Hyuga Hizashi..." I looked up and smiled sadly. "That's your father, right?"

Neji slowly nodded. His expression was blank, and he was gripping the stem of the flowers greatly. He turned to me and gave me one of the white lilies. "For your brother."

"Thank you." I went back to Wong's grave. As I put the flower down next to his grave. I gave a crooked smile as more tears fell down my face. "Look at me, Wong.. I'm breaking your promise..." I sighed and wiped away the tears.

"May all your wish come true in heaven Wong." My smile softly widened. "And please.. say Hi to Mom and Dad for me."

"Ready to go?"

I looked up. Neji had his same blank expression. He offered me a hand and I thankfully gripped it.

"This day wasn't so bad.." I said as we got into the car. But tears just continued to fall down my face. I turned to Neji. "Thank you for taking me here."

Neji just kept his eyes in front of him and turned the ignition on. Silently, we both looked at the scenery as he drove by.

I wiped the last of my tears and looked at the locket in my hands. Wong was right. It was full of all my memories.

"You know.."

I looked up. Neji had stopped at a small café. I smiled. "Yes, Neji?"

"My father.." he hesitated. "The same way you admired your brother, I admired my father." he sighed. "If you ever need any help, Tenten, I'll be here for you." He smiled.

I returned it. Reaching over, I embraced him in a hug. "Thank you, Neji. You don't know how much you've helped me already.."

He returned it. "It'd be dishonorable if I didn't."

"So.. are you just gonna spoil me today?" I asked as I got out of his hold.

He smirked as he got out of the car. "You're gonna have to at least pay for your lunch."

"Hey!"

He took me out the whole day. This had been one of the happiest days of my life. I felt like a little girl again who had brotherly arms to protect me. But this time, not brotherly arms. Even if it wasn't a date, it was fantastic. More fantastic than the memories that I had with my father. More fantastic than that date with Dewei, and.. almost more fantastic than my memories with Wong.

Neji's jeep pulled up in front of the Hyuga Gates. Both of us got out of the car. Night had fallen quickly, and we had been out the whole day.

I giggled as my stare met Neji's. "I can't believe you knocked that guy out."

"If I didn't, Tenten, then he would have tried to rape you." Neji replied, seriousness in his voice. But truthfully, from my point of view, he was trying not to laugh from the events that followed.

"This was exactly what I needed to clear my head." I sighed. Rubbing the temple of my forehead I looked at him again. "It's almost surprising that you don't have a girlfriend."

"Almost?" he asked me in amusement.

"Your antisocial skills make up for it." I grinned.

Both of us walked along the hallways of the mansion, towards our rooms.

He smirked. "Well, you certainly haven't changed from the last time I saw you."

I looked down as I leaned against my door. "I'm just glad that last time really wasn't the last time."

"I'm only here to help, Tenten. You're one strong girl." He looked at me soothingly.

I smiled and looked at him. "Thank you.. You helped me a lot."

He only looked at me, both blankly and emotionally. After a comfortable silence, he put his hand on my shoulder and squeezed it. "Tenten.. I'd do anything for you."

"Like when we were kids.." I added weakly. He cupped my cheek. I could feel the warm tingles they were getting from his touch.

Slowly, he leaned forward. And I didn't stop him.

His lips passionately landed on mine. Anything that was happening in the world right now had stopped. My arms slowly wrapped around his neck as his arms came around my waist.

"Ahem.."

Both of us immediately got away from each other. Turning to our right, we could see Hinata-chan, Hyuga-sama, and Hyuga-san. Other members of the clan had stood behind the three.

"Hello.." Hyuga-sama said awkwardly. Truthfully, from what I could see, he was trying his hardest not to smile. "You know the rules, Neji."

I looked at Neji rather in embarrassment. There was only a thin line of blush on his face, while the rest of it remained stoic.

"...H-Hai, Hiashi-sama." he finally said.

Both of us slowly went into our rooms, neither looking at each other straight in the eye.

The Next Morning

I gave a soft yawn as I woke up. I walked over to Tian-Tian.

Still asleep.. I smiled.

I quietly got out of the room. I should probably get her bottle for when she wakes up.

Hinata-chan joined me in the walk. "Ohayo, Tenten-chan."

I smiled. "Ohayo." Both of us walked in silence, until she broke it.

"S-So.. what happened between you and Neji-nii-san last night?" she asked me softly.

I froze, heat bouncing around my cheeks. "I-I.."

She gave me an original smirk of hers. "You've liked him since grade school, correct?"

My blush only deepened. Quickly, I changed the subject. "What about you, Hinata-chan? Weren't you supposed to be going to a party somewhere? I thought you weren't supposed to be back until sometime this afternoon."

"W-Well.." she stammered. "I-It.. rained.."

I opened my mouth to say something, but closed it quickly. There wasn't really anything to say.

Silently, I took a milk bottle from the refrigerator as Hinata-chan waited patiently.

The kitchen door closed rather harshly. Both of us looked up, seeing Yuki-san.

I smiled. "Ohayo, Yuki-san."

She glared at me and stomped over. "Don't you Yuki-san me!"

I looked at her curiously. "What are you talking about?"

She took the bottle out of my hand and threw it at the wall rather loudly, causing many members of the family to come in.

"Y-Yuki-nee-san! What are you doing?" Hinata-chan asked, shocked.

Yuki-san glared at her. "YOU. I don't wanna here one single word. You hear me? Your little friend here stole my Neji-kun!"

"Wh-What are you talking about?" I stammered.

Yuki-san shifted her glare to me. Before I knew what was happening, she slapped me across the cheek.

My face stayed in that position as I felt my cheek burn from its injury. I turned to her. "What is wrong with you!"

"What's wrong with me? What's wrong with me?" she let out a harsh laugh. "You think you're Neji material? You think you're Hyuga material?"

I gritted my teeth. "What I think is that you have gone mad over a guy who doesn't return your feelings at all."

She growled and slapped my other cheek.

I shifted my sight back to her, ignoring the burning pains. "What do you want?"

She got into a fighting pose and smirked,

"Fight me."

Author's Note:

Yay! Cliffie! (shot) Like the chapter? Sorry it took so long to update! XD More NejiTen fluff, only with a KISS. Gimme some props on that! XD Review for the chapter, I'm like majorly busy this week, and possibly the next, so don't expect my usual update again. XP hope you liked this chapter! Review! Chapter's unedited, so don't be surprised of grammar and spelling errors.