A/N: Yes I know it's been way over a month since I updated this but I have unfortunately had to declare myself on temporary hiatus for now and I will have to continue being so until next school holidays when I might finally get some time to write. I will be trying to write in between while I can but I can't make any promises that I will be able to finish a chapter. I am sorry to all and I know you will probably hate me but I just don't have the time. I really wish I did.

Anyway the poll has now been closed and the result is the two games to be played are two truths-one lie and I never. So if anyone has and ideas for questions for I never or ideas or two truths and one lie characters can say please let me know. The more ideas I get the sooner I will update. That's a promise. Please if you are unsure what the games are but would like to help let me know via a review or message me and I will explain. Thanks to all who help and enjoy the chapter.

Disclaimer: All my attempts so far have failed so I have yet to own Naruto

Previously

"Neji what is it?" Tenten asked, joining him at his side. She had always been able to read him and she knew something was up.

"Something doesn't add up" he replied as Tenten looked at him.

"What, in regards to Sasuke?"

"Yes"

"What?"

"I couldn't see him" Neji told her as Tenten shook her head.

"With your byakugan?"

"Yeah"

"But, what does that mean?" she asked as Neji sighed.

"I'm not sure exactly, but something is up. I couldn't sense him coming and even Uchiha's cant hid their presence from a Hyuga."

"So something else must have done t then" Tenten pointed out as Neji nodded.

"Yeah" he said grimly.

"But what could it be?"

"I don't know" Neji replied. "I honestly have no idea."

Meeting of the sand siblings

It had been a few weeks and the gang was all worn out and just plain exhausted. Not only had Sasuke been rather hard on them, making them jump for longer periods of time and with not as many rests either, but the secrecy was also getting to them. Not only was the extra work hard in Ino's condition who was still regularly being sick, but Sakura, Tenten and Hinata had also been going to extreme lengths to watch out for Ino and make sure she didn't over-exert herself. Also trying to avoid others finding out, Hinata, on the other hand, felt pressured by the weight of the burden of Sasuke's secret and the continuing efforts of her friends trying to find out what he was hiding was not helping.

So by the end of the third week the group was rather in a gloomy mood. Sakura was still sticking to Sasuke's side so at night when they all talked she would cuddle up next to him and attempt to join in knowing that the man beside her was a million miles away. Hinata had been keeping to herself during these conversations, often leaving to go into her tent to sit alone in the darkness. She was starting to feel like she was going to explode soon if she didn't find some way to release it all. Ino was trying to be bright and cheery but on some days when the feeling of nausea was worse she would stay silent and still.

Shikamaru was as lazy as ever and Neji was also the silent type so there wasn't many conversations to actually go around. Tenten even had been a lot quieter at nights as well. She would be fine during the day when she and Shikamaru would help lead the way, not questioning why Sasuke had suddenly left it all to them to do, but at nights she would just sit staring off to space, her face empty and her eyes reflecting a longing for something that no one knew of.

Naruto was the only one that made any attempt to muck around and talk and although others would join in occasionally he knew it was all forced and could feel the cold and morbid air around him squeezing in on him. His usual hyperactive attitude had seemed to vanish with the others depressing mood and even his laughter seemed forced. What they all needed was some time out but no one was really saying anything and as Hinata stood watching them all she could tell that they were splitting and tearing apart and she was afraid that sooner or later the strain would become to much and their bonds would break, separating them for good.

-

-

It was another day of jumping, another long day of Shikamaru and Tenten leading the way, faces both serious and grim while Sasuke followed, his face emotionless and eyes empty and cold and no one was sure what to say to him ether. Behind him was Neji, who was as silent as always with Hinata next to him so that she wouldn't have to talk to anyone. She was deep in thought about everything that was happening and was barely taking in her surroundings. The other three brought up the rear, all attempting at one stage or another to make conversation but there hearts weren't really in it and there attempts always dried up.

"Stop!" Tenten shouted as the group all stilled and looked at the two leaders who had very serious expressions on their faces.

"What is it?" Naruto asked, but Shikamaru held up his hand to make him stop as he motioned for them to all gather near him and Tenten.

"There's someone coming…" he explained quietly.

"Neji, Hinata." Tenten whispered as the two Hyuga's nodded and both raised their hands and activated their byakugan.

"There are three people coming towards us" Hinata informed them. "Two males and a female"

"Yes, and, they already know we're here, their pace has quickened and they are going into a defensive formation. Their chakra systems are that of a well taught and experienced ninja's as well so we better be careful" Neji added with a frown.

"Well… there are still more of us then them!" Tenten said trying to remain positive as she reached for a scroll.

"Who are they? Are they dangerous?" Ino demanded as Sasuke frowned.

"It doesn't matter… with Orochimaru after us we can't afford to take any chances." he told the group as he glanced at them all briefly, though his gaze lingered on Sakura and soon after, Naruto.

"Dobe, take Sakura and go hide quickly. You two are what he's after." He ordered as Naruto glared at him.

"What about you, teme?"

"Just do it."

"No, teme! You come with us, too, the others can hold them off without you." Naruto argued, slightly upset that his friend would rather them be safe when they could fight, while he was in no condition to do so.

"Sasuke… Naruto's right." Sakura added quietly.

"I'm the leader," Sasuke pointed out to the two. "And I am giving an order which I expect to be followed. Now go, both of you."

"But, teme...!" Naruto began before Hinata stepped forward.

"Please, Naruto, there isn't much time" she begged, her byakugan still activated and her face pale. Although her byakugan was activated, he could still see the pleading look she gave him; and he could hear it in her voice. Naruto looked at her, and then glared at Sasuke before grabbing Sakura and pulling her away to safety.

"Naruto, we can't leave him!" Sakura said as Naruto looked at her and grinned.

"We're not." he told her as he motioned her to follow and they leapt onto the tress close by so they could still watch.

Meanwhile the remaining six were in defense position as they waited for the other three to approach. Hinata and Neji still had their byakugan's activated just in case while the rest could already sense their presence. Neji had stepped to one side of Hinata as to protect her if anything was to go wrong while Tenten stepped next to her on the other side as if to protect her as well.

Yet, when the strangers finally jumped down and straightened up, facing the group everyone stilled in surprise. The three new comers were no other than the famous sand siblings, whom all six recognized immediately. After a few moments the middle figure walked forward a few steps and Naruto couldn't help but be intrigued. The man that seemed to be the leader had red hair and his eyes had dark, black rings around them. His face seemed expressionless and he had a weird symbol on his forehead that Naruto made a note to ask Sasuke about later. There was also the big object he carried on his back to.

"Gaara of the Sand…" Sasuke said, eying the boy who looked around the same age as all of them.

"Yes" Gaara replied as he eyed the team and then turned back to Sasuke.

"I believe you are accompanied by the missing Hyuga heiress and her cousin, Hinata and Neji. Am I correct?" Gaara asked, although it didn't sound as a question should, as Neji glared at him.

"You are." he said. "Been awhile, hasn't it?"

"You know him?" Sasuke enquired as Neji nodded, yet it was Tenten that answered him.

"He was put against our teammate years ago at the chunnin exams… and nearly killed him." Tenten told them all as Gaara nodded.

"Yet, I was forgiven when I saved his life."

"Yes, you were." Tenten said with a smile as Gaara nodded again and then looked at Sasuke.

"And you… You are the last sole survivor of the Uchiha clan, and the missing nin… Sasuke Uchiha, are you not?"

"I am." Sasuke replied. "We are just passing through and we mean you no harm."

"I know." Gaara said as he motioned for his siblings to relax. Sasuke, in turn, gave the signal to make his team put away their weapons.

"Shika!" The blonde female called and the group watched as she ran over and hugged the lazy nin who just smiled and hugged her in return, unaware of the glare being sent their way by Ino.

"Temari! Long time no see." Shikamaru eventually said when the two broke off before she turned to her brothers.

"It's safe. Their friends." she called to them.

"Then we promise not to hurt them." Gaara replied. "You may tell your other two members to come here."

"Sakura, Naruto." Sasuke called as Naruto looked at Sakura then grinned and jumped down as Sakura followed him.

"Perhaps you should tell us what you're planning." Gaara offered as Sasuke frowned.

"Why?"

"Because I am the Kazekage of the Village Hidden in the Sand, and I can offer you protection and sanctuary in my village if you tell me."

"Hn." Sasuke said as Gaara nodded understanding it to be a yes. He motioned for Sasuke to follow as they stepped away from the group and began talking. Neji was still standing close to Hinata but Tenten moved next to Sakura to allow Naruto to take her place by Hinata's side. Sakura watched as Temari greeted Ino yet she could tell that despite Temari's friendly attitude there was some tension between the two girls as Ino gave her a fake smile in return. Watching as Temari returned to flirting with Shikamaru, the other male had been eying the group and now approached Tenten within a smile as he bowed to her.

"Name's Kankuro." he said. "And what is it they call you?"

"Tenten" Tenten replied with a laugh at the boy's attitude.

"Well, Tenten, it is a pleasure to meet you."

"You as well." Tenten said as Neji frowned at the two but didn't move from Hinata's side. Shikamaru meanwhile had decided to go join Sasuke and Gaara, hoping that he could offer some assistance while Ino just turned and glared at Temari.

"Back off Temari he is mine" Ino told her as Temari laughed.

"You know after dear Choji's death I stopped our little competition in hopes of leaving you time to grieve" Temari smirked as she stepped closer to Ino, being a good few centimeters taller. "But now it's back on"

"Its over. I won. So back off." Ino demanded as Temari just laughed.

"You haven't won yet, Ino."

"He. Is. Mine." Ino repeated through gritted teeth.

"For now…. But we shall see." Temari told her as she moved to the three boys who were returning.

"Wow, you're hot. I can see why you're so popular." she said to Sasuke as Sakura frowned and moved to his side. Temari laughed when she saw this and smiled reassuringly at her.

"Don't worry I'm not going to steal him off you. He is way too young for me. I don't do people who are not in their twenties"

"Temari…" Gaara said with a sigh as everyone turned to look at him. "After listening to your story, I give you permission to stay, rest and train in my village for a short time on the terms that you do not reveal who you are or that some of you are from Konoha. We are on good terms with them and so not want to offend them in any ways."

"Agreed." Sasuke said as Gaara nodded.

"Then come, follow us." he said as he turned and began leading the way. Sasuke looked at Sakura and beckoned for her to stay by his side as she followed. Temari laughed and grabbed Shikamaru's arm as she dragged him while Ino glared at the blonde and she too followed.

"Don't worry; you're safe with me." Kankuro said teasingly at Tenten as they to followed the group. Tenten just laughed as she began answering Kankuro's questions about her and asking her own about Kankuro.

"Well, let's go!" Naruto said taking Hinata's hand as Neji went with them, frowning at how his girlfriend seemed to be enjoying talking with the sand sibling.

"Can we trust them?" Sakura whispered to Sasuke as they followed Gaara as Sasuke looked at her and smirked.

"I do." he told her confidently. "And I think you should, too."

-

-

The sand siblings walked them all the way to a dusty village in which Gaara gave a small smile and turned to Sasuke.

"Welcome… to Sunagakure!" Gaara told them all proudly as Sakura, Hinata, Tenten and Naruto all looked up in wonder. Ino was to busy scowling at Temari, Shikamaru had seen it plenty of times, and Sasuke and Neji…. Well, they just didn't really care.

"Hn." was Sasuke only response as Gaara looked at him and nodded than turned to the guards.

"These eight will be under my protection, make sure everyone knows to look after them yet no one is to know their here. Not any villagers or any ninja's from other villages. No questions are to be asked or shared about their identities, got it?" Gaara informed them as they all nodded.

"Don't worry we'll take good care of you." Kankuro told Tenten as he winked at her, making Tenten giggle slightly and Neji frown. Yet, he still didn't move from Hinata's side while Naruto stuck at Hinata's other side to protect the girl. Hinata just looked at Neji, sensing his jealousy and getting slightly frustrated with his overprotective attitude when his girlfriend was obviously needing some attention.

"Follow me." Gaara said as he led the party through the streets, heading for a giant building in the middle of the village. The eight tried to ignore the villagers around them as they whispered to themselves as the eight passed but Sakura couldn't help but feel a little unnerved and moved quickly to Sasuke's side. Seeing her discomfort, he silently took her hand in his, noticing Naruto doing the same.

They continued until they reached the building and Gaara led them inside after giving the guards strict instructions about their guests. Gaara showed them the grounds they were to use for training, where they could find necessary supplies and last his office in which he seated behind an enormous desk and sighed.

"Kankuro, Temari, please escort our guests to the guest suite, the one with the four bedrooms, lounge and kitchen facilities. They should be comfortable there and, no doubt, they will want to rest after traveling for so long." he said as his siblings nodded and gestured for the eight to follow.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Kazekage-sama." Sasuke said before he left.

"You guys will like it, it's our best suite." Temari said as she looked at Shikamaru. "It has our most comfortable beds as well, very strong and satisfying."

"Yay! A good night's sleep!" Naruto cheered as Sakura and Hinata smiled at how dense he could be.

"Hn, dobe." Sasuke said as he took a seat in a lounge chair and yawned, closing his eyes and relaxing.

"Hey, no fair, teme!" Naruto shouted as Hinata sighed.

"Not so loud, Naruto." she told him gently as he turned and grinned at her.

"Ok, Hinata…"

"Well, we'll leave you to get settled than. Temari said with a playful smile in Shikamaru's direction. "See you later.

"Yeah, let us know it there's anything we can do to help, or make your stay more enjoyable." Kankuro added as he winked at Tenten, who simply smiled back. Once gone, everyone turned to Sasuke, who still had his eyes closed, as if waiting for directions.

"Rest now and start training tomorrow." He ordered. And, with that, he got up and headed to one of the rooms.

"I think I might lie down." Ino said as Shikamaru yawned and followed her to another room.

"I am kind of hungry…" Naruto said as Hinata laughed at him.

"Come on, I'll make you some ramen." she said as Naruto hugged her and practically dragged her to the kitchen while Sakura sighed and headed into the room Sasuke had just entered leaving Neji and Tenten alone.

"So, I see you've made a friend." he said as Tenten shook her head, noticing the common signs of jealousy.

"Is that illegal or something?" she asked as he frowned.

"You know what I mean."

"I know but you need to learn to trust me." She said as she stepped closer and smiled seductively up at him. Neji smirked as he captured her lips with his and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her to him as Tenten wrapped her arms around his neck so she could press her body against his.

"I do…" He murmured to her between kisses.

"That's good..." She breathed, and Neji began kissing down her neck, making her moan slightly and completely forget Kankuro.

"Maybe we should take this inside a room." She managed to say as Neji smirked and, without stopping, lead her into an unoccupied room, slamming the door shut behind them.

Sakura meanwhile was watching as Sasuke lied still on the bed, breathing calmly with his eyes closed. She moved to look over him, smiling at his content facial expression and feeling a little reassured. She was about to turn and leave him in peace before his hand snapped up and grabbed her wrist.

"Stay." He said without opening his eyes. Smiling, Sakura lay down beside him as he wrapped his arms around her waist and buried his face in the crook of her neck. Sakura smiled happily as she felt herself succumb to the darkness.

-

-

It had been a few days already and the eight were enjoying the luxuries that came with being the Kazekage's guest such as the room service, maids, pools, fabulous training grounds and even prepared meals. For Neji and Hinata who had grown up in this lifestyle it wasn't that big of a deal, nor to Sasuke since he was born into a rich family. But for the others it was exciting and they were defiantly making sure they lived it up while they could.

However on there forth day while the eight were relaxing in there suite and enjoying some well prepared lunch, Temari and Kankuro both burst in, faces panicked and alarmed.

"What's wrong?" Tenten asked as Sasuke shot up and looked at them.

"Three Konoha shinobi have just arrived and will be staying for a night or two." Temari told them as Sasuke frowned.

"This could be bad!" Naruto exclaimed as Ino rolled her eyes.

"Well of course it is dobe."

"Hey, only teme can get away with calling me dobe!"

"Think I care?"

"Stupid Ino-pig…."

"What was that, dobe!?" Ino bellowed.

"Both of you stop it." Sasuke ordered angrily as he turned to Kankuro and Temari.

"What does Gaara want us to do?"

"Well he asks that you not leave here until the leaf shinobi are settled if that's ok with you"

"Hn fine" Sasuke replied as Temari smiled.

"Ok we better go before we raise suspicion." With that, the two disappeared and the eight went back to relaxing.

"What would happen if they discovered us?" Naruto asked as Neji looked at him.

"It would be bad, for starters."

"But how bad?" the blonde persisted.

"One, we would all be separated." Sasuke explained. "You'll probably be locked up, I defiantly will. The two Hyuga's will have to return home and resume there traditions at the Hyuga mansion. Tenten, Ino and Shikamaru too will have to go back to there homes, while Sakura…" He broke off there, and it was obvious he wasn't going to say another word about it.

It was awhile before the two returned yet what was surprising was the fact that both were actually smiling as if very proud of themselves and that they knew something important.

"Is it safe yet?" Naruto asked immediately.

"Should be but Gaara requested you in his office, or more importantly Neji and Tenten" Kankuro told them.

"What does he want us for?" Tenten enquired but Temari only grinned.

"You'll see." she said as the eight, all curious, were led to his office.

"I think you will find a surprise in there" Temari said as Tenten and Neji frowned and entered first.

"What is going on?" Tenten demanded as she spotted Gaara behind the desk while the others all piled into the room. Yet it wasn't Gaara that answered.

"Heh, impatient as ever, Tenten. Its nice to see you haven't changed since I last saw you." The newcomer was given confused expressions, while the Sand Sibling held ones of amusement. Neji and Tenten were shocked. This was just before Tenten lunged at the stranger and hugged him tightly. She smiled, tears running down her face.

"Oh my god…!" she said as the man laughed.

"Surprised?" he asked as Tenten nodded.

"I missed you so much!" She told him as the man hugged her back just as enthusiastically.

"Me too Tenten, it's good to see you again." He said as Tenten stepped back to look at him, while Neji stayed still, unsure of what to do or say, or even think.

"Heh, you haven't changed either," Tenten said with a playful tone, her eyes glowing with happiness. "Have you, Lee?"

A/N: Yes I had to put Lee in there, his such a fun character but unfortunately he won't be in it for long. Well I am really quite disappointed at how lame and bad this chapter turned out. I know it was boring but the next one will be better. So please review and read the first authors note at the start and see if you can leave any ideas. Thanks again!

Beta Note: No matter what she says this chapter was awesome :D. Enjoyed doing my beta thing for her again, and I hope you liked the chapter! If I spelled stuff wrong (Cuz I usually do) lemme know so I know to look out for it next time!