Amaranthine
by layniebleargh
:x:x:x:x:x:x:x:x:x:x::x:x:x:x:x:x:x:x:x:x:
Chapter 7: What? They…
All throughout their training session Neji remained silent. At every punch, every kick, and every jutsu performed, he remained standing there, beneath a tree, watching the slightest of Tenten's movements. Though his eyes are on the weapons mistress, his mind is away… at who knows where.
"Neji, I did it!" Tenten called for the twenty-second time. "I performed my latest technique! I think I'm near to regaining - " Neji is not listening.
Tenten waved her hand tentatively in front of Neji's face. Not a blink. "Neji? Are you alright?"
It took full five minutes for Neji to snap back to the present. "What, Tenten?"
"Uh, um, it's… it's… what is happening to you, Neji? First you hardly ate anything for breakfast, then you never spoke to me throughout the morning and now you're spacing out! Are you sick or something?" Concern is written all over her face.
"…we're leaving."
"Is that what bothers you?"
"Hurry up and pack. We're leaving. Three minutes."
Tenten groaned. Unwillingly, she lifted her tired body to retrieve every weapon she scattered in the forest. "Really, Neji? What is bothering you? I want to help you…"
"Hiashi-sama, I want your advise." Neji said, doubt lacing his voice.
"Sit. What is it?"
"It's…" Neji's voice faltered. Clearing his throat, he continued. "During my previous mission, I have been bothered by this thought."
"I'm listening."
"I – uh… there is this someone who has been present throughout my entire life. Though, most of the time, I took her for granted. Um, it may seem awkward but… I want to marry her now, Hiashi-sama."
"Is she of an outstanding or famous clan? Or perhaps a daughter of a daimyo?"
"No."
"But… Neji, you're gonna be punished if you pursued her. Hyuugas must only marry women of their own class."
"You will find her suitable. She's strong and kind, loyal and hardworking. She's worth my all."
"Tell me."
"I have been blind, Hiashi-sama. I'm too consumed in my own thoughts and ambitions. I never realized before how a beautiful soul loves and cares for me much deeper than any waters. I… my byakugan failed to see the most amazing thing of all."
"What is it?"
"Love. Hiashi-sama, I know I'm a jerk, I know I'm the coldest and densest ice cube ever, but I… I want to know how to give unconditional love. I want to spend everyday with someone I cherish, hold her in my arms and give my all to her… to sacrifice and protect, even if it costs everything. Hiashi-sama, I beg you, please let me break a Hyuuga rule. Just this once… please. I really love her, and I would accept all consequences just to be with her. Please, Hiashi-sama."
"You have no need to bow, Neji. You are an excellent Hyuuga… you have gained our trust and confidence. However, I am concerned. Aren't you too young to be married?"
"Love is never too young nor too old."
"Love can wait."
"But at times you wait too much and the chance never comes again. You don't hold the future. What if something happens tomorrow?"
"Okay, I lose. I want to see her, Neji."
"I think you've seen her just hours before."
"She's her? Your teammate?"
"Yes."
"Well… no doubt she has her own beauty to behold, and an industrious person. A determined one. I could never imagine a woman with a more pleasing personality. I'm certain the other Hyuugas will like her. But… have you told her? Does she love you?"
"Give me several days and she'll say yes."
"I'm not pressuring you. I think you ought to think this over again."
"I've decided."
"Can you prolong the engagement? I want to know her better. The clan would be more willing to accept her as part of us if you prove to them she's rightful for you."
"…I want to marry her as soon as possible."
"Next year will do."
"Tomorrow?"
"Too fast, Neji."
"How about next week Hiashi-sama?"
"Nah-ah."
"Next next week?"
"Neji…"
"Hiashi-sama, please. If I won't be able to control -"
"Alright, alright, don't say that word anymore. I'll consider it."
"Thanks a lot."
"I think of you as one of my children Neji. Don't thank me. It's my responsibility to watch over you."
"Yes, Hiashi-sama."
"And Neji?"
"What?"
"Don't give us kids too soon, alright? I won't be able to build a child-friendly environment here that quick."
"…"
"Neji?"
"Right."
"Tenten, isn't it?" Tsunade confirmed. "According to my analysis, the trauma of your past caused your momentary incapability. Thus, when your vital points were hit during your previous mission, it triggered your mind to block a certain memory. That memory, I believe, is something you wouldn't want to recall. However, your brain missed and along with that memory, it took away memories where you were learning the techniques you forgot. It is temporary selective memory loss."
"Oh."
"Even if you have regained your skills with Neji Hyuuga, I suggest you to engage in self-reflection and let out your emotions. Tell your recollections to your friends and recall your memories. Come back after a month or two and let's see how much you've progressed. And don't worry – it only lasts for awhile. Memories will be back in no time. Just don't pressure yourself, Tenten."
"Yes, Tsunade-sama. See you next month then. Bye."
A season have gone and passed, but to Tenten it was the most staggering season of her life. She completely recovered, has more friends than ever who listened to her tears and joys very well, and most of all, Neji Hyuuga – THE NEJI HYUUGA – formally courted her.
However, rumors started to float around lately. Some say Tenten and Neji had secretly married during their mission, some say Tenten only wants Neji's name and power, and some say that Neji's forcing Tenten into some irksome relationship. If those are true, nobody from the outside knew. Only Tenten's and Neji's friends and closest relatives knew the truth. That Tenten became Neji's girlfriend during the second week of his courtship, that they were engaged three days later, and that they were officially married – with Hyuuga Hiashi's blessing – ten days after the engagement.
But still, even Lee can't believe how fast it happened. After all, both of them are only seventeen, never shown affection to each other until weeks lately, and were unlikely to be married, especially at such a young age. In short, it was VERY unexpected.
Yet, as all people do, everyone soon became used to the fact. At times, people became too used to it – that they drive the couple into nuts. Once the teasing has begun, it will go around the village like fire – and until midnight drunken, teasing songs would be heard.
