Gaara glanced out of his window. He usually wakes up a little bit before the sun rises, not being much of a sleeper. He was walking around the royal grounds by himself. It was nice and quiet for the most part. He had witnessed the trainees run around the palace grounds last night and that morning. Hearing a high pitched grunt, the Desert Prince's green eyes shifted behind him. There she was, he thought. For almost a month now, he had witnessed Tenten running in the mornings with Rock Lee. Along with mornings, she would do a jog around the game park after her lessons and before heading to her training in the chambers. At first he wasn't sure why she was pushing herself, but he decided not to question it, seeing that she was completely focused. Gaara watched as the pair sprinted by him. Indeed, he thought to himself, she was so far behind the green clad trainee at first, but now she is able to catch up to him, even though the bowl cut teen was going at a slow pace. The red head had to admit, Rock Lee was indeed fast even at his slowest pace. There is no doubt that he could become a front line officer of the King.
The servants were now shuffling around the grounds. They carried brooms and rags with buckets. The daily cleaning routine wasn't anything new. However, Gaara was very pleased that there was no sand involved in the cleaning, which is unavoidable where he came from. He nodded to each that greeted him and wished him a fine day. Silent (as ever), but never rude. His mother taught him better before she died on his seventh birthday. He missed her, insanely, but he knew he could never bring back the dead. His life was fine the way it was currently anyway. His oldest sister was to be married soon to the heir to the Nara Clan. His eldest brother was to be sent off to command his own section of the royal army and have a child. Then there was he, living with the title of Prince and heir to a kingdom. Alone. He liked being alone. Large crowds never were comfortable for him, parties were just nightmares that he was forced to attend, and, his father could never find him a future wife since he was feared throughout the nation. Feared, (as many would put) to be the accurate mood of the nation when he would return. He had powerful magic. Magic that could kill slowly, or destroy one in a blink of an eye. However, there was fear even when he wasn't home. Fear that they would be attacked and weakened since the Prince was not there to protect them. No matter the situation, he thought, he would always be feared by most. There was an exception that he was so pleased with that he could even crack a small smile.
"Hurry up, Hyuga."
The Desert prince glanced behind him. There was a friend of his, Uchiha Sasuke running with that Hyuga. Two more months until he was to compete. The training must have been working though. The Hyuga had regained his toned shape due to diet and excursive, his off white tone was replaced with a normal light color along with a shine. He was once again, attractive. Gaara was a bit interested by him. The Hyuga's reputation drifted even to the Desert Kingdom. The red-head's father even requested his services once, and the results were indeed impressive for a teenager. He can tell just by how the guard and the assassin interacted that there was some competition, but a friendly aspect to it as well as a serious one. Assassins don't have friends. They have allies, but sometimes even they aren't trusted. Being a Royal, Gaara knew that all too well. Backstabbing, deceiving, bribing… it was everyday life. He bet that Tenten's father shielded her from all of the responsibilities. With that Gaara felt sorry for Shin-Ten. The heir of this country must have more intensive studies than her, due to the unusual peaceful richness of the kingdom. It was odd indeed, but being of Royalty, Gaara could only guess what Tenten's father had done to make this huge kingdom peaceful.
"Prince Gaara."
The redhead whirled around. Prince Shin-Ten was wearing a royal blue tunic and gold pants. His cloak was a rich red with white fur trimming. The brunette offered a small smile to the younger prince as he looked out to the gardens. Gaara just glanced at him before returning to his thoughts. Unlike Shin-Ten, he wore no crown. He never felt the need to. He believed that a prince should be well known by face, not by a material object that supposedly projects wealth and authority.
"Lovely morning." Shin-Ten breathed in and let out a pleasant sigh.
"Tis." The Desert Prince replied.
"Must you be so flat? You have known me for years" Shin said.
Gaara didn't reply.
"You saw them out, I presume?" the Golden Prince asked.
Gaara nodded.
"Any thoughts?"
"Not particularly."
"So you do then? Anything worth causing an argument?" Shin-Ten looked at him.
Gaara faced him suddenly. His inquiry on the Prince's choice was one that was well answered many times already. However, he couldn't shake the feeling that the princess will change in some way throughout this whole…competition. The brunette cocked an eyebrow. No body changes that easily, the competition was harmless to her and beneficial. The redhead shook his head. She had someone looking at her, he explained. Shin-Ten frowned, understanding what the younger prince had meant. Gaara was observant, indeed. He even noticed that. What made it troubling to the Desert Prince was that the Hyuga made it so obvious.
"To you, perhaps." The Golden Prince folded his arms over his chest.
"Do not lie. You are no fool."
"True, however there are some things that I have noticed that could make me worry not about that."
"Such as?"
Shin-Ten smirked. There were priorities already set. Those priorities could be the death of them if not followed through with. The Assassin was just feeling his way around, the brunette explained. Due to his circumstances, the only choice the Hyuga had was to win. Besides, Assassin's don't make bonds; they have to keep moving forward.
"But he is also a human. They are prone to making mistakes." Gaara stated.
"You speak as though you are a holy trinity."
Gaara grunted and smirked. Let him just say...he made peace with his demons long ago. And with that Shin-Ten shoved his hands in his pockets and turned his back to the younger prince. He was about to walk away toward the palace when Gaara spoke.
"Tis nothing but a mere bird, caught between metal bars of a small cage…"
Shin-Ten watched as the redhead walked passed him toward the palace, leaving the older teen there to ponder on his words.
"Talk about a work out." Temari said as she watched Tenten be clothed by her servants.
"Indeed, however beneficial," the brunette's voice became low "for when I stop his pretty face into the ground."
Temari, who didn't hear the last part, 'huh'ed and looked into the vanity mirror. Her blonde hair was short and spiky, not being tied up into their default pony tails. She watched as Tenten's Nanny twisted the princess' hair into her two custom buns and fastening a veil to them. Tsunade proceeded to apply powder and eye makeup.
"Did you decide on a date?" Tenten asked as Tsunade applied a few shades of brown to her eyelids.
"Not yet. Father wants us to marry in the summer. But I don't think Shikamaru would survive in those layered robes in the desert. He'll definitely need to be shaded and watered most of the ceremony." The Desert Princess sighed into the mirror.
"I do not understand why you don not marry here. He is native to the Golden Kingdom." Tenten murmured.
"Yeah, but I hold higher rank. As much as I would love to marry here, it's not really up to me."
The girls fell into a silence. The reminder of their positions in the monarchy was troubling at times. Mostly due to situations like these. Temari was two years older than Shikamaru. She was late in the game to be getting married; which saddened both girls. Tenten was the right age. Perfect even, fifteen years old with the ability to have many children. Sixteen, Temari was finishing up her development. Her bosom was large and her hips were wide. She held the face of a twenty year old woman already. Some Princes liked that, other's not so much. However, The Desert King was able to reach some kind of agreement with the Head of the Nara family (who happened to be Shikamaru's father) to have her marry the only son of that clan. They weren't strangers to each other, for Shikamaru was brought to the palace almost daily while his father worked with the king. He would run around with Tenten and her friends. Temari would come over with her brothers when the Desert king had business, or the Advisor would come to talk with the king.
"At least you will marry someone you love." Tenten commented.
Temari sighed.
"Love…funny word to use."
"Have I used it falsely?"
The blonde shrugged.
"Depends on what kind of love you mean."
Tenten sat herself on her bed as Tsunade slipped on her shoes.
"Lady Tsunade…what do you think love is?" Temari asked.
Tsunade thought for a moment. Love was an emotion that you feel when one person cannot live without the other. When one person gives everything up to make the other happy, to see them smile. When one person never gives up on the other, even if they fight, or get hurt.
"Love is complex, you two. There is a Lover, someone who you have enormous affection for. There is the Love of family and friends, people you connect with, make amazing memories with." Tsunade kissed Tenten's forehead before sitting in the chair near the vanity.
"What of True Love? Like in the stories?" Tenten asked.
"True Love…does not exist." Tsunade said quietly.
The teen girls looked at her curiously.
"One cannot fall in love by first sight. If that was so, everyone would marry the first person they laid eyes on, or felt feelings for. True Love is when two people are perfectly matched with on another. They never fight; they never distance themselves from each other. A purity of love is impossible to obtain without something going wrong. Hearts do break, girls. And when they do, it takes time for them to heal." Tsunade turned to Temari.
"You say Love is a funny word. What do you take from it?"
Temari shrugged. She liked Shikamaru. She found comfort towards him, even if they do argue at times. They deal with each other. Tsunade nodded. It was a friendship, they had. The Love of two friends was something that they all had. Temari sighed, arranged marriages were troublesome, and she will just be friends with the Nara for the rest of their lives as a married couple. Tsunade shook her head. Arranged marriages aren't 'troublesome'. Temari will experience Shikamaru as something other than a friend. She will see how he is at home, how he treats her differently. How he acts when it is just she and him alone in a room instead of in a big group. She will learn to love him, how to not live without him.
"That could take years…" Temari grumbled.
"But it will happen. Be thankful you know him. Not all girls have the luxury of that." Tsunade snapped.
Tenten sighed and flopped on her back. She didn't want to get married. All this talk of love and emotions were beginning to annoy her.
"You should sulk, Tenten. I have seen many things in this palace, you have in interesting relationship." The blonde Nanny said.
"Me and Gaara are just friends! Just like me and Lee, and Just like me and Sasuke." The brunette groaned.
"Your grammar is terrible…however that's not who I meant."
"Then who? You know fairly well that Naruto is like a brother to me. I would never-"
"Hyuga Neji…"
Tenten shot her head up and looked at Temari. The blonde grinned at her.
"I see the way you two look at each other."
"With disgust?"
"No, idiot. He looks at you…a lot."
"Tell me something I don't know." Tenten said turning on her back and looking at the ceiling.
Tsunade laughed and stood.
"Love is a weird kind of magic Tenten. One cannot control who they Love." Was all the Nanny said before walking out of the room.
Temari stood and laid down next to Tenten.
"So you wanna tell me what's really going on?"
Neji grunted as he stood before Haku. Again with this kid, he thought. Charging in unison, they struck with light blows, their speed matched. They were holding back, wanting their true strength to be surprise. With his pony tail whipping around, the Hyuga dodged the Kiri assassin's jabs with ease, his face emotionless.
"Alright, enough." Master Gai announced.
Neji and Haku stood at attention, not looking at each other. The Master dismissed the group from the training session. Suddenly, the chamber door opened with a creak. Gaara stepped through the door and looked around. Master Gai motioned for them to all bow. Shaking his head Gaara asked for Rock Lee. Neji watched as the bowl cut teen walked over to the prince curiously, asking what the matter was.
"A...Choo~"
They all turned to look at the Hyuga. Great he thought as he rubbed his nose. He hoped he wasn't getting a cold. Master Gai grinned and told the teen that someone must have been talking about him. Neji rolled his eyes. As if he believed in such foolish tales. Rock Lee bowed to Gaara before the red head left the chamber and turned to the room. Clearing his throat Lee announced that they were all invited to the Hallows Ball tonight. The trainees began to talk to each other. It was rare for the Royals to invite the staff to a ball, let alone the trainees. Master Gai held up his hand, silencing them.
"You must all dress accordingly, and bring your Hallows charm to the party."
"Hallows Charm?" Haku and Sai murmured.
"That's right; you two probably do it differently at home. A Hallows Charm is a special, well, charm that is used to protect ones self from the dead walking. An old tale, however it is tradition. Since you are foreigners, I do not think you need one." Kabuto explained.
"Correct, Kabuto." Master Gai bellowed.
"So wear your best men, and enjoy the festivities!"
"Yosh, Master Gai!" the trainees exclaimed in unison.
Rock Lee walked up to Neji just as he was leaving the chamber. Neji didn't even have to glance at him. He seriously wasn't going to give up, Neji though. It's been a month and this bushy browed trainee was still trying to make friends with him. As much as he ignored him, pushed him away (literally), or insulted him, Rock Lee just kept coming back. The assassin had surrendered at his point, and just had to deal with the fact that Rock Lee wanted to be in his company.
"What are you going to do?" Lee asked.
"About what?" Neji replied.
"About the party! Your family is going to be attending remember?"
Neji stopped walking. Lee looked at him in shock. Shit, he forgot. This was indeed an awkward situation. He hasn't seen his cousins or uncle in years. Not that he wanted to see them anyway. He would just have to avoid them at all costs. The Hyuga wanted nothing to do with them. He had left them behind a long time ago.
"If you wish, you can hang around my bunch. Since Naruto and Sasuke will be there as well, maybe he won't notice you if you are with us." Lee suggested.
Neji looked at him sideways.
"I think….I'll take you up on that offer."
The palace was decorated with gold and wine red colors. The windows were open and the nobles mingled around the ball room. Tenten sat anxiously in her seat as she watched the others talk to each other and sip on their wine. Her father and mother loved to make a grand entrance, she thought. And by grand she meant late. Sighing, Tenten slumped down in her gold and red chair, resting her cheek in her palm. How annoying, her parents always made her do this. She wasn't even the heir, why can't she go down and talk to people? Two of her noble friends have already asked her to join them as they conjugated near the snacks table. She unfortunately had to decline.
"This blows…" she groaned.
Shin-Ten agreed from his seat. He sat on the other side of the two chairs that separated them. He also wanted to go and talk to people. They haven't had a party since early summer, when Shikamaru's father came back from a neighboring nation, having been victorious from a battle. The Royal siblings looked at each other. They bother shared a look of despair before laughing at each other, pointing, and calling each other impatient. But then the horns bellowed a note and the nobles separated themselves to either side of the ball room. As the King and Queen entered, the group bowed deeply.
"It's about damn time…"
"Yeah, seriously…."
Tenten and Shin-Ten stood and bowed themselves to their parents. Before sitting, the King cleared his throat and allowed the dancing to begin. Almost instantly, Shin-Ten disappeared from his spot and was walking through a crowd of young women, who were waving their fans, simply lusted by the Golden Prince's outgoing nature to them. The Queen chuckled and looked at her husband.
"I don't think he will have any issue finding a wife. Wouldn't you say, Fei-Ten?" The Queen said.
Fei-Ten chuclked. His son was pouring with charm. Tenten leaned back in her chair, she hated waiting to be asked to dance. If she could, she would jump up from her chair and go see her friends, but as tradition upholds; the princess must be asked to dance first. Looking around, Tenten tried to locate Sasuke. She found him being surrounded by more girls. They made eye contact. Tenten jerked her head, wanting to be taken out from the chair, but Sasuke couldn't get through the crowd of females blocking is way to get to her. He mouthed a wide eyed apology as he tried to speak to all of the ladies before him. Great, she thought. Naruto was hanging out with Sakura and Lee, not paying attention to the situation. Her brown eyes looked around once more. Shikamaru was currently speaking with some noble heads with his father.
"Shit…" she hissed.
Thankfully, a few moments later, Gaara had appeared dressed in his dark red and tan robes, a black cloak around his shoulders. He first bowed to the King and Queen, asking if he could take their daughter to dance. Not even waiting for a response, Tenten jumped up and into Gaara's arms.
"What took you so damn long!" She cried as she led him to the dance floor.
"Sorry. I had to get through the pestering nobles and outrageous amount of females that crowded my path." Gaara replied.
Bowing to each other, the red head took the princess' hand and proceeded to step to the music. She looked lovely, he thought as they swayed around the floor. Lifting her in time with the music, he noted that she was wearing a corset. Figures, he though, she looked so uncomfortable sitting in her chair. Tenten hadn't noticed that the floor was cleared for them to dance by themselves. Everyone watched happily as the two teens danced. There were murmurs about them as they glided on the floor. Tenten let out a scoff then she heard a comment about a marriage between herself and Gaara.
"Already there seem to be some rumors." Tenten said as Gaara spun her into his embrace.
"It may seem so. But it is not set yet," the red head twirled her out and held her waist again.
"You make it seem as though you would dread it if we were to be married. Do you hate me that much?" the Desert prince asked.
Tenten shook her head; her veil swaying as they side stepped to the music.
"Don't start thinking like that, Gaara. You know I love you."
"Then, why do you oppose it?" the prince's pure light green eyes looked at her brown ones.
"Because I love you as a brother, not a lover. If I were to spend the rest of my life with someone, it would be with someone that would me want to cry when they leave, make me want to fall to my knees. Someone who would treat me as a person, not a princess."
"Sounds like you want the same thing I do. Except; I will be doomed with a kingdom to look after until I die." Gaara whispered in her ear as they continued to step to the music.
Gaara lifted her once again, her deep red and gold skirts swayed gracefully as she was in the air. Bringing her back down, Gaara brought her into a tight hold and quick stepped them along the floor.
"Let's promise each other something." Tenten said.
Gaara nodded in response.
"If we do end up marrying each other, let's stay best friends, even if we must act as if we love each other as husband and wife. And that we learn to love each other like in those fairy tales."
"Deal. I wouldn't have it any other way." Gaara let out a small smile.
Gently, the Desert Prince dipped the Golden Princess and kissed her cheek. Tenten let out a giggle. But Gaara's smile soon faded when he spotted the Hyuga Assassin looking at them intensely from the outer rim of the crowd of people. The mark that was left on the Princess' neck a month ago didn't go unnoticed by the redhead. He just didn't say anything about it. Lifting her up back to a standing position, the two teens bowed to each other. The crowd applauded as Gaara walked her to their group of friends.
Neji stayed silent as the two Royals came over. He was trying not to catch any attention to himself while avoiding making any kind of contact with his uncle. Glancing around, the assassin hadn't seen his Uncle or cousins during the duration of that dance. But knowing them, they will pop up out of nowhere and confront him, defiantly. Tenten noticed Neji's alert nature; aware of whom he was looking for. Walking up to him, she held out his hand. Neji's eyes snapped toward her, puzzled.
"Dance with me." She commanded.
Neji was about to reject her when he spotted his uncle looking at him from a few feet behind the Princess. Quickly, he took her hand and led her out to the dance floor. Bowing at her, Neji held out his hand. Tenten took it gently and placed her hand on his broad shoulder. He looked pretty handsome, she though as they swayed together across the floor. His features were definitely more refined now that he has regained his strength back to normal.
"Hyuga, look at me dammit. It'll make it more obvious if you don't." Tenten hissed.
Neji's concentration was placed fully on her now. She looked lovely, he thought to herself after a few moments of looking at her in the face. Her makeup was light and her eyes popped. Twirling her into an embrace, he noted how her body fit comfortably into his. How odd, he thought. Mentally shaking his head, he continued to look at her as they danced.
"More people are dancing…I think your Uncle will be wanting to talk with you after you are done dancing with me."
"Why are you helping me?"
"You seem to be actually serious about this. You've been alert all night."
"You've been watching me." Neji smirked.
Tenten rolled her eyes. The Hyuga twirled her and brought his hand to her hip. The princess scowled at him. He was messing with her again. When her got the chance, he would make her feel weird on the inside by his touch. It bothered her? Tenten couldn't explain it. Seeing her discomfort, Neji's face became soft and he brought her hips close to his. Her chest touched his and she looked up at him.
"Seriously? Are you trying to get your head cut off?"
"I know you wouldn't let that happen. You would've done so when I touched you when you challenged me a month ago."
Tenten huffed as they continued to glide across the floor. He had a point, she thought. Neji let loose a small chuckle, causing the princess to look at him wide eyed.
"That pout you have a kind of… amusing. You look like a small child with your briwn eyes big and shining like that."
Tenten blinked. Was he calling her cute? A light blush formed on her cheeks as his face came closer to hers. What was he doing?! What was he doing?! Tenten held her breath as his lips pressed against her ear.
"You are every lucky we are in public, your highness…"
"You're an asshole, you know that Hyuga?"
"So you've told me before, Hua." The Hyuga let loose a small smile.
The song ended and just as Tenten predicted, Lord Hyuga made his way over to them. Tenten looked between Neji and the head of the Hyuga family. She motioned to moved away, bt Neji held her close, not letting go of her hand. Tenten looked up at him wide eyed as she shifted her hand to hold onto his arm. Neji did not break eye contact with the older Hyuga, his face became emotionless. Lord Hyuga bowed to the princess, greeting her. Tenten nodded at him and looked at Neji. He side glanced at her before returning his gaze to his Uncle.
"I haven't seen you in a good year. You seem well, Neji."
"Likewise, Lord Hiashi." Neji murmured.
Lord Hiashi cocked an eyebrow when he noticed that the princess was holding on tightly to his nephew's arm. Tenten bit her lip, not liking how he was staring at her. She looked around for anyone who she could gesture to come over and save her from this awkward situation.
"What brings you back into the high circles of the kingdom, dear nephew? I thought you had fled from the Royal guard when your father was killed."
Tenten gripped the assassin's bicep when she felt him tense. Neji took a breath.
"Actually, I was invited by his royal majesty to partake in the competition. Surely you know of it?"
"Oh?" Hiashi looked at him curiously.
Neji looked down at Tenten. His face remained emotionless as he noted her grip on his arm, uncomfortable in this situation. Tenten wasn't sure how to interject with in this conversation. But she didn't like that Neji was being looked down upon. Clearing her throat, the princess looked the Hyuga straight in the eye.
"Hyuga Neji has shown to be a very capable candidate to be my protector." She said.
"Has he? Due to his back ground I would have thought it to be…a nuisance" Lord Hiashi said.
Tenten lifted her chin, her eyes became sharp. Neji held his breath, allowing her to speak might make this encounter go faster. But now, she was getting serious, he thought.
"Not one bit. If I did not feel that he was, he would not be here. He would have been sent back to the prison at once if I didn't see him fit. He is no nuisance at all, although rather difficult to communicate with…But never the less, I would have never made him my escort tonight either if he was a nuisance."
Lord Hyuga glanced between Neji and Tenten. The princess gave him a challenging stare, daring him to say anything against the Hyuga branch member again. Holding onto his pride, Hiashi apologized to the princess before excusing himself. Neji let out a breath and looked down at Tenten. She continued to glare in the direction that the Hyuga Lord walked in. Blinking, Tenten led Neji through the crowd to one of the balconies. The fresh air was a nice relief. Leaning against the golden railings, the assassin groaned as he closed his eyes. Dammit, he thought. Now that his uncle knew he was alive he was sure he would try to bring him back to the Hyuga compound and work under him. Especially with his reputation, the teen thought. A light tap was felt on his shoulder. Looking up, Tenten held out a glass of wine to him.
"You look like you need one." She said taking a sip of her own glass.
Taking the wine, Neji took a gulp and sighed. Things just became a bit complicated.
"That was awkward." Tenten said after some while.
Neji nodded.
"I see why you wanted me to stay. But I have to admit I was kind of shocked that you wanted me to."
"It was to prevent any fighting words. He was holding back a lot he wanted to say because you were there." Neji explained swirling around the wine in his glass.
Tenten hummed to herself.
"Why did you do it?"
The Princess looked at him in question. She could've just let him feel uncomfortable and wait for the conversation to be over. But instead she used her authority to challenge his uncle to say something to him, something to trigger his emotions and kill him.
"I didn't want to have to call Lee and Sasuke to hold you back…even though you would have probably slit his throat by the time another word came out of his mouth. Cleaning a dead body is a pain, especially when guests are here."
"Hmph," Neji sipped his wine and smirked.
Tenten gently put a hand on his arm, causing him to look at her in the face. Her skin was shining thanks to the moon and her eyes were bright. Laying a hand on top of hers, Neji leaned in.
"Are you ok, now?" she asked quietly.
"…yeah." Neji replied.
Realizing that he was very close to her, he straightened himself and polished off his wine. Tenten watched him as he shoved his free hand in his pocket and turned to her.
"Since I am apparently your damn escort for his party, I can't leave your side." He grumbled.
"Hey, don't be like that! I wasn't thinking-"
"Obviously." Neji rolled his eyes.
Tenten huffed and leaned against the golden railing. A cool breeze glided by, pushing her skirts toward him. Sighing, Neji held out his hand to her.
"Well, we might as well deal with the mess you made. So I'm stuck with you for the rest of the night."
"Great, that's the last thing I wanted…." Tenten sucked her teeth.
Reaching out, she took his hand and pouted.
She was stuck with him for the rest of the party….
How lovely….
