A/N: Happy Thanksgiving! Now, I know I've been out for quite a bit, but I am trying to get some inspiration! It's so hard when SO few read my stories and SO few new ones have been written lately! It makes me kind of sad because I feel that the NejiTen fans have abandoned this site! Where did you ALL go? If you need inspiration, look no further! Check out my icon in my profile. Look at it and tell me how you can stay away from their cute relationship! Well, I shall stall you no longer. Enjoy this chapter while it lasts!
Special THANKS to my fateful reviewers! Your words give me motivation!
AGENT KELL
SnowCharms
angelgrl
NeferNeferi
Anomymous
ice illuser
HanaTenshiHimeko
Shikyo no Amtasu Shinsei
Judo Creature
hyuuga-tenten
Mysterious Smiles
Nerd4eva
rose-of-alabaster
Defender of the Light
Matahari
Verboten Byacolate
BitterLife
ajaj704
Blood Stained Sorceress
Emmaaaarr.x
Started: Sunday, July 20, 2008
Draft Finished: Thursday, July 24, 2008
Fiction: Continuation
Rated: PG-13
Disclaimer: The character and names of Naruto characters belong to Kishimoto Masashi-sensei. This story belongs to me. I don't own the company for that makes the series Wars Of the In-Laws, which belongs to the creators and Hong Kong corporation of TVB television.
Anime: Naruto
Pairings: NejiTen, slight SasuSaku and other pairings
Genre: Romance/Humor
Summary: AU Running away from an attempted robbery, Tenten gets caught up in the middle of an arranged marriage ceremony and takes the chance to hide, posing as the bride. With her friends captured by the Empress Tsunade, Tenten tries to do anything she can to get them out. But only one problem: she's now the wife of Hyuuga Neji. Tempting to leave, she is forced to undergo ridiculous household rules and most of all, adjusting to a well-manner attitude to complete her role as a fitting princess. Can she escape her "husband's" watchful eyes in time to save them, or would her cover be blown before she gets a chance? As the time for her friends' execution draws near, Tenten plans to use her status and cunning knowledge to free them. With that in mind, all she needs to do is be . . .
One Step Ahead
Chapter Nine
Recap
Everyone was capitived by her appearance. Among them were the men, naturally. They gasped silently, their mouths hung open in surprise that the ugly duckling has turned into a beautiful swan. It sure shut up the people who were criticizing her earlier. Their remarks were meager compared to what she looked now. As for Neji, he examined his wife closely. During the time that he seen her, he rarely saw her applying on make up, and now he could see that it didn't make much of a difference. Everything about her was ordinary to the point that her whole persona bewildered him. Never had he met someone like her before who was filled of energy, determination, and with her own sense of mysteriousness. Until now, he hadn't realize that she carried an air of innocence and familiarity, a sensation he yearned to rediscover.
With her head held high, Tenten expressed the kind of pride that would've impress Hisashi, if he had paid any attention to her at all. Instead, he was leering at the whisperers that were making snide comments about her, which mainly came from the females in the crowd. Full of confident, Tenten looked out into the crowd, happy to see that Sakura was there to root for her. However, she didn't miss the encouragement from Hinata who clapped as loud as her small hands can muster when it was her turn to perform.
Right now, it was all or nothing. Tenten couldn't believe that this was actually happening. One minute she was no one and now, she was here, in front of the most elite class in society with their full attention on her. How ironic.
Needless to say, Tenten stole the whole competition. Sakura didn't doubt her friend one bit. The noble families did not waste time for a celebrations. Apparently they called it a banquet in honor of Tenten being the victor of the competition, however you can't deny it for what it truly was. Two words: after party. The cherry blossom didn't get a chance to catch up with Tenten who was being "kidnapped" by the Hyuuga family. The last time she saw her, the infamous thief was being rushed into a carriage. Sakura had no choice but to follow them. Hey, it wasn't a party until somebody crashes it. Who would be a better candidate than her?
The ride back to the manor was quiet, just like the ride from that very morning. Except this time, Tenten was donned in her performance attire in place of the white robes that matched her husband. Neji, whom did not look at her, nor speak to her since the final round of the competition. He sat across from her with his arms across his chest, eyes intensively interested on the heavy curtains covering the windows. The two of them were isolated in a small confide space. With no one saying anything, Tenten broke the silence.
"Why did we leave so early?" She asked out loud. "I thought the winner of the competition gets a prize from the Empress." Tenten held up the emblem the royal advisor presented to her. "This is not it." Her outstretch hand stayed in place. The emblem meant nothing to her. It was only a piece of jewelry that represented her victory, something that the Hyuuga family wanted. What use was it to her?
"No, it is not." Pearl white orbs met her gaze. "The Empress will be at the banquet tonight, where you'll be able to make a request. Her Majesty will grant it within reason," he told her. That explained the rush home. They all wanted to get ready for the arrival of the ruler of the country and that meant making sure everything was all perfect. The brunette mentally rolled her eyes. "As for the emblem, Hiashi would gladly accept it when we return home."
"Good, because I don't want it." Tenten tucked the trinket away. Looking up, she found that Neji had his eyes on her.
"Is something the matter?" A small smile played on her lips.
"Where did you get that outfit?" That question almost caused her heart to stop. Keeping up with her act, the thief thought of a simple explanation.
"It's a thank you gift from the pink haired girl we met yesterday. She gave it to me out of gratitude for helping her deal with that rude Uchiha. She's a very talented girl." Of course, that much was true. Sakura had a talent for putting things together at the very last minute.
"I see." With that said, Neji didn't question any further and for the first time, Tenten was for glad for his silence.
When they arrived at the manor, everything was set. Families of nobles came right after they got through the door. Inside, the entire manor had many tables and chairs in the grand reception room. Food and bottles of wine graced the tabletops with napkins, dozen of pairs of chopsticks, and bowls. Hanging on the ceiling, colorful decorations made the room look even bigger. Among them were ornament that glittered beside the fire-filled lanterns. The servants had really outdone themselves. Greeting the guests, they stood nearby the tables ready to serve the hot dishes and pour drinks. As for Tenten, Neji pulled her along, making sure she sat next to him, and to her relief Hiashi was occupied else where.
"Congratulations on your victory, Princess." The person rose his glass filled with clear liquid, no doubt it was rice wine. "Let's drink to it." He gulped it down all at once. As she reached for a glass herself, Tenten didn't get a chance to drink it for it was snatched up by none other than her husband. In a single breath, Neji didn't pay attention to her flabbergaust expression and finished his own glass cup after setting her (now empty) glass down.
"You shouldn't be drinking," he said to her. Once she snapped out of her revere, the thief didn't have a choice but drink the tea that was on the table. For once, she listened to her husband. It was probably for the best. She wouldn't want to get drunk anyways. But watching Neji drinking what seems to be rice wine by the mouthful every minute, she couldn't help but feel a bit guilty. He was drinking it all just to protect her.
Glancing at the food at the table, she realized that she was hungry. Reaching for bits of meat and vegetables, Tenten looked around the table and observed the many people that were sitting at the table. Among them, Uchiha Sasuke sat next to a loud blond man. His eyes were searching, darting to corner after corners for any signs of disturbance. Talk about being paranoid. The name of the blond man, Uzumaki Naruto annoyed her husband to no end, making up rules to drinking games that she once had played with Sakura and Kiba. Hinata was a different story. Usually calm, quiet, and practically invisible, Tenten saw the way the violet haired girl was blushing while she sneaked glances at Naruto. Too bad the officer didn't have a clue. To him, she's just a nice person who helped him find a coin on the street.
The fact that other nobles were coming over to their table offering their congratulations made her sigh. After half an hour of sitting there, she was bored and wondered what took the Empress so long to arrive. "Neji, you should eat something," Tenten found herself saying, trying to sound as loving as she can. Of course, it was for the better. Drinking on an empty stomach is bad for the health especially when you've drank rice wine non-stop for so long. Nevertheless, Neji took her advice after she didn't bother for an answer and placed some food on his plate. Acting obediently, the Hyuuga male picked up his own chopsticks and did as he was told. Now that was something that intrigued the table.
"Aww, Neji," gushed Ino. "Your wife is such a dear. No wonder she stole your heart." Upon that comment, Tenten saw a familar flash of color in the corner of her eye. Immediately, she stood up in a sudden hast, drawing attention from everyone at the table.
"I need some air," the brunette urged, making her way to the door. Around the table, everyone peered at the blonde woman.
"Was it something I said?"
Quiet feet skid across the cemet ground, minimizing as much noise as she could. Step by step, the soles of her slippers bounced slightly in air. From the moonlight, Sakura moved like a hunter, except she didn't find the person she was looking for because the person did the finding.
"Sakura!" Turning around, the cherry blossom saw Tenten. "You know, it would help lessen the suspicion that you are sneaking in if you would just walk around like you own the place."
"Yeah, right." She stuck out her tongue childishly. "Congratulations, Princess." The thief rolled her eyes from the mocking bow her friend gave her. "I take it from the agitated look on your face that the Empress hasn't arrived yet?" Tenten sighed in defeat.
"Why do people have to be fashionable late all the time?" The rhetorical question hung in the air.
"Hey, at least you won!"
"The performance was passable." If that comment came from Tenten herself, she would have laughed, but it didn't. The two females turned around and found the Empress standing in front of them. Eyes widened, they quickly bowed down. "Shall we go to some place more private?" Tsunade suggested as she told them to rise. Taking this as her cue to excuse herself, Sakura left them and the many royal guards that were around them.
'Good luck,' her friend's lips read as she walked away.
'Boy, do I need it,' she thought.
The doors closed behind the Empress soundlessly. With no one guarding the only entrance and exit, Tenten didn't try to plan an escape. Even though the royal guards are not standing close to the door, she knew that they were nearby, silently watching.
"This is quite a large room," Tsunade commented, taking a seat. Keeping up with her role, the brunette poured the Empress a cup of rice wine. She was careful, not wanting to spill any liquid on the heavy emerald robes worn by the ruler of the country. Taking a sip, the caramel orbs of Tsunade laid on Tenten. Indeed it was a grand living space fit for a noble. The divider hung methodically in elegance, separating the sleeping quarters to from the parlor. Drawers, dressers, and expensive vases were placed everywhere as decoration rather than for use. Wall scrolls hung on the once empty wall, while curtains drape the window sills. On the table rest a bottle of wine accompany by little cups, a bowl of peaches Neji had picked and brought back for her. Place adjacent to them was a little glass filled with white lilies Hinata got from the market. Everything in this room had touch of significance. Though she had been living in this room for a few days, Tenten told herself to not be so sympathetic.
"Thank you," she said, continuing to stand. Her hands were folded in front of her; head slightly bowed down.
"You don't need to be so formal, Tenten," Empress Tsunade stated evenly. "After all, we've met before." Tenten raised her head, eyes full of confusion. "You're Heaven's Phoenix." The brunette thief gasped slightly. Golden eyes pierced her own. "How long did you expect to hide from me?"
"I don't what know what you're talking about your Maj-" Her hand rose up, halting her explanation.
"Enough. The only thing I want to know is the safety of the princess." Tsunade scans Tenten up and down. "You are not a princess, certainly not after that performance. It was quite a spectacular show, I might add. Incorporating your martial arts with dance and handling fire on your ribbons while you beat the drums."
"How did you figure-"
"Your clues are clear enough, Tenten. Your name means double heaven. With your scarlet robes and your talent to control fire, I would say you resembled a phoenix. Heaven's Phoenix." A smile appeared on Tsunade's face. "Do not underestimate me. Now tell me the location of the true Princess."
"She ran away, so I cannot tell you. However," she went over to the cabinets and pulled out a note hidden in the wedding garments she had stolen nights before. "I found this in her room while I was taking her place." The Empress read the letter and puts it near the candlelight, extinguishing it all together.
"I trust you," was the response. "That's why I've come here to make a deal with you Tenten. Are you willing to listen?" The thief had no choice but to listen. With her identity revealed, what's the worst that can happen? "I understand your reasoning to steal my seal. There has been a lot of chaos in this country for some time. The only thing is, I cannot find the source of it. You've heard, I'm sure of my past of gambling, however I would not touch the country's treasury for my own personal purposes. You need to understand that I am doing everything I can to help the common people and to pull them out of poverty. That is why I am willing to strike a deal with you. I've seen your efforts of helping the poor and I admire your spirit. Right now, I am investigating the purpose of this land's poverty. During this time, I need all the help I can get my hands on. This is a private investigation and you will help me. In return, I will not reveal your secret identity. As to the situation concerning your captured friends, I have released them from prison with all the charges dropped and appointed them as members of the royal police. They will serve to be messengers during this investigation. However, on matters regarding your other friend who is giving Uchiha Sasuke quite a headache, she will be arranged to work in the Hyuuga household in your company." The Empress held out her hand. "Do we have a deal?"
"How do I know that this isn't a trick?"
"We are discussing this matter in private are we not? This is off the record." Tenten reviewed what the Empress had proposed. Indeed, it was a lot to take in, but it was much too good to pass up.
"If I agree to this then all of us are pardoned for stealing your seal, correct?" Tsunade nodded. The brunette reached for the outstretch hand. "Then we have deal."
"Excellent," she smiled. "Now, how should we deal with the request?" Tenten thought for a moment.
"I want Neji to be promoted to elite general of your Imperial army, Your Majesty. With him closer to you, he could also help with the investigation." The Empress pondered upon the idea, weighing the pro and cons before making her decision.
"Consider it done then. Though I must say," her eyes twinkled in amusement. "I wouldn't have picked a better person for that job." But before Tenten could say anything, a loud crash came from the doors. Quick on her feet, the thief took a peek outside. "What is going on out there?" The alarmed voice from one of the royal guards answered.
"Your Majesty, a source from the capital sent a special tactics team along with a warning that Heaven's Phoenix is here tonight. We must get you out of here, right this instant. They are searching all over the place, knocking things down and refusing to stop!"
"This is just ridiculous," the Empress's gaze met Tenten. "I have no idea what is going on, but it seems the threat I was talking about is using your reputation to raise hysteria. Now we are sure that the threat is coming from the royal courts itself. This is what I've feared," she sighed. "Rest assure, I will fix this." Gracefully rising, Tsunade headed toward the doors.
"Wait, Your Majesty!" Relying on her quick reflexes, Tenten pulled the Empress back, avoiding the spiraling arrow that was aimed in their direction. It stopped with a 'thud' on the wall behind them. One more step and that very arrow could have been embedded in the Empress' head. "I don't think it's safe for you to go out there. Let me do some damage control . Please step away from the doors and windows." Tenten didn't waste time. After making sure that the close was clear, she went outside using the pillars as hiding places to peek at the situation. It seemed that a fight had broken out. She could see the Uchiha and Naruto fighting off several soldiers while Ino protected Hinata from getting harmed. Neji was close by, preventing attacks from ambushing the Hyuuga heiress from her backside.
"We didn't do anything wrong! How dare you accuse us of being Heaven's Phoenix's accomplices," the florist owner yelled before avoiding the swing of a sword by knocking the soldier down with a round house kick. The silver blade flew out of the soldier's grasp and slid across the ground, stopping right in front of Tenten. Taking it as a sign, she took it and helped Ino fight off the three soldiers that were gaining on the blonde. "Thanks," she blinked after seeing the wife of Hyuuga Neji deflecting and dodging numerous attacks without a single scratch, much less breaking a sweat.
"Take Hinata to safety," the thief commanded. Ahead of her, a unit charged at her speared quarter staffs. Using their momentum against them, she gathered rods under her arm in a fell swoop and pushed down. The soldiers lost their grip at the sudden force and staggered back, weaponless. To make sure they stayed that way, Tenten snapped off the spears and tossed the staffs aside. Observing the others at work, she found them on top of their game. The Uchiha took care of units that were piling in, decreasing the numbers within the courtyard. As for the ones knocked down, reinforcements scaled the roof with more bows and arrows to take their place.
Occupied with her own battles, Tenten didn't notice them until Naruto yelled out in warning. "We're on your side, you freaking bastards!" More the same, he bashed the solider on the head, knocking the daylights out of him. "Neji, tell them to get the hell out of your property!" The Hyuuga male ignored Naruto's idea of lightening up the mood before sending a fallen solider over the rails. In amidst of this, he didn't see the other one charge at him. Wth a swift throw, Tenten sent the only weapon she had straight at the offender, taking him down. Neji's head snapped at her, noting the acuracy. If he had moved his head an inch to the left, she could have taken off his ear.
"Heads up?" She joked before turning solemn again, executing a hook kick to knock the crap out of the stray soldier from landing on her. The male spun continuously in midair for a few seconds before hitting the ground. Noticing her husband rush to her side, she looked around to see more soldiers surrounding her. True to his duty, Neji stood protectively over his wife.
"Stop this now!" The voice of the Empress echoed into the night. Every one of them froze. The soldiers surrounding the couple broke open, letting the Empress through. "Is this way to treat the home of the Elite General of my Imperial Army?" The news came as a shock to everyone except Tenten. "Whatever the source said, it is a hoax. Clearly, you see that," her piercing eyes never left the stilled soldiers; all of them on their knees. "Now, I want ever single solider here to clean up this horrible mess." With that, Tsunade walked over to where Neji and Tenten stood. "Thank you for your heroic act back there," she nodded at the brunette. Then, she turned to Neji. "It's about time to reward you for your dedication, Hyuuga Neji. I expect you'll do a great service for this country."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Tsunade grinned and headed out to her carriage, leaving the entire audience in shock.
"Now, that's an exit," Naruto chuckled admirably. "Yeah, you better clean that up," he smacked the passing soldier on the head. "So, what do we do now, General?" Giving a cheeky smile, the blond gave a mock salute.
"Go home, Uzumaki."
"Party pooper," was the response he received.
Tenten helped Neji walk into her room and placed him in a seat on the table. Once she released him, he pinched the bridge of his nose. From where she stood, Tenten looked over him, noticing that his cheeks were slightly pink. Tired eyes closed as he sat there with his breath slightly labored. He shouldn't have drank so much, but he didn't want to be rude either. It was accustomed to accept drinks of congratulations from other nobles. To do otherwise was a sign of disrespect. However, the little amounts of liquor did not do well for his body. Touching his forehead, she felt it and pulled back immediately from the sudden heat that transferred to her hand. "You have a fever." A worried look spread on her face. Heaven knows how much he drank. It was definitely more than what she gave him on their wedding night.
"I'm fine," her husband said. Judging from the tone of his voice, Tenten could have sworn he sounded less grouchy. Nevertheless, she ignored him. Men, they think can stand up to anything.
"No, you're not." He was sick. She knew that he was in no condition to be sitting there while the temperature in his body kept on boiling. Guiding him toward the other room, she ignored the smell of liquor on his breath due to their close proximity. Even after the banquet, a few nobles stayed to give him praise on his new position within the Imperial system.
"You did well today." Tenten was a bit surprised. Did he just gave her a compliment? Pinching herself to make sure this wasn't a dream, she gave him a small smile. "Why did you make that request?" The way he was looking at her made feel like she was under interrogation.
"Well, I-" What was suppose to tell him? 'I made a deal with the Empress to help her catch some traitors, in return she will keep my real identity safe.' Yeah, like that is not going to raise any suspicion. Instead, she told him another thought she had been harboring.
"I wanted the Empress to promote you to be her Elite General of her Imperial army out of honor." Why not? He was already the head of the Imperial police. Besides, with the extra duties in the capital, he would be away from the Hyuuga manor. In addition, Hiashi would not be there, for he needs to return to the main household after the banquet. The genius of her plan was to make sure she could clearly escape from the Hyuuga household after appointing Hinata as the head of the manor. That way, she could vanish with Sakura, Kiba, and Akamaru without external forces in her way.
"That was a foolish request, Tenten." Her complexion changed to a state of bewilderment.
"Why is that?"
"Because I do not need you worry about me, especially about my rank in the Imperial system."
"But isn't that what you want?" She have seen countless records and tactical booklets in the library she had cleaned that very morning. Clearly, the Hyuuga family rose up to the ranks of being closer to royalty than any family in the nation. She wouldn't be surprise if she went back to find that the former position had been filled with a member of the Hyuuga family. Neji was silent, refusing to reason with her.
"I would be at the capital the majority of the year," he informed her. "I will not be at the manor to protect you if Hiashi-" Tenten cut him off.
"I can take care of myself," the thief paused, debating how to make him accept her gesture as a gift and not as a ploy to get rid of him. "I want you to be happy. Isn't that my duty as a wife?" Boy, was she laying it on thick? Nevertheless, it doesn't hurt to have a Plan B if the first plan doesn't go well. All she needed was to string him along to gain his trust and then run away with no strings attached.
His hand escaped the grasp of her small ones and reached her chin, gently pulling her face near him. Tenten's breath hitched as he leaned in closer and closer until their noses were almost touching. "Is there something on my face?" The way he was looking at her made a shiver go down her spine. Her chocolate eyes bore his silver depths. He was examining her, every bit of her just like the night of their wedding.
"What are you-" The words barely made it out of her mouth and before she could react, Neji's lips silenced her own. The force of his kiss pushed her back against the headboard. It was that very moment that made Tenten realize that Neji was fully on top of her. His other arm was around her waist as he pulled her body closer to his own, taking the oxygen out of her lungs while his kisses trailed down her neck. They were soft, tickling every fiber of her being, making the hair on the back of her neck stand on its end. Long fingers tugged slightly at her collar, revealing more skin than she would ever show. The coldness of his touch made her subconsciously stop breathing.
What they were feeling was absolutely intoxicating. Mind racing, heart pounding, Tenten couldn't believe that this was happening to her. What surprised her the most were the moans that left her mouth. Hot breaths panting, hands trailing, the feeling was ecstacy. What in the world would make Neji act like this? Was it the way she dressed? He didn't dare touch her so intimately on their wedding night and all of a sudden this happens. Her body had a mind of its own. Instead of pushing him away, her hands tangled themselves in his hair, releasing the dark strands from the lone silk ribbon.
"Neji," she gasped, putting her hands on his shoulder. "Please stop," her voice died in vain. "I can't breathe." His movements slowed and he pulled away, holding her face between his hands.
"I'm sorry," her husband whispered. Tenten didn't know what to say. As they tried to regain their breaths, they stared at each other. With lips slightly pink, hair in disarray, Neji saw himself in the reflection of his wife's orbs. How was he going to explain himself?
"Why did you do that?" Tenten heavily strained, tasting the rice wine on her tongue. Panting slightly, she did not leave Neji's never-ending stare. His pearl orbs never blinked. Cheeks vaguely pink, hair admist his face outlining his strong jawline, high cheek bones, and perfectly straight nose, her husband stayed close to her. His hard body pressed against her own. Tenten did everything in her will power to not faint at that very moment. Hands gliding down her face to her chin, his soft touches dangerously lingered to back of her sensitive neck as he leaned in closer to her left ear. She shut her eyes the instant she felt his hot breath.
"Tenten" His voice sounded like velvet, trickling down her neck and sending shivers to her spine while she tried to ignore the heat that was seething through their clothes from their overheated bodies. The tension between them was so thick, she could have sliced it with a blunt sword, but it was what he said next that broke the ice, pulling her back into reality. "I need to get you pregnant."
Preview of Chapter Ten
"Neji, I have to tell you something." Tenten stood right in front of him with her head held high. It was time to tell him the truth for once, that way she could save what is left of the Hyuuga family. Running away wasn't a option for her when she was married into this family, so what is the point of doing that now? For countless days she had been avoiding the inevitable, but it was time to stop this foolish game and take care of her own problems without dragging anyone else in. Neji had done so much for her already, not to mention Hinata. They had been so nice to her and this was how she was going to repay them? No, it shouldn't be this way. This was wrong, and she was going to set it right no matter what the consequence calls for.
"What is it?" It was hard to look in his eyes, revealing the truth she had been hiding from him.
'Why is this hurting me so much?' Her mind cried out while she tried to ignore the tugging feeling of her heart. 'I must do this.' She wouldn't have thought that she would spend their last moments like this because before she could say anything, the door bursted open, revealing armed soldiers with heavy weaponry and shields to match.
"Hyuuga Tenten," the tall one stepped into the room. "By the order of the Imperial Intelligence Agency, you are under arrest for continuous thievery, a traitor conspiring against our country, impersonating a high court position, and for the kidnaping of the high princess of the royal court." When those words died from her ears, she saw her world falling right before her eyes. "You're under arrest."
A/N: Surprise, surprise! I hope this chapter had enough of action for you! But if you want to continue and read more of my NejiTen stories, feel free to check them out in my profile! Now, review!
Thank you for reading!
