Guess what?
This is the next-to-last chapter!!!! Yay!
:D
hullotherexx: Upbeat is a tricky word for it. . . :D I hope you feel better!
Fake Bliss: Thanks so much!! :D For some reason, I really like AUs. . . Weird defect. ;D
RandomPerson: :) Well, I'm glad you liked it then. Soon enough? ;)
KMU: Well. . . you'll just have to see. . . :D Super awesome ninja skills? :D Epic.
Shubhs: Yay! I'm glad it read well, then. :)
Chirisaa Tomoko: Thanks! I don't doubt it so much now. :) Yeah, but you can't blame him for being upset. ;) No problem. If you haven't seen the movie Tristan and Isolde with James Franco, I highly suggest it. Great movie, and it's a pretty good portrayal of the legend. :)
HeavensPheonix561: Yeah. . . Sad. :( ;D
Alright. Prepare yourselves.
Ready?
Read!
Disclaimer: Kishimoto owns. . .
X.
TenTen knew it wasn't normal to get up at dawn.
However, TenTen had realized at an early age she wasn't normal anyway.
She dressed in doeskin leggings and a long sleeved tunic, pulling on her surcoat on top of it.
At dawn, it was colder than it was during the day, but TenTen did not bother with a coat; she would be traveling quickly enough to warm her blood.
She strapped her quiver of arrows to her back and threw her bow over her shoulder.
She would not grant wild dogs to take advantage of her unpreparedness ever again.
The wind was still this morning, and soft dapples of light on the horizon glowed against the snow.
TenTen felt wide awake, though she had only gotten a few hours sleep.
She had been up thinking over and over of Neji and the kiss he'd given her.
Not only had TenTen come up with nothing but her own feelings, but she was dismayed at the shortness with which he'd left her. Something in her mind informed her that when she left today, Neji would not be particularly cordial.
TenTen kicked angrily at a piece of dead shrubbery.
She had been stupid to act in such a way. Even if she had planned to refuse him, she still should have said as much or made her feelings clear.
It was a bold thing to do, kiss someone so openly before a marriage was even mentioned. TenTen was almost certain of Neji's own feelings toward her, otherwise he would not have portrayed such an intimate action with her.
Still, TenTen thought, contradicting herself, it might not have been anything at all. People can be driven by passion, not love. Neji can't love me. He just . . . just wanted to kiss me.
TenTen frowned at her bad logic and stamped over a rise in a hill.
She was on the outskirts to the Hyuga estate, tracking the road ahead for debris and other potential problems for the horses.
TenTen was planning on leaving by lunch, and riding hard until she and Konohamaru admitted to needing rest.
Naruto would whip her for being so hasty, but TenTen was eager to return to Jiraiya's estate.
At least I won't have men going around to kiss me there, she sniped to herself.
Once light had fully come to the sky, TenTen turned back to the Hyuga manor.
She realized now it was a rather gloomy looking building, however much she enjoyed being there.
TenTen pursed her mouth at this realization.
It was foolish to get attached to a building, especially in her line of work. And it was just a building. . .
TenTen shook her head and resolved not to think anymore before she reached her rooms, the consequence being a mile run if she disobeyed.
TenTen picked up her pace.
—
TenTen almost felt guilty for waking Konohamaru.
He was a good kid, and considering the lack of sleep he was bound to get on their journey, TenTen felt selfish for rising him earlier than needed.
To rid him of his sleepiness, TenTen sent him out to the stables to polish the horse's saddle and check the saddlebags.
She would have done it herself, but TenTen hadn't even started to pack yet.
Her things were scattered tumultuously in her room, and she silently scolded herself for being so untidy.
"Shameful," she muttered as she fastidiously folded her hose. "Just shameful."
She made a mental note to appoint tidiness as one of her New Year resolutions.
She paused in her folding, thinking over gifts she had to get for the Christmas holidays in two weeks.
TenTen wondered vaguely if Neji would accept a gift from her. She hoped he would—she had already put in the order by way of Naruto, who hadn't asked questions.
TenTen frowned.
It doesn't matter if he'll accept it or not, she thought to herself. I'll send it to him anyway, and he can do with it what he likes.
TenTen nodded surely to herself.
She paused.
No wonder the other knights thought she was crazy.
If I don't stop talking to myself, someone will start causing trouble for me.
TenTen rolled her eyes.
Stupid.
—
Neji was still unhappy when he woke up the next morning.
He hadn't known what he had expected from her, if not rejection, then surely something more . . . refined.
He had spent most of the night thinking of what he did wrong and how he could have salvaged his reputation.
Not that it matters, Neji told himself fiercely. There's no way she'll stay, now that I've frightened her away. She must be embarrassed for me.
Neji rubbed his forehead anxiously.
The thought of TenTen feeling shame for him made Neji feel like a bumbling idiot.
Never in his life had he acted so irresponsibly, even at university when half the boys there were insane and chose to go raise hell in the village.
The fact that a mere girl had made him feel this way. . .
Neji shook his head.
He was crazy. He had to be. What man would allow a girl to make him feel this way?
Neji cursed his uncle for not sending to court for a season to achieve social experience. He had never thought he would need it, but now was a contradictory moment.
Neji eventually persuaded himself to dress and leave his room.
After stopping himself for the fourth time on the way to TenTen's room, Neji ultimately gave in.
He opened the door without knocking, half-expecting not to see her.
Her back was to him and she was packing her clothes into the sack she'd placed her weapons; she hadn't heard the door open.
Neji analyzed her.
"You're leaving," he stated in a murmur.
His sudden voice made TenTen jump and clutch her chest, as if her heart had stopped.
When she retained back her ability to breathe, she said, rather quiet and unnatural, "Yes. The wedding's over and your Uncle made it clear he wants me gone. I don't have a reasonable excuse to stay any longer. And the Uchihas . . . that mystery still needs to be solved."
Neji pushed off the doorpost and entered her room, TenTen busying around him to retrieve various things she hadn't yet packed.
Neji paused, eyes following her around the room.
Knowing he would only shame himself further, but not smart enough to keep his mouth shut, Neji murmured, "I don't feel that way."
TenTen released a loud exhale and cast her objects down on her bed.
"You wouldn't," she ultimately whispered.
Neji's eyebrows furrowed.
"What are you implying?"
Another sigh.
"Nothing, Neji."
TenTen bit her lip and met his eyes, holding back something from him.
She turned away from him, hiding her face.
"Neji, I'm a knight, alright? I serve Lord Jiraiya and I have duties that require my attention. I can't stay here with you. I have to leave."
There was finality in her voice. And sadness.
"No, you don't," Neji contradicted firmly, steeling himself. "You don't have to go back to Lord Jiraiya. None of it will matter if you . . . if you just marry me."
TenTen whipped around, face aghast.
"Marry you?!" TenTen practically shouted, eyes wide in fear. "Whoever said anything about that?"
Neji stared at her, eyes intent as he sent her silent thoughts.
TenTen blinked.
A second later, her hand was covering her mouth in surprise.
"You—That was your proposal, then? The book and the—the kiss?"
Neji did not answer, his silence speaking for itself.
TenTen shook her head, disbelieving and hurt.
"You can't fall in love with someone after four weeks, Neji. It's impossible," she informed him after a moment.
Neji's eyebrows drew together.
"Is it?" he prompted, implying as he gazed at her seriously.
TenTen hung her head, eventually bringing her knuckles to knead her forehead.
"I don't want to talk about this right now."
"Why?"
"Because!" she exclaimed in a loud and wounded voice. "I don't want to feel like this! Like I should be obligated to someone and give my whole heart!"
Her voice cracked emotionally.
"I won't do this. I won't do this to myself," TenTen muttered, tears streaking down her cheeks. "I never wanted this. I had resolved not to get married and subject myself to a prison in which I could never escape. I won't. . ."
Neji soundlessly started towards her.
TenTen braced herself against him, trying to ward him off.
Neji ignored her hands, grasping the back of her neck.
"I won't—!" TenTen protested.
But then Neji was kissing her, so impossibly understanding that TenTen succumbed and kissed him back.
Neji's mouth was warm and perfect and TenTen was upset with herself that she had refused him before.
She clutched the front of his tunic in her tight grip.
Neji's heart lurched.
Finally, they parted and stared at each other, trying to decipher the other's expression.
"You must understand," Neji began hoarsely. "I would never want to chain you down. You need your freedom, I realize that. And I'm willing to accept it."
TenTen pursed her lips, which felt fuller and slightly swollen.
She met Neji's gaze sharply.
"You must also realize that I am not a wife. I'm a knight, and shall always be one. You, nor anyone else, can housebreak me like a dog."
Neji inclined his head.
"And another thing—If I were to marry you, I would be gone often. My service is requested randomly, sometimes by the Queen and sometimes by Lord Jiraiya. I could not refuse them, understand? I pledged my whole service the day I was knighted."
Neji digested this, though he needed no time to think on it. He would do anything for her, whatever consequences applied.
TenTen cocked her head at him, truly curious.
"Are you absolutely sure that I am what you want? You won't be able to get rid of me afterwards. I will not be disposed of. Think on it hard, Neji. You could go to court and take a real lady as your wife, and you would not have to worry over if she would come home or not. Children—you could have them without delay—!"
"You're trying to dissuade me," interrupted Neji, taking her in calmly.
TenTen did not deny it, but shrugged, free of guilt.
"So? I don't want you to make a foolish decision."
"Nothing concerning you would be foolish," Neji responded.
TenTen snorted.
"That's what you think," she mumbled under her breath.
She looked up and caught Neji's eye, crossing her arms tightly over her chest.
"I know what I want, TenTen, and as far as I'm concerned, none of the other stuff matters."
TenTen's mouth twitched.
"I believe you'll think differently after you've been married to me for a few weeks."
"I disagree."
TenTen swallowed.
"We'll see."
Neji smirked in triumph.
"Is that a yes? You'll marry me?"
TenTen sighed, defeated.
"Yes. Though I'm sure I'll come to regret it," she added.
Neji ignored her and kissed her swiftly.
TenTen regarded him, dazed.
"Well, go pack and leave me be."
When Neji pulled a confused face, TenTen clarified.
"Neji, I'm in the service of Lord Jiraiya. Since I have no father or mother, you must ask him for permission to marry me."
Neji nodded, now remembering the protocol.
"When will we leave?"
"After you speak to your uncle and pack. I'm itching to travel."
Neji blinked slowly.
"How much shall I pack? We haven't figured in our living arrangements, have we?"
"Well, I doubt your uncle will ever let me back into his house again. Though, I have a good chance since I'm marrying you."
Neji smiled; she was teasing.
"Fine. I will pack for a week before I return to retrieve the rest of my things. . . Will Lord Jiraiya mind about this forced company?"
TenTen rolled her eyes.
"Are you crazy? He has more room in his household than he needs. It won't be any trouble," she assured.
Neji inhaled deeply and eyed her.
"I love you," Neji claimed, realizing he hadn't said it aloud before.
TenTen smiled broadly.
"I would hope so. Now get out. You're holding me up."
—
Neji's uncle did not protest as much as Neji thought he would.
After some strong points of argument, Lord Hiashi gave up against Neji's stubbornness and granted him leave.
Neji packed blindly, shoving this and that into the satchel he was taking.
When he was done, he pulled the leather strings tight around the top.
When he was finished and assessed his room to ensure he had left nothing important, Neji reported to TenTen.
Konohamaru was sitting on TenTen's bed, swinging his short legs.
When Neji entered, Konohamaru stared him down, analytical.
"You might not be a very good fighter," he commented lightly, "but you seem good enough for my TenTen."
Konohamaru wisely moved out of range before TenTen swung her arm. She still managed to cuff him on the shoulder and Konohamaru flinched.
She shook her head at Neji.
"I've already explained to him, but Konohamaru seems to forget it is within my power to make him muck out stalls the rest of winter."
Konohamaru's eyes widened in shock.
"You wouldn't!"
TenTen stared back, face set in defiance.
"Try me."
Exasperated and offended, Konohamaru laid back on TenTen's bed, considering the ceiling.
TenTen glanced at Neji and smiled.
"All set to leave then?"
"Yes. I've spoken with Uncle and I've packed the things I need."
"Good!" TenTen exclaimed. "Let's go; it's been too long since I've ridden for a journey. Up, Konohamaru!"
Konohamaru grudgingly obliged and stood, taking the lead.
They walked briskly to the stables and saddled the two horses they would be taking.
After TenTen mounted her own horse, she instructed the two gentlemen riding with her.
"Neji, you'll take Konohamaru's horse, and Konohamaru, you'll ride with me."
Konohamaru exhaled grumpily and muttered something about being capable of riding his own horse since he'd trained for it years on end.
TenTen chose to ignore this and save stable duty for a more appalling offense.
She reached down and helped Konohamaru clamber up, shifting back in the saddle to allow the younger boy more room.
It would be uncomfortable for him if he was pressed up against the front ridge of the saddle; TenTen tried to be more accommodating.
Once Neji was in his saddle and looked ready, TenTen allowed Konohamaru to nudge the horse forward, making sure Neji followed behind them neatly.
He grinned slyly up at TenTen and she smirked at him before turning back around.
—
TenTen kept true to her word. They traveled until they almost fell off their horses with exhaustion, and even then, TenTen had them sleep only a minimum few hours.
On the last leg of their journey, it rained, soaking everything.
TenTen knew it was cruel of her to make them keep riding, but they were too close to Jiraiya's estate to stop.
Besides, who knew how long it would rain? The sooner they got to Jiraiya's, the sooner they all could rest and relax their tense muscles.
Finally, after the remaining day through thick rain and muddy sludge, the three arrived at Jiraiya's manor.
Sakura started lecturing almost as soon as they walked through the door.
"You're crazy to make them ride through the rain, TenTen, and you know better! I have a mind to let you suffer through the cold you're bound to get!"
Jiraiya, apparently notified of their arrival, strode into the hall, broad shoulders emphasized by the elaborate tunic he wore.
"There will be none of that, Sakura," he interrupted, cutting off the younger girl's rant. "TenTen did right by coming here quickly; who knows how long it will rain? She made the correct decision, even if it was a stupid one."
TenTen grimaced and bowed before him, Konohamaru following suit.
When Jiraiya acknowledged Neji, he moved forward to grasp his hand.
"I'd like to thank you for your hospitality, Lord Jiraiya," Neji firmly murmured to the older man.
Jiraiya accepted this with a nod.
"And I extend my sincerest apologies for forcing my irresponsible knight on you. It was not her fault, obviously, but she could have at least had the decency to get injured nearer our estate."
TenTen was frowning deeply at her lord.
Jiraiya grinned at TenTen's dismay and genially cuffed her on the head.
"Silly TenTen. Go with Sakura and your friends and get cleaned up. Then we shall talk."
The three bowed in gratitude and meandered after Sakura, who continued her ranting from where she'd left off.
With Sakura's back turned and Konohamaru treading a few paces ahead of them, TenTen covertly grasped Neji's hand, squeezing hard.
Neji gripped her fingers in turn, applying the same amount of pressure.
TenTen smiled, in spite of her distaste of Jiraiya's words.
When they reached a dark enough spot, Neji leaned down and kissed his fiance's cheek.
TenTen swatted his hand in reprimand.
Politely, TenTen and Neji allowed Konohamaru to go first.
He did not need much, other than a bath and some powder for his chafed thighs.
TenTen was indeed getting a cold, but Sakura made TenTen swallow down some herbs to prevent her throat from swelling and her nose from leaking.
After inspection, Neji was free to go; nothing was foreseeably wrong with him.
The pair hurried off to their separate chambers to receive their baths.
The water was cold; TenTen had expected as much. But it woke her from her tiredness and made her skin feel considerably more alive.
Once dressed in two clean tunics and leggings, TenTen joined her friends in Jiraiya's personal office. A low-lying wooden table was in the center of the room in front of Jiraiya and his enormous chair that successfully made his whole frame seem smaller than usual.
TenTen milled around, concerned that if she took a chair and stayed still, she would fall asleep upright.
Neji's eyes followed her curiously.
"You're making me anxious," he murmured to her.
"I'm sorry. I'm preventing myself from getting comfortable. Just ignore me."
Neji exhaled and turned back to Lord Jiraiya, who seemed more than amused by the short conversation.
"So, TenTen. Would you like to explain why Lord Neji joined your company?" Jiraiya inquired, resting his chin on his folded hands.
TenTen nervously met the eyes of the man she served.
"Well, Lord Jiraiya, it's a peculiar story, but . . . Lord Neji has asked me to marry him. And I have accepted, with your permission, of course."
Jiraiya slowly considered the two.
Finally, he addressed Neji.
"You're in love with my knight?"
"Yes."
Jiraiya chuckled and glanced at TenTen.
"Well, this had not been what I was expecting. I thought maybe she'd offended you somehow and you were bringing up charges. Thank God I don't have to pay for them."
TenTen impatiently rolled her eyes and sighed loudly.
Jiraiya turned back to Neji.
"I hope you realize what you're getting into. Knights serve forty days out of the year, no exceptions. Most likely, TenTen will have to serve more days than the required forty. She is of my employment, and I am close to the Queen. If there is another war or a problem, Tsunade will rely on me to supply my best knights for the cause. TenTen is one of them. And you must also consider, Lord Neji, that children will propose a very complicated problem."
Neji's eyebrows furrowed.
"What problem would progeny cause?"
Jiraiya airily looked up at the ceiling, shrugging with one shoulder.
"If TenTen got pregnant, she would be out of commission for nine months. After the baby is born, she would immediately go to the field and stay there for the remainder of the year to make up on all of the work she lost."
Jiraiya considered the young couple seriously.
"I will not lie to you. Marriage to a knight, whether woman or male, is not easy. There are many things to account for, and most are not able to cope with it and remain . . . faithful at the same time."
Neji's cheeks burned with the potential accusation.
"I would never—!"
"I'm not saying you would," eased Jiraiya, hands open with submission. "But with these circumstances you must consider every possibility. Divorce is not an option in most households."
TenTen nodded her head; her mentor was right, this was not something to do lightly.
Neji met Jiraiya's gaze levelly.
"I am still willing to marry TenTen, no matter the consequences."
Jiraiya stared at him for a long time before flicking his steel grey eyes to TenTen.
"And you, my favored pupil? Do you love him?"
TenTen swallowed.
"I was surprised to discover that I do. I love him very much."
Jiraiya laughed once and rubbed a large hand over his face.
"Fine, I will consent to the marriage. I knew you had to leave me sometime, TenTen, but I did not think it would be so soon."
"You shouldn't be concerned," assured TenTen with a gloating smile. "We'll be taking up residence in one of the couple's rooms until we decide where to place ourselves."
Jiraiya scoffed, but his eyes remained smiling.
"Ah, well. I can't have everything at once."
TenTen clapped her mentor on the shoulder and moved away again, going to the dark window behind the desk.
"Switching to the Uchihas, I would like a group to arrive at the estate by the end of the week. You could not help your injury, TenTen, but the delay has set us back considerably. Will you be willing to leave again tomorrow if it's not raining?"
"Yes, Lord Jiraiya."
Neji spoke up.
"I would like to go as well, Lord Jiraiya."
Jiraiya sighed and considered Neji.
"I'm assuming you wouldn't be stupid enough to agree to marry a man who couldn't ride a horse, TenTen?"
"That would be a correct assumption, my lord."
"Good. I will allow your fiancé to travel with you. And Sakura and Naruto as well. Shall Konohamaru go along for the experience?"
TenTen sighed.
"He might as well seeing as I stole his horse from him."
"Perfect. And I will send Sai as well, but he'll travel ahead as a scout."
"Very good, my lord."
Neji stood and TenTen trotted past him to the door, bowing.
"Sleep well," Jiraiya encouraged.
TenTen smiled at her mentor before shutting the door behind Neji.
Jiraiya shook his head and muttered to himself, "The world must be ending if TenTen is agreeing to marry someone, especially a noble."
Jiraiya rolled his eyes and settled back in his chair, sighing.
"God save us all."
XD
I think the more I read my own chapters, the more disappointed I get.
Though, I wrote this took me hours to complete, so I have to be somewhat pleased.
;)
Review.