The room was pretty small and as the walls of it were painted in grey color, then the room looked even smaller. Tenten shivered, when the door opened and tall man in a suit came in, smiling politely at her. Right after him, little girl came in with laptop in her hands. She smiled more warmly and sit next to Tenten, who nodded to the girl.
''Tenten, this is Alice. She will write down everything what will be said in this room right now'', the man said.
''Alright'', Tenten mumbled, leaning on the back of the chair.
The atmosphere in this room was truly pressuring and she mentally thanked Neji for what he did for her. If it weren't for him then she wouldn't be sitting here and giving her indications, she would have been in the court, in front of many people, who will judge her. The girl cleared her throat, when Alice showed her open Word document.
''Shall we start?'' The man asked and Tenten nodded. ''My apologies, I didn't introduce myself. I'm Kabuto and I promise, I will ask only a few questions.''
''Neji said so?'' Tenten asked with a chuckle and he nodded. ''Oh gosh. You can ask all the questions that you need to ask.''
Kabuto smiled and gestured Alice that she can start writing everything down now. He firstly briefly explained the situation with Lee and Shino and how her indications can influence the term in the prison. It was not necessary to say because Tenten already knew for sure what she would say here. Her aim was to help her friends and even if she's going to lie just a bit right now, then it will all be for them.
''So, please tell us how well do you those two guys. They said that you three were best friends'', Kabuto said, relaxing on the seat.
''Why are you using past tense? We're still best friends'', Tenten said and sit straight, looking at Alice. ''If you need me to repeat something, just say, okay?''
Alice nodded and Tenten started to talk about their friendship. The sound of typing filled this silence and her voice echoed in this little room. She loosen up a little, remembering about all of the funny moments with them. Kabuto watched attentively how her face changed while she talked about certain moments: how she was smiling, blushing and laughing. She looked sincere and it was definitely not acting. Because of his job he could immediately tell if person was telling the truth or not and the girl right in front of him was not lying. Tenten started to gesture and became all hyped, telling them how once they all got lost in Paris and had no money.
''I was panicking, but Lee started to dance right on the street! He was dancing and people, who were passing by, started to put money in my bag that they put on the ground. After like, two hours of dancing, we had finally enough money to actually pay for a bus'', she mumbled and then smiled. ''That was a great time. But I think I got slightly off the main topic.''
Kabuto nodded and then shook his head. When he first saw those two guys, he could hardly believe in what he heard about them. Two simple guys from wealthy families cannot be somehow messed up in this situation with organs. It should be a mistake, he thought. And right now, listening to Tenten's stories, he was getting more and more clear that those guys just got into a bad company.
''What do you think is the real reason of them killing people to give organs for others?'' He asked, looking at the girl. ''Alice, did you write everything what she said?''
''Almost'', Alice mumbled, furrowing her eyebrows and typing. ''And, done. Continue, please.''
Tenten pursed her lips into thin line, thinking about the answer for this question. How many times she asked herself this? How many times she tried to understand why her best friends did what they've done? She sighed and turned to Kabuto, who was staring at her. He looked at her like he was understanding and she highly doubt that he was really understanding anything here.
''I don't know'', she finally let out. ''They have amazing life, I mean, there is no point in doing something like this. All I can think about right now is that they both were strongly influenced by those other guys. Maybe this doesn't sound like something that can help in shortening the term, but this is the only variant.''
Kabuto nodded. He looked at the list with questions and then looked back at the girl. She looked just a bit tired, so he thought it was good that he can ask more questions. Alice quickly typed whole Tenten's answer and then nodded to him.
''Do you think that the prison will somehow…'', he started and then couldn't even finish the sentence.
But Tenten got perfectly what he wanted to say. She thought about it and these questions in its specific made her want to just throw her herself out of the window.
''I don't think that the prison is the right place for them. I can't even think of what will happen after the en of the term. I can't imagine what kind of effect this place will have on them'', she said, looking down and starting to play with the zip on her coat. ''I really don't know. I'm terrified of this.''
Alice nodded sympathetically and Tenten felt like puking. She always hated when people gave her looks like that, it just was disgusting. Kabuto didn't say anything. He closed his notebook with questions and nodded to Alice. He heard everything what he needed to.
''Well, thank you so much for your co-operation in this case'', he said and handed to her his hand. ''Everything what you said will be read in the court, don't worry.''
Tenten stand up and shook his hand, nodding. Nothing else she could say in this situation. Alice saved the document and then closed her laptop. Kabuto opened the door for them and before exiting; Alice turned to Tenten and smiled warmly at her.
''It will be alright'', she whispered.
The buns-girl wanted to ask what exactly would be alright, because so far nothing is going to be alright, but she didn't say a thing. Kabuto made her a gesture and she stopped near him.
''For how many years they will stay in the prison?'' The girl asked.
She was so afraid of the answer. Clenching her hands into fists, Tenten stared at the man, waiting for an answer. Kabuto pursed his lips into a thin line and then furrowed his eyebrows. This couldn't mean something good, so she sighed and got ready for it.
''They didn't kill anyone, they just took care of the dead bodies'', he said finally, breaking the silence. ''Of course they will get less term than the killers, but I personally think they will have at least 8 years. Participation in the murder, selling organs… not less than eight years.''
Eight years. The girl swallowed, looking down. Eight years of their life her friends will spend in the prison. She shook her head, biting her lower lip. At least eight years, at least. They are both nineteen, they will come out close to the thirty. Kabuto didn't really notice her reaction and quickly asked another question:
''Will you go to the court?''
Tenten raised her head and wanted to answer, when she felt heavy hand on her shoulder and then she just got locked in the arms of her boyfriend. His scent filled her lungs and she relaxed, closing her eyes and wrapping her arms around his torso.
''How did you get here? You're not allowed-'', Kabuto started and then got interrupted by Neji.
''She's not going to the court'', he said sternly, feeling how Tenten's hands were crunching his shirt from the back. ''And this is not discussing.''
''Her presence can help'', Kabuto said, switching his gaze from the girl, who buried her face in Neji's chest and back to the guy.
''Say thanks that she agreed on testifying'', Hyuuga muttered, holding her close. ''You got what you needed and she won't appear here or in the court.''
With saying this, Neji harshly pulled Tenten out and didn't even look up, when Kabuto called them. He stormed out of the police station, gripping Tenten's hand in his and not letting her go away. And she didn't even want to go away from him. She promised that she won't be sad when she will hear about the term, because well, this is fair and etc., but she was on the verge of breaking into tears. Unlocking the car, Neji opened the door for her and then sighed, looking at her. He knew this was coming. And he told himself that he will handle it and be completely calm, but he was losing control already. Sitting in the car, he drove away from the police station and reached out to her hand, gripping it. The ride to the park was silent and no words needed to be said. Tenten calmed down, not that quickly, though. This silence and the way he gripped her hand and caressed her knuckles with his thumb and the scent tin the car – this all made her feel more secure and calm. But nothing lasts long and her phone rang, making her almost jump on the seat. Neji stopped the car neat the coffee shop and pointed on it, making his plan clear. Tenten nodded and picked up her phone, when he closed the door of the car. He didn't want to listen to the talk, besides, he knew for sure who was calling.
''How it went?'' Ino asked quickly. ''I'm still at classes, I wanted to come, but because of some idiots our teacher got angry and didn't let anyone go. Sorry for that.''
''It's alright, I have Neji with me'', Tenten answered.
''Of course, he is always with you'', other girl mentioned and Tenten chuckled. ''And I'm not jealous, surprisingly. Well, maybe just a bit. But not that much so don't get all flattered.''
''Everything went fine, thank you'', Tenten said, smiling. ''I answered to all of his questions and my answers were both recorded and typed. How are you?''
''You sound way too calm, did Neji give you something to drink or eat?''
''No, why?'' Tenten asked in confusion.
''Who knows, maybe he put something into the drink or food and that's why you are so calm right now, but as you said he gave you nothing then alright, this option is not considering'', Ino replied with a shrug and Tenten rolled her eyes. ''Will you go to the court? Please, don't, I don't want you to see any of those idiots.''
''I won't go, someone is not letting me'', Tenten mumbled, looking at Neji, who exited the coffee shop. ''And they are not idiots!''
''I like Hyuuga more and more'', Ino let out and then giggled. ''Oh, our teacher came back. Okay, call me when you will be free, love you!''
Tenten said her goodbyes and that time the door opened and she took her cup from his hands, letting the guy sit in the car. Neji cleared his throat and smiled, watching her taking a few sips from the drink. His hand raised and he messed her hair.
''Where you wanna go, love?'' He asked cheerfully, gripping the steering wheel.
''To the park'', Tenten replied and turned to him. ''Where we first met. I would like to go there now.''
Neji nodded and drove there, not really understanding why she chose this place. From that history in the pit, he never went to that park and being honest, he didn't really want to go there.
''You want to visit Kakashi?'' He asked, turning a little to her.
''Not really, but this is a good idea'', Tenten replied with a smile.
Neji nodded and after ten minutes he parked his car and went out. Tenten followed him and looked around. This strange desire to get back to that place didn't let her go. Neji came closer and took her hand in his. He knew she didn't like to be hugged in public, but he always held her hand in his, not letting her go away. They both started to walk down the alley and stopped near the bench.
''I swear all memories are just running through my mind'', she said and chuckled. ''If only you didn't take away my camera…''
''If only you weren't such a troublemaker…'' Neji corrected and she nudged him in the ribs. ''What? That's true. Who made us fall into the pit, huh?''
Tenten rolled her eyes and blushed. People started to turn around and point at them with their fingers. She already could see some girls, who were trying to get closer to them. This is the part that she never liked, but tried to get along with.
''Don't worry, I will not let anyone bother us'', he said and gripped her hand.
Tenten only smiled. Without any intention, they were walking to the pit. It was surrounded with all of the signs that not let anyone come closer. Neji wrapped his hand around her shoulders and kissed her temple.
''I'm so proud of you'', he whispered and when she looked up, he continued: ''You testified, you did a very good thing.''
tenten smiled proudly and he then chuckled, messing her hair with his hand.
''Don't look that proud. You can cause troubles just as much as you make good things'', he mumbled and then rolled his eyes, when his phone rang. ''I bet it's Akito and he will ask if we're coming to the birthday or not.''
Tenten nodded. A few days ago Neji introduced her to some of his friends and to say that this was rather shocking would be like saying nothing at all. She met some of the models that she always dreamt of meeting and when Neji hugged her and presented her as a girlfriend of his, she was just loss of words. They all were very nice to her but she could see how surprised they were by the way he talked about her. Akito, in particular, was watching her so attentively that she felt kinda uncomfortable.
''And are we coming to this birthday?'' She asked, raising her head.
''I don't want to'', he replied with a shrug. ''Why are we still standing here?''
Tenten shrugged. There were a lot of thoughts running through her mind and she couldn't really get them all together. Neji hugged her form behind and nuzzled his nose in her hair, sighing.
''Isn't this funny? We got tied up together because of this pit and dead body over there and then it lead to our relationships and bringing my two friends to the prison'', she let out, smiling, when he kissed her head. ''I swear this is like the weirdest and at the same time most exceptional way of getting together.''
''We're unique, what can I say else?'' He asked and smiled.
They stayed in silence for some minutes and it was comfortable. Neji turned around her around, making her face him. She looked up and he crushed his lips on hers, smirking into the kiss. His teeth caught her bottom lip and he opened his eyes, looking at her. Tenten opened her eyes too and she shivered, when their gazes met. He always had that kind of effect on her: shivers, trembling and those damn butterflies in the stomach. Neji leaned back, pecking her lips one time and touching their foreheads together. She made his heart beat faster and stop sometimes; she became one of the reasons to wake up every day.
''Want to talk?'' He asked quietly.
''This would be very awkward for you'', she said, chuckling.
''You need to talk about this and I know you feel bad and if this talk will make you feel better then I'm ready to bear with awkwardness of it'', he said and then carefully pulled her to the other side.
They sit on the bench and Tenten leaned on her boyfriend, who held her close to himself. It was important for him to feel her close, to be able to touch her and kiss her. He was not good at comforting people, but he knew for sure that he wants to be the one, who will comfort her. Tenten smiled, when he started to place small kisses all over her face.
''Stop, people are watching'', she mumbled, trying to turn away.
''They can watch, let them be jealous of how much I love you'', he whispered and chuckled, when she hide her face on his chest. ''Talk to me, Tenten. Please.''
The girl sighed and rested her head on his shoulder. She could say everything to him, she knew that.
''I won't see them for eight years. I don't know how to handle this'', she whispered, starting to draw patterns on his shirt with her finger.
''You got me'', he whispered.
Tenten raised her head and looked at Neji with surprise. She takes words seriously and he knows that. When someone says those words, those three words… ''you got me''. Those are not just words. This is a promise. A promise that ties you and another person together; a promise that assures safety, security and help of one person to another one.
''For eight years?'' Tenten asked and he raised his eyebrows. ''You have me for eight years.''
Gonzalo hugged her tighter. His hands caressed her back and he kissed her forehead. Those words seem to be more powerful than those ''I love you's'' and he got that.
''For eight years… and more.''
When he noticed her wide eyes and open mouth, Neji chuckled and added:
''Well, of course if we will continue on being amazing couple and you will stay being the best girlfriend the world has ever seen, then yes, for ever more.''
''Ah!'' Tenten hit his chest and he laughed loudly. ''Best girlfriend? Please.''
''What? You totally suit for it'', he said and giggled, when she rolled her eyes. ''Don't underestimate yourself, babe. For me, you're better than any other girls.''
''It should be like that, I'm your girlfriend, you know'', she said and then sighed, leaning on him. ''With you, I completely forget about everything, all of the problems.''
Neji kissed the top of her head, whispering that this is how it should be with him. He put out from the pocket of his jeans one ring. It was a simple silver ring without anything on it. He bought it only few days ago, but it felt like a right moment to give right now. Tenten first didn't notice it, but when Neji put it right in front of her face, her mouth opened.
''Beautiful'', she whispered, looking at it. ''This is very nice present.''
''Of course, it's price.. doesn't matter and don't look at me like that'', he said, raising his hands up in the air. ''You really do like it?''
Tenten took the ring in her hand and looked it all over. It was very simple, but she always liked simplicity and silver was her favorite metal of all. There was something capturing in the simplicity of that ring. She raised her head and stared at Neji.
''Yes, I do like it'', she said sincerely. ''Why ring?''
Neji shrugged. He thought of giving her some nice present since they started dating, but when it actually came to the present, he didn't even know what to buy. Everything looked not right and he couldn't find something that will make her happy. But when he saw that ring, it just captured his attention. Hyuuga shook his head and wrapped his arms around her waist.
''Because I thought that you will like it'', he answered. ''And besides, look. The ring ties one end with another in the form of the circle. And circle never ends.''
Tenten raised her eyebrow on that. He sounded serious and being honest, it kinda scared her. Smiling, she leaned in and kissed him. This little present made her feel better. Putting it on one of her fingers, Tenten winked to the guy and smiled.
''Thanks for being with me and just for everything'', she mumbled, looking at him. ''Really.''
''There is nothing to thank me for'', he said seriously. ''Really. You better get used to the fact that I'm always there.''
The lump appeared on her throat and she swallowed, looking at him. She took a deep breath, feeling how her eyes started to get wet. Again those words.
''You better be careful with words like that'', she said, trying not to show her feelings. ''They mean a lot.''
Neji gripped his hands into fists and cleared his throat.
''I know exactly what those words mean. And that's why I said them.''
Tenten looked at him in shock and he leaned, capturing her lips with his. This kiss took her breath away and she started to lean back, laying on the bench and taking him with her. Neji chuckled and then kissed her neck, holding her close.
''Not a right time and place for something more'', he mumbled and put her up, getting serious. ''Tenten, it's been only a month but I love you. This situation did tie us up together, but it is you, you who made me stay and not break this bond. I'm tied up to you just like you are tied up to me.''
''Who said that I'm tied up to you?'' Tenten asked, giggling.
''What made you think that you have a choice here?'' He asked back, smiling. ''C'mon, we should at least pick the present and send it.''
She nodded, being happy that they will do something that will take her mind off her best friends. His hand held her close to his body and she wrapped her arms around his torso, wanting to be even closer. When he kissed her temple, Tenten thought that it was certainly not bad to be tied up together with him.
''I love you'', he whispered into her ear.
Tenten smiled. This is definitely not bad to be tied up together with him.
A/N: Ah I can't believe that this is the end, even though I knew that this story won't be long. Thank you very much for everyone, who read it and commented. It means a lot to me to know that you found this story interesting enough and favorite and followed it. Thank you all so much and hope ending did not disappoint you.
P.S. The new story will come up closer to January and it will be featured Ino and Shikamaru, because I love this couple. Follow me to stay tuned for updates! Oh and with upcoming Merry Christmas, beauties! – Nizza. xx