A/N: Thanks to everyone who read the previous chapter. I hope you'll enjoy this one!

Warnings: Again, this is rated M … expect anything

Disclaimer: It would suck to get sued so, no, I do not own Naruto or the characters used in this story


Chapter 11

Shadow melted seamlessly into shadow, the rays of light shining from under doorways only serving to deepen the pools of blackness, as Neji slipped silently through the corridors of the main house. Every muscle in his body ached but he welcomed the burn. In the months since he'd introduced Gai and Lee's 'youthful' brand of training to the clan he'd been unable to join the training sessions as often as he'd like and he'd forgotten the workout it provided. Of course, the green-clad duo had been the source of much hilarity to the assembled Hyuugas at first but, as the days turned into weeks and frost hardened the ground, the Beasts of Konoha had earned the respect of the Hyuuga clan. Neji suspected that they'd been surprised by how hard he had to work to keep Gai at bay during their demonstrative spar. He was a prodigy the likes of which Hyuuga hadn't seen for many generations and he was driven to such extremes by a mere taijutsu user … Neji couldn't keep the smirk to himself. Much as he hated to admit it, he'd felt a fleeting stab of pride in Lee and Gai at the time. They'd more than held their own during the spars with various Hyuuga shinobi – as soon as they'd settled down to concentrate on the task at hand their usual antics had been put aside and they'd made the display of strength Neji had wanted from them.

Gradually the lights shining from underneath doors became further and further apart as Neji neared the older east wing, where fewer rooms were occupied, until at last the dark draped over him in a continuous cloak of night. Neji shivered, for the first time really feeling the chilly temperature, and stuffed his cold-reddened hands deep into the pockets of his black jacket. His eyes adjusted quickly and he followed the footsteps in the dust cursing quietly under his breath; how many times did he have to tell Hinata and Hanabi to hide the signs of their presence?

The pale, silver moonlight streaming into the hallway through large, arched windows provided the only source of light and Neji paused in the shadow of one as he did another quick sweep of the surrounding areas; just to make sure no one was watching. Months of hard work had finally paid off; no longer would he and his cousins need to tread the fine line between causing unrest and outright rebellion. Tonight, for the first time in many meetings, he actually had good news to share. Tonight he would be able to tell his cousins that their faith in him had been justified, that the council and their father had finally agreed. This time next week Hyuuga Hinata and Hyuuga Hanabi would be fully instated members of the Hyuuga clan council with all the rights and duties pertaining thereto.

Neji stared out at the moon-bathed gardens, lost in thought. He barely noticed the thin layer of ice that covered the ground shining in the weak light. Truth be told, the first indication he'd had of winter had been when he'd woken up one morning, shivering under a thin sheet. He'd promptly informed housekeeping of his need for blankets, had dug his winter clothing from the back of the closet, all the while firmly pushing the thoughts of Tenten to the back of his mind. But, despite his best efforts, he couldn't help but remember, couldn't help but miss the way she would curl up next to him, burrowing into his warmth and keeping him warm in the process. He'd never admit it but he'd much rather have her back in his bed instead of the second blanket he'd been forced to request.

Neji folded his arms, a frown marring his brow, his eyes fixed on the bare tree-tops. The twins were nearly nine months old now and seemed to be growing every day … he'd begun to measure their progress in leaps and bounds, and yet the progress between their parents was nearly non-existent. Every time he saw her, every time they met in the nursery or the grounds, or anywhere for that matter, he resolved to try and make things right. Only he never did.

New Year was drawing steadily closer and with it the due date for his latest resolution. The new year would be a fresh start, a clean slate, and perhaps that was all he and Tenten needed. The twins deserved to have an uncomplicated childhood. Everything he was doing was to ensure that, and it included parents who didn't act like complete strangers. He'd not missed how Tenten would retreat every time he entered the nursery, how she would disappear and leave him alone with the kids. He hated it.

It was time to put it behind them; to move forward and leave the past to the past. A new year, a new start, a new beginning for their family… Neji resolved anew to try then firmly cleared his mind of thoughts about family. For now he had good news to depart to his cousins so he quickly made his way towards the door behind which he knew they would be waiting, keeping as close to the shadowy wall as he could.

He eased the aged shoji door open and slid inside quickly. As soon as the door was shut silently behind him two shadows dissolved into the dark shapes of his cousins as the three moved quietly to the middle of the room, where their shadows would not be distinguishable from outside if anyone was looking through the window.

"We've spoken to damn near every clan member at least ten times now," despite the whisper Hanabi's tone of irritation was clearly distinguishable, "and I'm tired of whistling the same tune. Are we done yet?"

"Hanabi," Hinata's voice was steeped in disapproval, "I've told you to be patient again and again!"

She turned to Neji, he could see her eyes glimmering in the dark, containing what he surmised was an apologetic look, if her twisting fingers was anything to go by. Before they could start a whispered argument - an occurrence that took place far too often at these clandestine meetings of theirs - Neji decided to share the news.

"Your instatement as full council members takes place next week."

His voice was low and utterly without inflection but he couldn't quite keep the excitement tamped down inside. After all this, after all the work and the worry, he was finally a step closer towards completing his goal.

Hinata and Hanabi had both frozen at his whispered announcement and now they rounded on him, both pairs of white eyes shining like beacons in the dark.

"I'm serious. Hiashi-sama barely took any convincing in the end – you played your parts so well he really had no choice. He informed me this morning – he'll doubtless call you in to tell you soon, so act surprised – we don't want him to be suspicious."

Both girls nodded fervently, one with the glint of determination in her eyes, the other with doubt, but Neji decided that he couldn't worry about their reactions to Hiashi as well. Thus far he'd trusted them to play their parts and they'd not let him down. He'd save the lecture for a day they really needed it.

"Go. Hinata first. Hanabi, wait ten minutes and I'll follow after."

They nodded and Hinata immediately headed for the door, sliding it open cautiously and checking if the coast was clear before she disappeared into the darkened corridor. Silence descended between Neji and his youngest cousin as the minutes ticked slowly past. Neji sank to the floor and settled into the lotus position, clearly giving his cousin the signal that he had no desire to talk any further and he was thankful when Hanabi took the hint and remained quiet.

The only sounds were the slight noises Hanabi made as she shifted restlessly from foot to foot, waiting for her turn to leave, but Neji kept his eyes firmly closed and pretended to be halfway to nirvana. Wearily he contemplated the next item on his mental list.

The customary New Year's Eve festival would be taking place in two days.

He hated festivals. He hated the damn constricting yukata, he hated being forced to make small talk as he travelled from group to group – and in the past, Tenten had made the occasion, if not exactly fun, then bearable at least but he'd never had to network as would be required of him this year …

He forced the grimace to remain mental only as his thoughts returned to the continual, if proverbial, thorn in his side.

Tenten.

The start of a new year would see all of them taking their new places in life and he wanted them to do that with a clean slate. The only thing that mattered was the children … and his plan had never been to deprive them of their mother.

The slight rustle of heavy winter clothing and the soft creak of the door alerted him to Hanabi's departure and Neji allowed himself the small shake of his head before he slowly unfolded his frame from the floor. There was no real danger of being discovered. He'd done a sweep of the entire area prior to even leaving his bedroom and again before entering this room. To the best of his knowledge no one had even the slightest inkling that a meeting had taken place here tonight, but he felt that the cloak-and-dagger aspect would impress upon Hinata and Hanabi how secretive they needed to be.

Neji quickly exited the room, making sure to keep far enough behind his cousin that she wouldn't be aware of the fact that he'd left so quickly after her, and only breathed a sigh of relief once he was safely back in the warmth of the main library. He sank down into the chair, the desk he'd been using earlier that day still littered with his papers, the glowing embers of the fire still providing ample warmth, and returned to his previous contemplation.

Truth be told, he didn't want to fight Tenten too. He couldn't afford to. With so many potential enemies so near he couldn't spare the energy it took to maintain the wrath … no matter how much she deserved it. With a deep sigh, Neji squared his shoulders and resolved to do what needed to be done.

For his children he would swallow his pride … his anger …

For his children he would try to make it right with their mother because soon enough all would settle down and they'd be able to have a normal childhood. And a normal childhood entailed a mother and a father who weren't locked in a battle of wills; the one more stubborn than the other.

It couldn't be that a part of him, buried deeply, missed her.

It wasn't that at all.


The morning had been busy. Tenten sighed and, out of habit, raised a wrist to her forehead to swipe at the bangs that would by now have been clinging wetly to her forehead. But her wrist met only smooth skin somewhat dampened by sweat and with a start she realized that she'd become so accustomed to her current form that she barely felt out of place anymore.

Before she could really contemplate the implications of that Himiko wailed and Tenten hurried over to pick the little girl up. Both children had begun teething, seemingly overnight, and Tenten had nearly reached her breaking point – how much more could she take? A nearly sleepless night had been spent alternating between one crying, sick baby and the other. It seemed as if, as soon as she laid Haru down to peaceful sleep, Himiko would start up and before she could silence one the other would begin screaming again …

Tenten gritted her teeth to keep from crying out of sheer frustration. At first she'd been only relieved, despite the quick development of motor skills, despite their obvious intelligence, the twins had been late in teething. All the books she'd read had told her that they should have started teething months ago – by rights they should have cut their first teeth before the seven month mark … none of the books had prepared her for the actual event taking place. They'd warned of fevers and bad tempers, had told new parents to expect illness and sleepless nights but Tenten rather suspected those books were written for parents with only one baby at a time.

How Neji had slept through the racket they'd made she had no idea – unless he'd moved to a guestroom again. And that was the worst part of all … he hadn't even come to see what was going on and Tenten firmly resolved to throw the first heavy object that came to hand at his head the next time she saw him.

Unfeeling bastard … dereliction of duty … couldn't be bothered to help … not just my kids … I HATE him …

Frantic, and somewhat incoherent, thoughts chased across her mind as she whispered soothing words to the unhappy baby in her arms, bouncing her lightly but that only made it worse as Himiko's wails reached a new decibel level altogether. Haru immediately chimed in, sitting up and holding on to the slats of his crib, his little face scrunched up as he wailed along with his sister. Tenten immediately headed over to him and, after putting Himiko down next to him, crouched down in front of them, tears shining in her eyes as she whispered to them.

"Please, I'm not that bad a mother, am I? You guys have to go through this and I know it sucks but I can't make it better for you if you don't give me a chance-″

Her desperate whispers were cut off abruptly as she realized that they were suddenly both quiet, staring with tearfully pathetic expressions at something just behind her. The hair on the back of her neck rose as she stood slowly and turned to face Neji.

He gave her a strange look – no doubt due to her disheveled appearance – by way of greeting and bent over to stroke each wet, warm and red little cheek as the twins regarded him with woebegone expressions of self-pity.

"What's the matter?" he asked them softly, sinking down into a crouch in front of them.

Himiko immediately let loose a stream of unintelligible babble as she reached out a little hand to clutch at Neji's fingers while Haru continued sniffling piteously as he grabbed for a lock of long, chocolate hair that had fallen over Neji's shoulder.

Neji nodded seriously as he stared at his daughter, as if he understood every word, and carefully removed his hair from his son's grip with his free hand before handing Haru an index finger that the boy promptly stuck in his mouth, his small eyelids closing in bliss as he chewed on his father's finger.

Tenten stuck her hands into her sweaty hair. Unbelievable.

It was fucking unbelievable.

She'd spent all night with them, trying to comfort them, smearing their gums with the prescribed paste as often as she was allowed and nothing had calmed them. No matter how she sang or hummed or read or danced or tried to distract them with toys … nothing had worked. And Neji only had to sweep in and spare them one glance and suddenly they were as calm as anyone could wish them to be?

The sheer unfairness of it all welled up in her chest and she closed her eyes in defeat, struggling to control emotions that sleeplessness had only served to heighten to snapping point. When she opened her eyes again, it was to see both babies lying on their backs, their eyelids drooping sleepily, as Neji stroked each slightly fevered cheek. Within seconds they were both out for the count and Tenten's mouth dropped open before she snapped it shut when Neji turned to level her with a curious look.

"Are they ill?" he asked, strangely subdued.

She could see the way anger sparked in the pearly depths of his eyes and suddenly it was all just too much.

"Yes, Neji, they are ill," she whisper-shouted at him, agitation revealed by the strangled quality of her voice, "they're teething – finally – of course they're ill! And don't you dare look at me like that, I'm perfectly aware of the fact it's much later than babies normally cut teeth!"

"Like what?" His tone was still strangely calm as he grasped her elbow and propelled her out of the nursery and into her bedroom before she woke the twins again.

"Like I'm not taking care of them, like I'm doing something wrong and that's why they're late in developing with some things – like I'm a bad mother!"

Her voice reached hysterical pitch though she was still whispering and Neji tried his utmost to keep the confusion he was feeling from showing on his face – he'd never implied that she was a bad mother, had he?

He opened his mouth but never got a chance to get the words out, which was just as well as he had no idea what to say. There was a puff of smoke and suddenly he was holding on to nothing but air, and when it cleared Tenten – looking like herself – stood across from him, her arms folded over her chest in a defensive stance. Her eyes were blazing with a mixture of anger and tears but he could see the dark rings around them and swiftly surmised that he'd missed an entire night of the twins wailing at the top of their lungs – and that was probably the actual problem.

He quickly stepped closer.

"I'm sorry I wasn't here to help last night," his tone was formal, his new-found resolution to try and patch things up with Tenten at the forefront of his mind, "I was working in the library. Why didn't you call me?"

Tenten's knees seemed to give way as she sank onto the edge of the bed and wiped an angry hand across her eyes.

"Maybe because you hate me," she whispered, all the fight suddenly gone from her voice.

Neji's eyebrows rose. She must be even more exhausted than he'd thought; to make such an admission. The rational part of him relished the small victory but that protective part of him surfaced at the sight of her tears, and at the notes of pain in her voice, and he sighed deeply as he contemplated her slumped form

"Hn," he finally grunted before clearing his throat when Tenten rolled her eyes as if to say 'typical' and added, "Nothing you do will make any difference to when they start teething – or developing in any way."

Her tear-filled eyes stared intently at him, filled with wary hope, and though Neji hated himself for having to crush that hope he knew that if they had any chance of making things right they had to be honest with each other.

"In the future don't try to do everything alone, they're my children too."

All the fight seemed to leave her and her slim shoulders began to shake. To Neji's astonishment she leaned forward and buried her face in her hands as sobs wracked her body. Not knowing what else to do he remained where he was and let her cry but then he began to distinguish the muffled words she sobbed into her cupped hands.

"Maybe I am a bad mother. You made them happy again. I couldn't. I tried so hard, Neji , but they just wouldn't calm down… and they're not doing everything like they're supposed to – I must be doing something wrong!"

Slowly he moved forward slightly, took another small step, until that he could sit next to her on the bed, and almost without his volition his arms locked around her; one hand stroking soothingly over her hair as the other stroked down her back.

"You're not a bad mother, Tenten."

The whispered words, slightly muffled by her hair, seemed to do the trick and her sobs slowly trailed away into the occasional hiccup as Neji moved out of the way and pushed her down onto her bed.

"Get some sleep – I'll watch them today."

Her eyes closed trustingly and within minutes she was fast asleep, her breathing deep and even. Neji slowly let himself out of the room and back into the nursery where he spent the rest of the day; a mostly silent sentinel as he watched over his children and their mother. Tenten had been too tired to reactivate the jutsu and, whatever her reasons, Neji could respect that she needed to hide who she was. So he stayed, stayed and made sure that no one could disturb her; wondering all the while why he was going to such lengths to protect her secret when she'd done nothing but betray him.


The New Year's celebration.

Tenten had always loved festivals – but New Year's Eve was her favorite. There was just something so magical about the idea of a fresh start blanketed in layers of ice, as if to preserve it. The residents of Konoha bundled up, their breaths steaming in little clouds in front of their faces as they strolled through the main roads where the stalls were set up. She loved visiting the temples, watching the faces of other people as they lit fragrant incense sticks in hope of a new beginning; the trust in their eyes proclaiming their faith in whatever deity they prayed to. Neji had always thought it silly that she would trust to hope in such a way; though he'd always come with her if she asked, would stand by her side as she lit the incense and waited for the gong to sound, and placed all her hope on the year to come. She always left the temple feeling a new spring in her step as she enjoyed the sensation of the year lifting from her shoulders; her mistakes consigned to the past.

This year she was attending in a different capacity though and she couldn't help the knots that tied her stomach into a writhing, nervous mass. It was the first time she would be close enough to her friends to speak to them – she hadn't seen anyone since her 'funeral' and she was dreading it. Surely she would slip up, say something or do something that would result in her cover being blown …

Firmly she reminded herself that she was attending in nanny capacity– her attention would be occupied with the children; she wouldn't have time to talk to anyone. Deep inside there was a constant ache of sadness … it was the twins' first New Year celebration … they should have been spending it as a family …

Sighing she supposed she should be grateful to Hinata for the opportunity to show her children the sights at all. Hinata was a regular visitor to the nursery and it had been her suggestion that she, her sister and Tenten take the twins out for the day. Another reason to be nervous – Hanabi.

Though Hinata spent a lot of time with her niece and nephew, and Tenten thus knew what to expect and how to act, Hanabi did not. Hinata never came to the nursery without gifts for the twins, from Hanabi, but her actual visits were rare. The youngest Hyuuga sister always kept aloof, though Tenten suspected the strange looks Hanabi shot her sister from time to time, if they happened to visit at the same time, or met out in the gardens, was envy. Hanabi didn't know how to show her affection, so she bought gifts … but that she cared about her young niece and nephew was apparent … it was impossible not to love them after all, and Tenten didn't think she was being biased at all.

As always Neji wasn't far from her thoughts and, as she pinned her hair into a single bun high on her head, she contemplated the change in his behavior. It was as if, since the morning when she'd lost her head completely, he had been treading on eggshells around her. He was no longer angry and hostile, alternately glaring at her as if he could make her evaporate if he did it long enough or ignoring her completely, instead he was strangely formal. And she wasn't sure if she hated the distance that had sprung up between them more than she'd hated the animosity. At least, when he'd been angry at her, he'd had some passion in him. Now he was distant, not cold, certainly not discourteous, but there was a definitive wall he'd put up between them, a wary distance he maintained that told her quite clearly that his previous anger had masked deep hurt.

Tenten sighed. She'd not spoken to Neji yet that day but she'd already decided to take the twins to the festival – irrespective of whether their father could be bothered to spend some time with them at such an important milestone. Vaguely Tenten felt a pang of guilt at her thoughts; she was being unfair. Neji tried. He really tried. And for the most part he succeeded. Not a day went by that he didn't spend some hours in the nursery, and she often heard him whispering softly to the sleeping twins when he thought she'd already gone to bed. The fact remained that he was busy, and she tried to be grateful, for the children's sake, that he made an effort. But she hated this, hated that they were so close and yet so far. She wanted them to be a family, as they had been in the early days, when they'd been on the run … but, try as she might, she couldn't quite blame him for not joining them on this day. She knew that as the new Hyuuga heir he was under a lot of pressure – many of the responsibilities for the New Year's celebration within the clan had fallen to him. In fact, as of late, Neji had shouldered more and more of the daily demands from the clan. Hiashi had been strangely withdrawn … shut up in his study more often than not, indifferent to the curious looks and demands on his time. He merely delegated whatever needed to be done to Neji.

Sometimes she wondered if she'd dreamed it all – the short, idyllic days when they'd been together with no worries about clans, politics and successions. When Neji had still been someone she recognized. In the months since their return he'd fallen so smoothly back into old habits that she could scarcely believe he'd ever been different. It was as if his heart had iced over with the coming of winter and the only indications to the contrary was that there were moments he spent with the twins, carefully masked from her, of course. Sometimes it seemed as if he wanted to say something, there was a softer light in his eyes, but inevitably the cold would snuff out the flash of warmth before it could blaze and Tenten had nearly given up hope of Neji ever forgiving her. She wished, so much and so often, that it had nearly become her mantra, hoping that Neji would treat her the way he did the twins; as if no action was too small for his notice, as if every babbling word was of the utmost importance. His eyes barely left them when he was in the nursery, as if he wanted to commit every aspect about them to memory …

She shook her head frantically, nearly loosening her hair from its pinned place, and quickly rose from the bed. No point in dwelling on could've beens.

She entered the nursery, thankful that the worst of the teething seemed to have passed … there were hard little nubs on the fronts of Haru and Himiko's gums though the emerging teeth were barely visible as yet, and Tenten took their return to good humor as a sign that the worst of this particular bout had passed. She was thankful for that, at least, since the only times Haru had been quiet while cutting the first tooth had been when he was chewing on Neji's fingers. She couldn't help the flash of humor; watching Neji with the fingers of one hand occupied by his son's small mouth, wincing through the occasional hard bite, while he tried to keep his sleeves out of his daughter's mouth had been amusing, something she wished they could've shared as a family. She turned her attention from her thoughts to the present and Himiko smiled sunnily up at her as Haru banged his fists on his knees and chortled up at her. She smiled and kept up a continuous stream of nonsensical talk as she fetched the double stroller from its cupboard in the corner.

They were avidly curious as she buckled them in, pulling at the straps, rolling their heads around to see everything she touched and by the time they met Hinata and Hanabi at the gates to the compound, Tenten was smiling just as happily as the babies she pushed in front of her.


Neji watched jealously from behind the bamboo blinds in his bedroom as Tenten pushed the stroller out the gates, a smile on her face as she tilted her head backwards to bask in the rays of the sun. He'd heard the gurgles and the happy giggles as she'd readied the twins for their outing and he'd decided to stay in his room. He'd made more than enough noise to let her know he was there but still … no invitation to join them had been forthcoming.

The trio – his family, damnit, and he couldn't even be with them – joined his younger cousins and disappeared around the corner and Neji slowly let the blind drop back into place with a clatter of wood against glass, as he resolutely turned his back to the window. He'd thought the past few days had been going rather well – things between him and Tenten, though strained, had been progressing nicely as far as he was concerned – no one had tried to kill anyone as yet and that had to be progress … but today she'd made it abundantly clear that she did not want or require his presence. Traditionally New Year's was a time for family, spent with family, and throughout the past few months Neji had had a vague idea in the back of his mind that by the time the first of the osechi (1) was prepared, his would be intact again…

Abruptly he decided that whether she wanted his presence or not, he would be damned if he'd sit here all day wondering what they were doing. Quickly glancing around the room to make sure he hadn't forgotten anything, or left anything incriminating out in full view, Neji left the room to join the twins' first festival of the year. New year, new beginning … a fresh start. For once, I might have to light the incense with Tenten in the temple. Kami knows, we need all the help we can get.


Much later that night a still dazed Tenten lifted the sleepy twins into their beds, watching as the small, pink mouths yawned, as fists made lazy patterns in the air over their heads before falling down next to their cheeks as sleep claimed them. As soon as she was sure they were asleep she put the overhead light off, leaving the nightlight burning, and reached up to undo her hair.

She hadn't been able to believe her eyes when Neji had fallen into step beside her as she traversed the main streets of Konoha – filled with stalls, so many things to see, she'd never even noticed him behind her. He'd simply joined their little group, ignoring her for the most part, lavishing his attention on the twins, and ridiculous as it was, she hadn't been able to stop the pang of jealousy. There had been a time when he'd looked at her with love in his eyes too …

But soon enough the atmosphere had thawed and she'd resolved to try and enjoy herself, to put the past and the present and everything else on hold, when Neji had smirked at her as he handed her favorite dango over. She'd read the hesitance behind the small gesture, and she'd quickly accepted it with a shy smile of her own, wishing that he tried as hard to listen when she talked … but she'd quickly banished that thought. Instead she focused on the paper fans Neji bought for each of the kids, she couldn't help but laugh at their expressions of wary delight as they'd waved the objects hesitantly over their heads. Of course, the presence of Hanabi and Hinata had made it difficult to talk with any real candor, and most of their communication had been through their eyes – but for the first time in months Tenten could feel that small, flickering flame of hope reawakening inside of her. She'd lit the incense in the temple, thankful that Hinata was kind enough to take over the twins for a moment, and she'd prayed as never before. A clean slate, a fresh start … that wasn't too much to ask, was it? Her eyes had been scrunched up tightly as she wished with all her heart for the chance to make it right again, and only that sixth sense she possessed where Neji was concerned had alerted her to his presence. Her eyes had flown open and though she hadn't seen him move, the incense in front of him had been lit … he'd studiously avoided her gaze and left to herd his cousins out of the temple, leaving her alone for a moment. Truthfully she hadn't known what to make of it…

The day had been filled with moments like those – memories she wanted to treasure – and when the twins had fallen asleep in their stroller as the afternoon wore on and the temperature became almost bearable, she'd almost been able to pretend that everything was as it should be. The adults had walked from stall to stall in companionable silence and Tenten had to carefully remind herself to keep her eyes downcast in humble Hyuuga servant attitude, to not allow the flame of hope to blaze from her eyes as she stared at Neji. It had been a relief with Hinata and Hanabi had left to join their father before the main dinner event that night and, though Tenten was sure the Heir and the Nanny had drawn many strange looks, she couldn't quite bring herself to care. It was time outside of reality, away from the demands of their lives and she'd reveled in the chance for their family to simply be. The fact that Neji hadn't left early with his cousins, and that he didn't seem to mind walking along with her for another hour was an added bonus she hadn't counted on.

It had ended far too soon of course, Neji had to return to the compound to be in time for the lavish Hyuuga banquet that night, and the disappointment she'd felt at having their time cut short had been quelled in favor of taking the children home for a bath and bed before they began to fuss and ruined the peaceful mood. She pulled their door ajar behind her as she headed into her room, the vague idea of waiting for sunrise at her window forming at the back of her mind.

The first sunrise of the New Year was a time for magic; a time for wishes much more powerful than those made on falling stars … hopeless as she knew it was Tenten was very sure of exactly what she'd wish for this year …

The hours passed quickly as she listened to the sounds drifting in through the window with the cold air. She could hear laughter, the stately music from the banquet, voices raised in joy. The icicles sparkled in the moonlight, so many branches coated in diamonds … she must've dozed though she never really fell asleep but in the still, gray light of the pre-dawn she woke fully when the numbness of her body from the cold could no longer be ignored. Tenten stood, shivering, and reached out to close the window when she heard the sound of a throat being cleared behind her. She whirled around in shock to stare at Neji, hovering in the doorway and still clad in a heavy yukata with the clan's insignia on the chest, before waving him inside with a sigh of relief.

"You scared me," she whispered reprovingly as he joined her at the window.

"Sorry," he muttered and continued staring at her until Tenten turned impatiently away from her vigil.

"What?" she demanded, hands rising to her hips.

"Come with me."

Neji held out a hand and though his tone was commanding, there was something in his eyes … the dim light made it impossible to identify but, whatever it was, it filled Tenten with warmth despite the cold air in the room. Hesitantly, her eyes continuously searching his, she placed her hand in his and allowed him to pull her from the room.

They slipped silently through the dark corridors of the Hyuuga main house – everyone had either gone to bed or the more superstitious and sentimental were waiting to for their chance to wish on the sunrise - and when Tenten murmured a protest about leaving the twins Neji merely flashed the mobile speaker that was attached to a baby monitor in the nursery. Soon they were out of the house entirely, but Neji refused to let go of her hand as he led her across the lawn at the very back of the house and into a grove of trees.

Finally at their destination, Tenten shot Neji a wary look but he merely let go of her and smiled slightly as he said, "Change. It's safe –no one's here, I made sure."

The smoke had barely cleared before he grabbed her hand again and pulled her up into the tree with him. They climbed from branch to branch until they reached a wooden platform high in the boughs of an ancient tree. Panting slightly Tenten turned at the urging of Neji's hands on her back and gasped as she took in the view.

The tree branches opened in a gap directly ahead and above them – they were hidden in the evergreen branches, from below no one would see them, but the view was spectacular. She turned to Neji, her mouth opening, though she scarcely knew what to say.

"It's not a real wish if you don't make it outside – you've done so every year, haven't you?" he muttered uncomfortably as she simply continued to gape at him.

His eye was twitching slightly in that manic way that Tenten had always associated with Neji being particularly uncomfortable or irritated and she suppressed the smile, and the blush, at his nonsensical pronouncement, instead tilting her head backward and awaiting the first brush of pale dawn to light the sky.

He remembered ...

The sky turned rosy, the glow seeming to encompass the entire world as the sun slowly rose, and Tenten squeezed her eyes shut, her hand reaching for Neji's and her fingers twining through the spaces between his as if they'd been made to fit there and for some reason Neji found that he was unable to look away or pull away from her. He simply stood in silence as he watched the emotions play across Tenten's face. He waited quietly until she'd expelled the breath she'd been holding, until the small cloud of white condensation had dissipated in front of her, before he yanked at her hand to gain her attention. She turned expectantly, staring up at him with questions in her eyes, with hope pulling the corners of her mouth up into a small, shy smile.

"What did you wish for?" he asked quietly but she only smiled and shrugged.

"What did you wish for?" she countered, and tried to pull her hand out of his.

Neji gripped her fingers tightly and responded slowly, "You know me better than that, Tenten. I don't believe in wishing on sunrises – but if I were the kind of man who made wishes like that then I would wish for …" his voice trailed away and he turned his head, a slight flush on his cheeks.

Tenten waited with bated breath but he didn't continue and finally she couldn't bear it any longer. She squeezed his hand – reveling in being allowed to touch him after all this time – and spoke quietly as if he was a fawn that would be startled by the slightest sound.

"You'd wish for?" she prompted.

"I want to make this right," Neji cleared his throat, turning and finally looking into her eyes, something like defiance coloring his voice, "I don't want a life like this for our children, Tenten. But I need you to understand that I can't turn forgiveness on and off like it's got a switch. I can't magically hand over my newly repaired trust in you – it will take time. Can you do that? Can you wait?"

Slowly, Tenten nodded her assent, the earnest tone of Neji's voice convinced her of his sincerity and as always she couldn't deny him anything when he asked with such an intent look, with so much meaning hidden behind what he really said.

Regaining her composure Tenten nodded again, her eyes meeting Neji's fearlessly and he gave her hand one small squeeze before allowing her to return to watching the last rays of the sun clearing the horizon. Tenten could feel her cheeks burn throughout … she knew him inside-out, knew his mind, his body, his soul … and yet they sat in chaste silence in the lengthening shadows, holding hands like little kids who were afraid of the dark and relied on the other's presence to anchor them…

They descended from the platform in the same silence, though it was not so fraught with hidden words and repressed anger; and when they reached her door and Neji pressed a soft, lingering kiss to her surprised mouth Tenten could feel the last of her angered hurt fading away. It took all of her strength to return the gentle pressure of his lips on hers before pulling away.

"Happy New Year, Neji."

The whisper was accompanied by a hopeful smile and the sentiment was echoed in the gleam of his eyes in the darkness as he squeezed her fingers briefly and disappeared into the last of the shadows that lingered in the hallway.

This time she didn't even really mind reactivating the jutsu. New beginnings … the fervent hope in her heart flared into uncontrollable joy as Tenten hugged the events of the day to herself, trying to absorb every good feeling into every hidden corner of her soul.


Osechi – food for the New Year's celebration prepared on lacquered trays


A/N: So … review? Please? –looks hopeful-