MANY THANKS TO NewRageInc. FOR AGREEING TO BETA FOR ME!

WARNING: There are reasons why this fic is rated M - as you will find with this chapter. Lady Crack will not be held responsible for the corruption of innocent minds.

CHP11

Normally he would never indulge himself in the spirits of drink, and why he decided to do so this night was beyond him. He felt the slight buzz, and quickly made up his mind that he would have no more of the foul tasting alcohol, he was done. He caught eyes with his grinning Tenten, before she turned to once again face her current opponent.

He was very proud of his girl, and even though he just wanted to get out of here and take her home to his bed and make love to her, he sat back and watched as she was thoroughly kicking the shit out of Lee. Neji himself was actually the one challenged by Lee to a game of darts, however his little warrior princess of a girlfriend took it upon herself to take him on. He knew from the outset she would be the victor, her accuracy in any type of weaponry was unparalleled. Lee, at first, would only accept Neji as his opponent, however, after Naruto and the others kept mocking him for not accepting her challenge quickly changed his opinion. Neji figured that the proud man was probably dumbfounded, certainly Lee did not believe that he could lose to a game of darts.

After his swift defeat, again, Lee approached Neji with a certain fire in his eyes. "Lady Tenten is the most beautiful blossom, you are very lucky Captain. As your rival, I will never settle for a lesser lotus of my own."

Sighing, he responded, "Lee, just follow your heart. That's what I did, and then you will find the true blossom of your…youth, or whatever." Turning to the girl being so very honored, "Let's go Tenten, I'm ready to leave."

"Sure, I'll just get Hinata…" she said turning to look around.

"They left earlier." Neji had seen Sasuke and Hinata leaving earlier.

"They?" Tenten asked worriedly.

"Her and Sasuke, apparently they walked home. It makes sense, neither one is big on parties or crowds."

"Oh…" Tenten tried to remember to file that information away for later on. She knew Hinata wasn't big on being social and apparently, neither was Neji's comrade.

Being forced to say their goodbyes, and many words of approval to both of them from the various shinobi, they finally got out of there. Luckily, Neji still had the keys to Hinata's vehicle and so they drove home. It was late, and was obvious that the others were asleep. He led her to his room. She happily bounced onto his bed, staring at him.

He stared at her as well, after he closed his door, thinking that the picture he had of her on his bed made no justice for the real thing. Smirking, he stalked towards her, still standing, he brought her face up towards his own, kissing her softly.

Moaning from the pleasure, she pulled back, "Neji, I know I keep telling you, but I missed you so much."

"I missed you to."

"There wasn't a day that passed when I didn't think about you. Hinata helped, but…I just wanted to see you. Feel you."

Sitting on the bed and putting his arm around her shoulders, "I'm here now, you are always in my thoughts. Whether I was training, on a covert mission, or bored out of my mind, you were there with me. I had hoped you wouldn't leave me behind."

Looking affronted, she lightly smacked his bicep, "I could never do that, no matter what Neji. I love you." She looked down when she told him. They had said it several times before, both knowing they didn't like to admit such feelings, but this was different. They'd also been intimate before, the two years ago, she'd given herself to him the night before he had to deploy.

The way she voiced her feelings for him, pulled his heart down to his stomach. He reached for her chin and gently made her face him. He leaned down just enough so that his lips whispered over hers, and stared into those same brown eyes he could never forget, "I love you."

Kissing her softly, pulling her onto his lap, holding her tight, he relished in the wonder of this girl. She was probably stronger and smarter than many of the shinobi he'd encountered. She was gorgeous. She was his. He felt her wrapping her toned arms around his neck, as he deepened their connection. As one of his hands stayed on her hip, the other reached up slowly over her stomach, to gently caress one breast, and still continued to move upwards and trace her cheek. Continuing from there, he reached for one of her buns and began to unravel her hair. After successfully releasing them both, she softly pushed him down onto the mattress of the bed he'd never slept in before. He felt the heaviness of her thick and glorious hair surround him, as her hands moved to unbutton the jacket and shirt underneath. Knowing she could feel the growing hardness in his pants, he pushed himself up into her, wanting to feel her. His hands roamed over her arms, before settling to slowly unzip the back of her short pink dress. She pulled her arms from the sleeves and showed him her unbound breasts.

Staring at each other, the love showing in both of their eyes, he very slowly moved his mouth to one of her hardened nipples. Throwing her head back as he continued to suckle her, her hands feeling the thick muscles lacing his bare chest. He sat up, taking her with him and let her fully remove his shirt and jacket. He found the hem of her dress and moved upwards and over her head, then moving his hands to finally feel all the softness of her skin. She felt like porcelain to him, so soft and smooth, yet toned and hard at the same time. The combination was setting him on fire. Lifting up she tugged at his trousers, needing them off of him.

Now that both were bare for each other to take in, they couldn't keep their hands from feeling the other. Couldn't get enough, it would never be enough. He placed her on her back, moving the hair from her eyes, looking at her, moving her legs apart so that he could settle between her thighs. She was so wet, he could feel it. Kissing her collarbone and breasts, as her hands kneaded and pulled at his back, he finally lifted his head to hers. Looking into each others eyes as he fully buried his length into her, both moaning at the feeling of being so close and connected to one another. He nuzzled her neck, and made sweet love to her, the woman he loved. It quickly became intense, both needing and missing each so much, for such a long time, he couldn't help but react to her scratching hands and throaty moans. Coming into her fast, he felt drugged by her. He felt her walls still clamped around him after his orgasm, causing him to spurt more of him into her, her body taking all of his essence.

After a few minutes, he rolled off from her reluctantly and pulled her tightly onto his chest. He was breathing fast, taking in the scent of their mingled sweat. Finally calming down from the euphoric high, he moved so that they could face each other, and kissed her sweetly. Remembering where he placed her surprise, he smirked at her.

"Tenten, did you want your surprise now?" he asked.

She gave him a look, "Now? It can wait for tomorrow."

"I don't want to wait."

Blinking, she nodded to go ahead then.

He reached over her to the nightstand and opened the drawer. He brought the small box with him, after shutting the drawer.

"Close your eyes." he commanded, smirking when she did so.

Despite herself she was intrigued.

"Go ahead Tenten, open your eyes."

When she did, she gasped. The diamond ring was beautiful. Tears gathered in her eyes as she nodded her answer to him.

Happy beyond reason, he pulled her tight, kissing her as he placed the promise of a lifetime on her ring finger. After making love to her again, promising their bodies to each other for the rest of their lives, he relished in having her beside him. To know her body and heart were his for as long as he took oxygen into his body, it was intoxicating. His thoughts were of their future together, as they fell asleep together in each other's arms.

--

Looking over everything in her room, tidying up even though there was nothing left to clean. She sat on the bed and buried her head in her hands. It was the next morning and she admitted to herself, mentally, that she was barricading herself in her room. She could feel the heat from her cheeks on her hands. Throwing herself backwards onto the bed, somewhat grateful that she would be able to spend another fifteen or twenty minutes slowly re-straightening it. She had already been awake for over three hours, and honestly she needed to relieve herself. However, the master toilet hadn't been in working order ever since they purchased the home, and always used the bathroom in the hall. But that would mean venturing out of her room and a possible encounter with the stranger now residing in her home.

She wasn't sure exactly how she ended up in her room, or even everything that happened the previous evening. Maybe nothing at all, she honestly couldn't remember. But the possibility that she made a complete fool of herself was enough to keep her locked in her room.

But she really needed to go to the restroom, she was close to not being able to hold it much longer. Sighing, and straightening out the bed covers, she tiptoed to her bedroom door. Flinching as she turned the knob and peered outside through a small crack. Sasuke's door was closed, that meant one of two things. He was either still inside, or somewhere else in the house. She closed her door again to the hallway, kept her hand on the doorknob, and took deep breaths.

Nothing bad happened, she didn't do anything stupid to make herself look bad. She kept telling herself in her mind, that she was just being childish. With some confidence renewed she boldly opened the door wide and walked into the hallway. It looked like it was going to be a bright and sunny day today. Keeping up her stride, she went straight for the hall bath. Funny, locked in one room to the next. She opened the door, then squeaked and slammed it shut.

"S-s-s-s-orrry!" and then did her best to not faint.

Sasuke knew then, he'd have to be sure to lock the bathroom from here on out. Why he didn't in the first place was beyond him, he supposed it was because he was accustomed to living quarters with strictly men. "I'll be out in a second."

"T-t-that's o-okay." she said, halfway down the stairs, thanking the Kami's she didn't see anything.

Feeling much better and now relieved, she went into the kitchen to start prepping for the small pool party she was hosting today. Doing her best to keep herself busy and not be distracted by the tall, dark, and handsome shinobi currently residing in her home. Mentally admitting to herself that Sasuke Uchiha was the epitome of what women across the nation deemed the catch-phrase 'tall, dark, and handsome'. She never paid much attention to vain appearances, or never really even noticed the opposite sex. However, in this man's case, how could she not? He was a strange man living in her home, making her completely on edge. And when she was on edge, she constantly made a complete fool of herself. Which she was certain she had done so with him. Whatever may have or had not happened between their conversation last night, she was positive she'd royally messed up in some way.

When she was first introduced to him, she never really noticed his face, because she was locked onto his ebony gaze. She never knew that eyes could be so dark, this coming from the girl who's family possessed the palest eyes known to her kind. Other than being completely blind that is. She sighed and got back to work, but first thing was first, she needed breakfast. It was already nine in the morning, the hours spent locked in her room, and she was hungry.

Remembering that she had forgotten to get the mail that morning, she walked outside to the mailbox. There was only one envelope, and the writing was unfamiliar to her. She walked back inside and went to the desk and opened the letter. The script was neat and uniform, and the contents made her smile.

Dear Hinata,

It was nice to meet you, Sasuke

Continuing on with her smile, she felt more confidence at facing the strange man. Heading into the kitchen she picked up where she left off with breakfast. She heard footsteps coming from down the stairs and knew it was the strange shinobi, he was the only one who's bedroom was upstairs with her after all, and tried to fight down her blush. He came into the kitchen and stopped to look at her briefly.

"G-good morning, Sasuke."

"Hn. Can I have some juice?" he asked, his voice was gruff and he looked and sounded both annoyed, he hated asking for anything. And it wasn't like he didn't remember where she keeps her glasses either. But he was ultimately a guest in her home, no matter if he wasn't good with pleasantries and manners, he had to pretend for Neji's sake.

"O-of c-c-course. I'm making breakfast, w-would you like some?"

His eyes narrowed, "Why are you nervous?"

Not sure how to respond, she gave a small shrug and then blushed some more, "I'm s-s-s-sorry about earlier."

Now he shrugged, "Not like you saw anything, I was washing my hands."

"Right," she nodded then turned back to the pancakes she was making.

"Hn. Yes." He uttered to her question of breakfast, before going to get a glass from the cabinet.

He watched her as she flitted around in the kitchen, with the ease of practiced actions. He noticed that she seemed habitual in her cooking. But in his world, he was appreciative of those habits. Once she was finished with something, she put it back in its place. Immediately cleaned up all of her dishes and throwing away any trash, or placing items in the recycling bins. Then something moved in his mind…

"Don't you have a shower in your room?" he smirked at her sudden blush and watched as her hands shook while she flipped over the pancakes.

"U-um…the …toilet in my r-room, is broken. I was going to look up a repairman to call on Monday."

"Hn. As a shinobi, I'm pretty handy, if you like I can look at it."

He didn't want to. It was a toilet, although, knowing her only somewhat so far, he was certain the toilet in question would be sparkling clean. Still, he didn't want to do it. But she was housing him. Plain and simple.

"I suppose…" she started, then Tenten rolled into the kitchen, Neji right behind her, both still in what could be considered sleeping clothes, and started blindly looking for something to drink, "Tenten?" Tenten immediately blushed, which made Hinata blush. Seeing this, Sasuke smirked at Neji who grinned back. "U-uh…are you hungry?"

She coughed, "Yes."

"Pancakes?"

"Sure."

Sasuke was highly amused by their little by-play, as was Neji. They sat down together at the table and continued to watch the females interact with each other. However, they didn't like the turn of conversation.

"I didn't even think of that Hinata, I bet you're right." Actually, she knew she was right. Neji wasn't the same size from two years ago. Cue another blush from the normally blunt girl.

Still blushing from the turn in topic, she said, "Maybe you could take them to pick out new swimwear?"

Tenten looked furious, "Why me!? I hate shopping!"

"So do I, but I have to stay here and get everything ready," she pointed out.

Her bun-wearing friend groaned in protest, "I don't wanna! I know, I'll stay here to help you, and we can send Hanabi! She loves to shop!"

"What, shopping?" Hanabi asked coming in from the hallway, "Who's shopping?"

"See! You'll need help anyway to set up."

"But…I'm not sure if I should let her go."

"She's sorry. Hanabi, tell you're sister you're sorry."

"I'm…sorry?"

Hinata looked at her sister, she didn't look so well, "Are you alright Hanabi?"

She nodded immediately, finding her opening to forgiveness, "I'm just feeling lazy is all," she shrugged it off.

"I suppose it would be alright…"

"I guess we don't have a say in your plans?" Neji ventured, and with the look Tenten sent him he knew he shouldn't have even opened his mouth. But then he smiled, they planned to announce their engagement later in the evening among their friends. They talked about it this morning, before again giving themselves into each other.

"Neji, w-would you mind checking to see if, well, if any of your old clothes fit you still?" Hinata asked with another blush.

His cousin did have a good point, though. All they had was ninja gear. Some shirts and cargo pants. He knew his waist size was larger from two years prior. Exercise had added at least two inches from before, and he knew Sasuke wouldn't fit, though they were fairly similar in sizes. That and he knew Sasuke would never wear anything that wasn't his own, or military issued.

Hinata noticed his expression, "I guess it's settled then…"

"Alright! I know just the place to take you two…" Hanabi interrupted, rubbing her hands together.

"Hn. I'll have my breakfast first, little cousin."

Hanabi pouted, but at least she was in better spirits now that her sister had forgiven her.

"And I'm pretty sure there will be no evil planning allowed this early in the morning." Tenten commented.

"Shopping isn't e-evil, it's just…" Hinata just couldn't find the right word to express the daunting task of shopping.

Sasuke smirked, oh he knew the next word, he'd heard it plenty of times, "…troublesome."