Force Majeure
Epilogue: Casus Fortuitus

casus fortuitus: 'fortuitous event' Force majeure, specifically a man-made inevitable accident

Part One: Sync
Ford Sync (stylized Ford SYNC) is a factory-installed, integrated in-vehicle communications and entertainment system that allows users to make hands-free telephone calls, control music and perform other functions with the use of voice commands.

It was all so surreal.

One minute she was wondering how the hell she had lost track of one – and only one – shoe, and the next minute the Beautiful Law Student was kissing her.

Neji was kissing her.

Not that he was any less beautiful (or a law student) but she realized that last night as they danced, Neji had become… Neji.

He was real.

He was nothing and everything she'd imagined he would be.

He wasn't perfect.

He was human.

And that was better.

Human was approachable. She could work with human.

As he pulled her closer to him, her heart lurched.

Yeah.

She could definitely work with human.

Everything around her became a Gaussian blur except for the reality at the immediate end of her synapses.

And then a strange noise rumbled between them.

It was several seconds before she realized it was Neji's stomach.

Tenten smiled against his lips.

Neji cleared his throat awkwardly.

"In my efforts to get out of the house this morning, I might've skipped breakfast."

And just like that the rest of the world shifted back into focus; the crackle of the radio echoing in the garage, the faint buzz of the lights overhead, the familiar smell of oil and freshly laundered coveralls, and the new smell of clean and crisp that was Neji.

"Mm," she hummed. "We should do something about that."

Neji brushed a light kiss across her mouth before checking his watch.

"I happen to know a place serving brunch until 2:00," he offered.

"Would this be the same place I was planning on eating brunch this morning?" she asked, releasing her hands from behind his neck to skim across and rest on his shoulders.

"It would," he laced his fingers behind her back. "I hear you got roped into taking Terumī Mei to the airport?"

Tenten's eyes went wide.

"You know Mei?"

"I know of Mei," Neji corrected her. "I have managed to avoid an introduction thus far. My father was rather grateful that she took a shining to Kakashi this year."

Tenten gave an inelegant snort. "I'll bet."

"And I'd bet you were avoiding me," Neji looked over her lazily.

"You'd bet right," Tenten openly admitted. "How did you know I was here?"

"Lucky guess," Neji shrugged. "Would you like to return to the Grand? There is still time."

"Depends," she leaned back to better see his face. "How are you with nosy people?"

"Neji quirked an eyebrow. "I can both dodge paparazzi and converse with little old women who invariably know someone about my age that I 'simply must meet,' if that is what you are asking."

"You've never had to out-maneuver the Green Team," Tenten smiled crookedly at him. "If you show up with me to that luncheon, we will find ourselves faced with several very inquisitive men, and they are relentless when they want to know something."

"And what would they want to know?" he asked.

"Anything. Everything. Me bringing back Kakashi's car won't surprising. Me showing up with you, will. Of course, I can drop you off and then park; you can say you got a cab back, and problem solved."

"Sounds a little like a seventh grader trying not to get caught," Neji tsked. "Unseemly."

"Maybe it's better to just skip it, and go somewhere quiet instead," she chuckled. "Naruto is still here for a couple more days, so the four of us can catch up later."

"No," Neji said, and although his tone was low, it was firm. "They are your family, and this is a special event for you. I do not wish you to miss out on my account. As for any questions," he tucked an errant strand of hair behind her ear, "that is simple. Tell them the truth: I have long been an admirer of your 'youthful spirit,' and am happy for the chance to know you better."

"Know me better, huh?" her eyes danced playfully. "Just how well are we talking."

"Quite well," he said solemnly. "But perhaps those details are better left to the imagination until we can discuss them further, Perhaps over dinner? Tonight?"

"You haven't even had breakfast, and you are thinking about dinner?" Tenten raised her eyebrow.

Neji answered, in all seriousness:

"I like to plan ahead."

"You'll be sick of me by dinner," she laughed.

"Tenten," Neji made sure she was looking him in the eyes. "I spent an entire semester thinking about you, a couple of weeks researching anything I could on the person who saved my father (of course, not knowing that was you), and all of my time at the Gala either trying to find a reason to speak with you, actually dancing with you, or trying to find you after you disappeared."

Tenten grinned wickedly at him. "Seems like I've already been a terrible amount of trouble."

"Very much so," he said dryly. "But worth every minute of it." He checked his watch before planting a swift kiss on her lips (well, it was supposed to be swift, but neither of them was one to do things half way).

"Do what you need to do to finish," he indicated the car. "And then we shall go to the Grand."

In no time Tenten finished the last few adjustments, changed out of her coveralls, lowered the car, and drove them back to the Grand Konoha Hotel.

After handing the keys over to the valet, she hesitated at the bottom of the stairs.

"You sure about this?" she asked, looking up the white marble steps. "You can go in ahead of me – no harm, no foul. I'll still go to dinner, if you're up for it."

Neji was still for about half of a heartbeat before holding out his hand to her.

"I'm sure, Tenten."

With a slow smile, she crossed the short distance between them. Blinking away the snowflakes that settled on her eyelashes she slipped her fingers in between his.

They rode the elevator up in companionable silence, his hand warm and sure and wrapped around her always-cold fingers.

The door chimed and they followed the signs to the luncheon.

"A moment," Neji stopped them just out of sight of the door and held her hands out to the sides before stepping back and studying her thoughtfully.

"What is it?" Tenten asked warily.

"Just memorizing your attire – particularly your shoes."

"My shoes?" she asked, confused. "What on earth for?"

"In case you go missing during the course of the meal."

Tenten's indignant gasp melted into laughter as his teasing barely-there smile became genuine.

He held his hand out to her again.

"Ready?"

She flicked her eyes to the door and back, eyebrows raised. He raised his in kind.

Something warm settled in her stomach, and her smile blossomed. She wound her fingers in between his and reached up on tip-toe to press a kiss to his cheek.

"Yeah," she squeezed his hand. "I'm ready."

Part Two: Off-duty Mechanics
card mechanic: A card cheat who specializes in sleight-of-hand and manipulation of cards, a card sharp.

It was just after 8:00PM when Kakashi let himself in through the back door.

"That you, Kakashi?"

Genma lazily leaned back in his chair to look around the corner, watching as the other man removed his shoes.

"Yeah," he replied, unwinding the scarf from around his shoulders and face. "It's me." He hung up his coat.

"Just in time for the next hand," he said, and a collective groan went up from the table.

"I told you he was bluffing," Kotetsu elbowed Izumo.

"Yeah, yeah," the other grumbled shoving over the pot to Genma.

"Have a seat," Genma nodded to the empty chair just across from him. He slid the stack of cards over to Kakashi, who cut the deck before handing it back. Genma dealt out the cards with a practiced hand and a quick eye.

"Where's Gai?" Kakashi asked. "And wasn't Naruto going to join us?

"Gai-sensei said he needs to finish some work for the Youth programs before the first," Lee explained. "He sends his regrets and says he will be here next week. As for Naruto, he just got back in to Konoha tonight, and said he has an early morning. I think he had dinner with someone from work, though," Lee added.

"Hm," Kakashi hummed.

"How's the car running?" Ibiki asked, eyeing his cards.

"No complaints," Kakashi shrugged. "Tenten did a great job, as always."

There was a knock on the door, and Genma actually got up to answer it, earning more than a few quirked eyebrows.

When the last poker seat was filled, they understood why.

"Gentlemen," Hizashi nodded. "Been a while."

Kakashi leaned back in his seat. "Ah, so that's how it is," he mused, looking around the table, met with a variety of smug, sheepish, and unconcerned expressions. "I wondered what was going on."

He turned to Hizashi.

"So these are the meetings you said you had to go to?"

"Shame you're always too busy for poker," the Hyūga shrugged one shoulder. "You'd've been in on everything sooner."

Kakashi arched an eyebrow and looked directly at Ibiki. "And they got you to go along with this? That isn't like you."

"They were already up to no good when I found out," the larger man snorted. "I only came on board as damage control."

"Alright," Kakashi sighed, looking over his cards. "Walk me through it."

"Simple, really," Genma shrugged. "I first noticed when Tenten started studying in the library. I monitor the security feed in there, you know."

"Ah," Kakashi tossed out two cards. "And?"

"And library security is one of the most boring things ever," Genma scoffed. "At least until I noticed the two of them. I've kept an eye out for Neji since he was in high school and coming to classes," he shrugged.

"It's part of why we let him do so much work on campus," Hizashi added.

"Easiest assignment ever," Genma grunted. "Never saw the kid do anything ever than study until she started showing up on the fifth floor. She'd started studying late on campus even before then; Lee and Gai and Ibiki all gave me the heads up. Made my life a hell of a lot easier when they started studying in the same place."

"Be honest," Lee's eyes sparkled. "You suggested the fifth floor."

"Tenten asked me the best place to study where it would be quiet, and she wouldn't be interrupted. No one even tries to study up there after a month into the semester. Her being there shortened it significantly. The girls trying to flirt left Neji alone, and the people who talked got chased off by her. It ended up being good for both of them."

"And easier for you," Kotetsu snickered.

"True," Genma flicked him a card.

"So you were spying on them," Kakashi leaned back in his chair.

"Monitoring the situation," Genma corrected. "I am subcontracted to Hizashi after all."

"That is true," Hizashi said, clearly in good humor. "It was part of why Neji was afforded so much freedom on campus at such an early age. Kidnapping is, unfortunately, a very real concern for our family."

"Genma told me about that," Lee darted a look around the table. "Neji's cousin, correct?"

"My niece, yes," Hizashi nodded gravely.

"Lee, how long have you been in on this?" Kakashi asked.

"I only filled Lee in recently," Genma waved the speculation away. "Other than that he'd just been looking out for Tenten as usual."

"It was enough for Ibiki to contact me," Hizashi slid a glance over to the larger man. "He called me to warn me about what these two were up to."

Kakashi looked at Ibiki and flicked a glance to Izumo and Kotetsu. Ibiki gave a miniscule shake of his head. His mechanics didn't know the history involving Tenten and Hizashi. Another head jerk indicated that Lee and Genma knew.

"Wouldn't have bothered saying anything if I hadn't seen your kid looking over my mechanic," he said gruffly. "He's got it bad."

"Sure does," Hizashi said happily. "Well, you saw them at the luncheon the other day. I must say, I wasn't sure that my son would be smart enough to actually bring her back. Perhaps he has some of his Father in him after all!"

"That was a surprise to see them back at the luncheon," Kakashi said idly tossing a few more chips into the middle of the table. "As far as I knew, Tenten had left."

"Stuff it, Kakashi," Genma snorted. "We all saw her give you the valet ticket when she got back."

"What I still don't understand." Kakashi ignored Genma. "Is the whole shoe problem? And how did Neji know where to find Tenten?"

"That genius and deviously fanciful gem was all Lee," Genma tossed in his bet.

"Lee?" Kakashi's eyes widened.

Lee gave a nonchalant shrug. "She was anxious to leave the ballroom. I simply put her bag together and zipped it closed while she was on the phone to Temari. Must've missed one of the shoes on accident."

"Accident?" Kakashi eyed Lee over his cards.

"Things happen," Lee shrugged.

"Probably like you just so happening to run into Tenten in the parking lot," Genma said slyly. "I know you pulled in around the same time I did."

"That was mostly genuine," Kakashi corrected him. "And considering it meant Mei got back on her flight on time," he looked around the table, "you're welcome."

A collective shudder slipped through the men.

"Well, either way," Lee said cheerfully, "it all worked out in the end. He has asked her to be his date for New Year's, and she accepted."

"That is good news," Hizashi's eyes gleamed. "Anything else to share?"

"Sorry," Lee shook his head.

"Oh well, can't blame a father for trying," he looked around the group. "Cards?"

"Nothing," Kotetsu sighed.

"One pair," Izumo turned his over.

Ibiki and Lee shook their heads.

"Genma?"

"Straight," he fanned his cards out on the table.

"Kakashi?"

"Straight flush."

"That beats my four of a kind," Hizashi chuckled, pushing over his chips.

"Better luck next time," Kakashi offered as he accepted the pot.

"That's alright," Hizashi said mildly. "I'm holding out for a different hand."

"Oh?" Genma arched an eyebrow.

Hizashi smiled.

"A Full house."

Part Three: Moonlighting
moonlight: to have a second job in addition to one's regular employment.

The astonishment in Jiraiya's voice was obvious, even over the phone.

"They emailed me the contracts this morning. How did you get it done so fast, my boy?"

"Pretty good, eh, Pervy Sage?" Naruto grinned as he pulled his keys and wallet from his pockets and put them on the hotel dresser. "Told you that you could count on me, believe it!"

"I knew I sent you for a reason," the sound of papers being sorted filtered through. "But I wasn't expecting to have the paperwork back after dinner tonight."

"I met with several of them when I came into town for the Gala," he admitted. "Turns out we have a few alumni and friends in high places. They met me for dinner with the paperwork ready to sign."

"Either way, I wasn't expecting to have this all in place before the New Year."

"I told you I could do it, didn't I?" Naruto hung up his jacket on the hanger with tie he'd decided not to wear to dinner.

"You did," Jiraiya chuckled. "I should know better than to doubt you by now, even if it seems like you are taking on the impossible."

"I had help," Naruto smiled at the reflection in the mirror.

"And that is why I should've known," Jiraiya snorted. "You always manage to get people to pull together when you need to. It's a real gift, my boy."

"Well," Naruto unbuttoned his sleeves and began to roll them up, "I did have a pretty good teacher."

"That you did," the squeak of his old chair indicating he was leaning back comfortably. "Still…. You were awfully motivated. Even for you."

"You did promise to make regular contributions to the Youth program if I got it all done before New Year's," Naruto pointed out.

"And you know I would've done that anyway," Jiraiya said dismissively. "No… No, I think you had some outside motivation."

"You know I've been wanting to move back to Konoha," Naruto sat on the side of his hotel bed. "My family is here."

"Ah, yes, the other two-thirds of your trio. I wonder if Konoha will survive that kind of reunion."

"Guess we'll have to find out," Naruto shrugged easily. "Either way, it's time."

"You are staying at one of the airport hotels, right?" the sound of typing drifted over the line.

"Yeah," Naruto glanced at the clock on the night stand. "I have to fly out early on the second and most of the hotels are booked up for New Year's."

"Will you see your friends, then?"

"We'll catch up tomorrow. Not sure how plans will shake out now that Tenten has a date, though," he grinned cheekily. "Wonder if she'll invite her two brothers to come?"

"My boy, we may have to chat about women again."

"Yeah, yeah," Naruto rolled his eyes. "It'll have to wait for tomorrow. It's been a long day and I have a really early morning."

"That's fine," Jiraiya said, all business. "Keep me posted on any new developments. I have your flight itineraries, and copies of your paperwork in case you lose your passport or tickets. Again."

"That was one time," Naruto grumbled.

"It was three times," Jiraiya countered, "and one of them was last month."

Naruto yawned widely.

"Alright, alright," Jiraiya gave in. "Get some rest."

Naruto ended the call, idly checking a few messages before setting his alarms, and plugging in his phone.

"Everything alright?"

He looked over his shoulder to smile at the woman sitting at the head of the bed, curled up with a book.

"Yeah," he locked his phone and sat back on the bed. "Just a little worn out."

"You?" a playful smile hovered on full, pale pink lips. "Tired?"

"Between work, keeping up with Lee, and Operation NejiTen? Even I have my limits, Hinata."

He flopped his head into her lap.

She smiled fondly at him and put her book to the side, adjusting to make him more comfortable.

"Then I guess it is a good thing we are going to Tea Country for a little while," she ran gentle fingers through his hair.

"Mmhm," he hummed happily. "Sure you won't go back to Suna with me?"

"Not this time," she apologized in her gentle voice. "Iruka's is almost ready, but I can't do anything more at your home until they finish the renovations. If you want it all ready in time for the move…"

"I know," he threaded his fingers through her free hand. "I'm just excited."

Her chuckle was light.

"Me, too."

"Really?"

His boyish grin tugged at her heart.

"Of course," her smile was sweet, and full, and only for him. "Besides," those pretty lips glided into something eerily redolent of the trademark Hyūga smugness, "I can't keep Operation NejiTen up all on my own."

"Don't see why not," his eyes sparked mischief. "You're the one who started it, after all."

"It was just good luck that I recognized her and Lee that day," she said modestly. "I'd never seen Neji-nii look at anyone like that," her smile was wistful. "How could I not do something?"

Naruto shook his head and gave a low laugh.

"W-what?" Hinata's cheeks flushed. "Did I say something wro-"

Naruto moved in a blink, pushing himself up with one arm and capturing her with a sudden and confident kiss.

Her eyes drifted closed as she melted into him.

"You are amazing, Hinata," he rested his head against hers. "I don't know how I got so lucky."

"I'm the lucky one," she brushed pale fingers against his chest.

"I think it's Neji and Tenten that are the lucky ones," Naruto teased. "After all, they have the two of us looking out for them."

"And Konohamaru and Hanabi," Hinata added. "And Genma."

"And Gai-Sensei, and Lee, and Kakashi, and Ibiki, and the guys at the garage, and your Uncle, and-"

"My Uncle?" Hinata asked, eyes wide. "He's involved?"

"He doesn't know anything about our side of things," Naruto was quick to assure her. "Only Genma."

"It's not that I don't want him to know about us," she blinked beautiful, lavender-white eyes at him, "it's just that-"

"'Nata, I know," he cut her off. "C'mon," he brushed a quick kiss against her lips. "It's been a long day – let's get ready for bed."

"Naruto," she hesitated. "We're already in bed."

"Good point," his smile grew wicked as he brushed his nose against hers before trailing kisses along her jaw. "What was I thinking?"

"Naruto!" she gasped, "What are you-?"

He swallowed the rest of her surprise in the kind of kiss that cleared the matter up entirely.

"Oh," she murmured.

"Yeah," he reached to turn off the light with a 'click.' "Oh."

"But we have to-!"

"Tomorrow, Hinata," he promised, his fingers trailing up her hip to her waist to slip under her pajama top.

Her eyes glazed over and she nodded her agreement.

Tomorrow.

*~*Fin*~*

C'est fini!

I think this is the fastest I've finished this long of a story! I am so very grateful for those of you who have come along for the ride. Your reviews are what alerted to me that there was interest in continuing this storyline. I thank you for the support and feedback, and hope you will bring back that enthusiasm for 'The Mechanics of Law,' tentatively set to debut in August.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, friends.

From a very full little heart,
- Giada