A/N: It's almost Turkey Day! HOORAY!

Underneath it All
***You're really lucky, underneath it all...***

If Neji had thought Takayuki to be annoying before, he now considered the man to be insufferable.

"You have a great many comforts in your home," Tenten demurred politely.

"The recent population boom and technological explosion has been good to us," Takayuki said with a poor attempt at humility. "We mine building materials and metals, naturally, but circuitry also requires some of our wares." He chuckled. "It is a very good time to be in the mining business."

"Truly fascinating," she continued. "You must have a very tightly run organization to meet with such high demands."

"It isn't easy," he agreed, "but it keeps many residents of these lands employed, and their families clothed and fed."

"I can only imagine," Lady Tomoe said appreciatively, and Neji wondered that the man couldn't see the brittleness in her smile, or feel the razor thin slice of sarcasm in her tone. "I would love to hear more about it – obviously these lands are of a great interest to both the General and myself."

The next hour was one of self-adulation by Takayuki, but was surprisingly informative. Both Sai and Neji took note of every name, location, and detail that could possibly be used to help them identify and locate the mines and camps of workers.

The following days were no less trying for the normally patient Hyūga.

While Takayuki certainly made every effort to accommodate and impress the General, he did everything in his power to do doubly so for Lady Tomoe, and to spend time alone with her. Neji and Sai took turns as her escort, but more often than not it was Neji.

His only consolation was turning all of the information over nightly to the General and Sai, who relayed it all to Shikamaru. Despite being key in the information gathering, by nature of the assignment, Tenten was almost never present at their meetings. Takayuki was very demanding of Tenten's time, so Mifune often had to brief her in private, or via message. In the five days they had been in his home, Neji had not yet seen Tenten alone, or exchanged more than a handful of words per day.

He was beginning to miss their evening cup of tea.

That afternoon, Takayuki had to meet with the village elders to make arrangements for the fast approaching event in the Winter Garden. He was sorely tempted to accept Lady Tomoe's offer to accompany him, but declined.

"I want you to be surprised," he had said warmly. "But I would be forever in your debt if you would help preside over the festivities. With my mother gone, and no sisters, I find I have no one else to turn to."

"I'd be honored," Lady Tomoe had said graciously, and the man left in a wondrously pleased mood.

As soon as Takayuki was out of sight, the General called an immediate and impromptu meeting. In short order, Urakaku, Okisuke, Neji, Tenten, and Sai were gathered in the Mifune's expansive quarters.

"I have pinpointed several rooms that require additional investigation," Sai said, pulling out the diagram he had created of the mansion. "Comparing the outside dimensions of this structure with what I have mapped, I believe there is an additional chamber in Takayuki's private wing, possibly only accessible from his own room. He appears to have limited his meetings since our arrival, but my mice have overheard him speaking with his underlings. I believe his operation is still in full swing."

"He has hinted at some large business ventures," Tenten flicked a glance at the General, who nodded agreement. "He has been more forthcoming with information over the last few days. Maybe if he and I are alone, he will confide in me."

"Perhaps," Mifune stroked his beard, thoughtfully. "There is a location not far from here that Shikamaru wanted a team to investigate. We are technically the closest unit able to do so."

"But how can you get away to do that?" Tenten asked.

"He is very busy with the preparations for the festivities in Winter Gardens," The General reasoned. "I shall tell him I have urgent business that just came up some miles away and ask that I may leave Lady Tomoe under his care, with, of course, several of my guards. That will ensure he keeps his attention directed here, and not toward us. I shall return in ample time for the party. If an opportunity for reconnaissance has not arisen before then, you two," he looked at Neji and Sai, "will scout while we and the rest of the village are in the gardens."

"It is a large property," Tenten traced a finger on the detailed floorplan. "Perhaps I can convince him to lead a long ride on horseback, or to take me to one of the other properties he is always telling me about. That would give the two of you time to poke around," she looked over to Neji and Sai.

"One of us," Neji returned flatly. "I will be chaperoning you."

"The General is leaving his men and only departing temporarily," she countered. "Takayuki will not jeopardize all of the work he has put into impressing Mifune, but I believe he will press that advantage. If he thinks we are alone, he might confide in me, but I don't think he is stupid enough to press his luck too far."

Neji didn't completely agree with this assessment. "We shall have to see when the plans are made," he said stiffly.

Tenten frowned at him, but was prevented from answering by the insistent chiming of the clock.

She sighed, and rubbed her temples. "I'd better go get ready for dinner," she stood. "I want to get some things done before the girl comes to help me."

"Help you?" Sai asked.

"Yeah," she sighed. "Getting into some of these outfits is impossible to do alone."

"Be careful," Sai said sagely. "She is probably a spy for Takayuki."

"Of course she is," Tenten laughed. "But she is still a sweet girl. I am very selective about what information I feed her to bring back to her master." She stood and stretched. "I wonder if I could ask if someone slightly less ancient be put in charge of the laundry, though," she chuckled. "The woman is half deaf and nearly blind. Some of my things still haven't been returned to me."

"Some of those outfits you've been wearing are made of rather expensive fabric," Sai offered. "Takayuki is probably demanding that they be given extra attention."

"Those she is surprisingly good about," she shrugged. "Very good, which is why I am guessing she has a job. Mostly I am missing some everyday things." She shrugged with a good humored smile. "Not the worst thing that has ever happened on a mission," she said shooting a glance at Neji before turning to the General. "See you at dinner?"

"Come down five, no, ten minutes late," Mifune instructed. "That will give me time to 'confide' in Takayuki, and bring up the idea of leaving Lady Tomoe in his care for a couple of days."

Tenten smirked. "So you mean come on time?"

The General, who was also always ten minutes early, forcing Takayuki to be at least 15 minutes early every time they met, smirked.

"Yes."

"Not youthful," a shadow of a smile played on her composed features, "but doable."

With that, she repaired to her quarters.

As soon as the door closed, Sai held up a hand, listening. Once he had allowed enough time to be sure Tenten was gone, he pulled out a scroll and spread it on the table.

"Two things," Sai said, smoothing the scroll, "One. Takayuki has been spending some time in clandestine meetings. There appears to be one in the works for tonight. I'll know more when my ink creature returns at dinner. Two," he ran a finger down the writing and frowned. "I think it is fair to say that Takayuki is spying on Tenten. He has visited her room several times when she was not there. I think he is looking for something."

"Do you think he suspects Tenten of anything?" Neji asked.

"I can't be sure," Sai shook his head. "But perhaps one of us should hide in her quarters to observe? A shadow or ink clone would do nicely, and would be more informative than my ink drawings."

"I can watch via my Byakugan," Neji offered. "I'll send a clone to dinner, and then conceal myself in the room next to Tenten's."

"Make it so," the General nodded curtly. "We can't afford to have the mission jeopardized this close to its conclusion.

And that is how Neji found himself concealed in a small study across the hall from Tenten's room. By his calculations, dinner had just started. Takayuki would probably invite them to rest after their meal in one of the larger more elaborate rooms, like the library with its large fireplace and comfortable furnishings.

At least, Neji assumed they were comfortable.

He had never sat in any of them.

He was too busy alternately scanning the area with his Byakugan, and trying not to groan out loud at Takayuki's antics.

"Takayuki's servant just informed him he is needed for an 'urgent matter.' He is headed your way, I think," Sai's voice echoed in his ear. "I suspect this was a pre-planned absence, as I have seen it happen before."

Neji had to agree. It wasn't always 'urgent;' but it was always someone that needed Takayuki's attention for some menial matter, allowing him time away. He often cited these absences as preparations for the upcoming party in the Winter Garden, but Neji had his doubts.

He fiddled with his earpiece, and switched to the frequency of the listening devices in Tenten's room. It was more efficient than trying to read lips and observe using the Byakugan.

A moment later, Takayuki rounded the corner, unaccompanied. The man looked up and down the halls, making sure he was alone before silently pulling a key from his pocket to unlock the door to Lady Tomoe's quarters.

Closing the door softly behind him, at first he just stood there, and inhaled deeply. Quick, cunning eyes darted over the neat and orderly room. Tenten was nothing if not efficient; she did not have anything in that room that identified her as a Konoha shinobi. How could she? It had all been sealed away.

Takayuki trailed his fingers over the rich fabrics of the bedspread as he strode toward the closet. Looking around again, he opened the doors open before sliding a variety of kimonos and dresses down the bar. Neji noted that he purposely only handled the top of the hangers, leaving the garments untouched.

He reached farther into the closet, and slowed to consider his findings.

It took Neji a moment to realize what the man was handling, but the realization struck him like a thunderbolt.

It appeared that Tenten had carried over her habit of hanging some of her more delicate and intimate garments toward the back of the closet. Takayuki ran hungry eyes over the simple satin shift, allowing his fingers to ghost down the fabric greedily before moving on to the next one. To Neji's growing horror, the farther back Takayuki explored, the more elaborate and smaller the garments became. He now understood when Tenten had said Ino's selections had been tame by comparison.

Neji saw the servant coming before Takayuki heard her. Clearly though, it had been expected. Takayuki quickly shut himself in the closet as the slightly-less-than-ancient woman entered the room, pushing a cart with a whining and wobbly wheel. She carefully turned down the bedclothes, changed out some flowers, and placed a basket of clean laundry on a stand near the bed, and a single parcel wrapped in brown paper on the bed. With that, she tottered out of the room, the sound of the wonky wheel the only thing echoing in the large hallway.

Takayuki slipped out of the closet and, with a final longing look at the silks and lace, slid everything back into its original position.

Closing the closet door, he moved directly to the parcel on the bed, and unwrapped it. One of Tenten's more simple outfits was there, as was a utilitarian pair of underwear and a bra. He turned to the laundry basket, and with expert efficiency, sifted through the contents without disturbing the crisp folds.

Gingerly, he extracted one modest but satiny pair of underwear followed by another less-modest-more-lacy pair. The bile rose in Neji's throat, and he willed himself to stay still as the man buried his face in the soft fabrics with a low groan. Throwing a look to the door of the room, he stuffed his treasures into his robes and hurried to the dresser. He went directly to a specific drawer, hesitating for a fraction of a second before removing a bra from the back – one that matched the fancier pair of underwear. He held it up for inspection before placing it on the top of the clothes on the bed. With trembling hands, and sweat beaded on his brow, he closed the drawer and took a deep breath.

Once he had swallowed a few times, he crossed to the large wooden desk, and picked up the receiver of the ornate, old-fashioned phone. He punched in the numbers quickly, but his composure returned the moment someone answered on the other end.

"Time to move the herd for the winter," he directed. "Meeting. My apartments. Midnight." As he listened, his hand darted to where his treasures were stashed before he pressed his palm down front of his garments, growing visibly impatient. "I will be largely unavailable for the next several days. Everything must be completed before the first hard snow," he interrupted. "No excuses." With that, he put the receiver down, ending the call. He glanced at the clock on the wall. He closed his eyes and dipped a hand in his robes, far past where Neji knew his stolen treasures waited. A short moment and a frustrated huff of air later, he snatched up the receiver and dialed a short pattern. He swallowed hard and cleared his throat before speaking. "Please make my apologies to the General and Lady Tomoe," he said, picking up the stolen bra, running a thumb over the generous, lacy cup. "Something has… come up. I shall have to rejoin them after dinner. Make sure the library hearth is lit and well-tended. Prepare whatever tea or refreshment they wish." He listened as he stroked the fabric in his hand, his robe beginning to tent noticeably in front. "No, nothing for me, thank you," he said. "I shall take my refreshment in my room before I join them."

Neji's jaw tightened.

Judging where Takayuki's hand was wandering, Neji didn't have to do much guesswork as to what 'refreshment' the other man had in mind.

Takayuki placed one more call.

"Bring the one from last night to my room. No, I won't need her long this time. Have her prepared for later – you know I am always hungry after midnight. And," he eyed the bra lustfully, "I have something for her to wear." He listened for a space. "You did well. She is the most like her yet. I might keep this one through the winter. If all goes to plan," he stroked the lace, "she can be returned to the mines after spring. Who knows?" he said with an eerie smirk "Maybe even sooner, depending on these next two days." He laughed lightly. "Who cares after that? I shall be there directly."

Ending the call, he then carefully placed the lacy bra and matching underwear in the parcel, and rewrapped it, leaving the satiny pair hidden in his robes. "Only a substitute," he whispered. "She is nothing more than something to pass the time until we are together," he said, pressing his hand to the bed. "It won't be long now. I promise you."

Tucking the parcel under his arm, he slipped out of the room, leaving no trace of his presence.

Neji waited a whole minute after the man left, valiantly reigning in his raging heartbeat. When he spoke, it was with a deadly calm that he didn't feel.

"Do you have spies in Takayuki's quarters?" he asked into his earpiece.

"I do. Several," Sai answered.

"Then, I fully expect you will have an interesting report to give after tonight," Neji said tightly. "There will be a girl there. Have one of your spies follow the her when she leaves. There will be a meeting in Takayuki's apartments at midnight. I think it bears investigation."

"Understood. Will you be following him right now?"

"No," Neji said, his voice low and hard. "I have seen enough for now. I will rejoin you shortly."

He disconnected and stealthily returned to his quarters, where his despised suit of armor waited. He scrawled a quick note, donned his armor, and went to join the general.

The balcony outside of Tenten's room was three floors up, not near any climbable trees, and not really a security concern once it had been sealed.

Still, it wouldn't do to be careless. Neji dropped on to the balcony as a silent shadow, unobserved and undetected by the world below. He pressed into the camouflage of the darkened corners created by the heavy draperies within, avoiding the thin sliver of light bisecting the stone floor.

He made no sound when the sliver widened to wash the far half of the balcony in light, nor when the door opened, and Tenten stepped out into the cool of the thickly clouded night.

He watched as she crossed to the edge and peered over the rail, arms crossed over the thick robe she was wearing. She did not acknowledge him or turn when he slipped into her room. Two or three minutes later, she followed, closing and locking the door, and drawing the heavy drapes behind her.

He watched her while she re-set the seals that had alerted her he was outside, and crouched to check the ones at the bottom of the door.

Satisfied with her work, she stood and turned with a stretch, taking in his appearance. Where he was in dark, utilitarian clothing, she was in soft colors and fabrics. Where she was dressed as a civilian, he was dressed as a spy.

"I got your note," she said, crossing into the room, the cooler air lingering in her wake. She picked up the book he had planted for her in the library and fished out the piece of paper with his hastily penned instructions. "I figured I'd better have the tea ready," she nodded to the teapot behind her with a wry smile. "Come have a cup with me, and tell me what this," she looked back at the note "'most urgent matter' is all about."

"I don't have much time," he warned her, reaching into the pouch at his hip.

"You know I won't keep you," she replied, perhaps a little coolly.

"It isn't that," he said gruffly. "Here," he pressed a scroll into her hands, frowning at how cold they were.

"What is this?" she asked curiously.

"Supplies," he explained curtly. "Don't use anything but what is in that scroll. Your other stock has been… compromised."

Tenten looked up at him incredulously. "Is…Is this my underwear?"

"The bet is done, and the condition fulfilled," he informed her. "There is no need for me to hold on to this any longer."

Tenten eyed him analytically. "Would this have anything to do with my current variable laundry service?" she asked.

"Leave whatever supplies you already have in place," he glanced to the drawers. "Continue to put those in the laundry, and tend to your personal stock as usual."

"Neji," she said, part exasperated, part curious, "what is going on?"

"Come," he motioned. "I will do my part to unseal the scroll."

"Ignoring the part where I asked you a question isn't going to work, Hyūga," she crossed her arms and drummed fingers on the scroll. "Or have these last couple of days been long enough for you to forget how I operate? Or that we are on the same team? Or-"

"Just trust me, Tenten," he interrupted before adding a gruff, "Please."

She pressed her lips together and studied him for what he suspected was a hurried internal count of thirty.

"Alright Neji," she said slowly. "Help me unseal this, and you can be on your way."

She crossed to the large and opulently covered bed, and put the scroll down between them. They moved through the synchronized sequence of hand seals and each placed a palm on the parchment to release the restrictive seal. The tightly wound scroll grew slack under their fingers, and Tenten gave an involuntary sigh of relief.

Neji scooped up the scroll, keeping his larger hand over hers, and bringing her other hand to rest on the cool crispness of the paper.

"Seal this as normal," he pressed warm hands over cold. "Don't let it out of your keeping."

"After the last couple of months?" she asked with a snort. "I might never let it out of my sight again."

She opened the parchment and looked it over with an expert eye before giving a nod of smug satisfaction. "Everything intact," she smiled before sealing it again. "Guess I should be thanking you," she said, tucking the scroll into the deep pocket of her robe.

"I told you I'd take good care of it," he scoffed.

She flicked a glance to the clock, and to the cooling tea.

"You'd better get going," she said distantly. "Don't want to keep Sai waiting."

She started to turn for the balcony, but was halted by a strong and gentle hand on her upper arm.

Neji was shocked to see it was his.

She looked at his hand and then back up to his face in confusion.

"Neji?"

He hesitated for several jumping heartbeats before drawing her close, wrapping unsure arms around her, and cradling her to himself.

She stiffened at first, before tentatively slipping her arms around his waist, and resting her head gently on his shoulder.

"Neji," she said, quietly. "What is it?"

"I am worried about you."

The admission surprised him, but he felt better for it, so he continued.

"Takayuki is planning something big in the next few days, and that includes plans for you. He is not an opponent to be taken lightly, Tenten."

She smiled against his throat.

"Why are you smiling?" he frowned. "I am being serious."

"I know," she said. "And I am listening. It… it is just good to hear my name," she admitted. "I get tired of being 'Lady Tomoe' all of the time."

"This will all be over soon," he promised. "Then we will return to Konoha and our missions, and I doubt anyone will ever confuse you with a 'Lady' ever again."

"You're probably right," she laughed, and he realized how much he had missed the sound.

And her.

"You will be careful tonight, won't you?" she asked against his throat.

"Yes."

"Good."

He felt the flick of her eyelashes against his neck as she closed her eyes with a small, contented sigh.

Neji rested his chin on the top of her head, and allowed himself this small, rare luxury.

There was a subtle shift in the air.

Something between them clicked and fell into place.

He held her closer, and she wrapped her arms more tightly around him.

"Thanks for worrying about me, Neji," her breath was warm against his throat.

It felt like the most natural thing in the world when he pressed a kiss to her forehead.

"You're welcome, Tenten."

It was an indeterminate number of heartbeats before he felt rather than saw her smile impishly.

"You know this doesn't affect our other bet," she said.

He smiled against her hair.

"I wouldn't expect it to."

He released her gently, leaning back just enough to see her face and tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

Neji flicked a glance to the table with the now-cool tea. "Tomorrow evening," he said quietly. "I'll return. We can have our tea then."

"I'd like that," she smiled. "It's not the same without you. Doesn't feel like home."

The chiming clock reminded them that time was slipping by.

Tenten dimmed the lights to make his exit lest noticeable, and released the seals on her side.

It was time to go.

"Seal everything after I leave," Neji warned her. "I strongly suspect things are going to move forward rapidly after tonight, and I don't know where we will be assigned. Be ready…and…if I can't be with you," he brushed a thumb across her cheek, "I trust you to take care of yourself. Promise me you'll-"

She interrupted by pressing a gentle kiss to his lips that he was too shocked to return.

"I'll be careful," she promised with a crooked smile and a gentle hand on his arm. "I promise."

Recovered, he responded by pulling her closer for a far more deliberate kiss.

She smiled against his lips. "Not that I mind your attempt at persuasion, but I already promised to be careful."

"Just making sure we're on the same page," he murmured. Her arms slid around his neck, and he pulled her hips to his, restating his non-verbal argument. He had no inkling that time had passed until the clock chimed the quarter hour.

Tenten, though, snapped to attention. "Sai is waiting," she said quietly, and with clear reticence.

"Tomorrow, then" he reluctantly stepped away from her.

"Tomorrow," she agreed.

Seconds later, he was running lightly across the rooftop, his thoughts unwinding in the cold air.

This evening was the second time she mentioned their time together as feeling like home, and he found he had to agree.

And with that, came two additional realizations.

One, while it felt nothing like his time with his clan it did feel like home.

Two, he had missed it more than he had realized.

If there was a "Three," he wasn't quite ready to name it.

Instead, he ran faster, letting the biting wind slice over him, honing his focus for his mission. His last thought before surrendering his mind to the task at hand was the reassurance that even in a foreign land, it was still possible to return 'home.'

A little fluff. It got cut and added no less than five times, but I figured, why the hell not. See you next week!

- Giada