Late update, very sorry. Thank you all for the reviews. I even get scared if I don't update. Aha, yeah, but I'm still very busy and updates still wont come fast. I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Royal Punishment

by iJutsu

Chapter 14

Saturday finally came. After a whole week of troubles, a day of relaxation finally came. Hopefully.

Tenten sat up on her bed numbly. She wasn't able to get enough sleep due to yesterday's encounter. Both Sasuke's and Neji's impact on her fell on her painfully. Also Sakura's impact, who hasn't spoken one word to her since yesterday. She grunted. The only one that wasn't giving her a problem was Lee, who continuously tried contacting her yesterday. He, being the protective one, obviously wanted to know what was up with her. Tenten sighed deeply and grabbed her phone, decided to cut Lee some slack and stop worrying him. After slowly and hesitantly dialing his number, she waited for him to pick up. Almost instantly, Lee picked up.

"Tenten?" Lee said first, sounded shocked, yet happy to have finally hear from her.

"H-hello, Lee," Tenten said a bit quietly, "How are you?"

The was a pause. A long, awkward, suspenseful pause. Tenten winced a bit nervously, finally hearing him speak.

"I leave you more than 20 messages on your phone asking if you were okay and you still have to ask me how I am!?" Lee groaned, "How are YOU? Are you okay? Are you hurt?"

Tenten sighed a deep sigh. She needed a friend, and Lee was just that. She felt the urge to break out and cry, but decided to at least be strong for once, she kept the crying inside of her. Tenten clutched the phone tightly before speaking. Lee already knew she wanted to let out. And he was ready.

"Yes, Lee, I'm really hurt," Tenten said, sounding sarcastically happy, "Neji ruined my chances of living a fairy tale life, Sasuke must think I'm a fool, and now I think Sakura hates me, because she's not talking to me. P-please, Lee. Help me. I hate this. I hate this very much...very much.You were right. I did get hurt, when I thought I w-wouldn't. I thought I was strong but...but.."

Her bottom lip was now quivering and her eyes were shut tight. She couldn't continue. She never realized the letting out her thoughts feelings would give her this relieved, yet smally painful feeling. Lee sighed, knowing that even though she was quiet, she was hurting even more. After a couple seconds of silence, he spoke.

"C'mon," he said, trying to sound comforting, "Get ready. Let's go walk around town. We'll talk there. I'll pick you up, okay? I'll be there in about 10 minutes."

Tenten gave a quiet 'okay', before hanging up. She wiped her invisible tears and slowly got off bed to get ready. Tenten was thankful for Lee. She really was. Otherwise, she would've continued laying on her bed sulking in misery. After putting on a simple pair of jeans and a plain white shirt, she cleaned herself up a bit and waited in her kitchen, which was near the door. She glanced over at the clock. Lee was to arrive soon. A bit too soon, because before she was able to look away from the clock, somebody knocked on her door. Already knowing who it was, she got up and opened the door slowly. Once the door was fully opened, her eyes opened wide in surprise.

Before her stood Sakura, who just now looked up from the ground. She looked at Tenten softly, as Tenten continued staring at her in awe. All of a sudden, Sakura shut her eyes tight and hugged her friend dearly. Tenten, still in surprise, looked over at Lee, who was just smiling at both of them. This was a good sign. Tenten, feeling happiness slowly build up back in her heart, hugged Sakura back. Once they released, Lee clapped playfully. Tenten, still confused of the whole thing, looked at the both of them. Lee, noticing the look, just chuckled.

"Let's go now," he said, "I'll explain everything while we walk."

Tenten slowly nodded, eyes still slightly wide. Managing a small silly smile, Tenten locked the door and finally the three walked down the stairs and left the apartment building. It wasn't until they were 5 feet away from the apartment when Lee began to speak. He cleared his throat and looked strictly at Tenten before doing so. She shivered slightly.

"What did he do to you?" Lee started, "Why are you hurt?"

"You're hurt?" Sakura asked, finally speaking with a voice so kind, it was as if she and Tenten were not in a 'fight' to begin with, "What happened?"

Tenten took a deep breath. She loved the concern, but she didn't want to break down again. She rolled her eyes at herself. Perhaps she 'broke down' way to much this week. But herself wasn't the one to blame. She glanced over at her friends, who were looking at her, eager for her answer. She gave them a small smile, deciding not to get to deep with it. Tenten looked forward, kicking a pebble along the way as they walked.

"Neji...kissed me," Tenten said as plain as she could, not noticing the shocked expressions she was given, "He kissed me...twice. The first time it happened was after he 'fought' with me, because he was looking down at me like a...servant. The second time he did it was...before he said he loved me."

Tenten paced herself a bit before eying her friends, who just stopped walking with their mouths dropped on the floor. She fully turned towards them, raising a brow. Lee was the first to get himself together. He shook his head in disbelief and stared at Tenten with eyes filled with concern and confusion.

"Wait," he said, "He loves you? I...I thought you told us that this whole thing was a favor, a fake!"

"It was," Tenten replied, "And it still is, without no doubt. I don't really understand myself."

"How can you speak so calm?" Sakura asked, sadly, "He hurts you, he kisses you, and then he hurts you again. What did you say? Are you still hurt?"

Tenten paused for a while, trying to recall the moment. Suddenly, that word popped up immediately in her head. HATE. HATE was that word. She slightly looked down, remembering she yelled at him saying she hated him. Then she just now remembered her saying that she didn't hate him, but seriously disliked him. She grunted. She had every right to hate him at the moment. After all the pain, she did indeed have every right. Although, right now, she felt sorry, sorry for what she did. "I don't hate him," Tenten thought reinforcing to herself, "I don't." Once again, her friends were looking at her impatiently for an answer. She lifted up her head and gave them a smile.

"I said something that I didn't regret, but now do," she said, with that smile still planted upon her soft lips, "And yes, I'm still hurt, but I'm healing. I'm healing fast."

Lee and Sakura stayed quiet, looking worriedly at their poor, yet happy friend. Lee sighed pitifully, hating how there was no way he could share the pain Tenten was going through. Sakura, being the easily touched one, embraced her once again, this time, a bit more tighter. Tenten welcomed her hug, for she hugged back. Once they stepped back from one another, Tenten blinked, remembering something. She looked straight at Sakura.

"You're not mad at me anymore, right, Sakura?" she asked a bit shyly.

Sakura, who was giving her a confused look, opened her mouth to speak, but before she was able to , a screech of a car conquered their ears. They all turned towards the sound, only seeing a white car that was now parking. Tenten stared at it dully and a bit annoyingly. "That's the car that Neji usually rides in," Tenten thought, panicking ever so slightly. Tenten looked more throughly. This time, it was only that white car. It wasn't with the two black cars that usually accompanies it. Lee and Sakura were also staring at it, most likely already knowing what kind that was. The engine stopped running and they heard somebody exit the door from the opposite side. A tall person with a hat closed the door softly and looked up. Tenten's eyes widened a bit.

"Iori?" she asked.

Iori just nodded and walked to them. Lee and Sakura just stood there, as still as a statue, staring up at him in surprise. Tenten noticed and sighed. "They must have not met him," she thought to herself. Iori cleared his throat and bowed respectfully at Tenten. Tenten just slowly bowed her head back, still quite surprised of his sudden appearance. After raising her head, she looked at the car a bit numbly. Iori noticed and he gave out a comforting smile before speaking.

"Do not worry, Miss Tenten," he said, "The prince is not with me. I came on my own will."

Tenten looked at him in relief.

"But, if I may ask, may you come with me to the palace? Prince Neji is not there, for he is at a meeting and won't be returning until after 2 more hours, so nothing to worry about. I just really need to speak with you. This may only take merely 30 minutes. I'd speak to you here, but I believe we should be in a more private area."

Tenten's relief on her face left. Sakura looked at her and then at Iori a bit disgustingly, getting the wrong idea obviously.

"Hey, buddy," she said strictly towards the taller male, "What's with this 'speak in private', huh? If you're thinking about laying one finger on her, you're way out..."

"M-miss, please, do not get any wrong ideas," Iori said a bit flustered, putting his hands before him in an assuringly motion, "I just need to speak to Miss Tenten about the tantrums going around in the palace regarding her. I will drive her home to you both if I must."

"Yes, you must," Lee said, crossing his arms.

Iori nodded, somewhat nervously, towards them and opened the back door for Tenten to enter. Tenten gave her friends a final smile goodbye and hesitantly entered the car. Iori slowly closed the door and without giving the two friends a last look, he entered and began to drive. Tenten looked out the window, seeing that her friends were still looking at the car. She looked at them until they were no longer in her sight. She sighed a bit shakily. After all of what happened, she really didn't want to enter the palace, or deal with anything 'royal' at the while. Right now, knowing that she couldn't just leave, she just hoped deeply that Neji won't return from his meeting anytime soon. Tenten looked at Iori, who was driving calm towards the castle. She sighed once again. She really doesn't understand Iori, and the fact that he always appears surprises her. Tenten let out a sarcastic chuckle. "Boy, was my week full of surprises," she thought. After a couple of minutes, they finally pulled over into the palace. The gate opened and Iori drove towards the front of the palace. When reaching there, he stopped the car and got out to help Tenten get out. Although, once he got out of the car, Tenten was already standing near the bridge, waiting for him. He blinked.

"You don't need to do everything for me, Iori," she said, assuringly with a soft smile.

Iori, who obviously didn't like that idea, for now just nodded and walked right next to her. After crossing the bridge, he slowly opened the palace doors, that once again amazed Tenten, and they both entered. Tenten, feeling the nervousness building up within her, looked around for any signs of Neji. Luckily there wasn't. Iori walked ahead of her and she followed. They entered a hallway that was within the hallway in which the private rooms were at, and walked towards stairs. Tenten stayed close as they walked downstairs, for she hasn't been here before and being lost was something that she really did not want to happen. The downstairs, which looked just as ravishing as the upstairs, was really quiet and filled with only officials. Iori finally reached a door that had his name carved onto a gold plate that hung on the door. "Must be his room," Tenten thought, dully, breaking the obvious. They both entered and Iori quietly closed the door behind him. He then looked at Tenten and pointed at the couches near by. He sat. She sat down as well, fidgeting a bit.

"What is that you needed to talk about again?" Tenten asked quickly.

"I'm really close to the prince himself, Miss Tenten," Iori said, getting straight to the topic, "Almost like, what we these day would call, 'friends'. I apologize deeply for getting into your and his business, Miss Tenten, but I couldn't help but overhear that Neji just last night confessed his love to you?"

Tenten paused for a moment, slightly dumbfounded of how he could possibly know. Officials obviously must have their ways. Tenten, wanting to end this conversation as soon as possible already, just nodded.

"Yes, he did," she said quietly, avoiding eye-contact.

"And what did you say in return?" he asked calmly.

Tenten figured that if she stayed quiet, or if she didn't answer, it'll only make things longer, or she'll bump into Neji during the attempt of leaving the palace after their little conversation. She shook the negative thoughts out of her head and deeply sighed, now looking down at her fingers that was fidgeting with the end of her shirt.

"I said I hated him," she said more quietly, her voice getting a bit dry.

"Ah," Iori said, nodding, and now getting deeper within the discussion, "Now, I ask you this and again, forgive me for asking such questions, but did you mean it?"

Tenten's head immediately shot up, giving Iori such a questionable expression, "Pardon?"

"Did you mean it?" he said again, "Do you really hate him?"

Tenten once again felt something in her heart. It wasn't pain, nor was it guilt or any feelings that could possibly hurt her. It was just a feeling, a new feeling she did not yet understand. Her eyes were still fixed on Iori, and Iori's eyes were just as fixed. He seemed patient, seemingly looking fine with her taking her time to answer such a simple question. She grunted quietly. It wasn't just a 'yes' or 'no' question for her. Without a doubt, Iori too seems as if he expects more of an answer. She bit her bottom lip and stopped shivering. Giving Iori a dull look, she took a deep breath and let it out.

"It's hard to explain," Tenten said in almost between a whimper and whine, "I mean, one minute the guy is fighting with me, the next, he...kissed me. Y-you saw it, didn't you? You saw it when he...he just...did that. A-and, just that night I felt so unlike me. I was weak, Iori, weak. I...I wanted to cry. I did cry, and it hurt. It hurt bad. And...and when I least expected it, he came to my house and looked apologetic. After seeing his look, I felt a bit better, like I was already ready to forgive him. T-then he kissed me again and just suddenly said 'I love you'. Those words, Iori...I felt so...light when I heard it. When I heard it come from him."

Iori noticed a smile creep onto her face. A small, yet truly happy smile.

"I actually felt like a Princess," she said with a foolish and embarrassed smile, "Sadly enough, I'm sounding like those girls from the Neji fanclub, but It felt nice. When he said it, for just a small moment, my heart leaped like it was suppose to when one says love towards another. Then, realizing that he's...playing with my feelings, it was then I felt sad. Truthfully, Iori, I did like it. And despite how incredibly angry, and I do mean incredibly angry, I am at him right now...I...I really hope I can hear it again."

"So that means..." Iori breathed out.

Silence came over the two and the air felt thin. Tenten took one last deep breath as she smiled softly once more.

"...I...love him, too."

Iori stared at Tenten in complete surprise. That really was more of an answer than he needed. Iori was in complete awe. He did know what Neji did, and now hearing Tenten's side of the story made him realize how deep this whole thing was for her and Neji. Especially Neji. Iori closed his eyes calmly, summing up the thoughts in his head while leaving Tenten in silence. "That's it," Iori thought with a relieved smile, "That's enough." He finally opened his eyes and he stood up, causing Tenten to also stand up. She looked confused. He just gave her a small, apologetic smile and looked towards the corner of the room, where a huge cabinet sat.

"You can come out now, your highness," Iori said.

Tenten's eyes widen as she quickly looked towards where Iori spoke. Within seconds, the worse person to come at a moment like this walked out from behind the large cabinet. Finally revealing himself, Tenten gasped loudly and covered her mouth in panic.

"N-Neji?"

Neji just stood there, staring straight at Tenten in surprise, yet with a soft expression. It was obvious that he heard everything. Tenten blushed madly. She turned her head towards Iori in disbelief of what was happening. Iori saw her look and winced. He too has pained her with his lies of Neji not being her. Feeling guilty, he bowed his head and whispered something that sounded like: "I'm sorry." Tenten couldn't believe it. She didn't want to. She then looked at Neji in fear and embarrassment, and who was now walking closer to her. Panic overwhelmed her. She wasn't to stay. Without hesitation, she turned around and quickly ran out of the room. Tenten dashed out of the room and quickly up the stairs, bumping into random officials as she made her way through. She didn't dare look back. Her hands still covered her mouth in shock. "He heard everything," she thought, "He heard every single thing I said and I know it!"

Inner thoughts conquered her head: "Why?" "You love him." "He loves you." "What's the problem?" "Why are you scared?" Tenten shook her head, erasing the thoughts. She closed her eyes tightly, and once she opened them, she noticed the the exit was very near. Luckily she didn't hear any footsteps from behind her, so she was safe. Just for a second. As she ran, her, to her frustration, shoelace became undone. Before she was able to completely notice, she fell forward and foolishly landed on her knees. Tenten winced from the sting on her knees from skidding a bit, feeling it's burn. She looked down and rubbed her ankle. It seems like she sprained it slightly. Still gripping onto her ankle, she shakily sighed as she saw a shadow stand before her. She didn't even need to look up. Another game was lost.

"I know what you're thinking, Neji," she whispered only loud enough for them both to hear, "Why is she always running away?"

There was a short pause coming from him. He just sighed softly and sat down on the floor in front of her, accompanying her. She didn't look up and just continued rubbing her ankle.

"You're right," Neji said softly and plainly, "I was thinking that for quite a while, since you've been avoiding me from the beginning."

Tenten just continued looking down, but her ears were wide open. Whatever good thing he was to say to her, she had to make sure she wouldn't miss it. Neji rested his arms on his legs and looked at her. She looked nervous, or shy for that matter. He gave out a small, and hardly noticeable smile. He couldn't blame her. She obviously did not expect that he was there with them the whole time. But what was done was done. He heard it, and she knows its. Neji cleared her throat before speaking.

"...I heard what you said," Neji continued.

Tenten stiffed and remained quiet, not knowing what to say. Neji sighed, pacing himself before saying what he wanted to say. His face softened.

"...Do I really make you feel that much?" he asked, "Am I that bad?"

Silence once again came towards them. He stared deeply at her, not planning to leave until he gets his answer. Tenten began to shake very little and her grip around her knee started to tighten. He was doing it again. Her breathing became slightly heavy and thoughts became uneasy. Who was to apologize? Tenten felt that it was her need.

"I...I'm sorry," she muttered quietly, "W-what I said the other...other day, I didn't mean it...I didn't mean it. I d-don't hate you. B-but you kept on...i was just...you kissed...love me...l-love me..."

Her voice was muffled, as if something was caught in her throat. She hated herself, from once again showing weakness and pity. Her knuckles grew redder, getting ready to let out once more. Confusion came across her, for she wasn't sure of whether she was mad. Sad. Or even sorry. Finally, she sharply lifted up her head and looked straight at Neji as tears trailed down her red cheeks. Neji's eyes widened very little, shocked by her tears.

"Do you know how much pain you got me through?" she almost yelled, "So much, Neji, so much...so much..."

She wasn't able to control it. She covered her eyes with both her hands and tried her best to keep in the tears that wanted to desperately fall. All of these tears just because of three simple words: "I love you." Tenten hated it and she wanted it to stop. As much as she hates to admit it, she wanted him to stop it. She wanted him to cure her for reasons she still didn't know. All of a sudden, Neji pulled her gently by her arm and pulled her to his chest. His warm arms slowly wrapped around her while her hands were still covering her eyes.

"I know," he whispered into her hair, "I'm sorry."

Tenten allowed his embrace and approved his apology. Neji's sudden change of personality did confuse her, but perhaps it was for her. If that was the reason, they'd both have to adjust. Tenten started to calm down a bit and her hands stayed firmly on his chest as she removed them from her eyes.

"Don't play with my feelings anymore," Tenten whispered, "Or else, next time, you're dead meat to me."

Neji let out a chuckle, hearing humor, or happiness, finally come out of her. He softly pulled her back and planted a small, butterfly kiss on her forehead. He let go, now keeping his hands to himself. He, starting at this moment, did not want to do anything wrong to her. She noticed.

"I won't."

Tenten just laughed quietly. Neji, hearing her laugh, also let out another chuckle and gave her a small smirk.

"So, Tenten, I need to ask you a little favor."

Tenten blinked.

"...Sure, What is it?"

"I need you to be my lover."

A real smile finally came onto her face.

"I'll do it."

--

In a distance stood the queen, staring at the two sitting upon the floor sharing laughs and smiles. Her frown deepened and she turned sharply on her heel, heading on back to her room. Anger and disappointment filled her mind as she picked up the crown for the definite chosen one. She clutched her tightly and threw it hard onto the ground. The queen looked pitifully at it before leaving the room.

"No."

TBC

Man. Ew, I hated this chapter. I thought it was to turn out better, but I'll settle with this. Well, the ended is getting closer, and I'm going to have to stop fanfiction-ing for a while. (probably, depends). But there's going to be a bonus chapter at the end of this story that relates to this chapter. Please continue R&R! Thank you all:)