Hyugatenten: yes indeed they're acting kinda like jiraiya lol…and uh…tenten and hitomi would get drunk and lee would start dancing XD
Moonlightpath: lol neji is very, um, protective of tenten…extremely protective XD and its nice to know that u understand how lee and hitomi will fit together…
Japponess: he killed me and im posting this from heaven XD tente is DDRing and neji has alrdy knocked out naruto
Lil-Donkey: escape from neji? That's impossible…and how do I update so fast? And those poor anbu guarding the hokage tower…hn they're so popular I think im gonna name them bob and beevis lol
Hibiyuru: plot? What plot? XD I haven't even started…last chapter went about an inch into the plot…and of course tenten can dance! She's tenten!
Sarafu-chan: wow, a lot of ppl have been wondering how I update so fast? Uh why wouldn't I? …the ANBU (not to be confused with the poor hard-working ANBU guarding the hokage) were forced to give them to jiraiya lol…awww, that stinks, ur grandma wont give u allowance if u don't like do chores or something?
HikAri Aki: hmmmm…time to explain the tsunade/usaga/temari chat…PPL READ THIS IF U DON'T UDERSTAND WHATEVER CONTRIBUTED TO THE PLOT LAST CHAPPIE! Ok…erhem…uh…(blank mind)…wait for it…(still blank mind)…oh yeah, it reveals info about the clan war, which happened about two decades before the time of the story and 15 yrs before kyuubi was sealed into naruto…the clans were divided into several warring factions, note that this war was not between villages and countries but between the most prominent clans…supposedly a member of the thought to be wiped out Kotone Clan has survived…at least that's what it appears like, a scroll with the kotone clan symbol was left inside the Mizukage's tower…but they have yet to see the "survivor"…for all they know, it is just a hoax, which is what tsunade thinks it is…temari was there to deliver a message, well, several, including one having to do with the kotone thingy…if there is a survivor, which usaga believes there to be, they're ranking him/her as a S-ranked missing nin (note: they don't know for sure whether it's a boy or girl…)…and the kotone was one of the strongest clans, and did not formally belong to any village…hope that cleared everything up
Harukakanata: thx hmm is tenten part of the kotone clan? Maybe? Or maybe she's the person the survivor of the kotone clan is trying to kill…or maybe she is the survivor and has a split personality without her being aware of it!…XD who knows…well I do, but hey…that's life! Read on to find out
Kaeru Soyokaze: tenten becomes a diva! Jkjk that would be too girly for her XD jiraiya is hilarious, which is why I like him
Kodoku: lol yes I finally got the plot rolling after THIRTEEN STUPID CHAPTERS! XD shika-kun does not enjoy being called shika-kun lol
Asura of Love: actually tenten is going to dance all night, and neji is going to the club lol…I do my best to please my readers
Snow wind: really? What was the beautiful part lol?
The essence of popsicles: not really a new development lol…that is actually the main plot of the story…I just needed to work on it, so I procrastinated by writing random shit that u ppl call the first twelve chappies…lol with the entrance of kite (hmmm is it a she of a he?)…and temari isn't the type to glomp people, apart from shikamaru that is XD…as for neji and tenten…it depends on the person in love lol…based on past experiences…
Senjou: (scream) NOOOO NOT ANOTHER LITTLE BROTHER! XD my little brother is alrdy enough…I updated so don't sic him on me!
I got the plot rolling last chappie! It rolls about two millimeters in this one…and neji kicks main branch ass and then nearly loses his brain cells in this chappie
…oh yeah…bold words means either kyuubi is talking to naruto via thought…or mandra is talking to anko via thought
…I would've updated earlier, but I found I didn't have time, so to make it up, this chappie is long…real long…(no not that long XD)
Chapter 14 All Night Long
Neji walked briskly down the dust road back to Konoha. Hinata followed a step beside him hurriedly, occasionally sending a worried glance to Neji.
"N-Neji-niisan…w-why d-did you d-do that?"
"Because he needs to learn to keeps his dirty hands off you…the fool, what did he do to you? Anything?"
"N-No Neji-niisan Naruto-kun wouldn't hurt me!" she was almost on the verge of crying. Frowning, he noticed this and looked at her.
"Hinata, you know I'm only doing this because I wish to keep you safe…"
"Y-Yes b-but…I-I…Naruto…"
She glanced quickly at Naruto badly beaten and bruised body, which Neji was dragging along the road.
"Y-You didn't need to do this to him!"
"He slept with you…" He looked at her, "He didn't try anything, did he?"
"N-No!"
"Good, then I won't have to kill him. So tell me, what are your feelings for him?"
"I-I feel the same way about him as you do Tenten-san! P-Please don't be so angry with Naruto!" She was practically begging him now, and there definitely were tears in her eyes.
He sighed and immediately picked a dusty Naruto up and slung him over his shoulder. "Hinata-sama, you're a grown girl now, 17, you need to leanr to be strong…stick up for yourself. If Naruto is really that much to you, thewn stick up for him. By that I mean you should have stopped me form beating him down."
"B-But you're too strong!"
"You really think I would hurt you? If you had intervened, I would have desisted immediately…" He glanced up at the starry night sky. "Beautiful night out…"
Hinata looked up, "Yes, yes it is…um, Neji-niisan?"
"Hn?"
"I just w-wanted you to know that I-I l-love Naruto-kun…can you accept that?" She started playing around with her fingers, which Neji noted. He looked straight ahead, thinking hard. Then he looked back at Hinata and said, "If you really love him, then fine, I will support you all the way…but if he does a single thing to hurt you, I will personally sterilize him…" He smirked.
To his surprise, Hinata let out a cry of happiness and immediately threw her arms around Neji's waist, hugging him tightly.
"Arigato Neji-niisan! Love you!"
Neji smiled and patted her head. "Let's hurry up back. I'm rather tired…" He yawned as Hinata released her death grip on him.
About twenty minutes later, a pissed off-looking Neji walked through the gates of Konoha, being laughed at by some of the shinobi stationed there. He was holding a dirty Naruto under onearm while giving a piggy-back ride to a sleeping Hinata.Damn you Hinata! Why'd you fall asleep too? I'd think that by 17 you'd be just a little more grown up…tch
Tenten sat at her table, sipping a personally made pina colada from the bartender, who was also a friend of hers. As people went by, they'd say hi to her, and compliment her on her dancing talents. Tenten smiled. She was feeling good right now…until she remembered what she was trying to forget…He doesn't love me…
Her mood plummeted back to hell again. At that moment, a certain bowel-haired boy popped in front of her.
"LEE! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?"
"Having fun with Hitomi-chan!" Hitomi arrived with a margarita in her hands.
"18 is the drinking age right?"
"No, but I'm pretty sure Tsunade–sama wouldn't mind. Lee, want me to get you a drink?"
"Of ourse not! It is the men who are supposed get the drinks!"
Tenten grinned drunkenly, swaying slightly in her seat. "Well, I guess I look like a man enough…" She got up, staggering a bit. Lee quickly put out his hands to support her, but she shrugged them off.
"Lee, I don't need any help now, I'm a grown girl now…"
"Tenten-chan, you're drunk!"
Hitomi came along, sipping at her margarita through a straw. She stopped in front of Tenten.
"Are you sure dear? You don't seem to well…I have some detoxification pills…"
Tenten smiled dizzily, "Nah, I'm good. I'm here to let loose and forget about my troubles. Wanna join?"
Lee and Hitomi looked at each other, grinning madly.
Two hours later…
"Number 29 and still feeling fine!" Tenten laughed, hiccupping slightly. She sat slouching on one side of the tble, while Hitomi sat on the other side, almost nodding off. She giggled at Tenten, who promptly ordered another pina colada and downed it.
They were amusing themselves by watching a drunk Lee dance like a madman. People were gathering arounf the dance floor to cheer him on, as he leapt around with a silly smile on his face.
Tenten then realized something. Shaking her head to try and free herself from the sleep-inducing effects of the alcohol, she asked "Wait a minute…why were you with Lee? Are you not getting married to Neji-san?"
"Unfortunately yes…"
Abruptly, Tenten stood up, slamming her drink on the table and spilling some of its foamy contents onto the surface of the table. Hitomi looked at her alarm. Tenten glared furiously at her, though her eyes were slightly out of focus.
"How dare you…Neji is a good person, and a good friend. And yet you don't think anything of him? He is going to marry you, yet you say he is not worthy of you?"
"Tenten-chan, calm down, I believe you're a bit drunk now. I never said he wasn't worthy, I just fe—"
"He may be cold, but he is honorable! And he does his best to fulfill his obligations! He has agreed to marry you! And you have the sense to ridicule him? Do you know how lucky you are? To marry him?"
"Tenten-san, please, calm down, I hold only the outmost respect for Neji-san, but I have only met him…please, don't be angry with me. I know you love him, but—"
Tenten whipped her hand up with blinding speed and made to slap her, but she stopped right beside Hitomi's cheek.
"Stop there…don't…"
"Tenten-san, I klnow that you love him…but you should te—"
"Shut up…just…shut up…" Tenten's hand clutched at her chest, as though she had trouble breathing.
"Tenten! Are you all right?"
"I'm fine, excuse my manners." Out of the blue she punched herself in the face, drawing a gasp from Hitomi. When she removed her hand, she had a bloody nose, but she was smiling again, with her eyes focused now. But then her expression changed to guilt.
"Hitomi-san…about that, sorry, I was…like you said, a bit drunk…" she clasped a hand to her cheek, "I-I can't believe I acted like that!"
"It's all right, I know how you feel. Hopeless…I feel that way too…no way to control my destiny…it's like I'm trapped" She smiled wistfully, as she handed Tenten a napkin for her nose. Tenten accepted it with a nod and sat down.
"Forgive my being blunt, but do you love him?"
Tenten looked down at her lap thoughtfully. "No," she answered, "He's just a close friend. I was angry with you because wanted to make sure he had found a suitable wife who would make him happy. We're just partners, that's all…"
Hitomi looked at Tenten. She suspected that she was lying, but she couldn't be sure, because thought she thought she sensed a twinge of sadness in her voice, Tenten had the next moment put on a mask of cheeriness.
"Haha! Look at Lee! God, he's like the brother I never had. I just love him! Hey! He's waving at us!"
Hitomi giggled when she turned to look at Lee who was doing a one-hand handplant and was waving at the two, who were sitting on one of the higher levels
Tenten-san…you should be more open about your true feeling…because if you don't do it soon, it may be too late…
Naruto woke up in the middle of the night, with a major headache.
Kid, you just got your ass kicked by the Hyuuga glacier…
Shut up baka-kitsune!
He rubbed his head, groaning. Why the hell did he do that?
Bad choice of words, kit…you said you "slept", quote on quote, with his sister…that hot chick…Hinata, was it? Pervert…her name is Hinata, and she is not his sister! She's his cousin!Whatever you say kit, I still say she's sexy, but just a little on the timid side, wouldn't you say? Of course, I personally feel that makes her all the more adorable…hehe…just makes you wanna go and hug her and squeeze her and cuddle her and fon—
"SHUT THE HELL UP YOU FREAKING PEDOPHILIC OLD FOX! DON"T YOU DARE TALK ABOUT HINATA-SAN LIKE THAT!"
So already protective about her, eh? I'd have to agree, she is definitely a keeper!
"FSK YOU YA DAMN FOX! GET OUT OF MY MIND!"
Hinata was walking down the hallway of the Main Branch Complex, intending on seeing whether Naruto was awake or not and could train with her…er…along with some personal bonding time for her to get enough courage to properly ask him out…in the middle of the night…
Wait…but aren't the boys supposed to do that? B-But what is Naruto-kun doesn't like me? What if he still likes Sakura?
The more Hinata thought about it the more worried she got. Halfway she was already biting her nails in anxiety. One of her cousins, Hina, also on the Main Branch, happened to be taking a midnight.
"Hinata-chan, is something the matter? You shouldn't be up so late, and you like you saw a ghost!"
"I-I'm fine! Really! Just thinking…"
"Oh…okay…oh yeah. By the way, in case you didn't no, there will be dueling tomorrow. Between our favorite cousin, Neji, and some idiots in our Main House. Poor Neji-kun, he's being forced to fight to win that Hitomi girl's love…" Hina's face took on a dream-like state as she walked off into the darkness with a wispy "good-night".
Hinata continued walking, and before she knew it, she was in front of the guest room Naruto was staying in. She suddenly heard shouting and screaming from inside and gasped. She pressed her ears to the door. Her eyes widened in shock as she listened. Suddnely she found herself dropping down into the darkest pits of hell.
"HINATA-SAN….! …FSK YOU…!" was all she heard.
She immediately fell to her knees in disbelief. Naruto-kun h-hates me? B-But why?
She could feel the tears coming. Why does he hate me?
Hinata was in tears now, sobbing into her hands.
Naruto meanwhile was still screaming and totally oblivious to the fact that Hinata was outside his door sobbing feeling very neglected indeed.
Kit you baka! Your girlfriend is outside the door right now and by the sound of it she's CRYING! GO COMFORT HER!
SHE'S NOT MY FSKING GIRLFRIEND!Hmmm really now? Let's see…she's girl, at least I think she is…she your friend right? …yes and girl plus friend equals girlfriend if I am not mistaken in compounding words…hehe…
Naruto didn't have the wit to respond, and if Hinata really was outside his door crying, he'd want to go and give her a hug.
You win this time, ero-kitsune…
I know child, I always win…
Still crying her eyes out, she slowly stod up and made to leave. As she was walking she heard someone say softly, "Hinata-chan, why are you crying outside my room? And why at such a late time?" (A/N yes Naruto is developing bursts of maturity…he's 17 for god's sake)
Hinata didn't turn, afraid to let him see her tears, but even more afraid to look him in the eye. "N-Naruto-kun, I heard what you said…" she paused, sniffing, "I know…you hate me. But I won't hold it against you. It's probably my f-fault for being too w-weak."
She felt a lump rise in her throat. It was becoming too painful for her to continue.
"Hinata-chan, turn around and look at me…please. I don't hate you," he walked slowly over to her and gripped her shoulders gently and spun her around, "Come on now, don't be afraid. Look me in the eye. Do I look like I hate you?"
Hinata, looked up, tears still silently coursing down her cheeks. Smiling, Naruto carefully brushed several long and silk-like rouge strands of hair out of her pale-pearl colored eyes and gently wiped her tears away (A/N Hinata has shoulder length hair now…but she's still wearing a goddamn jacket…).
"B-But y-you said—"
"You must have misheard me. I did say your name, but I was cursing myself for not being there for you all the time…"
Nice thinking Kit…
Go to hell kitsune!
"R-Really?"
He flashed a foxy grin, saying, "Do these eyes lie?"
Hinata looked up into his blue eyes, and then she smiled happily, and immediately buried her face into his pajamas, sobbing. Naruto smiled to himself, hugged her back, wrapping his strong arms firmly around her waist.
"Er…Hinata-chan? Why are you still crying?"
She's crying because your sexiness is too strong for her to stand!
SHUT THE HELL UP!
I was joking, she's crying because she's happy that you've finally accepted her…
Why doesn't anyone teach me these things?
Dunno, ask that Jiraiya guy…
Naruto thought about, and decided that he'd prefer to learn these things through experience. He grinned to himself, as he smelled her hair. She smells nice, like flowers!
Is that all you can say about her? What about her curves, her— WHAT THE FSK ARE YOU TRYING TO PULL?Hinata happily snuggled against him, as they stood silently together in the empty hallways of the mansion. Naruto-kun…I…love you…
Neji stood alone in the courtyard, under the roof of a small hexagonal sitting house beside a quiet pool. He sighed and sat down on the bench, which circulated along the walls, interjected by two entrances. Through the rectangular holes in the wall, the rays of the bright moon came through, splashing Neji with splotches of white illuminating light. But he kept his face in the shadows, brooding over many questions; what would happen tomorrow, what would happed between Hinata and Naruto, where was Tenten, and did he hurt her feelings? Did he have feelings for her? And more specifically, what size bra was she wearing?
He realized what he had just asked himself and proceeded to go and dunk his head into the pool. Curse you stupid hormones…stop taking control of my mind!
After effectively waking his head and driving all nasty thoughts from his mind, he returned to his seat.
He pondered this, resting his chin on his palm, gazing out at the sparkling pool, whose clear waters shone in the moonlight. Beautiful…just like…her…
He allowed himself that thought, smirking. He pictured her in his mind; her silken shirt, which now sported sleeves…her personal set of weapons…her adorable, cheerful smile, which put a smile on everyone else's face…and her legs, so long…
NOOOOOOO DAMN HORMONES!Okay, continuing with list…her silky brown-black hair tied up in buns, which he would love to pull…her deep, amber eyes, which he'd often get lost in without realizing it until he either got kicked or punched by Lee…and…
"Okay screw that…"
He then found that he was starting to already miss her smile. And her warmth, in both mental and physical sense. He heaved antoher impressive sigh. He missed the olden days, where he would train with her from sunrise to sunset. I should have paid more attention to you Tenten…
He laid down on the bench. Closing his eyes, he brooded over the current issues some more. It's probably about one in the morning now…but I can't sleep…
He remembered how Tenten had pretended that she was fine with the whole marrigage fiasco, but he could quite easily tell from her gestures with the help of the Byakugan that she was practically on the verge of brweaking down mentally and weeping. Did I hurt her? I really have no experience with girls…Tenten'sd not you r average girl, but she's still a girl…
What was Tenten to him again? A friend and a teammate of course…
Then he realized something which he hadn't thought of in the eight years he had known her. What's her family name? And who is her family? What clan is she?
He smacked himself for not figuring that out eight years ago. There he was, with Tenten as his best friend, and he didn't even know her surname, let alone her mother or father. We all just call her Tenten, all the same…
He was feeling really stupid now. WHAT IS HER NAME?
He grimaced. In those five years, what the hell had he been doing with her? Oh yeah…training…
He sighed once more and turned his head slightly to peer through one of the square-shaped opening, looking through to see the small stars that speckled the blanket of darkness above.
Then he moved onto Hinata and Naruto. Naruto he respected, being one of the few that ever beat the Hyuuga. With that strange ability to generate such an enormous amount of chakra…
Though he tended to be on the idiotic side, he was for the most part trustworthy and honorable. With a good dream as well. Neji smirked. He strives to be the next Hokage
He thought about Hinata and Naruto marrying each other. Strangely enough, the idea was not foreign nor as strange as he had previously though. They fit together perfectly; one shy and insecure, the other loudmouthed and stubborn. Neji also felt that Naruto would take very good care of Hinata, being how he treated those he deemed "precious".
Hinata is definitely precious to him…but he'd better hurry up…Hinata hasbecome one of the more…attractive bachlorettes of Konoha…as well as…Tenten…
He smirked. If everything worked out as planned…he could prevent anyone from attempting to date either him or Tenten…
Of course, he couldn't decide Tenten's future for her. He didn't want to restrict her from finding true happiness. He'd wouldn't dare inhibit her potential nor her social life. Not that neither of them really had one, but that was beside the matter; they were both eighteen now.
Suddenly, he heard some rustling, and he quickly rolled on the bench and got underneath it. Slowly, he rolled out and steahily kneeled up and looked out. Two figures were standing on the other side of the pool.
Byakugan!Veins bulged out of his temples as he activated his bloodline. With his all-seeing eyes, he saw that it was Hinata, with Naruto, who had his arm wrapped around her shoulders, and she seemed rather happy. Neji's eyes narrowed suspiciously. What're they doing up at this ungodly hour?
Naruto was whispering things into her ear, as she giggled softly. Neji had rarely seen her this happy. He was wondering whether or not to leave them be, or whether he go over there and put a stop to things before they happened. He did not intend on becoming an uncle so early.
Furtively, he went out of the small outhouse quietly. There were many flower bushes dotting the sides of the expansive pool, so he had plenty of cover to move behind. Slinking around the side of the pool, he arrived behind a bush about ten feet away from Hinata and Naruto.
Neji watched as the two would-be lovers embraced again. Okay I am getting a little sick of this mushy crap…
Suddenly, the two looked at each other, their faces moving in for the kill…
Okay Naruto…now you die…I must prevent Hinata's innocence from being tainted so early on!
Naruto looked into her eyes, which shone brightly under the moon. Her mother-of-pearl eyes made her all the more attractive. He had just noticed how truly beautiful Hinata was, with her long flowing hair, which she had grown out now. Her rosy lips, were just alluring. He felt himself drawn to her, and she to him. He had only gotten an occasional smile from er before, but now, he knew he couldn't live without her smile. He was curious; she seemed curious about kissing as well. So they silently agreed to test it out. They leaned forward towards each other, and Naruto closed his eyes. They were a couple inches apart. Now they were so close, that he could feel her warm, sweet-smelling breath wash over his face. Their lips were about half an inch apart when Naruto felt someone tap his shoulder. Naruto froze. Hianta didn't notice, and their lips would have touched, if the stranger hadn't ripped the two apart and pinned Naruto to the ground.
"What in the world do you think you're doing to Hinata-sama? Naruto-san?"
Naruto found himself staring into the Byakugan eyes of pissed off-looking Hyuuga Neji. Naruto grinned sheepishly and said nervously, "Uh, we couldn't control ourselves?"
"Wrong answer…" Neji flashed a sadistic grin.
Screams echoed throughout the Estates.
Five minutes later, Hinata found herself walking beside a disgruntled Neji and an unconscious and hurting Naruto, once again. Nervously, she looked up at Neji, and immediately looked back down at her feet when he looked back at her.
"Hinata-sama…you are not ready for these things yet…I do not suggest rushing through life that fast…"
"What? Y-You mean you've actually had experience with these matters before?"
He turned and smiled at her, "No…but I know enough to have a sense of what's right and what's wrong…"
"O-Okay…Neji-niisan. B-But Naruto, I-it wasn't his fault…"
"He should know better if he is the one destined for you. He is not realizing the consequences of such irrational actions, which he should, if he truly cares about you…do you understand? Hinata-sama? I am not doing this to sadden you…though you are probably angry with me…"
"Neji-niisan," she smiled thoughtfully at him, "How could I be angry at you? Though we are technically cousins, you'll always be my older brother to me…I accept your judgement. But why did you have to keep hurting Naruto-kun?"
Neji suddenly had an unnerving and very unnatural malicious smirk on his face.
"I needed to take out some stress…and as Naruto regenerates quickly, he is the perfect target…"
"N-Neji-niisan! B-But that's so mean! Can you please try not to hurt Naruto-kun? Please, it wasn't his fault!"
Neji smiled and said, "For you, Hinata-sama, anything…"
Hinata smiled happily as she patted a groaning Naruto's head.
Tenten and Hitomi were still sitting there drinking their respective drinks, while watching a still-deliriously drunk Lee spin about on the dance floor, where people were still cheering him on.
Tenten chugged the current glass of cold drink and immediately called out, "Glass a hundred and ten and feeling better again!"
Hitomi giggled, sipping at hers. "Wow, Tenten-san, do you drink a lot? You seem to have a high BAC tolerance level…"
"Actually this is my first time drinking." She laughed. "Never knew drinking could be so much fun!"
"Really? Um, Tenten-san? Your face is getting red…here is a detoxification pill."
"Really? Now I can drink even more!" She quickly popped the pill into her mouth.
"Here is another Tenten." Tenten giggled strangely and took the pill as well. She then took a drink, and immediately sapt it out.
"What the? The taste was horrible! What happened to my drink?"
"Oh, the pill cuases your body to reject alcohol, so you going ot have to stop drinking. It would be best if you didn't start drinking in the first place…as it may affect your career as a shinobi."
"…Hmmm…guess you're right." She grinned at Hitomi, and then slumped onto the table, fast asleep.
"Oh dear…she's out now…"
"HITOMI-CHAN! WATCH THIS!" Hitomi turned down to the dance floor to watch Lee execute an awe-inspiring 720 degree backflip and handplant. Hitomi laughed and waved to him. Lee grinned at her and motioned for her to come and dance with him. She laughed and stood up, walking down the stairs through the hordes of people, who were all now watching her and applauding and cheering her on.
Neji walked along the now nearly deserted streets of Konoha. It was 2 in the morning. I should sleep, but I'm too restless…too much to wonder about…
He remembered forcing Hinata and a half-conscious Naruto to sing papers stating that they would not mention their relationship to anyone, nor have any PDA's in public. And they were to…er…he had to go and look for a health book to find the proper term.
Abstinence…whata strange word…The last image of the two was Hinata curled up in Naruto's arms. Neji would have stopped this, but he enjoyed watching Hinata be happy, so he let it go. After all, he couldn't control her future or life.
He had passed a lot of clubs, where loud music could still be heard blaring out from inside. He was curious, so he decided to check one of them out. The man at the front of one saw him an dwaved him over. Neji strode over to the man curiously.
"Yes?"
"Are you Hyugua Neji?"
"And what if I am?"
"I suggest you go inside and find out for yourself." He jerked a thumb over his shoulder. Neji, being restless and curious decided to take up the challenge, and he smiled as he walked inside.
Inside was a myriad of colors, smells, and sounds. All of his senses were suddenly caught off guard by the huge change in environment.
What…is this place?There was a large wooden dance floor in a depression to his right, with elevated levels of tables surrounding it. A dancer caught his eye; it was Lee, and he was dancing like…Neji hadn't really seen anything like it anyways…
And then he noticed the pretty purple-haired girl beside him. Hitomi…and Lee…interesting…
He looked around again and saw his bun-headed kunoichi teammate slumped across a table sleeping. There were strangely several glasses with little cherry stem in them. I never knew that she drank. Smirking, he walked over to the table and sat directly opposite of her. Smiling, he observed her in her sleep. He quickly moved to the seat beside her to get a better angle of her face.
She was sleeping peacefully with her head resting on her arms. And her pretty face had several stray strands of her long black hair draping across her face. Neji smiled as he watched her sleep. What he'd like to know was what made him see Tenten so differently from the other girls? There were definitely other beautiful girls out there, but he seemed attracted to Tenten, though he wasn't sure what type of attraction yet. Why is she so much to me? …That must be the n-th time I've asked myself this stupid stupid question…
Without thinking, he raised a hand, and slowly brushed the stray strands out of her face and behind her ears. She moved sliughtly at his touching, muttering some nearly inaudible curses. Neji suppressed a laugh. This was amusing.
He continued to play with her hair as she continued a stream of steady swears from her mouth.
He grinned and was about to poke her nose when her hand shot up and grabbed his wrist.
"Neji…do you want me to kill you? I never knew you were this annoying. I was trying to sleep…"
Neji was getting a little intoxicated by the fumes of all the liquor around him. He grinned at her and replied, "You're beautiful!"
Tenten abruptly fell off her chair in shock, blushing crimson.
"W-What?"
Neji, being Neji, realized something was screwing around with him, and it wasn't hormones this time. He slapped himself in front of her and apologized.
Tenten blinked, confused. "Why did you apologize? You mean you don't think I'm beautiful?"
Neji flinched at her hurt voice. "N-No! I-I j-just…was embarrassed for saying that…but you are. Sort of…"
He foced himself to look away from her. He leaned in, questioning him with a grin. "So the cold Hyuuga Neji does have feelings. I thank you for your compliment."
She was about to give him a hug, but resisted the urge, reminding herself that he was to be married to Hitomi.
"So what are you doing here?"
"Nothing." He sat back and crossed his arms, glaring at a group of girl giggling in his direction.
"Neji, it's two in the morning."
"Hn."
"Don't you have to fight tom—I mean—this morning?"
"Hn."
"But…why aren't you sleeping?" She gave him a look of concern. "You really should sleep Neji…"
"Actually I was concerned about you," he still kept his gaze away from her as he spoke, so that no one watching them got any wrong ideas, "You seemed upset…the last time…I was worried…"
"More like you couldn't sleep and decided to try out what a night club would be like, eh?" He turned to look at her. She smiled happily at him. "But I'm happy that you were concerned. I feel so cared for!"
She laughed, while his eye made some involuntary twitches.
"So what do you think of Lee's dancing style?"
She gestured towards Lee who was dancing with Hitomi.
"Amusing…very amusing." He smirked widely.
"Well, anyways, I believ you should ge some sleep for tomorrow…I mean today…" She smiled sadly at him. "If you lose, then you'd be forced to forfeit your love for Hitomi…"
"But you don't want me to, do you?"
She snapped up, alarmed, her eyes widening in fear, "N-No I-I didn't mean anything, I-I n-not trying to split y-you apart—"
He smiled gently at her, "I wasn't accusing you Tenten, heh. Don't assume…that I love her…well, good-night…or should I say, good-morning?"
He stood up, pushing back his chair to leave, but Tenten suddenly clasped his hands.
"Neji, do you love Hitomi? Are you going to fight for her? Or is this just because you're able to fight the main house?"
A pained expression rushed over his face, and he grimaced, replying, "Yes, I will finally be allowed to exact my vengeance on the Main Branch. This is not a matter of love. Anyways, the marriage aside, I wish to remain single as long as possible."
"Oh…okay." Tenten had gotten this answer before, and everytime she heard it, it both pleased her and broke her heart. What does he really think of me?
"Neji, please tell me, what am I to you?"
Neji was once again at a loss of words. He stood there for a second, thinking hard, before replying cautiously.
"Tenten-chan? I-I…don't really know…but we are still best of friends, yes?"
She smiled and nodded slowly, though she was crying in her heart. He smiled, relieved that she hadn't become upset and left, but not before giving her a quick hug.
Tenten sat there, hugging her shoulders. He…hugged me. But that was probably only a sign of friendship…
Tsuande and Temari looked at each other, Temari with a confused expression on her face.
"Gaara-san says that the Cloud are mobilizing their forces?"
Temari nodded.
"Why?"
"Gaara-niisan asked the Cloud Kage, who claimed that your ninjas killed their men."
"Impossible, we haven't sent anyone to Cloud for nearly four years!"
"We are aware of that. Gaara-niisan also advises you to watch Stone. We have a feeling that Cloud may be seeking an alliance with them…"
"We've only been allowed about four years of peace. Why this all of a sudden?"
Temari shrugged, "Don't ask me. But Sand is your ally, in case you are in need of assistance. I suggest also turning the Lightning Daiymo for an alliance. IF there is a war, it would be wise to seek as many allies as possible."
"You know I despise that arrogant asshole…"
"Yes…but, he seems attracted to you," she smirked, "I don't think it would be that hard to get him on your side…" Temari broke off laughing. "I'm soooo sorry, it's just that the daimyo doesn't realize you're fifty and he's only thirty!"
Tsuande glared at her. "That wasn't funny. So what's wrong with me being fifty?"
"Nothing!"
Suddenly Jiraiya appeared in a puff of smoke.
"What the hell do you want! Why aren't you working on your stupid porn novels?"
"Well…uh…I was bored, and I am in need of some more…information…for my books…"
"GET OUT!"
The two ANBU looked at each other at the sound of Tsunade's scream, and immediately shuffled away from the doors. True enough, a confused-looking Jiraiya blasted through the door like a rocket. The ANBU breathed sighs of relief; they hadn't been hurt yet today.
They quickly shuffled back into place, just as Tsunade sent another projectile after Jiraiya; her large oaken desk. The poor ANBU managed a pair of screams of terror before the large piece of furniture crashed into them and curshed them, along with Jiraiya, into the opposite wall.
"Ah, oops, sorry about that! Kiso and Shuichi!"
The two ANBU let out two muffled coughs of pain in response, while Jiraiya merely teleported away, engulfing the two in in smoke.
Temari chuckled nervously, turning back to Tsuande, having gawked at the two poor shinobi and the giant hole in the wall for about five minutes there.
Tsuande had been standing there for the past five minutes glaring at Jiraiya, or the spot were he had made contact with the wall.
"U-Um T-Tsunade-sama? I-Is there anything e-else?"
"Oh, Temari, sorry about that. Jiraiya was being a pervert, so I needed to punish him," she gave the Sand girl a friendly smile, which Temari returned half-heartedly, "Was there anything else Gaara needed?"
"O-Ofd course! Can you sign these papers? They give merchants from Wind protectionm in Fire Country…"
"Of course. Just let me find my pen now…it's gotta here somewhere…"
"Ungh…I found a pen Tsunade-sama…"
"Ah, tthank you Shuichi!"
Anko walked through the darkened streets of Konoha. Occasionally, she would draw some unconcerting stares and whispers her way, but she had gotten used to them by now. It was the result of being the apprentice to Orochimaru, the most hated of the Three Legendary Sennins. Fortunately, no one was up and about
She sighed as she remembered some whispers about her.
"Psst…it's that snake-girl…I heard she's Orochimaru's daughter…"
She cocked an eyebrow. Well there's a new one, she thought wryly. She continued walking as if she hadn't heard anything, though she oculd sense the stares following the back of her trenchcoat. Dmmit I risk my life protecting these people and all they can say is "Oooh, look, it's Orochimaru's apprentice!" What the hell is wrong with them?
She stopped as a familiar green blur whipped past her, blowing leaves about her with a gust of wind. I see Gai's up rather late…or should I say early?
She continued walking, staring up at the stars. She smiled, seeing at how breath taking the view was. She inhaled deeply the cold air taking in the cold, fresh air. She then effortlessly focused chakra into her feet, launching her into the dark night.
A moment later, she found herself once again dancing about the rooftops of Konoha. She desired to be strong, and she desired power. Put she had put ahead of power dedication and duty. She would remain loyal to Konoha at the cost of her life, unlike her former sensei, Orochimaru.
Why did ou betray Konoha? I looked up to you as my father!She had sworn, on the day he betrayed her, csat her aside like trash, that she would kill him herself. But first, she needed to get stronger. She was already one of the top ranked special jounin of Konoha, but she still was far from the strongest.
Mandra, her personal snake, which was not a pet, but a partner, slowly uncoiled his self from Anko's pocket and slowly wrapped around her leg, hissing happily.
"Mandra, if you don't watch it I'm gonna accidentally kick you off," she said, laughing.
Mandra replied via thought, You seem both happy, yet perturbed
Anko smiled as she bounded off the roof of an apartment.
"Yes…"
Enjoying these night outings aren't we…?The Snake gave her a smirk from somewhere on her thigh. Anko grinned nd reached down to pat Mandra on the head.
…I'm not a pet, nor a summon, I'm your animal partner…
"I know, but you're one of my few friends…and you are just like a pet! So kawaii!"
You really do scare me sometimes…(yawn) I'm hungry…"You always are…" she reminded the snake, who made a small gaggin noise.
"Now you sound a cat gagging on a furball."
You know I hate cats…"Ah, Mandra, you hate a lot of things…"
Like mushrooms, carrots, and tomatoes…Anko laughed (she's not really the type to giggle).
So what are we doing now?"Nothing really…just killing some stress…and thinking…"
About Orochimaru again?"Yes…"
Mandra hissed sympathetically as as she felt him curl around her waist like a belt. He poked his head out of her coat. She felt better, with his reassuring weight around her torso.
…I have an idea…
"Enlighten us…"
…You need a boyfriend…I noticed that female humans tend to be more secure and happy if they have a male counterpart…
"W-WHAT?"
"ANKO-SAN KEEP IT DOWN UP THERE! NORMAL PEOPLE ARE TRYING TO SLEEP!"
…You want me to eat him?
"No of course not! SORRY ABOUT THAT!" She called out to the person who had yelled at her.
…Was I going too fast for you? Male counterpart? You know, a mate?
"You make it sound easy…"
Well…considering all the lustful stares directed your way…it shouldn't be much of a problem…
"Keep talking and I will starve you for a week…"
Empty threat, you usually don't feed me half the time; I feed myself…
Mandra hissed mockingly, his tongue whipping in and out of his mouth. Anko grimaced and rapped him on the head, drawing an angry hiss from him. He instantaneously jabbed out and bit her lightly, without straightening his teeth to puncture her skin.
She laughed again and patted his head. Madra hissed in hopeless annoyance and withdrew to the depths of her trenchcoat.
end chp.
wow this hcappie was kinda pointless XD i just felt like killing time and buying time to work on plot...
Neji: Tenten…you look like hell…what did you do to yourself this time?
Tenten: (hiccup) had one wrink too munny…Neji-kun…(swaying like a drunk person, suddenly fall over)
Neji: Tenten! …foolish girl (catches Tenten)
Hitomi: you want another detoxification pill for Tenten, Neji-san?
Neji: (smirking) Yes…
Hitomi: Okay, here.
Neji: (evil grin) open wide, Tenten…
Tenten: your nosh comun any closaaa….(definitely drunk)
Neji: (grabs her by the arms and draws her close to him, trying to stuff the pill into her mouth) Tenten! Stop wriggling! OW DAMMIT SHE BIT ME!
Shikamaru: You know, from the perspective of a bystander, it looks trying to…uh…molest her…
Neji SHUT UP! Who asked for your opinion anyways? THERE! (manages to stuff pill into Tenten's mouth)
Tenten: (magically detoxified! XD) Ow…Neji…you hurt me (sad chibi face)
Neji: …Please don't do that…
Tenten: (begins to cry)
Shikamaru: Neji…even I'm better with girls than you!
Neji: (makes obscene gesture at Shikamaru…then gives Tenten a hug)
Temari: Oi, Shika-kun!
Shikamaru: AIIIIEEEEEEEE! (runs like the wind)
Temari: (smirks) well, that worked. Okay Tenten, he's all yours! (leaves with a madly giggling Hitomi)
Neji: (finally notices that only he and Tenten are left in room) …Tenten…you planned this all along didn't you?
Tenten: (sighs and still continues to hug him) mhmmm…
Neji: thinking: How the hell did I think she was drunk? Tenten doesn't drink! …Hn…
BL: Awww, look at them two, they're such a great couple!
Neji: Wait a minute, why the hell is he here?
Tenten: He shouldn't be…(evil glare) leav me and Neji-kun be!
BL: Sorry, I have to make sure neither of you two start taking your clothes off. Don't be angry at me, your friends put me up to it!
Neji: (narrows his eyes) which ones…?
BL: Hmmm…lemme see (counts fingers) Temari, Shikamaru, Chouji, Kiba, Hinata…yes, Hinata…Naruto, some hot chick girl who calls herself 'Kite', she actually paid me to make sure you two didn't do anything…hmmmm…she was apparently older than you two as well, by a decent number of years I'd say…
Neji: (looks at Tenten) do you know a girl named Kite?
Tenten: no…but then, I don't have very many friends…(sighs sadly) spent too much time training, so I don't really have much in the way of a social life…
Neji: (hugs her more tightly, somewhat protectively) don't worry, same thing with me…so what did this 'Kite' girl look like?
Bl: well…uh, she has either black or brown hair… (thinking: Neji is so damn lucky)
Neji: …sounds like Tenten…(smirks)
Kk ppl review…
And could u pls write longer and more detailed reviews concerning how good or bad is my writing, suggestions, questions, comments on plot, and constructive criticism?
Saying "good job" is not helping me write better…or update faster in that case…encouraging, yes, but technically no help at all…
But I still appreciate any and all reviews, whether or not u decided to listen to my ranting… good-day!
A/N I'd like to know ur opinions on other pairings…there are several branches of the plot which I can take, depending…on…these…
Kakashi/Rin (I was always fascinated by kakashi's friends from old)
Kakashi/Anko (I just love anko, cuz she's so random, yet powerful…I'd like to use either this or kakashi/rin pairing)
Tema/shika/ino (someone suggested a triangle…personally I'd side with tema/shika)
Anko/OOC
Gai/Anko (I read some interesting fics about this one…very interesting….ROFLOL)
Kakashi/kurenai (fairly popular)
Asuma/kurenai (this one is also fairly popular)
Gai/kurenai (this one I haven't read a single fic about)