A/N: So. I'm back … did you miss me xD Seriously, I'm really sorry about the delay but I hope that you'll enjoy the chapter nonetheless and I sincerely hope that updates will be quicker in coming in future! Thank you sooo much to everyone for your patience and your continued support! Not to mention all the reviews/faves/alerts.

Warnings: All the usual ones apply

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto … it is currently owned by a man with a fascination with frogs …

Chapter 21

She was talking. A continuous barrage of sound but Sasuke only allowed it to slide over his head without really hearing the words. Water off a duck's back and all that. He really had no desire to listen to whatever half-assed plan Neji had talked Sakura into. They really must think him exceptionally stupid – as if he wouldn't find it strange that Sakura suddenly sought his company.

Her voice escalated, the sounds becoming progressively shriller and Sasuke suppressed the sigh that wanted to escape – it had taken her long enough to catch on to the fact that he wasn't paying her the slightest attention. Grudgingly he focused his attention on more than the way the light shone down onto her hair and glimmered in her eyes and forced himself to gather his thoughts – he'd had enough of this waste of time.

"Again, Sakura, I ask why you're doing this for Hyuuga?" Sasuke interrupted whatever she'd been about to say and watched in satisfaction as she paled slightly. So, he'd been right in his assumptions.

Sakura watched him warily for a moment before she seemed to gather her scattered thoughts, "This has nothing to do with Neji, Sasuke."

An eyebrow arched in disbelief seemed to be enough of a response and so Sasuke chose to remain silent, instead waiting for Sakura to make the first move. Past experience had taught him that silence was always a more effective weapon than verbal abuse – especially when it came to Sakura. She couldn't stand it if someone didn't reply to her, she'd inevitably start babbling and that was exactly what Sasuke wanted in this instance.

As always, Sakura didn't disappoint: she started to fidget, shifting her weight from one foot to another, and finally, unable to stand the silence, she blurted her thoughts into the space that separated them. Though they were quite alone up here in the second floor hallway of the Uchiha mansion, Sasuke had judged it prudent to remain as far away from her physically as good manners dictated. The one lesson he remembered from his mother – and for some reason it had stuck.

"I'm doing this for Tenten," Sakura watched him warily, through half-lowered lashes.

Sasuke barked a short laugh, "Yeah, right. How touching. You're so close that you'd willingly go along with any plans Hyuuga has – just for her? Give me some credit, Sakura. Does she even know that her so-called friend used to fuck the love of her life?"

Sakura blanched and Sasuke took a savage sense of pleasure in that but beneath it all he was just so tired of all of this. The hatred, the lies, the betrayal … maybe it was time to exorcise the final demon from his past… His eyes narrowed as he focused on Sakura's slight figure hovering uncertainly in front of him.

He took a deep breath.

"I'm not interested in whatever scheme you and Hyuuga cooked up. But I won't say that I'm against being … persuaded … to leave Tenten and Hyuuga alone …"

Sasuke watched intently as the realization slowly dawned in her emerald green eyes. One thing he'd always appreciated about Sakura was her ability to understand him. Most of the other girls were just really vapid and annoying. But not Sakura. Never Sakura. And maybe that's why he enjoyed punishing himself with her – maybe that's why he'd never really been able to fully let go of her.

Slowly Sakura closed the distance between them, Sasuke watching warily all the while. One step, two … until she was directly in front of him and he was forced to tilt his chin downward to meet her eyes. He watched in mute incredulity as her hand slowly made its way up his chest, to wind into the spiked locks at the back of his head … he hadn't really thought she'd take him seriously…

"Then let me persuade you," she whispered as she stood on tip-toe.

And Sasuke allowed the pressure of her hand clenched in his hair to guide his mouth downward until their lips met…

Neji stirred sluggishly. He had to give credit where it was due: when Tenten set out to distract, really tried, she definitely succeeded. Said girl was draped over him, her body warm, their skin sticking together and, as he worked at disentangling himself, he vaguely wondered what time it was. Finally able to move without some part of Tenten's body hindering him, he swung his legs over the side of the bed and ran his hands through his tangled hair. The green numbers of his alarm clock read 11:30 pm and Neji groaned quietly to himself. It was late. Too late for Tenten to still not be home. Her parents were going to kill her.

"Ten, wake up."

He ran a hand up and down her bare leg suppressing the shudders that muscle memory brought when she moaned slightly.

"Wha-what?" Tenten mumbled sleepily, peering blearily up at him.

"We have to go. It's late. Your parents."

Even as he spoke Neji was already standing, reaching for his discarded pants, pulling them on. Spying his shirt on the other side of the bed, he made his way over there, giving Tenten a push as she'd still not moved from her sprawled position.

Ten minutes later, with many prods and pushes from Neji, they were both dressed and presentable again, and as they made their way quietly down the servants' stairs of the Hyuuga household, Neji kept a hold of Tenten's hand. She loosely twined her fingers around his, stifling giggles with her other hand, and Neji inwardly marveled at how he could find such a small action enjoyable. The constant fear that he would fuck up the best thing that had ever happened to him could easily be confined to the darkest reaches of his consciousness when he was with Tenten like this. When he was sure that she wouldn't just disappear in a puff of smoke ... when he had her body to hold onto ... when he was blanketed by her acceptance, her love ... when he was sure that his love was returned ...

Neji killed the engine quickly as he double parked in the street before Tenten's house. No sense in getting her into trouble if she wasn't already. Silence reigned for a long moment as they both simply stared out into the night.

It was cloudless, starry, the half-moon creating just enough light to make out the dark shapes of trees and buildings. Finally, Neji cleared his throat and Tenten sighed.

"I know. Are you staying tonight?"

Slowly Neji shook his head – for some reason he felt the distinct need to be alone tonight. Before he could even begin to dwell on those thoughts he pushed them aside.

"Not tonight. I have some things to take care of early tomorrow. But I'll see you later in the day."

Pleasurable shivers chased down Tenten's spine at the slow gentleness in his voice – he was trying. So hard. Trying to take her feelings into account and that fact warmed her more than anything had in the last weeks. The stress, the worry about Neji, faded a little and she allowed herself to hope. Maybe he really was trying to change.

She reached over and, palm over his cheek, turned his face toward her. The distance between them seemed to disappear in the blink of an eye though Tenten hadn't been aware of moving and then Neji's lips met hers. Soft, warm, his tongue stroking slowly over her lower lip …

Tenten broke the kiss quickly, clearing her throat, thankful for the darkness that hid the flush on her cheeks.

"Okay. Call me. Night."

She turned and opened the car door but before she'd managed to actually get out a rough hand dragged her back. His lips were insistent, the pressure of his mouth harder than before and, as always with Neji, Tenten knew he was trying to tell her something through the suppressed violence of the kiss. What that could be she had no idea at the moment, she couldn't think with his mouth on hers, his hands tangling in her hair as he cupped her head, angling her for his kiss, but she dreamily decided to decipher the hidden messages later.

Too soon he pulled away, breathing harshly and gave her a gentle nudge.

Aware that she was probably smiling like a fool Tenten got out and quickly made her way up the drive, feeling Neji's eyes follow her every movement.

Tenten stared in suspicious disbelief at the scene in front of her.

Slowly she ran through all the facts in her head: she was at school, it was broad daylight so she wasn't dreaming, and Neji- her Neji – was leaning against Sakura's locker, looking for all the world as if he belonged there. The pink-haired girl – someone she had once called a friend – was standing next to him, a hand on his arm as she spoke quietly, but insistently, into his ear. Though the scene appeared entirely innocent, some sixth sense … some gut feeling told her that all was not as innocent as it seemed.

She didn't even really jump – had no real fear – when his dark, silky voice spoke up from behind her. Vaguely she mused that it was entirely fitting … all the scene had lacked previously was Sasuke. His venom was the last piece of the puzzle that put the whole thing together seamlessly. And so she stood quietly, unresistingly … allowed him to spew his hatred into her ear. Part of her listened, part of her focused on the visuals, and her brain shut-down momentarily as she tried to process it all.

Was this the reason that Neji hadn't stayed the night in over a week? That first night she'd accepted it without comment – without thought really – but such an abrupt change … nights apart had been rare until a week ago … there had to be a reason behind it all.

And Tenten couldn't help but feel that she'd just discovered that reason.

The shadows were distracting. They danced across the off-white of her walls as the leaves outside were ruffled by the wind. Moonlight spilled in through the window, forming a pool of silvery light on the carpeted floor of her bedroom, and Tenten groaned as she buried her face in her pillow.

Sleep just would not come. No matter how she tried, no matter how many sheep she counted, the blissful oblivion remained just out of her reach.

Neji wasn't there. Again.

This time he hadn't even offered an excuse … he'd merely bestowed a quick kiss to the corner of her mouth after school saying he'd see her later.

Jealousy burned like acid in her belly, rising to her lungs until it felt like she would choke, shame covered her like a blanket as she finally allowed the sick imaginings to roll like a movie clip in her mind's eye. Neji kissing Sakura, running his hands through her pink hair …

Tenten shook her head violently and sat bolt upright in her bed. For a moment she stared with unseeing eyes at the shadows that adorned her walls, wondering if this was what Neji had felt like seeing her with Sasuke … but no, that couldn't be … how could he bear to be near her if that was the case? How did he keep himself from lashing out at her, hating her …

All else aside, at that point he hadn't loved her, had he? Had he ever really loved her? Or had that only been another smooth line … another piece of pity that occasionally chipped from his icy heart?

A shudder ran down her spine … no, after all they had been through, she had to believe that he'd been honest. That his feelings were real. But there was really only one sure way to find out.

Her mouth firmed into a thin line, determination squared her chin and Tenten shook her loose hair back from her face. She was sick of all the spy games – the hiding, the secrets, the lies … no, she would play this game no longer.

A few swift movements propelled her from the safety of her bed and into a whirlwind of motion as she swept around her room, searching for clothes. It didn't matter what she wore, so she grabbed the first pair of jeans her hands touched, the first t-shirt. She didn't even bother with her hair, except to run absentminded fingers through its length.

The door eased open quietly, and Tenten tip-toed down the hallway, making her way stealthily toward the front door. Whether Neji was with Sakura or not – there was only one place he could be if he wasn't with her or sleeping, and since it was barely midnight she doubted that he was asleep.

The front door squeaked slightly as she eased it open and Tenten winced as she froze into place, waiting for the sounds that would indicate she'd been caught. Several tense moments of silence finally convinced her that the sound had gone unheard and she slipped silently from the dark house. Once in the car, she allowed it to roll backward without turning the lights or the engine on … the sound of the tires on the gravel was already pushing it.

Finally on the road she started the car, taking comfort in the familiar soft purr and only when she rounded the block did she turn the lights on. Her mind set firmly on her goal, Tenten stepped on the gas pedal and made for the Uchiha mansion.

Sasuke smirked humorlessly the moment his eyes lighted on Tenten hovering in the doorway that led to the basement. She stared around her with intensity and Sasuke could nearly feel the raw tension she was almost vibrating with. Gracefully rising to his feet, he made his way over to welcome her in – she was his guest after all…

"If you're looking for Hyuuga, I haven't seen him in a while … he's probably with his new best friend," Sasuke drawled lazily as he leaned one shoulder against the wall right in front of her. He couldn't help the smirk from appearing as she visibly shrank away from him.

The glare was a nice surprise though – seemed as if some of her spirit was finally surfacing again. Sasuke watched her carefully, noting the play of light in her eyes as anger darkened the irises to the color of melted chocolate. And Sasuke found that he just couldn't resist…

"Poor Tenten," he murmured softly, reaching out to stroke one finger from her temple to her mouth, "cast aside like yesterday's laundry. But then, it's not like you haven't been warned. And this turn of events is not altogether surprising … it's not like Hyuuga hasn't done this before."

Satisfaction surged like molten lava through his veins, slow and inexorable, when Tenten stared up at him warily, her gaze clearly asking him to elaborate.

Sasuke sighed theatrically, and turned so his back leaned against the wall right next to the doorway where Tenten was still hovering.

"You see, Tenten. Once before Neji wanted someone out of his life. His solution? Sleep with someone close to that person. And when you think about it, that course of action would get the message across loud and clear. But let's be more specific," Sasuke turned his head so he could watch her reaction from the corner of his eye, his intent gaze shielded by the fall of dark hair across his cheek, "this is not the first time Hyuuga used Sakura in such a way."

Her reaction had been worth waiting for. Tenten paled, one hand instinctively rising and fisting in the material over her heart – as if she wanted to rip the searing pain out of her chest. That burn … that excruciating torture … Sasuke knew it well, and the loneliness lifted slightly at the thought that there was now someone in the world who could understand that pain as deeply as he did.

"No," she whispered, so low that Sasuke had to strain his hearing to discern the words over the sound of music and voices, "Sakura would've told me. Neji wouldn't do that to me."

She raised her eyes to his, and though still pale, her voice was stronger now, "That's why I'm here. To talk it out - before the misunderstanding gets out of hand."

Sasuke chuckled, the sound filled with dark amusement, "I don't think you're hearing me clearly, Tenten. Neji fucked Sakura before – what's to stop him from doing it again?"

She shook her head, vehement in her denial of this ugly truth, and Sasuke's patience snapped. Just like before, when the hatred had burst forth at Neji, the emotion poured from his mouth, delivered in a dead staccato tone, but searing his flesh as the words pushed up from his gut.

"Yes," he hissed at her, "I was there. Believe me, I know. Let me tell you a few things about your sainted Neji-"

"If you're referring to Sakura and the window-" Tenten interrupted, fire blazing in her gaze.

Sasuke threw his head back and laughed, "If you think that's the worst he's done … No. Sakura was an accident. His fault, of course, but entirely unintentional."

Again that wary light rose in her eyes – the kind of light that told him he had her undivided attention even if she knew that she shouldn't be listening to him. So, Sasuke continued even though the flare of emotion had already faded, even though his heart was no longer in his actions.

"Neji's mother was ill. Very ill. And after his father died and Neji came to live with his uncle and cousins … well, he left her alone. The odd weekend here and there was all she saw of her beloved son – all he could spare her as he settled into his privileged position as the prodigal son his uncle had always wanted. Now, that can easily be excused as the selfishness of a young boy that didn't want to admit to himself how dire his mother's predicament really was … but Neji took it a step further. He could have asked for his uncle's help in making his mother's life more comfortable … who knows … with Hiashi's money and influence she may even have lived long enough to see her son graduate high school. But in typical Neji fashion the moment he no longer benefitted from her presence in his life – when he no longer needed her – he conveniently forgot about her. The poor woman died alone. And only then did Neji pretend to care, only then did he show regret. Too late. When nothing could disrupt his life anymore."

Sasuke watched her eyes widen, watched her mouth open in shock, watched Tenten struggle to find words to defend Hyuuga.

He watched her fail.

"Now ask yourself if Neji had ever expressed the need to save you …" Sasuke watched understanding dawn in her eyes and nodded once.

"Yeah. You were nothing more than a way for him to exorcise the guilt inspired by his mother's ghost…"

He pushed against the wall with his shoulders, straightening his legs almost lazily and lifted his glass slightly, mockingly, in Tenten's direction before turning on his heel and walking away. For once, he damage he'd just dealt Hyuuga did not bring a smirk to his face, for once he could not feel satisfaction flowing through his veins. All he could see was the betrayal brimming in Tenten's eyes along with the tears that glittered like crystals on her dark lashes.

A/N: So … do I deserve a review? *makes puppy eyes* Pretty please let me know what you thought! And don't worry – Neji's not all as bad as he seems at the moment xD Bear in mind that we are getting the information from Sasuke's POV… anyways … don't forget to hit the button below!