◊ (36: She Doesn't like Lectures) ◊

∆ (Konohagakure, Hyuuga Complex) ∆ - ¤ (3 Months Later, February) ¤ - VP: Tenten

We all have already settled into the Uchiha Complex together. I'm happy to spend nights by Neji's side, it's more comforting and calming but I wasn't looking forward to today at all. A few months ago, mid December, all the guys were lectured on the on goings of the wedding, life and such for them in regards to us… now it was time. It was bound to be uncomfortable and obvious unnecessary.

Each of the girls were given a list of places to go and people to talk to in order to make sure the entire wedding worked out. It was like a pre-wedding checkup to make sure we could handle this. You'd think it was a mission or something. It was important but I found this unnecessary.

My first stop was the Hyuuga Complex; I was supposed to talk with Hiashi. I had talked to him on a few various accounts but not just him and me; it was always with Neji. I felt uncomfortable. This is not what I wanted to feel like today.

I walked in and I was escorted to his room. "Come in." He said. It was a small sitting room and I took a seat in a comfy chair across from him. The only thing separating us was a table. I could only remember a few of these events with him. When we were doing a match, he lost his memory, when I took over curing him, the garden incident (pretty eyes comment) and the engagement dinner. I didn't talk on him very much one on one. This would be new to me.

"Hiashi-sama, did you request me? Or was it supposed to?"

"I requested it. Only the parents of the male are required to, I asked to speak to you." I nodded. "You do not have to, if you don't wish to."

"No. I'd gladly speak with you Hiashi-sama." I said.

"I'm glad. Also, I heard that the date decided is the 1st of April, correct?" I nodded. "So you will be marrying Neji?" I nodded. "You will become secondary heir to the Hyuuga Clan alongside Neji. Are you ready?"

"Yes."

"Why did you wish for Neji to become secondary heir?"

"He's strong. He understand both branches, he knows what works well and what doesn't. He understands what is needed to protect the clan and what isn't? He is his family's representative. He has suffered through things most couldn't imagine. He wants to save them. He wants pain abolished and peace for everyone within and outside of the clan. He is perfect for the job. Hinata trusts me to help him do this also."

"I do agree with my daughter's thoughts on my nephew and yourself. You have protected this clan better then I the head and previous heir could have imagined. You love this clan and are excepted by this clan. You have brought those within the clan to trust you, to understand you. You have many friends and only one enemy who you stopped from another clan genoside. You are more then worthy to be by my nephew Neji's side."

"Thank you for your kind words." I said with a smile.

"You are an impressive girl as well. You are a top kunoichi, talented beyond compare in fighting with and against the Hyuuga, you're a med-Nin and you know how to treat people. You stand up for yourself, state your opinion and don't back down. Neji is a lucky young man to have found you." I blushed.

"Thank you." I said.

"I trust you also with my clan, my nephew and the future of both of these. I know it is more formal to hand over these things to Neji but I want to give them to you for you have done much more good for the clan than he can ever plan to. He couldn't in that instance have saved all those Hyuuga without killing himself and in the process weakening the entire Hyuuga System, even then with him out of the way the next time would have been much too easy. He owes you his life and so does every branch member. That is why I give these things to you." He took the box off of the table and handed it to me. I took it and set it on my lap.

"Thank you but are you sure."

"Yes very, I can't say anymore or do anything else in order to thank you for the good you have done to this clan. I believe this is why Hinata trusts you also because you accomplished things that she wished she could but she is disliked automatically because of me since she did no wrong to them but you had a chance to become a good heir and leader to them."

"I will Hiashi-sama."

"I know this too well. Sayonara Tenten-sama. In giving these to you as well as Neji. This marks the beginning of your reign together." I bowed and walked off. "May I ask why you don't react strangely to being referred to as Sama?" He asked interested.

"I've been Hoshikage-sama, Kazekage-sama, and Tenten-sama for a while now by my clan and other countries, it's not big. It's shocking in my head but not written on my face." I said finally walking away.

∆ (Konoha Jail) ∆

I walked into the jail and was let into a special visitation room in order to talk to my parents, first my mother, then my father.

I sat down at the table provided. "Mom." I said. I walked over to her and hugged her.

"I have bad news on the case." She said. I frowned.

"They're not going to kill you are they?"

"No. They're sending us back to Hoshigakure, first thing next week. Sorry. They won't allow me to stay for the wedding. There were a lot of conditions and keeping peace there and between the two countries is one of them."

"That's horrible."

"I know I'm sorry but we'll be sure to do everything we can to help." I nodded. "Now to talk." I nodded again and we sat down. "Your Neji's as of April 1st Tenten, you know that, right?"

"Yes. I do." I answered. "However I don't think Neji will treat me like that."

"Neither do I because after all he needs you much more then your really need him. That's how marriage is. That's why them men own us because if we were in control they'd fall apart. It's the natural way things are." The facts and problems that were revealed here were important to know.

"I know."

"He relies on you so don't let him down, got it." I nodded. She hugged me. "He really does love you, you do know that right?"

"Of course, I wouldn't agree to marry him if I didn't. I'm a kunoichi and I lay down my life for my partner so I have to pick my partner carefully. That's what being a kunoichi is about after all." I sighed. Tears came from my eyes.

"What's wrong?" She asked.

"I was just thinking about my life and how I didn't want it to be like your life is."

She laughed but smiled at me. "Sweetheart, even if you miraculously did get pregnant now you're getting married and two months so if it was Neji's cause then he'd be there beside you the way and if someone else, they're dead. I'm pretty sure Neji would make sure of it." I nodded. I had come so close to that happening so many times. It was always so scary but I know that my life would turn out better then my mom's. I know that was selfish and stupid but someone told me that is what all parents want for their children.

"Thank you." I said hugging her too.

"You're welcome Tenten dear. I know that you're thinking hard, worrying. If you ever need me I'm only a phone call away. You can ask for advice whenever you need. Also, if you ever doubt your love for Neji or his love for you think about the past, go through your life. No matter what happens, think about it because only then can you solve it. Tell the others that also."

"If they had that well of a relationship with each other, that would be easy, but it isn't." I said.

"Just share this wisdom with them."

"Yes mom." I answered.

"Good and also." She handed me a pendant. "It's the star pendant of the Hyuuga Clan. It's given to their daughters, I know you'll have one because ever one in the Hyuuga Clan has, you will too. Most likely it will be your second though."

"Why?"

"I don't know why but its how it works. It's given to their daughters when they become a ninja, it belonged to you a long time ago but it's truly yours." I nodded and put it around my neck. It was so sad to see her go, but the talk of duties was beginning to get annoying.

"Thanks so much, mom." She nodded and the guards took her away. I sat down and fingered the locket. It was the shape of a star, obviously. Inside of it was blank. A little letter fell onto her lap. It was two pictures, one of her and one of Neji. They were the pictures took for her ninja files. They were cut perfectly to fit into the locket. I slipped them in and fingered the locket some more.

My dad walked in the room. "Tenten." He said with a smile.

"Hello dad." I said with a smile.

"I see your mother gave you that locket."

"Hai." I said.

"The pictures also?" I nodded once again. "So you know your job as a wife, right?"

"Of course, it's my job to take care of our family, his family, protect, love him, be at his side and keep him happy."

"Yes but there much more too it. You're there to guide him as well as these things, you're lucky Tenten. I'm glad but you were lucky that you found love in someone who also got a choice to marry you and he loved you back. It's not normal. It wasn't for your mother and I."

"Yeah, I'm aware."

"Neji is a good guy. One of the best, just like his father was. He will treat you just as he would treat himself. He will love you and protect you. In return you will do the same. A relationship like this is a true blessing."

"I know. I'm really lucky to have him."

"Also in return you're going to have to take care of the family. He will have to focus on his entire clan so that means he can't always be focused on you, sometimes you'll be left alone. Sometimes, he'll have to leave you with your children." The conversation was too deep. I didn't like it. It had me worried.

"I understand."

"Good because you have to be strong and trust your heart, as well as the love you feel for each other. No matter what goes on trust him and give him the benefit of the doubt because if you know now that he'd never betray you then you have to always believe that."

"Yes." I answered.

"Tenten, there will be things that you'll have to do that you won't want to. Times you'll want to give up and just leave. Problems will come, you'll want to pack your bags and leave but you can't because you'll be killed because not everyone, like Neji will respect the fact that he treats you as an equal. Many people will treat you as his property. You aren't your own, you're his after the wedding. Many will treat you like a tool to be used, and abused."

"Neji wouldn't do that."

"I said many not him, I trust him with you more than that. I know he respects you. Once you get married, the world is an entirely different place. I'm sure you remember your first mission in a country far away, a feudal one."

"The Rice Country," I said closing my eyes and remembering it, it was a horrid mission.

Ж (Flashback) Ж

I was 14 years old and I was a bit excited to go to the Rice Country. I had been to few countries close by though none of them was very notable. Neji seemed as if it was a vacation, he didn't seem to be worried, or care. It was more like as if that he'd been their countless times. Lee however wasn't like me in silent excitement. He was very visual in showing his excitement.

"I will show those of other countries what the people of Konoha have to offer!" Lee yelled.

"Eh." Neji complained. Well, that was complaining for him. More like sighing/whining.

"Lee, quiet." I said sighing.

"Alright Tenten." He said with one of his weird smiles an ran beside Gai-sensei while I walked beside Neji. The girl we were protecting had been attacked many times, she was the daughter of the feudal lord and we were returning her from Sand to her own country. Gaara had been protecting her and now we were traveling to her own country. Mid morning we arrived.

"We must get nutrition." Lee yelled.

"Yes. We must." Gai-sensei stated. Neji and I sighed. "Tenten, Neji, go eat. Lee and myself will guard the princess and take her to a safe place to eat."

"Yeah, sure." Neji said. "Tenten, let's go." I nodded and followed beside him. We found a quaint little restaurant nearby; it seemed very nice but small, like the city was. We sat down.

"Hello Mr. what will you and the she be having?" Neji glared at him, he seemed to be reading his intentions.

"I'll have the special." Neji said. He looked to me.

"Ahem, she can't order." Neji was surely confused now. I was confused as well but rolled my eyes and nodded.

"She'll have the same." He nodded and walked off. When he was gone Neji once again looked to me. "What was that about?" I shrugged.

After a few minutes of silence a man walked up to me and squeezed in the seat next to me. He took a look at my hands. "Hello darling, want to come play with me?" Neji sensed a thret on my life and pinned his clothing to the seat.

"Back off of her, now." Neji commanded. He looked at the kunai. I snatched it quickly from his shirt and didn't look at him. I closed my eyes, I was not going to be disrespected like this, who do they think they are?! He jumped up and left. I sighed and looked at the table. "Ignore them Tenten, they're just inhuman jerks. I'm sorry for my behavior as well." I laughed and smiled.

"Thanks for standing up for me. I didn't think this was the best place to pin someone to a wall. It was cause some international incident or something." I said sighing.

"They definitely have no respect for women here. None at all." I nodded, agreeing with him.

We got a hotel room and surprisingly we were given two rooms rather than the one we asked for. It was quite weird. He looked to the princess, then to me and gave us two room keys. Whatever he had in mind, he didn't like it. Surprisingly enough, though not extremely so, Neji slept outside the door that night.

Late into the night, the princess asked to go on a walk and I didn't wish to wake Neji so I decided to accompany her myself. We were walking when a few men attacked from all sides of us. I grabbed a kunai and held it out in front of me. My other hand went to my scrolls, just in case we needed a get away.

"Look what we found to beautiful young ladies to play with us." They jumped down and unarmed me. He grabbed my hands and held them in a position where they rendered my arms useless. The princess was too scared too move. They went around and touched my butt and I jumped back the princess falling to the ground in the process. My arms lay limply at my sides. I couldn't move chakra to them. "Don't you get it little girl, girls are tools to be played with, just like your little toy here. We can play with them too." He threw the kunai at my head. I caught it between my teeth and made a deep cut in both my arms. I closed my eyes. It was enough for me to come back to the recollection that the chakra was opened. I used the similar thing when Neji got me. I grabbed the princess in my arms and jumped off. I threw her in my window that I had left open.

"Stay back." I warned.

"No way, you're too fun to play with." He said. I threw so many kunai and other items that I was exhausting my chakra as he attacked with a sword. At least the princess was safe. Stupid me, of course this village is a bunch of jerk idiot women users and I decided to go on a walk with the princess in the middle of the night.

I was weakening. There was only one more but he was a real ninja unlike the useless basic assault team that the others had been. They were trained but this one was a real Chuunin level ninja. "The weaklings here weren't a match for you but I am." He said. He attacked me head on with a knife and a sword, he whacked my side cutting my pant legs, and then the knife landed in my arms. It was no kunai it was in there deep. He attacked me again, I stepped back and fell off the building roof.

"Good-bye." I said closing my eyes tight. I found myself getting caught.

"Hello." The voice said. I couldn't open my eyes.

"Neji." I mumbled falling unconscious. Later the next day the girl explained that's how it's like her whole life, people like them always trying to use her, that's what her village is all involved in, events exactly like that one. That's what she was supposed to be protected against when she hired us. Moreover, she was.

Ж (Flashback Over) Ж

"Yeah, they didn't respect me as a person, or a woman. I was just something to be used. It was horrible."

"Neji's never treated you like that, has he?"

"Nope." He's acted creepy like those guys have a few times. That was just when he was playing with me, he didn't mean any of it, and I know that.

"That's good so you trust him."

"Of course, I trust him more than I trust anyone else, maybe besides you guys and Tsunade-sama." She nodded.

"I know that I have no worries when I'm with him."

"That's good." He said. "I have a gift for Neji. Can you give this to him?" I nodded. He handed me a box and I didn't dare open it but nodded again.

"I will dad, thank you." He nodded.

"Good luck with your marriage. I'm sure it will turn out perfectly, just like mine even though it's not in this country and it was without you."

"It's alright. I became stronger because of it, I'm just glad you're really alive." He nodded. He left the room; the advice was somewhat disappointing yet important because it wasn't what I wanted to hear. I wanted the positive.

∆ (Hokage's Office) ∆

The last person I had on my list to talk to was the hokage. I went up to her office and knocked on it. "Come in Tenten," She said. I entered. "Sorry but I have to make it short, I'm sure that most haven't been, have they?"

"Some were long but in depth, it was good to hear." I said with a smile. It wasn't enjoyable but it was sort of needed. I hadn't thought of many of these things and wisdom came from the wise after all.

"I'm just saying good luck, take care of him, show him who's boss, never forget who you are, never be pushed around, love him, cherish him and most of all keep yourselves happy. These are the words of advice I give you." I nodded, bowed and left.

"Bye Tenten, you're the only one I don't have to worry about. The others I do. You have a solid beginning and an invisible end so you're great." I nodded and left.

∆ ( Forest, Memorial Stone) ∆

I sat down in a grassy area. It was more like the place of the memorial stone. I don't know what compelled me to come here but something inside of me did. I took a deep breath. I know why… I needed to see their names. His parents.

Hyuuga Hana and Hyuuga Hizashi. I touched the places they were located, by the parks; it was a 3-year difference between their deaths. Not many names were between but enough to make me feel sad for those also.

I wrapped my arms around the stone and cried. I don't know why I felt the urge to do so but I felt I needed to. I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned around to see Kakashi-san there. "You cry, but for who?"

"Hyuugas, Hana and Hizashi." I stated.

"Neji's parents, are they not?" I nodded.

"It's never good to bother the dead."

"I'm sorry; I just want to have their support. It would mean a lot to me. I guess this is my way to do such." He did a jutsu and touched me.

"It's an hour with them. Use it well. Like I said, it's best not to bother the dead but I'm sure they won't hold it against you."

"Thank you." He nodded and took his hands off me.

- (Dimension of Summons) –

I fell hitting the ground and rolled down the hill. I saw a small house up ahead. I walked in it. The two people looked at me. "You summoned us?" They asked.

"No, Hatake Kakashi did but I was the one who needed to contact you. Sorry if I disturbed you." I said bowing. The women, Neji's mother walked over to me.

"You smell like us, familiar, like…"

"our son."

"You are Allie's child, are you not?" I nodded. She asked a smart question.

"May I ask why you smell like our son? Usually we couldn't tell but we haven't had them for so long, your scent is dominant." Neji's father asked.

"Um… well… we're engaged and we'll… I haven't left his side in a long time, only if I'm forced to. It's been a few weeks since I've left his side but that was only for an hour or two, to sleep but since then… not so much."

"We understand dear. What is your name?"

"Tenten wasn't it?" He asked.

"Hai, my name is Hoshi Hyuuga Tenten."

"Now that we know who you are, and you know us as his parents. Why are you hear?"

"I wanted to talk to you before I marry your son. It's a sort of feeling I had. I didn't mean to bother you. I just wanted to be sure it was alright with you. I didn't even know this was possible."

"It's not legal but that's alright. We're fine. So talk about yourself so we know you. We can't judge you on what we heard of you for the first few months of your life, you were left alone right?"

"Yes, then when we were 12 I met Neji and we haven't been separated ever since, except for when we go home but that hasn't happened lately yet either." I said blushing.

"So explain your talents and what makes you so sure you can be worthy of the Hyuuga Clan, my brother sure enough doesn't allow weaklings into the clan by marriage or any other way, right?" Hizashi asked.

"Yes. I'm the top kunoichi around. I'm an ANBU as well as a Jounin level kunoichi. I'm a master at weaponry and have succeeded in beating Hiashi-san and Neji-kun. I'm saved the entire branch family from genocide and protect Neji from his seal activation on one account as well as repaired his mind on another account because I was a tenth of a second too late. I also saved him from going blind and well… switched bodies with him to save him from the pain." They were flabbergasted. I looked down. Every word I said seemed less realistic then the first.

"Who are you really?" I sighed.

"I am just as I said. The Hyuuga Clan is falling apart sadly. Their strength is the same but they are more frequently attacking their own. Their only chance was to take out Neji which is why I protect him. I love him and that's why I've helped him so far. He has reached his goal, well will within 2 months' time."

"What is that?" Hana asked.

"To be the head of the Hyuuga Clan." I stated simply. This got their attention.

"That is impossible."

"Nothing is impossible for a ninja. The Hyuuga Clan needed people who understood them, their pain and agony. They needed someone who was accepted and strong in order to save them. Hinata, my friend, she put Neji in her place because of my care for the Hyuuga Clan and how I protect it wish to better it." I answered.

"You have done things that are impossible, yet possible."

"Yeah but that was because I needed to, for Neji. I love him and I don't want him to ever be hurt, I have to protect him. I want him to be happy and I do whatever I can to make sure he is."

"You really do love and protect him, don't you?" Hana asked. She walked over to me and hugged me.

"I thank you from the depths of my heart, for protecting my son. Also, for loving him."

"I'm here to be accepted by you guys because I want to feel accepted by those who mean the most to him. It would mean so much to me if you'd accept me."

Hana hugged me tighter. "How could we not? For all you've done for my son I could not ask for someone better for him. You love him and protect him; there is none better. You are an amazing girl but the other things about you just make me far happier. You are doing good for his clan and righting the wrongs against him as well as bettering the entirety. You made his dreams come true. I couldn't ask for anything better." Hizashi walked of to me. He got on his knee and bowed.

"I'm still under the ruler of the Hyuuga Clan and to me that is you. I'm am more than happy to be under such a great person as yourself." I knelt down.

"Thank you. If you hadn't raised Neji so well I don't think he'd be the same person who is going to truly lead the Hyuuga Clan. I have you to thank for Neji being here and that is much more than you could imagine." They both smiled. "Do you have any words of advice?"

"You seem to be perfectly well suited to be married this very minute." Hana said.

"I agree. You two have our blessing for sure." Hizashi said. "Will you mind sharing with me the outcome of Hinata and Hinabi also?" He asked.

"Hinata and Neji are very close, we all live together in the Uchiha Complex along with Yamanaka Ino, Nara Shikamaru, Uchiha Sasuke, Haruno Sakura, and Uzumaki Naruto along with myself. The Uchiha Clan was entirely killed in a massacre by Uchiha Itachi who was later killed by Haruno Sakura and Sasuke, his brother. Everyone I have just mentioned except Itachi of course are getting married come April 1st. All of us together. During that time the 6th Hokage will be named. His name is Uzumaki Naruto along with his wife former Hyuuga Hinata."

"Uzumaki Naruto, sounds familiar."

"He's known to many as the Kyuubi Vessel but we don't see him like that."

"His father, the 4th Hokage, that was it. His name was Uzumaki also." Hana said.

"Yes, it is. He sealed the Kyuubi within his son but was never treated with the care he so desperately needed." I nodded.

"All is well, they are both helping free the Hyuuga along with Neji and myself. Though my time is up." They nodded.

"Here." Hana gave me a necklace she was wearing. It had on it a lilac colored pearl. It reminded me of Neji's eyes. Neji's father offered up a gift to Neji, it was a scroll that was sealed. "Give those to him." Hana said. I nodded and soon I began to disappear. It was the most touching, loving and wonderful thing that I had even heard. I love his family.

The Reason Why… She Doesn't Like Lectures.

uncomfortable obviously unnecessary special visitation bad news facts revealed important knowledge annoying deep caused worry wasn't what she wanted to hear wanted the positive disappointing short some were long in depth wasn't enjoyable needed touching loving wonderful