-xvii-

Time's up, Ten.

Tenten stared down at the text message, her skin prickling with fear.

"Tenten?"

She looked up and met Detective Rock Lee's gaze, eyes wide, mind racing. She got to her feet and Detective Lee mirrored her, his hand straying to the cuffs on his belt.

"I have to go," Tenten said in a rush.

Detective Lee raised his bushy eyebrows. "We're in the middle of an interview, Tenten. Where do you have to go?"

Tenten glanced back down at the text message, her pulse quickening as she considered how fast she could reach the Hyuga home.

"I can't explain right now; there isn't time," Tenten said, moving towards the conference room door.

"If you leave now, I'll have no choice but to arrest you," Detective Lee said firmly, crossing the distance easily with his long legs. He set his hand on the doorknob, staring at Tenten seriously.

Tenten felt her face flush with indignation. "If I don't leave now something terrible is going to happen to Hinata Hyuga," she spat, heart thudding in her chest.

She didn't know if it was the desperation in her tone, or if Detective Lee was simply intrigued, but when he gave a simple nod and opened the door for her, Tenten felt a rush of affection for him.

As they passed Neji's office, Tenten suddenly halted, her heart lurching as she peered in at him. Neji's head was bowed, his hands covering his face in defeat. On instinct, Tenten set her hand on the door handle.

"Tenten?" Detective Lee said, catching her eye. "Does Neji Hyuga need to accompany us as well?"

Tenten lifted her hand from the door, rapidly shaking her head. "No. He's better off here."

Detective Lee nodded once, and they walked briskly to the elevators where Tenten began to detail everything she knew about Sasuke Uchiha.

-x-

All was quiet at the Hyuga home when they arrived. Following their conversation, Detective Lee had called his partner for backup. If she hadn't been in the throes of concern, Tenten would have laughed at seeing Kiba Inuzuka arrive, looking very much the same as he had that night, six months prior, at the strip club. His gaze passed over her easily, none-the-wiser. Maybe that stupid wig worked out okay, Tenten thought humorlessly.

They waited almost an hour before Tenten finally spotted movement in the shadows near the Hyuga gate. She pointed it out to Detective Lee beside her, and he nodded once, his hand coming to rest on the gun at his belt.

When Sasuke's familiar form emerged from the darkness, Tenten disregarded all of Detective Lee's previous instructions to her. She stepped out and walked swiftly up to the gate, hearing Kiba Inuzuka swear softly behind her.

Sasuke turned, raising an eyebrow at her as she approached, seeming neither surprised nor pleased. A moment passed as they considered each other, before Sasuke finally asked, "Where's Hyuga? Isn't he supposed to be attached at your hip?"

Tenten rolled her eyes. "He's working."

"What a surprise," Sasuke replied drolly, moving closer to her. "Then why are you here? You've finally come to the conclusion that begging is your only option?"

Tenten pushed down a wave of revulsion. "I don't beg for anything, Sasuke."

Sasuke cocked his head at her. "Not even for Hyuga? You must not like him as much as I first thought."

"This doesn't have to do with him," Tenten said firmly. "I know what you're planning to do to Hinata Hyuga."

Sasuke quirked an eyebrow in mild surprise. "Oh, really? And what might that be?"

Tenten crossed her arms. "You're here to kidnap her for ransom, aren't you?"

Sasuke shifted against the gate, holding Tenten's gaze for a long moment before smiling. "What a horrible thing to accuse someone of, Ten."

"I'm not playing games with you anymore," Tenten replied sharply. "This fucked up chess game we've been playing ends tonight."

Sasuke rolled his eyes. "That's a very presumptive declaration for a pawn to make." He crossed his arms, gaze unwavering. "These are orders, Tenten. Akatsuki wants Hinata Hyuga as security for the sale of Hyuga Development. Don't worry—not a hair on her head will be harmed."

"You're not taking her anywhere. If Akatsuki thinks Neji would ever sell the company over these kinds of terms they're insane."
Sasuke shrugged, unconcerned. "It's merely an incentive. From your intel, it's clear that they're not speaking regularly. He probably wouldn't even notice for a few days."

Tenten's face burned at her involvement. "I'm not letting you take her."

Sasuke studied her carefully for a moment before withdrawing his phone, clipped to his belt. "We'll see. Don't you realize I can call Hyuga right now? If you confess everything over the phone, I'll tell Konan where your loyalty still lies."

Tenten gritted her teeth. "I already told him, you asshole."

A flicker of surprise crossed Sasuke's face. "You did?"

Tenten nodded and turned her face away.

"Let me guess," Sasuke said after a moment of contemplation, "he broke up with you?"

Tenten said nothing, thinking of Neji's conflicted face the last time they spoke. Sasuke laughed, shaking his head. "What did I say, Ten? You got too attached to the assignment. What are you going to do now? Hyuga rejected you, you're on the verge of being a traitor to Akatsuki. You're right back at the place you've always been—alone and unwanted, by everyone."

Tenten pushed away the sting his words brought.

Sasuke went on, moving closer to where she stood, "I'll let you in on a little secret: it's better that you're alone. When you involve other people in your affairs, it makes things more complicated. When you're by yourself, you have no one to answer to, no messes to clean up, nothing to clarify."

Tenten felt tears bud at the corners of her eyes, thinking back to her months of loneliness before Neji, before Hinata and Naruto. Her chest ached at the possibility of returning to that kind of life once more. I don't want to be alone, she said to herself.

Sasuke snorted indifferently. "This mission has made you weak. Did Hyuga really screw with you so much that you're not the same anymore, Ten?"

Tenten's face flamed with indignance. Sasuke considered her in the dark, his lips lifting with mockery. "This was always your problem, Ten. You throw too much of yourself into your projects."

"Why did you break into Neji's office? What were you looking for?" Tenten pressed, ignoring the jab.

Sasuke laughed. "Something. Anything. But Hyuga clearly wasn't that important to his uncle. There was nothing to take, nothing to see. No skeletons in the closet to speak of."

Except there was. You just didn't find it, Tenten thought, crossing her arms. She leaned towards him, saying, "Maybe you weren't looking hard enough."
Sasuke sent Tenten a look, weighing her statement. "You know something," he said softly, studying her curiously.

Tenten shrugged, turning away from him. "Maybe, maybe not," she replied.

Sasuke scoffed. Tenten listened as he tapped his foot in thought. Finally, he said, "So, you're here to barter. For Hyuga."

Tenten faced him, her hands falling to her sides. "I'll give you my information. But after that, you disappear, Sasuke. You leave Hinata and Neji and Naruto alone. No more interference. No more visits or surprises. I want you gone. For good."

Sasuke rolled his eyes, stepping closer to her. "You're being awfully dramatic, Ten. You can't erase the past. And I think both of us know that deep down, you and I are one and the same: orphans in the world, just trying to do their best, serve a cause, see wrongs righted. If Hyuga knew about half the things you've done for Akatsuki, he wouldn't even be able to look at you."

Tenten flinched. Her hand strayed to the handle of her pistol, tucked into the small of her back, in the waistband of her jeans. She wanted to refute Sasuke's claims, to list all the ways she knew that Neji would forgive her and grant her a second chance. But she couldn't, because she was still uncertain if he would. From the corner of her eye, she thought she could detect Lee and his partner creep through the darkness towards them.

Sasuke continued, dark gaze piercing, "Face reality, Tenten. Neji Hyuga's not in love with you. He's just a boring businessman that you only like because he represents normalcy. But you don't even want to be normal, do you? You like the thrill and the adrenaline of this life. You like fucking people up. You like putting yourself first. You should be thanking me for stepping in." Sasuke chuckled. "Get your head out of the clouds, Ten. You'll never have anything real with Neji Hyuga, and no amount of bartered information is going to change that."

Tenten's fingertips touched the handle of her pistol. "So, you aren't interested in making a deal, then? What do you want, Sasuke? If it's not Naruto you care about, or the Hyuga's, then what are you after?"

"Nobody has what I want," Sasuke spat, glaring at her. "But you can't deny that there's something linking us together, Tenten. We're supposed to work together, because we bring out the real person inside both of us."

Tenten grasped her pistol and edged it out of her waistband, staring hard into Sasuke's eyes. "There's nothing between us, Sasuke. You just like getting high over controlling and manipulating other people."

"And you don't?" Sasuke retorted. "The entire time you've been with Hyuga, you've been lying to him. You're in denial, Ten. We're the same, and we always will be."

There was a click and Sasuke peered behind Tenten, squinting through the darkness. Kiba Inuzuka's gun was trained on Sasuke's chest. At Tenten's shoulder, Detective Lee held out his arms in an appeasing gesture; a set of cuffs glinted in his hands.

"On your knees, please, Sasuke Uchiha," Lee said in a soft, but firm tone.

Sasuke looked at them for a second before turning back to Tenten, an eyebrow raised in amusement. "Really, Ten? This is what you resorted to? For revenge? I'm disappointed."

In a flash, Tenten withdrew her pistol and cocked it at Sasuke's forehead. "On your knees, you fucking asshole."

Slowly, rolling his eyes, Sasuke sank to his knees, placing his hands behind his back. As Lee bent down to cuff him, Sasuke stared up at Tenten, shaking his head slightly.

Tenten kept her gun trained on him until she felt Lee touch her arm gently. "Your gun, please, Tenten."

Tenten pulled her eyes from Sasuke's, shooting Lee a look of confusion. Lee waited, his hand outstretched.

Swallowing, Tenten placed her pistol in Lee's palm. He unloaded it and pocketed it inside his dark green jacket. Tenten felt a pang of loss.

"I guess you got what you wanted after all, didn't you, Ten?" Sasuke said as Kiba crouched down to bring him to his feet.

Tenten frowned, staring at him. "Not quite."

-x-

To say that Hinata, Naruto, and Hanabi were surprised to see Tian standing outside their front door, flanked by a police officer, was an understatement.

Hinata's mouth fell open in shock, and she reached out to clutch Tenten's hand. "Tian? What's going on? I thought you were leaving for the weekend with Neji."

"Something came up," Tenten frowned, glancing at Lee.

Detective Lee took a step forward, giving them a bright, reassuring smile. "Good evening, Miss Hyuga. May we come in?"

Hinata looked from Tian to Detective Lee, confusion written on her face. "Yes," she said cautiously, opening the door wider. "Please come in."

-x-

Tenten had pleaded with Detective Lee to let her accompany his partner, Kiba, back to the precinct with Sasuke, but he had insisted she come in, stating that the Hyuga's would feel at ease with a familiar face. Tenten could not have disagreed more, but when she said so, Detective Lee not-so-subtly implied that she was still technically detained for questioning.

Tenten sighed, studying her hands as she sat by the door in the Hyuga's living room, half-listening to Lee explain the events of the evening. Hell, even standing outside in the cold would be better than here, Tenten thought, chancing a glance up at Hinata.

Her lips were pressed tightly together, face stricken with concern as she gazed at Detective Lee, hanging on his every word. Next to her, Hanabi stared dully at the floor, her phone clutched in her hands. Naruto, however, was only looking at Tenten; his blue eyes inspected her fixedly. For a moment, she held his gaze, her anxiety spiking.

"I think it would be best if you three came along to the Hyuga offices," Lee was saying. "Obviously there needs to be additional discussion with Mr. Hyuga about the company, and the threat that Akatsuki poses."

Hinata frowned deeply. Offhandedly, she muttered, "Mr. Hyuga was my father. But if Neji is in danger, then we should go."

She got to her feet and smoothed her skirt, eyes flitting to Tenten curiously. Naruto grasped her hand and led her out of the room to gather their things; Hanabi slowly followed.

Detective Lee turned to Tenten and smiled. "See, Tenten? That wasn't so bad, was it?"

Tenten shook her head and stood, jaw clenched tight with tension.

-x-

"Why didn't you tell me?"

Neji sighed, avoiding his cousin's piercing gaze. They were in his office, standing in front of the windows. Naruto and Hanabi had wandered off in search of a vending machine. Down the hallway, Detective Lee was still interrogating Tenten.

Tenten, Neji mused, the heaviness in his chest shifting.

"I didn't want to worry you," Neji said aloud.

"Worry me?" Hinata whispered, shaking her head. "Neji, why would I worry about the company? You're the one I've been worried about. Ever since Father died, you've completely withdrawn. I haven't seen you in weeks."

"I've been busy," Neji muttered. "This—this hasn't been the easiest thing to adjust to."

Hinata let out a low breath. "Father did you a great disservice," she said after a moment's pause. "He shouldn't have left you such a mess. He should have disclosed this to the shareholders ages ago."

"I assume his pride wouldn't allow him to do that," Neji replied softly.

Hinata released a humorless chuckle. She crossed her arms, turning her eyes to the view outside Neji's windows.

Silence fell between them, and Neji's thoughts wandered again down the hallway, wondering.

"So," Hinata finally began, "she lied to you?"

Neji flinched, mouth slanting into a strained frown. "She did," he admitted.

Hinata mulled this over for a second before saying in a gentle tone, "She's the one who prevented Sasuke Uchiha from kidnapping me. Detective Lee told you that, right? When we got here?"

"He mentioned it," Neji said, swallowing.

Hinata's eyes flickered up to him, an eyebrow quirked with an unspoken question.

"I don't know," Neji answered, running a hand down his face.

Noting the reluctance in Neji's voice, Hinata glanced over her shoulder to survey his office. "Then, what should we do? We have no choice but to tell the shareholders now about Father's business decisions. They could sue us."

"They wouldn't do that to us," Neji said with certainty. "They know us—almost all of them are family friends who have known us since we were toddlers."

Hinata did not look convinced. Neji continued, "If a lawsuit comes up, Uncle's lawyer can vouch for me—that no one knew anything prior to Uncle's death."

Hinata sighed. "This is such a mess, Neji. What are we going to do?"

The answer, heavy on his tongue, tasted bittersweet. When he'd discussed it with Tenten, hours before, she'd nodded with conviction that it would work, that she'd do anything to help him succeed. Neji blinked and took a breath, pulling his eyes from the skyline to look at his cousin. "We're going to sell the company to Akatsuki. The payout will cover the debt that Uncle owed, and perhaps provide a small dividend that can be given to the shareholders, since their shares are worthless now."

Hinata stared at him, emotion contorting her features. "I always said I wouldn't mind selling, but it feels worse to do it this way, Neji."

"I don't have a choice," Neji replied. "Tenten assured me that Akatsuki would take this deal, if we act quickly. Everything she shared with them didn't include Uncle's debts—to them, we're in good standing. The only people who know about it at all are you, me, and Tenten."

"And she'd help us?"

Neji nodded once. "She would."

Hinata took a careful breath and leaned her head against Neji's arm. "I guess we should get to work calling the shareholders, then."

-x-

It took a couple of hours to make all the phone calls and assemble everyone of importance into the biggest conference room Neji had to offer. Police officers, board members, and shareholders milled around the large room. There was only a mild semblance of confusion at this emergency meeting among the company members, but Neji quietly reassured them all, promising to explain soon.

Tenten had been relegated to a corner of the room, silently texting Konan back and forth. Detective Lee sat her elbow, reading over her shoulder.

Her eyes kept wandering to Neji. Several times, she caught his gaze. Their last kiss burned on her lips, inwardly wrestling with the possibility of more. She still couldn't be sure of where his head was—they never did finish their conversation on the state of their relationship. Ever since they'd discussed their options concerning Akatsuki, his expression had become unreadable, a cool mask of indifference.

How did he become so good at hiding from me? she pondered, her emotions stinging.

"I must commend you on a great effort," said Detective Lee, drawing Tenten's focus away from Neji.

Tenten didn't respond, glancing down at her hands. "I didn't do anything, besides create trouble."

"I disagree. Hinata Hyuga would have fallen into Sasuke Uchiha's hands, had you not intervened. I am sure the Hyuga's are grateful."

Tenten resisted the urge to laugh. "Grateful? Yes, I'm sure they're very eager to thank me, Detective Lee."

He caught her derisive tone and raised his bushy eyebrows. "Why wouldn't they? You are an integral piece to this plan succeeding."

Tenten flinched, shaking her head. "I'm just a pawn."

Detective Lee considered her, his gaze steadfast. "A pawn? That would imply a chess game. Which board are you playing on?"

Tenten stared back at him, frowning. Her gaze shifted back to Neji as she whispered, barely audible, "I only want to be on the board he's on, Detective Lee."

-x-

Thirty minutes before his announcement, Neji escaped from the conference room for a breath of fresh air. He slipped into the stairwell and took the steps two at a time until he reached the door to the roof. He burst out into the crisp, dark night air and breathed deeply.

"I was wondering how long it would take you to come up here."

"Can't you give me a moment of peace, Naruto?" Neji muttered, coming to stand next to the blonde. "This is about to be one of the worst days of my life, after all."

Naruto turned to him, his eyebrows raised. "I thought you would be happier. You're getting everything you wanted."

"Not quite," Neji replied, looking down at his hands.

Naruto hummed in thought, looking down at the streetlights. "You could give her another chance. Sometimes people make bad decisions."

"She lied to me for six months, Naruto. She was using me."

"But you love her," Naruto replied, glancing at him.

Neji didn't answer, eyes on the shapes of the dark buildings surrounding them. Naruto went on, "People break your heart, that's just part of being human. People hurt us and we hurt them, but at the end of the day, we have the choice to make if we're going to let that hurt divide us, or if we're going to work together to build a bridge over it." Naruto shrugged. "It's your choice, Neji. But she seems sorry. Why don't you give her another shot?"

Neji wondered how much Naruto would be giving him this advice if he knew the whole story. "Do you regret it?" he asked Naruto pointedly. "Forgiving Uchiha?"

Naruto smiled sadly. "Sasuke's done some unforgivable things. But I hope someday that he and I can be friends again, after he's had time to reflect on his decisions."

"Why do you still value his friendship?" Neji pressed. "He was planning on kidnapping Hinata to force my hand; he stole all of your inheritance. How far does he have to go before you'll say no more?"

Naruto stared back at Neji seriously. "Real forgiveness forgets the past—it moves forward, not back." He paused for a second, thinking. "I know you think I'm a fool, for treating him as well as I have. But . . . we're all fools who forgive; we know exactly how people will use us, hurt us, lie to us—and we keep letting them in until we decide not to anymore."

"She's already made a fool of me," Neji said, "and I haven't even decided what to do yet."

Naruto mulled this over. "Well, better a fool in love than only a fool."

Neji glanced at him, then at his watch. He grasped Naruto's elbow, pulling him towards the stairwell. "Let's go. It's time."

-x-

Tenten watched as Detective Lee stood to call everyone to order, politely asking for those still standing to take their seats. Hinata sat at the long, polished table, her eyes unfocused. Tenten wished she could go over and apologize, but she had no words to explain. She flushed, thinking of Neji and Hinata discussing her treachery.

Tenten's gaze shifted to Neji. Moegi had brought him a fresh suit for the announcement. He looked incredibly pale and uncomfortable, surrounded by all these important figures. But still gorgeous, Tenten thought to herself, swallowing as he reached for the coat on the back of his chair.

She watched as his eyes scanned the room and landed on her. Staring back at her intently, he slipped on his jacket and reached up to fix his tie, his expression incomprehensible. Tenten felt her body surge with a thrill as they looked at each other from across the room, desperately wanting to know what he was thinking, if the plan would work, if all her chances were ruined.

"Mr. Hyuga? Are you ready?"

Neji pulled his eyes from Tenten to look at Detective Lee, nodding once. Tenten watched him swallow, his fingers twitching with nervous energy. She clutched her phone tightly in her hands, her gut seizing with apprehension.

Neji cleared his throat and steeled himself. He glanced around the room once more, his lips pursing as his eyes passed over Tenten again. And then he began, looking at each of the assembled members. "As my first official act as CEO of Hyuga Development, I would like to announce that I am imminently putting the company up for sale. After discussing with Hinata and Hanabi, we have agreed to sell Hyuga Development, its assets, and other subsidiaries to a private buyer that has shown interest. The payout will be generous, and I believe it's a fair assumption to say that each of your shares will reap some type of return."

Neji took a breath, glancing down at Hinata. She quietly took his hand and squeezed it in solidarity. He went on, eyes skipping back to Tenten briefly, "I know this comes as a shock to most of you, but I have my reasons for this decision that as of yet, I'm not able to disclose. I hope that after years of investing with our family, watching Hinata, Hanabi, and I grow up and pursue our different endeavors, you will accept our decision, knowing that it's the best for this company that our grandfather started so many years ago."

The room was quiet as Neji took a step back from the conference table, his eyes flitting from member to member.

Finally, an older gentleman, sitting across from Hinata said, "You are keeping a secret, but will not tell us? Is there no option for the shareholders to purchase the company from the family?"

Detective Lee moved forward to capture the room's attention. Effusively, he said, "Sir, it is imperative that Hyuga Development be sold to the private company Mr. Hyuga mentioned—this has become a matter of police investigation, as I'm sure you've gathered."

"You called us here to ask for our silence, then?" the gentleman said, glancing at Neji with narrowed eyes.

"Your discretion," Lee corrected easily. "Mr. Hyuga has drawn up a confidentiality agreement for each of you that will be binding until our investigation is completed."

Murmurs broke out among the shareholders, the noise easily growing to fill the large room. Neji stood off to the side, his hands in his pockets as he gazed out the floor-to-ceiling windows, ignoring the heads that swiveled to stare at him.

Hinata stood to her feet, and the room hushed once more. She looked around the room, her hands clasped earnestly in front of her. "I know this is a lot to ask of such good friends. Many of you we have known our whole lives, since we were children. Neji, my sister, and I have thought very hard about the future of this company, and our part in it. We hope that you can understand and place a little trust in us when we tell you that this is the best course of action, for everyone involved." Shakily, she held up her hand. "As the second largest shareholder, I move for a vote to approve the acquisition of Hyuga Development, effective immediately."

Tenten watched as the gathered members in the room considered each other for a moment. Then, the older gentleman who'd spoken slowly raised his hand, holding Hinata's gaze. Around the conference table, shareholders began to raise their hands. Tenten had no idea how many shares the hands represented, but when Neji turned away from the window to survey them, she could see the evident relief in his face as he also lifted his hand.

"Motion passes," he said softly.

Tenten felt her phone buzz in her hands and she quickly responded. There was a pause, and the conference room phone rang.

Neji, his shoulders tense, picked it up, saying, "This is Neji Hyuga."

He listened for a long moment before catching Detective Lee's eye and nodding once. Quietly, Detective Lee gestured for the officers in the room to launch their tracking equipment for the call. They nodded, heads bent together over their device.

The room was quiet, studying Neji's face as he listened to Akatsuki's proposal. Tenten looked down at her phone—Konan had only sent a single message since the phone had rung: If Hyuga accepts the deal, we will permit you to continue working for Akatsuki. She nervously nibbled on her fingernail.

Neji waited a beat, and then nodded again to Detective Lee. The huddle of officers tracking the call were hurriedly scurrying notes on pads of paper.

"Then consider it done. Should we have a public press conference, or—" Neji smiled to himself, seeming satisfied. "Yes, I understand. Then, I congratulate you on your acquisition. I will have the paperwork sent over to you right away."

Neji waited another few seconds, then hung up, glancing at Detective Lee. "They agreed. Payment should be made by Monday."

Detective Lee nodded and let out a thrilled yelp. Tenten smiled in relief and texted Konan back: No, thanks. I quit.

-x-

Abruptly, it was all over. The confidentiality agreements were signed; the shareholders assured by Neji and Hinata that they would be notified of the business proceedings as soon as they were given permission to divulge it. The detectives packed away their equipment, and the police officers trickled out. The phone out in the lobby rang and rang, but no one answered—Neji had sent Moegi away hours before.

Tenten sat frozen in her chair, unable to move, uncertain about where she fit into all of this now that her small part was over. Neji was surrounded by a crowd of board members and shareholders, no doubt giving him an earful. Hinata stood at his elbow, half-listening, her hand tightly encompassed in Naruto's.

Tenten studied Neji carefully, wishing they were alone, wishing she could have more time to explain.

As the room emptied and it grew quieter, Tenten watched Detective Lee approach Neji, a broad grin across his face. "Thank you for your assistance, Mr. Hyuga! We never would have uncovered this plot if it weren't for you."

"You should only give credit to yourself, Detective," Neji responded, his gaze unwittingly wandering to Tenten. "You were the one who found out, not me."

Detective Lee glanced over his shoulder to Tenten. She determinedly looked down at her lap, twisting her fingers together. "Will you be pressing charges?" Detective Lee asked.

Tenten's heart shuddered at those words. She caught Neji's eye—he stared at her for a long moment before wordlessly shaking his head. "No. Let her go," he murmured, so softly that Tenten had to resort to reading his lips.

Don't get excited, she warned herself, already feeling her skin erupt with a shiver.

"She seems genuine to me, considering the circumstances," Detective Lee said, his voice carrying in the mostly empty room.

Neji shook his head, noncommittal. "Maybe. Maybe not."

"What happens next will be vitally important to our investigation—I will need your continued assistance over the next few weeks as we make progress in studying Akatsuki. I hope that won't be a problem?"

Neji's mouth tightened, but Hinata stepped forward, overhearing. "I would be glad to help you, Detective Lee. Neji has earned a break, if you ask me."

Neji turned to his cousin, surprise on his face. "Hinata, I don't expect you to—"

"Go get some sleep, Neji. You look awful," Hinata said bluntly.

Detective Lee chuckled and nodded smoothly. "Very well. It will be an honor to work with you concerning this matter, Miss Hyuga." Shaking their hands energetically, Detective Lee moved away, headed for the door. Before he exited the room, he inclined his head to Tenten, winking at her. Tenten watched him go, her heart warming a little to him with that small gesture.

Her attention was diverted, however, when Hinata and Naruto stepped over. Tenten stood to her feet, wondering what to say to the woman she'd come to consider a friend.

"Tenten?" Hinata tentatively said.

Tenten nodded once, her fingers anxiously twisting together.

"I have a lot of questions," Hinata began, holding Tenten's gaze seriously, "but I think for now, all I want to say is thank you." She held out her hand to shake.

Tenten winced at such an impersonal gesture, but she quickly accepted, squeezing Hinata's hand. "I don't deserve your thanks."

Hinata released a miniscule smile, some of the stress and sadness from the past month leaving her face. "You protected me, and I'm grateful. Maybe in a few weeks we can meet again, and I can ask my questions."

Tenten flushed at the chance. "I'd like that."

Hinata beamed and nodded, tugging on Naruto's hand to lead him out of the conference room; he shot Tenten a cheeky grin.

Slowly, Tenten looked back to Neji, where he was now standing alone. She walked over to him, holding her breath as she held his gaze. She stopped a few paces away, admiring his suit from up close. Hopefully, she asked him, "Can I buy you a drink?"

-x-

"So, you have no family."

Tenten glanced at him from the corner of her eye. Neji's gaze was lowered, watching his own fingers as he fidgeted with the edge of his drink napkin.

"No," she answered, reaching for her vodka glass. "Ward of the state."

Neji sighed. "Can you even translate?"

Tenten nodded. "I can. But I wouldn't ever do it for a job. Too monotonous."

Neji rolled his bourbon glass between his hands, thinking. After a brief pause, he began, "The woman. From the club—"

"Angel," Tenten proffered, taking a sip of her drink.

Neji winced, and begrudgingly continued, "Angel. She was some . . . persona you made up?"

Tenten nodded again. "I worked there from time to time for a particular assignment."

"As a stripper?"

"A fake stripper," Tenten corrected, flushing a little at Neji's scrutiny.

He tilted his head, still not looking at her, running a thumb around the rim of his highball glass. Tenten could feel his apprehension and it caused her gut to drop. Nervously, she fiddled with her napkin, folding it three, four, five times.

"And I was your assignment. To an extent."

"Yes."

"I assume they were going to pay you a lot, for your success."

Tenten made a face. "That's being a little generous. I was still on probation when they gave me this assignment—any pay I would have gotten would have been docked."

Neji glanced at her for a second, and she stilled, carefully trying to decipher his mood. He didn't seem angry or upset or even particularly bothered—only weary. "You know," he murmured, "it's hard for me to forgive people."

"I can relate to that," Tenten said, thinking of Sasuke.

"Tenten," Neji said, turning to her.

Tenten flinched, still unused to her name being spoken aloud by him. She pursed her lips, waiting.

Neji reached out, ever so cautiously, and touched the edge of her sleeve, not quite brushing her skin. He said quietly, "There are so many things I've learned since my uncle died—about my father, about my uncle. They both hid things from me. My father pretended to have things he didn't. My uncle left me in the dark about a company that he wanted me to inherit. And what I can't seem to reconcile is why he chose me in the first place, to carry such a burden. I never had loyalty to the company—only to my family. I've wanted out for years—and in a fucked-up way, you released me from all of it."

Tenten swallowed, weighing each of his words. Neji finished the last of his drink and set it back down on the bar, contemplative.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, controlling the emotion that was lodged in her throat. "I'm—I wish I hadn't. Fucked it up, I mean."

Neji smirked and glanced at her. "I'm saying thank you," he said.

Tenten raised her eyebrows in surprise. She let out a scoff and shook her head, draining her glass. "You're a man full of surprises, Neji Hyuga—the exact opposite of what I first thought."

Neji studied her for a long moment. Tenten's skin prickled as she fought the urge to look away. "Well, I suppose we're all pretending, in one way or another. Until we decide to be honest with ourselves," he said finally.

Tenten smiled a little.

The bartender glanced at them. "Another?" He asked.

Tenten glanced at Neji. He stared back, tapping his empty glass in consideration. Tenten waited, unwavering, until Neji gave her a small, imperceptible nod. A small smile gracing her mouth, Tenten scooted her barstool nearer to Neji, daring to reach out and lace their fingers together.
She looked at the bartender, a gleam in her eyes. "Keep them coming," she said.

A/N: The next "chapter" is just a short epilogue. Hope you enjoyed this fic! I am so glad to be finished with it. Let me know your thoughts if you have any! -KNO