The battle had raged on for at least another hour after Tenten was sent back to her quarters, but finally the sounds of fighting disappeared, and she heard the captain ordering his men around again. Tenten wondered what they were doing, whether there was a lot of clean-up work to be done, and if they had lost any of their own men.
It had been a long, boring afternoon, with Tenten cooped up in her cabin. She longed to step out onto the deck and do her part to help, but she could still see the furious look on Neji's face when he had escorted her back to her cabin earlier, and she decided not to anger him any further. No doubt he was busy enough as it was without having to worry about her.
Instead, she spent the afternoon in her small room where she decided to pen letters to people of her acquaintance, to let those close to her know she was alive and well. Tenten also wanted to write to her father, though even the thought of doing so filled her with dread. But she felt the need to tell him that she was alive, and that she would not be going back home. Never again would that man have a hold over her.
A knock at the door indicated the evening meal had been brought to her, and Konohamaru scuttled inside with her tray. Luncheon had never come, and although she had been hungry all afternoon, she hadn't wanted to venture out of her room to find food. Still, she was glad the pirates hadn't forgotten about her completely after the exciting events of the day.
"Dinner, for ye, miss," the young boy said, setting the tray on her desk where she sat. The bowl of soup sloshed over the side, wetting one of her letters, and Tenten held back an irritated sigh at the sight. It had taken her a long time to write it, and now she would have to start over.
"Thank you, Konohamaru," she replied, managing a small smile. She knew her frustration stemmed from her exhaustion—usually, something so little as this wouldn't faze her. But it had been a long, stressful day, and her nerves were frayed almost to breaking point. All she needed was a good sleep, and she would be back to normal. "I'm glad to see you unhurt after today's fight. Were there… many casualties?"
Konohamaru's small, grubby hand reached up to pull off his battered cap, and he tucked it under one arm, his eyes downcast. His voice was soft as he replied, "Only a few. Cap'n held a funeral service this afternoon for 'em."
Tenten tried not to be hurt at the knowledge that she hadn't been there to honour the dead. She would have wished to pay her respects for the fallen pirates, despite not knowing them for long. Why had Neji not asked her to attend? Had the captain not thought of her after the battle? Did he not care for her feelings at all?
A thought struck her, causing her heart to sink like an anchor and tears to spring to her eyes. Was she even wanted on this ship? Tenten had been aboard the Crimson Night as Neji's guest for a little over two weeks now, and yet he continued to refuse her the opportunity to spend time with his men, while he himself barely spent any time with her. Maybe, despite his welcoming words two weeks ago, the captain was burdened by her presence on his vessel. Perhaps he even wished she had never come aboard.
Hot tears burned her eyes, but Tenten was determined not to let them fall. She hadn't cried in years—not even when she was in great physical pain from her father. But it hurt to realize she did not belong anywhere. Tenten had lost her home as soon as she defied her father by fleeing, and now it seemed she didn't belong here either. She had been just starting to enjoy her life at sea, but it seemed she had been getting ahead of herself. Tenten would never be accepted as an equal on a pirate ship. She had been stupid to think she could be.
Perhaps it would be best if she left at the next port, despite the captain's warnings that it was a dangerous town. But what would she do there? She had no money, no title. Tenten was a woman alone in the world, and she wasn't as naïve as people thought—she knew what men did to women with no protector. Now that she was learning the sword, Tenten had some form of protection, but she also knew it would not help her in all situations.
What else could she do, though, except stay in town after they arrive? Neji obviously didn't want her on board—of that she was certain. And Tenten refused to remain on the Crimson Night if she was only going to be a burden to the captain and his crew.
She hadn't realized she had been in thought for so long, and by the time she shook herself out of her stupor, Konohamaru had long since left and her food had gotten cold. Tenten ate in silence, as she did every meal since she had no company to enjoy, and decided she wouldn't feel sorry for herself any longer. Even if the captain didn't want her here, that did not mean she couldn't make the best of time she had left onboard.
After eating, Tenten washed her face and changed into warmer clothes before heading outside. After being cooped up in her cabin all afternoon, she wanted to get some fresh air and see the beautiful starry night sky. As she headed to the bow of the ship, Tenten noticed a few crewmates sitting around a small fire pit made of metal.
"It's the lass who saved our cap'n," one of the men said, his words catching her ears. She turned towards the three men, her plan to walk past without engaging already foiled. Any other time she would be happy to stop and converse, but despite her efforts to pump herself up, Tenten was still upset, and she didn't feel like company.
She sent the men a forced smile, wondering how they knew. The brunette and spikey haired blond smiled back at her, but the third person, a blond-haired man sporting a ponytail, glared at her from his position by the fire. The look sent chills down her spine, and she was grateful when he suddenly stood up and left when she took a step closer to the trio.
"Don't worry 'bout him," the spiky blond—Naruto, Tenten reminded herself—said. "He don't like women on board. Deidara's superstitious like that."
Tenten recalled seeing Deidara in passing a few times, and the glares he sent her way during those moments finally made sense. She knew many men were superstitious about women being on boats—she hadn't a clue why, since such a notion seemed ridiculous to Tenten—and wondered how many other crew members felt similar to Deidara. Yet another reason for me to depart at the next town, she thought with an inward sigh.
Realizing the two pirates were still looking at her, Tenten asked Kiba, the brunette, "How did you know I helped the captain?" She did not think Neji would have told anyone—that would have meant admitting he had been saved by a woman.
"Sasuke was manning the starboard cannons and saw it. Said ye did good, despite being new."
This time, Tenten's smile was real, and she felt her cheeks flush with pleasure at the compliment. "It was a fluke, I assure you. Don't tell the captain, but I was terrified the whole time. It was nothing like my sparring lessons."
"Aye, pirates can be vicious bastards," Kiba replied, a teasing grin on his face. "Glad ye didn't get hurt though, miss. It's nice 'aving a woman on board. Yer a sight for sore eyes."
"I'm sure not everyone thinks so but thank you, nonetheless." It was nice to be recognised, at least by a few people. "The captain especially seems put out with me being here. He even banned me from speaking to his crew." She rolled her eyes, to let the two men know what she thought of that command.
"Cap'n told us the same, that we weren't to bother you, but he had his reasons. He didn't want us to scare ya, since yer such a delicate thing."
Tenten couldn't help but laugh at Kiba's comment. "That's the first time I've been called delicate. I assure you; I am anything but. The captain obviously doesn't know me very well." She glanced skywards, remembering her reason for coming outside. "Thank you for the chat, gentlemen. I was feeling melancholy this evening, but not anymore. I was heading portside, though, so I should continue on my way. Enjoy the rest of your evening."
She said goodbye to the two men and continued on, the sounds of the waves lapping against the ship a soothing melody to her ears. It truly was peaceful out at sea when one took out the possibility of running into enemies or suffering through storms. She could easily get used to the tranquillity and stillness of the sea.
There was no one at the deck when she arrived portside, just her and the great expanse of heavens above. The stars shone brightly; the milky way clearly visible above her. Tenten had come out here a few times in the two weeks she had free reign of the ship, but she wished she had done it more. It was beautiful out here, and it calmed the disquieting thoughts that were threatening to drown her over dinner. If it were possible for her to remain here on the ocean with nothing but sea and sky surrounding her, she would be happy.
"I do not believe I gave you permission to distract my men."
The voice came out of nowhere and Tenten jumped, spinning around to face the captain. He was wearing a white open collared shirt tucked into a pair of breeches. The combination of his navy waistcoat and tall, leather boots gave him an air of authority and power, and Tenten couldn't help but notice how infuriatingly handsome he looked.
Tenten tried not to bristle at his words. "I didn't realize they were busy. Hello to you too, by the way." She turned away from the captain, resolved to ignore him if all he planned on doing was berate her.
.
.
Her hair was down this evening, and the chocolate locks practically sparkled as they caught the light of the moon, causing her face to glow in an almost ethereal way. Neji hadn't meant to say that, but he had been angry upon seeing her laughing with his men and the words had just tumbled out of his mouth. It was stupid of him, he knew, since he had no claim over her—nor did he want one, he tried to remind himself—but he couldn't help the jealous flare that arose at seeing the three of them enjoying a conversation together.
Neji tried to think of something else to say, something that might make her smile, or better yet, laugh, but he could not come up with anything. Why was it so hard for him when it seemed almost effortless for others?
While wracking his brain for conversation starters, Neji stepped forward so he was next to her and rested his arms on the ship's railing. He knew she ventured out here on occasion to watch the stars, but this was the first time he had chosen to accompany her. He enjoyed standing in this exact spot on nights he wasn't busy, and had found her here on one of her first evenings as his guest, but he hadn't wanted to disturb her. Since then, he knew each time she ventured outdoors after dark, and he made sure one of his most trusted men kept an eye on her as a precaution, since he was aware not everyone was pleased with her presence. He trusted his men to obey his orders, but they were still pirates, and not all of them came from his hometown. Some he had picked up during his career, and he did not know them well enough to trust them completely.
Neji knew he was being a coward by keeping his distance, and so had decided to spend some time with her this evening, especially after their last encounter. He wanted to apologise, and he wished to do so soon. Before things became too awkward between them.
"Tent—"
"I'm sorry—"
They had spoken at the same time, and Neji was surprised to hear the apology leave her lips. He turned to her, eyebrows furrowed. "What are you apologising for?"
Tenten's dark eyes shone by the light of the stars as she looked at him, and Neji was reminded once again just how beautiful she was. "I disobeyed direct orders. Even though I saved your life by doing so, I should have listened to you. I keep grumbling that you don't treat me as part of your crew, but at the same time, I don't act like a crew member. They would have listened to your orders."
Neji did not want her to be part of the crew—did not want her to be put in harm's way like the rest of his men—but he was not going to tell her that. Instead, he accepted her apology with a nod. "I too owe you an apology."
Her large doe eyes widened in surprise at his words, and Neji's lips quirked at the look of utter disbelief on her face.
"I apologise for yelling at you, Tenten. I understand you must feel frustrated with your situation, and I know much of that frustration is aimed towards me, but I will not put you in a situation where you could get hurt. I was angry that you left your quarters, but I cannot fault you for wanting to help."
"Thank you for apologising, Captain. I must admit, though, that I wasn't really prepared for how tough fighting actual enemies would be. I won't interfere again, not until I'm confident that I can truly hold my own."
Neji was glad Tenten could be objective with herself, but he would prefer if she never had to fight at all, despite her learning how to. His heart had almost stopped when he saw her on deck, trying to defend herself against such ruthless pirates, and he instantly regretted allowing her to learn the sword. Still, he knew he could not forbid it now, not unless he wanted her to hate him. He would continue to allow her to practice, but he did not think he could stomach her being in a real fight again.
"We are closing in on Kirigakure," he told her, remembering he did, in fact, have something to say. "It is still a few days away, but we will be there by the end of the week. Make sure to have clothes packed to go ashore."
He had thought the news might excite her, but instead she seemed to deflate at his words, and he instantly wished he could take them back. Why did she look saddened by the news?
"Captain," her voice was hesitant, and she glanced his way before fixing her eyes on the darkened ocean before them. "What is there to do on Kirigakure? How would someone—let's say a single woman—make a living in such a place?"
Neji was no simpleton, and his anger flared at what she was implying. Was she so sick of sea life already that she would wish to live in a town which was not safe for a lone woman such as herself? He would not allow it.
"I assure you, Tenten, that unless you have enough money so you would not have to work, there is no respectable jobs a lady of your stature would be able to find."
"None at all? I thought perhaps I could stay at a noble's house and teach their children?"
"There are not many nobles in Kirigakure, and among them, most are corrupt. You would not wish to be in their presence." He turned to face her, staring long enough that she had no choice but to stare back at him. "Why are you asking these questions, Tenten? I already told you that it is not a respectable town, at least not at the present time."
Tenten sighed, breaking eye contact to look at the ocean once again. "I just thought it might be easier to take up lodgings there instead of staying on board for a new destination. It has already taken this long just to reach Kirigakure; how long will it take to find another town? I no longer wish to be a burden."
Neji frowned at her words. "Who said you were a burden?"
"No one, but I can tell when I'm not wanted. You don't let me help with any of the chores, you don't like me talking to any of your men, and you avoid me like I'm the plague. How do you think that makes me feel, Captain?" Her voice rose in pitch as she spoke, and Neji could hear the anger and hurt she no doubt tried to keep hidden.
"I—" What could he say to that? It was not his intention to make her feel that way—he avoided her because he didn't wish his crew to think he had a romantic interest in their guest, and he ordered his men to keep their distance because he did not trust them all to treat her appropriately.
"See? You don't even have a defence for yourself. I know I don't have money, and my title is all but useless now, but I'm sure I can make a living somehow. And even if it isn't the most respectable town, I can make do there. I've survived with a verbally and physically abusive father for twenty years; I'm perfectly capable of looking after myself."
Before he could forbid it—really, did he think she would even listen to him?—she turned and left, her back ramrod straight as she walked along the deck back to her quarters. Neji sighed as he watched her go. That had not gone well.
I hope you guys are all doing well! I've started binge watching Superstore, and I am loving it! XD Hopefully ya'll enjoy this chapter, even though it's a little shorter. :)