Creating Love: Reason Enough
In a world where hearts are being broken,
One finds a reason enough to love.
Chapter 13
Neji sat on the couch while waiting for Tenten to finish dressing for their date.
Date.
He never thought this day would come that he'll be able to date Tenten– and more so, marry her. But seriously, it amazed him how fate works for them.
2 years ago...
"I found the person you were looking for, Mr. Hyuga." A man with large, imposing figure, face covered with 2 large old scars said.
Neji nervously shifted from his seat and gave all his attention to Ibiki Morino, his personal private investigator.
Ibiki Morino open his mouth to say something but gets interrupted when his office door suddenly open. The two men turn their head to see who's entering the room and seconds later, revealing Genma Shiranui, Neji's trusted secretary, carrying 2 folders. Seeing that he interrupted something, Genma apologetically smiled at Neji.
"Sorry, Neji." He casually said before making his way towards him and settled the folders on his table.
Neji only nodded in response to Genma, while the latter stood firmly on his side.
"Continue." Neji instructed Ibiki.
"The person you were looking for is currently residing in United States of America... I'm afraid that's all I can tell you, Mr. Hyuga."
His forehead creased and gave him a dark look, "What do you mean by that, Morino?"
"That person is well protected by a wealthy family, that is why we had a hard time searching through the files. I believe that they also changed her identity. I saw her once in USA but I wasn't able to get near her because she was surrounded by her bodyguards."
Ibiki Morino suddenly reached something on the inside pocket of his black suit and carefully placed it in front of him. Neji raised an eyebrow after eyeing the small paper Ibiki placed on his table.
"I was caught by one of his bodyguard and brought me in a hidden facility. I've met one of her protector. He wanted to meet you, please be informed that I never said anything about your identity and your reason for that matter."
Neji reached for the small piece of paper and opened it. Written on it is an address of a well known hotel in New York, a room number and a date, a month from now.
"I'll meet this person." He said firmly.
A month after, his car stopped in front of a five star hotel at the busy street pf New York. Genma and Ibiki went out of the car simultaneously and because Ibiki was closer to Neji's side, he opened the door for him.
Neji looked up at the building in front of them, then to Genma and Ibiki respectively.
"Are you sure about this, Neji? What if this is a trap?" Genma carefully asked, his voice laced with obvious concern, before glancing at Ibiki with a serious, doubted gaze.
Ibiki looked at Genma's gaze with the same intensity, "I will not put any harm on Mr. Hyuga's life. I only wish for his best interest." Ibiki said firmly.
Neji sighed at the two men. Of course, he understood their concerns.
Genma Shiranui, aside from being his secretary, is like an older brother to him. He was his father's apprentice and secretary (one of his two secretaries) but when his father died from assassination, he serve as his secretary and vowed his life to always serve, support and protect him. Similar to Genma, Ibiki Morino is his father's another trusted worker. If Genma is working on the light all the time, Ibiki works in the dark- doing the not-so-dirty work- like this. Investigating is his specialty. He's instructed to investigate for any anomalies going in the company if there's any, investigating people who have bad intentions to him, his family and the company etc.
"We'll never know if it's a trap unless we go in there." Neji said lightly.
"Neji! You're putting yourself in danger." Genma complained angrily, "Can you just let this go? Let's go back to Konoha." He added.
Neji shook his head, "This is the first time I heard a lead about her. Please don't stop me, Genma." Neji muttered before glancing to Ibiki on this other side, "Let's go." He instructed before walking ahead of them.
Ibiki followed him immediately, Genma cursed but followed them nonetheless.
A staff went to them as soon as they are on the sight and lead them the way towards the VIP rooms on the third floor. They stopped right in front of the biggest room, he believed. Slowly, the staff opened the door for them. Genma and Ibiki consciously put their hands on the gun hidden well on their bodies.
Neji confidently walked inside the room, only to be surprised when he saw a familiar face sitting comfortably on the largest couch in the middle of the room.
"You..." He trailed off, "What are you doing here?" He asked, unable to hide the shock in his voice.
Neji looked at Ibiki to confirm the person and the latter nodded in response.
"I should be the one asking you that, Hyuga." The man said in exchanged, voice laced with the same shock as his while looking at him with deathly glare.
Neji– never even bothered by the man's deathly glare, sat on the opposite couch instead. Genma and Ibiki stood firmly on his both side.
Neji eyed the man sitting across him. He couldn't believe to see him of all people. Of all people! That made him realized that the person he was looking for was just a grasp away from him but unfortunately he failed to see that because his attention was everywhere in the universe.
Alot of questions are formulating on his mind. What is her connection with him or these people? Why is he protecting her? More so, why are they hiding her? The questions are making him dizzy.
"You're looking for her, Hyuga? What do you need from her?" He said, his onyx eyes look deadlier each passing minute.
Neji shot him an intense look, "So you're the one protecting her?"
The man clenched his jaw, "Don't answer me with another question, Hyuga. What. Do. You. Need. From. Her?"
"I believe that's none of your business, Uchiha."
The man laugh in a mocking way, annoying Neji. "I believe it is my business since she's part of the Uchihas now."
Neji fisted his hand in annoyance, confusion and frustration. But he let his mind wander on his earliest memory of her.
15 years ago...
"Father, can we go back to your office now?" The 7-year old Neji asked his father as he turned to look at the crowded banquet hall.
Neji, even in an earlier age, was never fond of parties, crowded places or even wearing formal suits and bowties. For him, this kind of place and situation suffocates him. He prefer being alone either reading on a corner or spending time with his father.
His father, Hizashi Hyuga placed a hand on top of his head and ruffles his hair while smiling, "Why don't you have some fun tonight, Neji? There are lots of kids in tonight's party. Look at you cousins, they are all having fun." Hizashi said as he glanced to his cousins on a far distance having fun with other kids.
Ko and Hinata were running everywhere; Tokuma laughing while messing around the kids; Natsu talking with the girls her age; Iroha and Hoheto (who were 16 and 18 years of age respectively) were trying to get the girls attention.
It was only him and the 1-year old Hanabi sitting on the older's table.
"I hate playing with other kids." He answered back, crossing his arms against his chest.
Hizashi laugh, "If you continue being like that son, I'm afraid you'll grow up an old man faster that I." His father teased.
"Hn!" He expressed, but he looked up at his father shortly, "Are you serious father?"
"Good evening." Mrs. Wang greeted everyone on their table.
Hizashi laugh and nodded in amusement, "Yes, son. Are you-" His father stopped talking when a familiar presence appeared in front of them.
His father cleared his throat but his amusement was still evident in his voice, "Mrs. Wang, it's good to see you tonight. Who is this beautiful girl with you?"
Neji turned to look at the newly arrived people but froze on his seat as he met a chocolate-colored eye staring innocently at him. He stared back at her but as minute passed by, he couldn't stop the heat spreading on his neck, face and ears. He couldn't hold her stare anymore, and so he remove his eyes on her.
"Good evening, President Hizashi and Neji. This is my daughter, Tiantian Wang." Mrs. Wang, his father's secretary said as she gestured her daughter- who Neji believed, was the same age as he.
But it feels like his brown eyes is pulling him to look at her, Neji secretly look at her. The kid wasn't looking at him anymore, her eyes were now directed to his father. Neji almost growl.
"Hello, President Hizashi! My name is Tiantian Wang. I am 7 years old." Tiantian said in a bubbly tone, her gummy smile was showing, as her right hand was up in a waving movement.
Tiantian was wearing a red qipao dress with dragon embroideries on it.
Neji's face turned in triple layer of crimson red as her eyes landed on him, she waved brightly on him. Neji avoided her gaze.
Hizashi chuckled as he saw his son's reaction, "You're the same age as my son, I see. This is my son Neji, Tiantian." His father introduced.
Because Neji wasn't looking at any of them, Tiantian walked in right in front of his face and bob her head, "Hi, Neji! I'm Tiantian!"
Neji blinked multiple times as he saw how cute and beautiful Tiantian up close. She has a short fringe-bangs framing her small face and her hair was styled in two buns.
Neji calmed himself and cleared his throat, "H-Hi T-Tian-..."He started greeting but he stopped because he was stuttering.
Tiantian giggled and walk closer to his face- he gasped when he felt her small hand covering his left ear and her warm breathe kissing his skin.
"You can call me Tenten if you can't pronounce my name." She whispered before pulling away from his ears.
She stood in front of him and smiled, "Ten-ten. Easy, right?" She said again.
Neji remained frozen on his seat. He could hear his father and his Uncles and Aunties laughing- probably because of his reaction.
He felt his father's hand on his shoulder, "Tiantian, why don't you and Neji play?"
Tiantian smiled at his father and nodded, "Okay! Let's go Neji!" Tiantian said as she reached for his hand and pulled him out from his sitting and away from their table.
The two of them run away from their parents and towards the other kids. For a minute, Neji forget that they were running towards the other kids as his focus was on watching Tenten's back.
Neji, for the first time on this night, smiled genuinely.
Running with her felt like flying. And he likes it.
Tenten joined the kids running around the banquet hall, and because she was pulling Neji along with her, Neji had no choice but join their chasing as well. They played for an hour until Secretary Wang called the two of them so they can eat. Tenten pulled him (again) along with her in their table (just beside the Hyuga's table). She instructed Neji to sit beside her which the young man gladly follow.
At the same time Secretary Wang came from the buffet, Hizashi went to their table to look for Neji. Both adults were surprised and amused to see the two kids comfortably sitting with each other while conversing in a kid talk.
"Son, don't you want to join your father for dinner?" Hizashi asked, although he already knew what would be Neji's answer.
Neji and Tenten both glanced up at the two adults, "Can I eat here for tonight, Father?" Neji asked.
Hizashi smiled and nodded, "Of course, you can, son."
"YES!" Tenten happily said while watching the Hyugas, "Mama! Neji will join us!" She happily added as she looked up to her mother.
"Ohhh! Mama got me some dumplings, Neji! Do you like dumplings, Neji?" Tenten happily said as she swing both of her legs in happiness.
The two kids ate happily. For the first time since his mother and unborn brother's death, Neji felt happy.
Of course, the two kids played again after eating. But instead of playing with the other kids, Neji and Tenten only played with each other on a corner. Both of them sitting on the tiled floor. Neji showed her some of his pokemon cards while Tenten told Neji that she also have pokemon cards at home, as well as some toy cars and robot. Until Tenten got distracted from Neji's long silky hair.
"Neji, you've got a pretty hair." Tenten commented as she brush his hair using her little fingers, Neji only shrugged in response.
Tenten suddenly giggled- which made Neji turned to look at her, "Do you braid it Neji?"
"No."
"Oh! I can braid! And, and make buns like this!" She said happily while pointing at her hair.
"Yeah, it's cute..." Neji blurted out, his face flushed after realizing his sudden accidental slip of word (or compliment), he covered his mouth with his right hand.
But Tenten only laugh at him, "It's cute, right?"
Neji shyly nodded.
Sadly, every party has to end. A 16-year old Genma went up to them and told both kids that their parents were looking for them and that Neji need to go home since it was getting late. Genma held the kids in both of his hands as they headed towards where Neji's family and Secretary Wang were.
"Mama can we stay a little longer? I still want to play with Neji." Tenten sadly told her mother.
"Maybe next time, darling. Your father is waiting for us outside." MeiLein said, carressing her daughter's cheeks.
"Please, Mama? Just for awhile. I really like playing with Neji."
"Next time, darling..."
Tenten sadly look at Neji, lips pouting. Neji glanced up to his father (Hizashi noticing his son's stare, glanced at him before squating to level Neji's eye).
"Father, I like her." Neji muttered in low voice.
Hizashi chuckled (Mei Lein heard it as well making her chuckled at their cuteness) and ruffled his hair. Hizashi then looked at MeiLein and smiled, "I hope if time will come, you'll approve of my son for your daughter, Secretary Wang." Hizashi teased.
MeiLein chuckled before glancing at her daughter, "Say goodbye to Neji, darling."
Tenten frown at first but managed to smile slightly afterwards, "Bye-bye Neji." Tenten said, before planting a kiss on Neji's cheeks that made him frozen on his feet.
Secretary Wang and Tenten bid goodbye to the others, and before Neji could say his goodbye, Tenten was already gone.
Present Time...
"Neji, I'm ready." Tenten said that caught his attention.
Neji looks up and his jaw almost drop on the floor as he saw her. It feels like time went back from 17 years ago– only that this time, they were both grown up and there's no party or whatnot. But Tenten... she's wearing a qi pao crop top and skirt that fits her body perfectly. Her clothes highlighted her exposed stomach and curves, and her hair flowing freely on her back to her waist.
Neji clears his throat and stands up from his seat, "Let's go..."
The two of them headed out of their home. Neji drove his car going to their destination. Both of them were quiet throughout their trip, but Tenten noticed Neji's frequent glances at her.
He brought her to his favorite restaurant, Sukumē. A restaurant location on top of the famous Hokage rockies of Konoha. This used to be his parents' favorite place, and now he's bringing Tenten here.
"Wow, I never thought there are establishments up here." Tenten commented as she gets out of the car.
Neji sigh as he gets out of his car. Tenten didn't even let him open the door for her.
He stood beside her and offered a hand on her, "Would you like to go inside?"
Tenten looks at his hand, and reach for it, smiling. "Of course, let's go. I can't wait to see what's inside."
Neji gently intertwine their hands as they walk towards the entrance. Deep inside, he is happy that Tenten let him intertwine their hands. But Neji having no clue at all, Tenten is blushing and his simple action made her inside wild.
A waiter led them to his reservations, a two-seater table just beside the large window wall of the restaurant overlooking the bright city lights of Konoha at night.
Neji watches her reactions. Her eyes shining brightly like the lights in front of them with her contagious smile making its way on her lips.
"This is a beautiful place, Neji." Tenten commented.
Neji grabbed the bouquet of red tulips he bought from the Yamanaka's flower shop (he asked Ino to deliver the flower here) and handed it out to Tenten.
"For you, Mrs. Hyuga."
Tenten chuckled softly and accepted the flower, "Thanks, Neji."
She looks down at the flower and smiles, but turns into a smirk afterwards. She looks at him, "I love these, Neji. But I wonder why are you only giving me 11 tulips instead of 12?"
Neji smiles, "11 tulips plus you makes it perfect, Tenten."
Tenten couldn't help to suppress a laugh, "Oh God, Neji. Really, a pick-up line?" Tenten teased, but deep inside a warm light growing inside her heart.
Neji just smile before pulling a chair for Tenten- which again, she gladly accepts. he then sat on the seat across hers.
Neji gestures to a waiter to serve their food. Tenten couldn't help but to smile when she realized that Neji prepared everything perfectly ahead of time.
"This is a wonderful place, Neji. How did you knew about this place?" She asked, eyes focused on the night lights of Konoha before turning to look at him.
"This is my parent's favorite place."
Tenten smiles, "Lovely." She commented.
Their food arrives shortly, and Tenten noticed that every food the waiter served were her favorites.
She looks at Neji, "How did you know my favorite foods?"
Neji smirks, "I asked Father." He said, referring to Kagami Uchiha.
"Dad?"
Neji nodded, "Yes, I called him when you were preparing yourself earlier."
The two of them ate slowly, enjoying each other's company. Neji couldn't stop looking at her. Tenten is already beautiful, but tonight her beauty shone brightly than the moon and stars above. Her beauty is definitely ethereal.
They converse in different topics (but nothing deep). They also finished a bottle of wine before they decided to go home.
"Neji?" Tenten called when they are both inside their car and Neji was about to start the engine.
He turned to look at her and was caught off guard when his lips immediately met her soft lips.
"Thank you for this night. This is perfect." She murmured sofly (he can feel her breath on his lips) with a gleam on her eyes.
Neji smiles, and his eyes travel to her lips back to her eyes. Tenten did the same as well, and when their eyes meet again, their faces move forward, meeting each other's lips halfway.
Neji arms reach for her exposed waist, gently caressing it. Tenten deepen the kiss as her arms found its way on his shoulder.
It was Tenten who first broke the kiss. She chuckled when Neji chased her lips, she planted a peck on his lips and smirked,
"If I were you Neji, I'll drive now, so we can continue this at home." Tenten teased.
Neji chuckled, biting his lower lip, "Right." He said before starting the engine and drive faster.
As soon as the car made its full stop in the parking lot of the condominum building, Neji and Tenten immediately find their way towards their unit while Neji is stealing kisses from her.
When they arrive at their unit, Tenten put the tulips on the table before facing Neji– encircling her arms around his shoulder while Neji put his arms aroung her exposed waist, pulling her closer to him. Their lips instanly met– as if a second nature to do.
Neji could feel her smile pressed on his lips. Tenten parted her lips, giving him access to deepen their kiss. Neji's one hand travels from her waist down to the back of her thigh, carressing and lifting it to his hips. Tenten moans when she felt Neji's rough clothing on her inner thighs.
His lips went down to her neck, giving her butterfly kisses– which made Tenten giggle at the tingling sensation.
He lifted her up and carry her to their bedroom and gently laying her down to the bed– Neji on top of her. Tenten's trembling hands went to his button up shirt and unbuttoning it.
In couple of minutes, they are both naked on their bed, engaging with each other in a heated kiss and pleasurable actions.
"Sorry, am I rough?" Neji asked in a whisper as his lips traveling to her shoulder and neck giving her butterfly kisses.
Neji's hugging her from the back (one arm underneath her neck, while the other one is hugging her arms to her chest).
Tenten shook her head, "No, it was just right Neji."
Neji tighten her embrace and felt Tenten's hand holding his arms. He put his head on the crook of her neck.
A comfortable silence enveloped them, only their synchronize breathing and heart beats are heard until Tenten broke the silence between them.
"Neji..."
"Hmm?"
Tenten suddenly moves and turns her whole body to face him. There's a smile tugging on the corners of her lips. Her hands found its way to his long locks and plays with it– massaging his scalp and combing his hair with her fingers.
"This whole night is wonderful, Neji." She said, smiling.
Neji reach for her forehead and places a soft kiss "I'm glad you like it."
Tenten chuckles and reach for his lips to give him a kiss and sucked his lower lip afterwards which made Neji moan.
She move again, making herself on top of Neji.
"Ready for another one, Mr. Hyuga?" She asked playfully.
The sky is still dark outside when Neji woke up and that only meant that he only slept for a good hour or two– but that's fine.
Suddenly, something stirred beside him and found Tenten moving closer to his body (for warmth)– the blanket draping on her shoulder already fell from its place– exposing her shoulder, clavicle and upper back. Neji grabbed the blanket and covers her body and embrace her.
He smiles and his one hand playing caressing her messy hair as he watch her sleeping peacefully. Neji's a morning person even before but this is actually one of the reason why he always wake up first (to a much better words, he tries to wake up first than Tenten). It always fascinates him how peaceful Tenten looks during sleep. For him, Tenten sleeps like a baby. Very innocent, very peaceful– like she's having no worries at all, and she looks fragile (though Tenten is not fragile at all). She's a strong woman, very independent, she can live alone without him or with anybody else but whenever she's sleeping, it's different. It's like she needs protection. And that's what he always wanted to do for her. He will protect her.
Suddenly, Neji's taken aback when he saw Tenten's eyes fluttered open. Tenten placed her face properly on the crook of his neck.
"What time is it?" Tenten asked, he shivered when he felt her lips on his neck.
"5:10 in the morning." Neji answered as he look at the bedside clock.
"God, it's too early, Neji. Have some sleep."
Neji's about to answer when she speaks again.
"We'll have to pick up Metal later, so please sleep Neji."
"Hmm, okay..."
"Okay, cool. Good night, Neji." She murmured.
"Good night, wife."
"Hmm..."
Neji and Tenten woke up around lunch time. Both were hungry and at the same time feeling lazy to move out of bed. It was Neji who got up first and cook food for the both of them while Tenten spend her time idling in the bed– only to get up when Neji informs her that their food is ready.
The smell of delicious food attacked her nasal and made her stomach growls loudly‐ Neji chuckled upon hearing it.
"Is there a monster inside your stomach?" He joked.
Tenten gets the utensils, looking at Neji with a smirk on her face, "Yes. And she'll eat you if you keep on talking to me."
Neji laughed, "Scary." He commented as he offers the bowl of rice to Tenten.
"I called father. He said we can pick up Metal later in the afternoon." Neji informed as they start eating.
"Hmm. I see, but I want to visit home so we we'll go after we eat. Is that okay?"
"Of course."
It was past 1 in the afternoon when they arrived the Uchiha Residence. Sasuke was the first to notice them. Sasuke greeted both of them and gave Tenten a tight hug and a smack on her cheek– that made Neji annoyed. Sasuke laugh upon seeing the Hyuga's expression (he loves messing with him)
"I miss you, love!" Sasuke dramatically said to Tenten.
"Where's Metal, Sasuke?" Tenten asked instead,
Neji smirked proudly at the youngest Uchiha as he places an arm around Tenten's shoulder.
Note: Hi! Here's another update for you guys. I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Please write a review and tell me your thoughts about Neji's flashback and their short date.
Question: Who do you think among the Uchiha men Neji met 2 years ago? :D
Keep safe everyone!