Creating Love: Reason Enough
In a world where hearts are being broken,
One finds a reason enough to love.
Chapter 15
Neji couldn't help reminiscing those times when he was still looking for Tenten. And right now, he will honestly admit that she is the reason why he decided to go to US a year and a half ago. Although during that time, he used their company's problem in order to get Hiashi's approval. He wondered what if he told Hiashi the real reason why he wanted to go to US before was because he wanted to see a girl. His uncle will surely have a heart attack.
"What are you thinking, Hyuga?" Sasuke asked when he noticed that Neji is spacing out.
Neji shook his heard when Sasuke successful got his attention, "Nothing. I'm just surprised how you let me pass so easily. I thought I'll have to bleed and cry blood before you'll approve of me."
Sasuke laughed as if what he said was some kind of a joke. But in reality, Itachi made it hard for him. From the moment he went to US for Tenten to the time that he learned that she proposed a marriage to him. But there was no blood shed.
And yes, Itachi knows the truth about their marriage.
Of course he never told him about it but Itachi Uchiha is quick-witted. He easily understood Tenten's sudden proposal and also because "The Itachi Uchiha" have eyes and ears anywhere that he can see and hear whatever is happening around him especially when it comes to his family members.
With Itachi, when he first learned that Neji was looking for Tenten– he went mad. Who wouldn't be anyway? Someone from Konoha was looking for Tenten– from Konoha, where it is a place where she got her trauma. Where most of her memories were filled of loneliness, fear and violence. Itachi forbid Neji of seeing Tenten. He even told him at first to never ever get close to her and even increased her security just to make sure that Neji wouldn't even get close to her. Neji respected it. So he only watch her from afar and only depended on Itachi's short story about her whereabouts whenever they meet.
But as time passed by, thankfully, Itachi saw how great of a man is Neji. How respectful he is and that he never broke his rule. That is why it took him years before he finally got to see Tenten closer– which is unexpectedly and fortunately was during that fateful night in the bar. Although Itachi let Neji get closer to Tenten and make his existence known, Itachi never failed to threatened him that if he made one single mistake and hurt Tenten he will make his life a living hell. When Itachi learned about their so-called "relationship", he punched him hard (once) because Itachi knew how Neji would take advantage of it. But of course, Itachi also understood Tenten's position and let it slide and accepted the situation.
Speaking of the devil, Itcahi entered the living room with Shisui Uchiha.
"You two are here." Itachi said. He nodded at Neji when their eyes met.
"Where is Tenny?" Shisui asked.
"She's at the backyard with father and Metal." Neji answered.
Shisui sat in one of the couch and Sasuke immediately pours a glass of sake and passes it to the eldest Uchiha. While Itachi sat beside Sasuke to the left (and Neji is at Sasuke's right).
"It's too early to drink sake." Shisui commented but takes a sip of his glass otherwise.
Since Shisui and Itachi joined them, their conversation from Neji and Tenten's relationship changed to business.
"I heard your girlfriend will open a clinic near the rockies?" Shisui said, smiling playfully at the youngest Uchiha.
"I didn't know you're dating Sakura?" Neji asked, confused.
Sasuke glared at him before looking at the 2 older Uchiha.
"Ino's not my girlfriend..." Sasuke trailed off.
"Oh, shut up. That's not what I heard." Shisui retorted and gave Itachi a meaningful look.
"Nii-san..." Sasuke called his brother.
Itachi laughed, "Someone just told me that you were on a date with her few days ago and that you will be sponsoring her pediatric clinic."
Sasuke groans, "It was Hana, right? We saw her in that restaurant..."
Itachi didn't answer and only gave him a smile while Neji is dumbfounded with what he's hearing from the Uchihas.
Sasuke and Ino? Never in his wildest dream that he imagine or even think of Sasuke and Ino as a couple. This is really a shock for him. He thought it may be Sakura since Sakura and Sasuke were close since their childhood. But Ino? Really?
Sasuke groans again, "Anyway, I'm just planning on investing since clinics usually have good profits. Don't put meaning on it."
"When did you take such interest in clinics?" Neji teased.
"Shut up, Hyuga. Or else I'll take our Tenten back!" Sasuke answered, pissed off– making the 3 other guys laugh.
Itachi glanced to Neji afterwards, "Your uncle will send you to your Kumo branch, right?"
Hands down to the one and only Itachi Uchiha. This guy really knows alot.
"Yes, in three months time."
"Oh? How about your US branch? Aren't you the one handling that?"Shisui asked.
Itachi chuckles at Shisui, "Didn't you know that bastard solve their problem in US in just 3 months after he was sent there almost 2 years ago?"
"Ohhh, hey, brother-in-law maybe you want to work in our company?" Shisui said.
"I'm sure you would like to work with our Tenny." Shisui added.
"Nii-san, don't you dare hire him." Sasuke commented.
"But that bastard went back to Konoha for good when he learned that we were coming back here with Tenny." Itachi added.
"What the fuck! I didn't know you're that head over heels to my sister! Sasuke is right, we don't have to hire him! He'll monopolize our Tenny."
Heat spread on Neji's face after hearing Itachi's statement.
How did he know– Damn, Itachi Uchiha. No information will pass unnoticed when it comes to him.
But yes, what he said was right. First, when he solved the problem in US branch in 3 months. Actually, after solving the problem, Neji decided to just go back and forth to Konoha and US every other month because he was becoming homesick and also, he couldn't even get close to Tenten because of Itachi. So instead of satying to US indefinitely, he travel back and forth just to see Tenten and also to manage their company.
Secondly, the reason why he went back to Konoha for good and put down his position to manage the US branch was again because of Tenten. There was no reason for him to stay there when the Uchihas are back to Konoha. So he gave the position back to Ko.
"What a love sick." Sasuke commented.
"What will be your plan when you go to Kumo?" Itachi asked.
"I'm planning on bringing my family with me, if Tenten approves."
Shisui nodded at his answer, "Tenny only went there once during your honeymoon, I'm sure she'll like to go back there." Shisui commented.
"Right. She enjoys traveling." Sasuke added.
"And a new environment seems a good idea for her too." Itachi commented.
On the other side of the Uchiha residence, Kagami and Tenten are having a conversation on their own.
It's been awhile since the father and daughter had their own time together.
"How's my daughter?" Kagami asked.
"I'm doing well, Dad." Tenten simply answered but Kagami raised an eyebrow– telling her answer is lacking and wanted to hear more.
"Well... I'm happy and content with what I have right now, Dad..." She immediately added.
"That's good to hear. I can see that the young Hyuga is taking care of you very well."
Tenten smiled and nodded, "He is, Dad. He's... the most caring person I know... after you of course."
Kagami laugh heartily, "Oh really?"
Tenten laugh as well and nodded at the same time, "Of course, no one can beat you, Dad."
"That is good to know. Now I know that my daughter is not forgetting her old father."
"And how about you, Dad? How are you doing?"
"I'm doing great because my children are doing well with their lives."
"You're not working, are you?"
Kagami chuckles, "Yes, I am not. I already gave up on my position to Shisui, darling. I have a lot of free time but your old man doesn't know what to do to with these so much free time that's why I would like to look after Metal."
"No way, Dad. I can't let you have Metal all by yourself." Tenten said and pouted.
"Just kidding, darling." Kagami said and chuckles.
A bulb lighten up on top of Tenten's head.
"Dad! How about you ask Shisui-nii for a grandchild!?" Tenten laughs.
"Is he seeing anyone?" Kagami asked, wondering about his first born.
"I don't know, maybe?"
"I don't know anything about your brother's relationship. How about letting me borrow our Metal?"
"Oh, Dad... Fine."
If it will make Kagami solve his problem of boredom, then Tenten have no choice and let him borrow Metal. In so much way, it would also benefit her and Neji. They would have more time togeth– individually.
Neji and his family went home after having dinner in the Uchiha residence. Supposedly, they'll go home when the sun sets but Kagami insisted that they should join them at dinner time. And of course, they couldn't say no to the elder Uchiha.
When they arrive home, it is right on time for Metal's bedtime. Neji took care of Metal's bedtime cares and cuddles him to sleep while Tenten took a shower.
When Tenten finished showering, she first went to Metal and kisses him good night. While it's Neji's turn to take a shower. After taking his shower, Neji saw Tenten sitting comfortably in the bed while browsing her phone. She only glance at him and look back again at her phone.
He sat on the edge of the bed beside Tenten and look at what she's doing but Tenten's attention immediately went to him and so she put down her phone and look at him. She smiled and raise her hands to grab the towel on his shoulder and put it on his head.
"I'll dry your hair..." Tenten said before gently patting his hair with a towel.
Neji kept silent while staring at her face. When Tenten looks up and meeting each other's eyes, she smiles– making him flustered.
"Your hair is really pretty." Tenten commented when she's almost done drying his hair.
Neji only smiled. He often hear that kind of praise and so hearing it from Tenten is not new for him.
"Though I wonder what you will look like with short hair..." Tenten muttered.
"Don't you like my long hair?" Neji asked.
"Don't get me wrong, I like it. It's just... I'm just wondering what will you look like... will it look good as well?" Tenten answered as she combs his hair with her fingers.
But insyead of answering her, Neji grabs Tenten's wrist to stop her from combing and lowers his head to plant a soft kiss on her lips.
He puts down their hands on his lap.
"I don't know either. I don't remember having short hair except when I was a newborn baby."
Tenten smiled remembering Neji's baby pictures that Natsu showed her.
"Remember when I told you before that Uncle will transfer me to our Kumo branch?"
Tenten's forehead creased. She remembers Neji telling her about it during the start of their relationship.
"Yeah, I remember. What about it?"
"He'll transfer me in 3 months time. Uncle wants me to manage our newly built hotel for the first 2 years or until it'll become stable." Neji explains.
2 years or so...? It's... a long time. Tenten thought.
"I see..." She muttered.
Of course, she fully understood his situation. It's a common occurence when someone especially of higher position is being transferred to work in other place– even Shisui and Itachi were transferred before too. And so it's not a surprise for Tenten if Neji will be transferred to manage their other hotel branch.
"I would like to bring you and Metal with me in Kumo." Neji said, studying her expression.
"H-Huh!?" Tenten said in surprised.
She definitely didn't expect Neji to say that.
"I want our family to move with me in Kumo, if that is okay with you."
Somehow, Tenten didn't understand why Neji want to bring them with him. Isn't their marriage would only have to last for a year? At this time, they already been married for 3 months. If that time comes then, they already consumed half of their marriage. And if ever Tenten accept this, they will only have to be together for another half a year before their 1-year contract ends.
"Can you give me more time to decide for this, Neji?"
Neji nodded, understanding what Tenten meant. 2 years is like a long-term phase for Tenten. Especially with their case that they'll have to divorce after a year because of their contract.
"Of course." Neji gently said.
Only Neji hopes that Tenten will say yes...
Time flies so fast that both Neji and Tenten couldn't believe that today Metal is turning 8 months old now. It's been almost 4 months since they had the custody to have him. Since having Metal, Tenten and Neji decided to celebrate every 26th of each month. Like the previous celebrations they had, they decided to have a family dinner with both the Ichihas and Hyugas since they cannot bring Metal to any other places yet until he turn 1 yearold – which is a Hyuga tradition.
It's actually a good choice to do since Uchiha and especially the Hyugas like Metal and treats him like their own blood which until now shocks Tenten. Both families always offer to take care of Metal and Metal is also familiar with both families as well. He knows his granpas and his aunts and uncles.
Also fortunately, the Hyugas doesn't only like Metal but Tenten as well.
Tenten didn't expect to have her in-laws like her. Since her relationship to Neji is only a contractual, she didn't bother to get her in-laws' favor– although she treat them with respect and ' a little bit of friendliness and playfulness' – which actually make them to like her. Fortunately, it turns out her relationship with them is much better that what she imagined it to be.
Right now, Metal is playing with his grandpas. While she is with Hinata and Natsu. On the other hand, Neji is with his cousins and her brothers – probably conversing about business (but Tenten and the others didn't know that the topic the men were talking about weren't about business. It may seem from the distant but if someone would come close, they'll learn that they are gossiping about Itachi and Hana's relationship.)
"When are you getting married, my friend?" Tokuma asked Itachi.
"You're dating Inuzuka, right?" Iroha asked.
"Yeah, Hana Inuzuka."
"You guys have been dating since High School. When can we hear some bells?" Tokuma added.
Itachi only smirked. It is true that Hana and him started dating since highschool– when they were aound 15 years old and now they're both 28. They've been dating for 13 years – although there was 5 years duration where the two of them were away from each other and that's when the Uchihas move to the US and Hana remained in Konoha– and yes, it is a long relationship that he doesn't wonder anymore why his and her friends kept on asking about their wedding. And honestly, he himself wonders sometimes too. He really loves her and plans to marry her someday. But Hana is still pursuing her dream. She just finished Veterinary medicine and she wants to have her career stable before settling down with him. And Itachi understood that. That's why he's not rushing things with her and just follow her pace in their relationship – although there are lots of time where he wanted to level up their relationship.
"When are you going to get married, Tokuma?" Itachi asked, firing the same question – removing himself from the hot seat.
Ko put his arm over his cousin's, "Our Tokuma doesn't even have a girlfriend."
Tokuma removes Ko's arm, "Stop making fun of me. You don't have a girlfriend either."
"I will have. Soon." Ko proudly said.
"Oh! How about you, Shisui?" Iroha asked, the other Hyuga who's married aside from Hoheto and Neji.
Shisui only chuckles at the question, secretly diverting his beautiful onyx eyes to where the ladies are.
The next day, both Neji and Tenten are busy cleaning their house because of the small party they had yesterday. It was actually Neji who cleans the most while she was taking care of Metal. After having their lunch, Tenten decided fo buy some grocery while Neji takes care of Neji. At first, Neji protested and kept on insisting for him to buy the grocery instead, but his insisting doesn't work on Tenten. He's already tired from cleaning although it may seem as if he enjoy doing the cleaning but Tenten doesn't want to tire him more that's why she decided to do the groceries.
While she was buying groceries at the market, Tenten felt something strange that gives her goosebumps. As if someone is drilling hole to her back. She looks around her but found no one aside from a lady and a couple doing grocery like her.
Instead of minding it, Tenten just brush off the idea that someone is staring intently at her. She continue doing wher grocery.
Far away from Tenten, someone wearing black clothing with face covered with black cap is holding a camera – taking pictures of her every movement and follows her until she gets home.