[[ A/N ]] It took me a long time to update again...longer than ever...partly because I was writing my other fic and also because I felt dead. I didn't feel like writing this chapter. But now I do! So there! xD Okay, then, let's see...anything else? Oh, yeah! The whole summoning thing is important, not because it helps her grow strength wise, but because it's important to her...and...well, it'll make sense later. Anyways, this is the eighth chapter! Yay!

[[ Disclaimer ]] Oh, wow. Take your cereal and eat it with cucumbers. I don't own Naruto.

Chapter Eight: Abode of Misery

Wind knew everything. It was able to see past the obscure and deceiving exteriors and blow truth into whatever it selected. It saw all and knew all. At times, Tenten wished she was the wind: able to see beneath the layers of carefully crafted personality of glass and shatter them. And she'd also wanted to be able to see the interior of places, too. Namely, the Hyuuga's home.

Paying a visit to Neji was the only thing that could be done on such a day as this, where her patience was thick and so was her cheer.

Tenten thrust her palm at the heavy iron gate and smacked it a few times, ignoring the fact that she must have seemed extremely impudent. She could feel the eyes of a thousand dead Hyuugas glaring at her from both hell and heaven. Their one unified thought flashed through her mind and shook her so that her trembling fingers were then hastily shoved backward. 'What are you doing, brat?'

A young man appeared swiftly behind the barrier, his face obscured by the bars. The ivory eyes belonging solely to their clan, she observed, were more than frightening. Neji never used them to intimidate her. The male slowly scrutinized her, absorbing her outfit and her tentative smile. "Your intention?"

"To...see..."

An impatient and haughty glance was put upon her.

"...To see Hyuuga Neji." There was distinct intake of breath and an unbearable silence. He looked rather ill at ease and she added, "I'm a teammate."

"Come." A flick of his fingers and the gate was open and shut behind her. She quietly followed, keeping her head low and staring at her feet. With the senses of a Shinobi, she could tell where the man was, but she dared not stare at his back, as it was like a challenge to his authority. And one would not want to affront a Hyuuga.

They passed by several people, all with dark hair and fathomless pools that she avoided. Most did not spare her a look, but some, usually the younger ones, gave her long and unnerving stares that prickled her soul. They were scary. They all were. The children, the mothers, the fathers, the brothers, the sisters. They all wore the same detached expression and deflected any examinations made on their faces or personalities.

'It's a prison...'

It was obvious that there were more than steel bars and thick stone walls that separated their living quarters from the rest of the village; their demeanor and doctrine made them untouchable to others. It was a prison, locked in the side, with the key thrown somewhere in a box that no one could find inside of a kingdom that no longer existed. The kingdom of happiness and freedom. Not only the Branch House was bound by the rules set by the Main, the others were suffering as well, never allowing them to tarnish their reputations of being powerful. Perhaps that was why Hinata was hated so much by her own family. She'd failed in upholding the name of the Main House.

--- --- --- --- --- ---

Neji had forced himself into the small garden that they possessed---it could hardly be called that---just a large collection of herbs. It was by no means extremely lovely, nor did it contain intensely rare plants, it was simply there. And no one sought it out unless they were on an errand to grab something form the kitchen, and even then, they were in and out as fast as their feet could travel. It was here that he found his solitude within the locked doors and latched windows, inside his family and his names. Amongst what was not "good" enough to be called a garden was the boy who was not "good" enough to be called a member of the Main House.

"Neji. There is someone to see you." The contempt in the gatekeeper's voice was enough to tell him that this was not someone of stature or someone that was highly regarded. Perhaps it was Gai-sensei. His attire earned him snickers and his attitude had brought upon him the eternal disdain of the clan. Or Lee. Maybe he was better and was seeking someone to speak with.

"She says she is a teammate."

'Tenten?' His head jerked upwards.

"Where did she go?" asked the other.

"You didn't keep track of her," was Neji's rebuke.

"You've no right to scold me. I didn't want to put my eyes on that filthy brat."

There was silence.

"She'll find her way here. I've duties to fulfill." The gatekeeper hurried off, eager to rid himself to Neji's cool gaze. Even for a Hyuuga, that boy was too collected and icy for his liking. He set off, glad to have lost that girl.

Neji let loose a short sigh. His eyes locked unto something quite out of place. He sent out a hand to grasp one of the few weeds. "You're a wild flower amongst useful plants. You're unwanted and unneeded by anyone. Those that you counted on have forsaken you. You're worthless." And he yanked it out, roots and all.

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Without knowing it, she'd lost her guide. Alone, she carried herself around the occasional clan member; alone she made her way around, not quite ready to give up. Her feet were doing the walking, but her eyes did not see and her mind did not process what her ears were picking up. She was thinking. Only weeks ago had she told herself that she'd never set foot in this terrible place, and yet, here she was. Tenten felt no apprehension of her being "currently misplaced" in the mysterious home, but she had better go and talk to him, or just go home. There was no being lost here, only being miserable, unless it was within the borders of one's mind. Being stuck in such a place would no doubt make one truly unhappy.

"...Hello...Tenten-san?"

She turned around, the air whistling. "Hinata!! What are you doing here? I mean...why aren't you out with your team?" But what she had said prior to that was her true thoughts. Hinata seemed to gentle, too kind, to be part of them.

"We...we had a day off," she murmured, as though it were a despicable thing to be in her own home.

"What's wrong with that?"

"I don't enjoy being in this place..."

There was nothing that could be said. "What are you doing here, Tenten-san? Are you here to see Neji-nii-san?"

"Actually, yes. But I got lost..."

"Hachirou, the doorkeeper, can be discourteous to strangers...please don't take it to offense, Tenten-san." Then, "If you would like to see him, I will help you find him."

There was a short pause while she smiled demurely. Tenten nodded. If she had gone in, she might as well go through with it and converse with him, despite the difficulties. "Please."

Their footsteps echoed through the near-empty ways. The brisk, crisp air reflected the dark skies and dismal clouds. Tenten was too preoccupied with her own thoughts to realize Hinata had activated her Byakugan.

"Ah, I have a question, Hinata."

"...Yes?"

"You are not like them...not at all...why is everyone here so...cold? Do you not feel pained at this?" 'What a polite thing to say, eh? You should've watched your tongue!! Ah, I'm such an idiot!!!'

Hinata flushed, maneuvering through the outdoor corridors and the occasional person.

"Oh, I am sorry...I just..."

"It is nothing. I see your perspective. But to me, I've lived through it my entire life. There is no more cold, just a slight breeze in the wind. I have friends now, and I have no need for the pleasure of their conversations or attention. It is unnecessary for my life, and I have nothing against them. It is not my heart that aches." Her voice was soft, but carried a passionate core that was so surprisingly strong that Tenten could only stare at her companion. "There are others, more unfortunate than me, who had not found their joy. They have no true friends, no allies. Only enemies left and right. It is for them that you should worry."

They found their way to small inner gate, where she stopped. "You go in. He's in there."

"You didn't even look in any of the other places."

Hinata pointed at her eyes. Her curse. "Please. I believe he is expecting you."

Tenten pulled her chin up and down in a nod. "Thank you, Hinata."

But the girl was gone, replaced by air and the faint feel of melancholy.

"Tenten, what are you doing here?"

"Just here to say hello." The ninja shrugged. "What are you doing in this...place?"

Neji simply smirked, his lids covering the eyes that seemed to see through everything, even thoughts. "Surely you had a reason. So speak or leave."

Indignant words threatened the atmosphere, but she held her lips tightly and forced a grin. Endurance was the key. "I'd rather enjoy the air." They took pleasure in a few minutes of complete silence, he staring off, she inspecting the weed at his feet.

"Neji-nii-san." At first, it seemed to be Hinata's voice. But it was too proud, too confident, and too young. There was no hesitation; it belonged to someone who was secure about themselves and their status. "Who is this girl?"

"Hanabi." He treated her with the same "respect" as Hinata, with the same tones and civil manner; but there was also no more warmth in his voice. "My teammate. Tenten."

"Eh, a girl with no rank or a noble family to speak of." She sniffed. The little girl of five or six, scoffing at me?

"What was that?"

"You're not fit to be in our presence. Leave now." The fury rolling in her stomach rose to her arms. Her fingers sought out thin needles.

Neji sensed the danger. He saw it. If Tenten were to attack Hanabi, she'd be in more trouble than reckoned. The Hyuuga Clan would have its revenge for its youngest Main House member. He couldn't help her then, even if he tried. He had to stop her. Even if he tried to stop her with force, she could be charged with the attempted injury to a Main House child. He had to stop her from even throwing it.

There was only one thing to do now.

He smashed his lips against hers to prevent any action from taking place.

Hanabi had already departed to spread the word.

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Okay, somewhat redundant after chapter 5 or something, but hey, I liked that part, because I think it fit well enough. Hopefully I haven't lost any reviewers and I'm not boring you all. To make up for my horrid behavior before---not updating for weeks---I will update, probably, on Friday, before I leave on vacation for five days. I'll be updating more quickly!! There's going to be a one-shot coming up after this fic and "Stereotyped" is finished, and then a longer one than this fic, if I get the inspiration!! Please review!!!

(Coming soon) Chapter 9: Noodle Stitches

[[ Review Answers ]]

Cookie6: Thank you. This fic will not be that long, though...so my writing more for this will come to an end in a few more chapters.

yuji-i16: Thank you, thank you, yay! My review answers have been becoming less gratifying for you, I can just feel it. But, anyhow, I'm a huge fan of this pairing, too, so you aren't alone! :D

ani05tersrVIP: I'll write and update new stuff, don't worry. I'm thinking of more stuff, but it all seems pretty stupid, so I'll just finish what I have so far first! ;D

Mango13: You are very much appreciated!! The whole summoning thing has a greater purpose, though...n-n But I can't say yet...

Calophi: Don't worry, the whole summoning thing (boy, have I got a lot of people asking about that!) will turn out to have a bigger purpose. ;D Well, I wonder if he'll ever know...

TenTen Hyuga: I'm sorry I didn't write again soon! Hope you aren't mad! 3 But I DID update, so there! :DDD

phattygirllove: Thanks. It makes me feel so great to see that you think I'm a good writer. ]

Uzumaki Pryde: Neh, yeah, but that's just what I reasoned out of a different fic, OKAY, you dork? :D Just kidding!!! Thanks for actually reviewing this time, Skava...xD

LoveKuroneko: I'll need the luck to get my lazy butt into this seat and finishing it!! Thanks for the review!!