So sorry for the delay…. For this chapter. i really tried to make it the best I could… after all it would be the last I'd write my façade. Now, let's get on with the chapter. I hope I wouldn't disappoint everyone.

My Façade.

Chapter 6.

Four hours passed by since Naruto had left. Four hours had gone and I still sat there staring vacantly out the window on my bed. I felt numb but my mind was like a storm, an eternal struggle of my innermost feelings and thoughts. Naruto's statement running through my mind. Even though I didn't make a promise to Naruto but I was obliged to carry it out. Naruto and I always faced disappointment in life and I didn't want him to go through it again. The feeling of disappointment rivals that of sadness and loneliness. It still injures you.

Naruto grew quiet, he seemed to be pondering on a question left unsaid. " Why didn't you tell, Neji? He deserves to know…"

" Why should I?" I asked bravely, staring at the depths of his azure eyes.

" You love him don't you," he stated, smiling knowingly. I averted my gaze and made a 'tch' sound. But he lifted my chin up with his finger and forced me to look at him again. "Don't try to deny it, Tenten. I know."

" Am I that easy to read," I asked watching the pale moon blend in with the night sky. The rain, then heavy, was now in a drizzle.

" No… I didn't even notice that Hinata loves me until Sasu-teme pointed it out to me," he uttered. " It's just that no one would go that far in saving someone if they're not important."

" Souka…"

" Tenten…" I twisted my head to the side, facing him yet again, watching him continue to stare at the pits of the dark. " Promise me that you'll tell him…..eventually." I opened my mouth to protest but he stopped me with an intense glare.

I didn't reply just continued to look at the dark scenery in front of me, the even tone of the rain drops singing in the background…

Finally, I made my decision. I decided to go through it even though it would be the most hardest thing to do. I'll do it not for Naruto but for myself… Always for myself.

The door to my room slid open and I was distracted from my thoughts. For a second, I thought that it was the nurse. How wrong was I? "Tsunade-sama…" I softly greeted her and I tried to muster up my warmest smile. She smiled back in return but I could sense a feeling of dread around her. Her appearance was slightly haggard like she aged 5 years overnight. It was my fault. Instead of hurting myself, I ended up hurting the people around me.

" It's time for the operation, Tenten," She said quietly, eyes searching my own as if wanting to remember what was left of me before I die. I looked at her in confusion. I thought the surgery was a hoax…a distraction so that nobody would know about my current situation. I didn't know that it was true. Maybe, Tsunade-sama had discovered a miraculous cure overnight.

" The operation? There's an operation…"

" No… there isn't… but I promised the rest that I'd perform the surgery. If I didn't do it then suspicions would arise. You would have to stay in the surgery room for 5 hours. During that time, I would put an illusion jutsu around the room to make it seem that you are in surgery. If Hinata or Neji would think of using their byakugan, that way the secret will still be unknown. Not until you're…." She stopped in mid-sentence, afraid to say the word 'dead'. She took out her sake bottle that was kept in her pouch and dried the bottle in one swig, trying to drown her sorrow in that strong alcohol. She reached into her pouch for another one and that was when I decided to interfere.

I slowly rose from the bed and approached her staggering a bit as I was too weak. My usually rosy cheeks now pale and eyes circled with dark bags. She seemed worried about my actions and appearance as if seeing it for the first time. I took the second bottle away from her and flung it to the floor…the bottle shattering into a million fragments.

" Tenten…" I cut her off as I embraced her, both of us clinging to each other for support. Tsunade-sama stroked my hair and the hug emanated much needed warmth. For a moment, even for a second, I realized how it would be like to have a mother. It would be like this… but maybe much more better. " You're so skinny , Tenten. You should eat more," I laughed at her words bitterly as she continued to hug my skeleton-like figure. Oh how I wanted a mother desperately. To be loved… to love… to have someone to lean onto…

My shirt felt damp and I knew that it was due to the hokage's tears. " Gomen ne, hokage-sama….Gomen…" I whispered to her, regret weighted heavily in my heart.

She released me from the embrace and looked me in the eye. " So…what are you going to do for 5 hours?" She asked trying to change the subject to something less depressing. I opened my mouth for response but she cut me off. " No.. You will not do missions. I've told you that before." I closed my mouth and gave her a small smile. It was funny on how she knows on what I was going to say.

" Don't worry… I'm going to paint.." I reassured her. Her face etched with confusion.

" Paint…"

" Hai.." I said, walking out of the room to the empty hallway, gesturing her to take me to the surgery room as I didn't know where it was situated. " I'm going to paint from memory." I whispered.

I found myself standing outside the Hyuuga's residence after the supposedly 'surgery', hair unbounded, face pale, with a painting tucked safely under my right arm. That was how I spent the whole 5 hours, by painting, releasing my pain, regret and frustration to the world in that one image… the image of a single withering, crimson rose painted in a black background, with its three petals falling softly, blending in with the darkness.

This painting I wanted to give to Neji, my best friend and comrade. Although, he would only think of me as a mere acquaintance and former teammate, he would always be that special someone to me. I guess it's my opinion that matters the most in the end. So, here I am, standing across the road, just meters away from the Hyuuga residence. Hesitating to cross that road yet again… that boundary… to get to the other side.

Unbeknownst to me, I walked away from it all. Staggering slightly, to the one place I was familiar with… to team Gai's training place for when we were once genins. I walked slowly through the woods on the small dirt path… breathing in the cool air…. listening to the music of the leaves rustling to the dance of the wind. That day… I found myself reliving my past, remembering the days when once…everything was simple….everything was how it should be….just normal.

I stopped in my tracks as a familiar face came into view… Neji. He was sleeping under the graying shades of a tree. His face for once, looked serene and carefree, oblivious to the worries of the world. I continuously stared at his sleeping figure. A slight blush evident on my pale cheeks. The sounds of the world, hindered by my ears…only the beating of my heart in my chest could be heard.

My hair swayed gently in the soft breeze, framing my cherub face with wisps of my dark hair. I clutched the painting, tucked under my arm, tighter and made my way to the sleeping form. I kneeled in front of him, hands reaching slowly to him, wanting to wake him up but I thought otherwise. Instead, I touched his face tenderly with unsteady hands, memorizing his masculine features, outlining his face. There was a few strands of his hair that concealed his face and I swept it away to get a better view.

I smiled to myself softly and sat down next to him, the soft bed of grass was comfortable and the shade was cooling. I placed the painting carefully on the ground, making sure that it won't get damaged… And waited for him to wake up. For Neji…I have all the time in the world even though, time was clearly limited for me.

A few moments passed by and I saw Neji stir from the corner of my eye. " You're awake." I said cheerfully, both of my hands clasped in my lap.

He looked at me. A hint of surprise apparent in his eyes but he swiftly covered it up with a blink of the eye. " Tenten.." I smiled widely this time. Oh how I missed the way he said my name, with his deep, baritone voice of his.

" Neji…" I replied yet again. A comfortable silence enveloped us…. For now we realized that it was just the two of us…No Lee or Gai sensei or Sakura to come between us. Just Neji and Tenten. I expected him to walk away but I was glad that he didn't make a move to do so." Were you training?" I asked breaking the silence.

" Hn…" I grinned at him, tucking a tendril of hair behind my ear. Typical Neji answer. " How was the operation?" he inquired. That statement struck a cord to my heart. I didn't expect him to ask that question.

" I'm here aren't I," I answered. It wasn't the truth but it wasn't a lie either. I hoped that the answer was enough for him. He nodded, my answer satisfying him and both of us were shrouded in silence yet again. I tried to think of another topic to start for a conversation but failed miserably. Instead, I started laughing. I don't know why…. I just laughed.

" I hate you," Neji said, his voice void of any emotion. I stopped laughing and turned to look at him, staring at his bottomless pale eyes.

" Why?"

" You always seem to smile even though there is nothing to be content about… I can never do that," he said, his cold gaze resting on my face.

I smiled. " Look at me, Neji." I whispered… And that was when he saw it… the empty, sorrowful eyes. His heart felt heavy for he saw himself in Tenten. A lonely individual, wanting to be loved , wanting to be acknowledged. He had always focused on her facade that he failed to notice the mirror to one's soul, her eyes. He finally understood….

Neji averted his gaze elsewhere, avoiding to look at Tenten. His emotions were now in turmoil. He opened his mouth unsure of what to say. " Tenten …I…"

"I wish you and Sakura the best," I cut him off as I handed him the rather large painting. I knew that apologies were not Neji's thing and I didn't need it…not now…not when I was on the verge of breaking down. He glanced at the painting wrapped in brown paper. I shoved it into his hands and he accepted it with a blank expression. " I painted it myself… It's not that good though…But, I hope that you would keep it." I babbled.

" Thank you," Neji said sincerely. I looked at him with a surprised expression, not even bothering to hide the blush evident on my cheeks. Neji tore the wrapper off and gazed at the image I painted. A hint of a smile lighting up his features. I wondered if he saw it as I glanced at him , who was still examining the painting.

" What do you see?" I asked.

He tore his gaze away from the painting. " I see a rose." He doesn't realize it yet… not to worry. He will… one day.

"The flower withers… but the seed remains," he glanced at me, his face impassive. I smiled to him. "You'll understand in due time." He nodded not thinking much about it. " You're fortunate to have Sakura as your future wife… I'm sure she makes you happy."

He nodded "I feel content and calm around her."

" Souka… I wonder how I make you feel," I said to myself not realizing that Neji heard it as well.

"You make me feel confused," I glanced at him perplexed by what he is saying. "My feelings are always in turbulence when I'm with you. I don't know what to feel… different emotions always overcome me. Sakura just makes me feel happy… but you…it's different…I'm not used to it." I grew quiet and contemplated on what he was saying…And finally I understood. I feel the same way about him as well. He will realize it too in due time. I smiled almost painfully…at least I finally got to know the reason behind his actions towards me.

" I see…" I said my voice barely audible. Suddenly, I found myself leaning towards him and my lips brushing his own softly. It was brief but it was enough for me. " Arigato, Neji…for teaching me what love was." I said standing up and walking away from the training grounds, vision blurry and the steps I was taking slower than before. However, the wind had carried my voice away before it could reach his ears.

It took me an eternity to reach the open field that bares the monument but at last I reached it. I walked to the large stone and placed my hand on it like the other day. Somehow, I knew that my time had come. .. I don't know how... I just do. I closed my eyes and thought of my life in Konoha…the people I've met and the missions I went…. The sadness I experienced throughout my whole life. It came vivid and real…like broken images.

I felt a sharp pang in my chest and I almost collapsed to the floor were it not for me using the monument for balance. The pain was unbearable. Hidden tears were revealed, flowing down my face freely as a life's torment escaped me at that moment. I took out a kunai with my shaky hands and searched for an empty spot. I finally found it near an ANBU who had died protecting his comrade in a mission. I slowly scratched my name on the monument, taking my time as I didn't have the strength to carve it in and my eyesight was in a blur.

TENTEN

I gazed at my craftsmanship in sorrow... my hands dripping with fresh blood as I had gripped the kunai too tightly when I had carved my name on the monument. It had to be done…I needed to be remembered. Satisfied, I let the weapon drop on the ground and I gradually found myself falling backwards to the lush greenery too, as my body was deprived of strength.

As I lay down on the floor, I saw a lone butterfly flutter in the sky. Its wings beating hard, signifying the will to live. It came to me, resting on my opened, bleeding palm. I smiled to myself…a sense of serenity overwhelmed me. I found myself slowly drifting off to sleep…and that was when I saw it…. a glimpse of hope…a speck of light… and slowly I fell helplessly into god's embrace.

When my term approaches death,
Time to exhale one final breath.
I wonder if others will fall to their knees,
When my name whispers in the breeze

8 years has passed by since Tenten's departure… and a lot of things had happened since then. Naruto and Hinata got married and have a daughter who they named, Miku. Lee is currently a taijutsu specialist for Konoha and is courting a girl named, Aki who seems to be infatuated with him. Gaara married Ino four years ago and has a son who has Gaara's flaming red hair and Ino's deep blue eyes. They named him Riki. Shikamaru married Temari and they have a pair of twins where one is as lazy as his father and the other as boisterous as her mother.

Shino and Kiba became the head for their respective clans. Kiba is married to Hanabi while Shino is due to marry next month with a girl from Sunagakure. Chouji is now muscular and not the chubby guy he used to be due to continuous missions. He still has a passion for food and is happily married to a fellow jounin who can whip up delectable dishes for him. Kankurou still resides in Sunagakure. He is one of the strongest and feared ninja's there. Last year, he met a girl who wasn't intimidated of his stature and strength. He proposed to her when he almost lost her in a mission to a missing nin. They are due to marry next month, together with Shino and his bride-to-be, as they grew to be close friends throughout the years.

On the other hand… I …. Hyuuga Neji am still single. After her death, I realized that I didn't love Sakura. She too didn't love me either as I saw her brief hopeful glances to the Uchiha genius. So, I let her go… She's happily married to him now and they have 3 kids as her husband wants to rebuild the Uchiha clan again. We have still maintained as good friends and I occasionally visit them from time to time.

I stared at the painting that I had hung on my living room wall. I had kept it for all these years, never throwing it away. When our engagement was called off, Sakura requested me to keep it as she says that it was meant for me and not for her. All I did was nod my head as I brought the painting home. During my free time, I'd gaze at it, appreciating the beauty in that one image of a scarlet rose. This painting that I treasure so dearly…. Always reminded me of Tenten… My friend, my comrade…

" Miku-chan..." I called to the three-year old girl sitting on the floor who was busy drawing the picture of that rose. She inclined her head and looked at me, giving me an innocent grin." What do you see?" I asked in that monotone voice of mine.

" A rose," she answered sheepishly. I rustled her hair as I approved her answer. I had answered that years ago and I had always wondered what Tenten saw in it. I gazed at the painting once again and memories, buried years ago…came flooding back.

Drops of tears descended from the heavens above… signifying Tenten's departure. Silhouettes of faded figures could be seen gathering around the monument where a wooden coffin was rested on the damp grass, the face of an ashen girl could be seen in it. Her face deprived of a life's hardship…. Instead, a hint of a smile was visible on her face. Her Anbu mask placed in between her hands. The coffin protected by the cold, rain by a single jutsu which creates an invisible barrier around it.

That day…was one of the most quietest days that Konoha had experienced. The hokage could be seen, a lone figure, facing the casket, her black attire reflecting the feeling of dread surrounding the area. Villagers… fellow ninjas… ANBUs and several people from Sunagakure, Gaara, Kankurou and Temari, came to Konoha especially for Tenten's funeral. Everybody looked withdrawn that day… sorrow clearly etched on their faces and a sense of helplessness could be felt.

I looked around the area with my byakugan… ANBUs could be seen perched on the branches, with their hard masks on, cold and stoned, well hidden from sight. Lee, Gai sensei and the other rookie nine were unusually quiet… Kakashi sensei just stared at the casket, mumbling to himself that another one was gone… Gaara stood beside his brother and sister, him looking more impassive than usual. As for me…I stood motionless in a sea of black, with Sakura standing by my side. My heart was heavily weighted with a feeling that I could not comprehend…. Sadness maybe or was it loneliness.

Tsunade-sama turned around, her face marred red with tears that had been shed. She spoke in a hushed voice. " We are gathered here today to mourn over the death of a friend, a comrade, a fierce warrior and a family member of Konoha….to grieve over a single soul known as Tenten."

She took a deep breathe and took her time, her intense brown eyes observing the crowd around her. " She was a kind and humble person who loves to help others…She died rescuing a fellow comrade in battle, risking her life to save another," Her eyes closed almost painfully. " Screw it…screw it all…"Her hoarse voice exclaimed. Her eyes reopened, liquid crystals could be seen gathered underneath her lashes. " It was because of us that she died…" I felt Sakura's hand intertwine with my own. I squeezed it for reassurance.


" We killed her… painfully and slowly. It wasn't the poison. It was us… We failed to see the defeated soul, the broken emotions…her mask. Yes, she wasn't happy… she never was. We failed to see that. She was an orphan… loneliness embraced her throughout her whole life, never feeling happy or untroubled." Mumblings could be heard as the hokage said those estranged words… nobody believed her.

"She was always there for us for when we needed comfort the most… With her arms outstretched to the whole village, whether young or old, never with a frown. She was never selfish, always thinking of others first, never her own welfare… but what about us?" Her eyes drifted from one to another." What did we do for her? Nothing…absolutely nothing." Her voice was barely a whisper now. However, the stillness surrounding the area made her voice heard.

" If we did something… anything… maybe that mask would be broken… maybe just maybe she wouldn't have died in such a tragic way." Regret spurned inside of me. Had I been too selfish all these years. Tsunade-sama walked towards the monument, her fingers searching for 6 letters, scratched with a kunai used to protect many. She outlined those letters that were just engraved…the word 'TENTEN'. All we could do was watch her actions silently, all lost in our own thoughts of what could have been. "She knew when she was going to die… how she was going to die maybe… alone and ignored. But, I'm pleased…for all of you that came today. This has showed that we do care for her… that she still dwells on in our lives."

" Tenten used to tell me that her future was like a blank, white canvas, bleak and empty. Maybe she was right after all….She lived for the past and not for the future… After all, what could a broken girl hope for…" Tsunade-sama paused for a while searching for the right thing to say. " Despite her tragic ending, please remember her for what good she has left and not the sorrows that she had been through. I hope now that she's in tranquility."

" I'd like to say a poem… This one which I worked hard in getting it perfected…My last gift for her…" She opened up a crumpled piece of paper, and spoke with a voice full of intensity, full of emotions. Her tears fell slightly blending in with the rain.

The lovely bud, so young, so fair
Called off by earthly doom,
Just came to show how sweet a flower
In paradise could bloom

" Thank you for being here today…for remembering , Tenten. I'm sure she would be too." Tsunade-sama nodded gravely… Many people were seen wiping their eyes as tears were formed, all silent, thinking of the girl who was very much their friend and who helped them in one way or another.

Four ANBU's appeared, taking the lid of the casket and placing it over the coffin. I, then, realized, that it was the final time I would have seen, Tenten. I held Sakura's hand tightly till my knuckles turned a ghastly white… like a person who has lost it's way in the darkness and was trying desperately to find the right path.

" Neji-kun… you're hurting me," I heard Sakura say, her face solemn and fresh with tears. I loosened my grasp only slightly and mumbled an apology. " Let's go home, Neji…" I stared at her, her words running through my head.

" Hn.." I followed her lead unable to watch the funeral procession any longer, but as I remembered Tenten's face, her laughter, her smile…. I stopped in my tracks , making Sakura turn around and look at me in wonder. I closed my eyes in agony and released Sakura's hand that was still intertwined with my own…

My eyebrows, creased in sorrow as I recalled that sad day… How I longed to meet her again, to apologise to the hurt I've caused…but it was too late.

" Ano sa..ano sa…" I glanced down at my niece who was tugging at the hem of my sleeves almost impatiently.

" Hn…"

"I don't know how to draw that one…please help me," She pleaded, her pudgy fingers pointing at the image on the wall.. I nodded in response.

" Which one?" I asked, not knowing which one she was talking about.

She walked clumsily to the painting, tripping over my shirt that I gave her to wear as she dirtied her clothes while eating Ramen. " That one…in the pretty petals.." …And then I saw it, written by Tenten herself, in the three petals that fell or blended nicely in the dark background, in words so faded that I neglected to notice after so many years…. Three insignificant words that bought tears to my eyes…

I love you

Finally… I understood.

The flower withers but the seed remains…

I may be gone but my love for you will forever linger…

Gomen, Tenten… If I'd known earlier…maybe just maybe…

I let a tear slid down my cheek, feeling vulnerable for the first time.

Dear God..

If you can hear me…

Please…

Give me a second chance…

To tell you the truth I wanted to end it like this but since a lot of my readers want a happier ending… please proceed to the next chapter.

Ok…the first poem is by Greg Mcvickor… I love it and I took only a verse. The second poem was etched on a gravestone in Devon.. I love it as it's so beautifully sad… The quote the flower withers but the seed remains… well it's from a guy who I've forgotten the name…So it doesn't belong to me.

Oh what did you think of this chapter…was it good…or bad… If you don't mind please kindly leave a review.. I really do want to know how the outcome of this chapter is.

naash