E2: Well, this is the first plot alteration yay! Hiroshi is completely different… Emi slightly altered, but they both essentially play the same role.
-------- Tenten/Miyako
----x---- Neji
This one came faster than I had thought- which is a good thing, for everyone.
Split Screen Sadness is actually a song by John Mayer. The name kind of struck me out of nowhere, so it's here, now.
Read, review- and, as always- enjoy!
Chapter Five: Split Screen Sadness
Tenten kicked off her shoes and revelled in the feeling of having sand between her toes. Some people hate it and some people love it- and she was one of the people who loved it. The beach always reminded her of the very few family vacations that everyone in her family was able to attend (mainly her father and mother- she had no siblings or known cousins), or summer, or just generally happy times. But then, the dark rain cloud also known as her heart began to flutter and Tenten fell to the ground, her tears falling and disappearing into the swelling, then receding tide.
She ripped off her bangle and threw it to the ocean, in an attempt to take away all meaning of Neji from her, and it whistled eerily and forlornly before falling into the sea.
Having done that, Tenten felt weak and irresolute. Here she was, dressed in a thin, short sleeved tee-shirt that was orange no less, and throwing a priceless and sentimental gift into the ocean. It was a pathetic post-break-up image; she had to chide herself mentally. What was she thinking? There was only one word she could think of- Neji.
The kunoichi felt tired- so tired, like she had not slept in ages. Staying awake became increasingly hard, and she gave in to the sensation, allowing a dark blanket of calm to cover her senses as she fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.
----x----
Neji sat up and glanced at the empty, cold bed beside him. Tenten had gone, and left him feeling fragile and shattered- not that he'd ever admit it to anyone.
Why had he put her through this? Neji asked himself as he mechanically completed basic tasks such as making the bed and washing his face. The answer was simply that he had loved and hoped- he had loved Tenten and had hoped that it would be enough to stop Hiashi. Unfortunately, his uncle had obviously thought otherwise.
Nothing could shake the feeling of emptiness in the house. A quick inspection told him that Temari had also left in the night- but that wasn't really a major concern right now. The sound of the waves echoed and bounced off the smooth surfaces in the house eerily, along with the sound of his soft footfalls. It was chilling.
The worst thing of all, however, was the fact that his mind continued to betray him- he'd expect to see Tenten come out of the bathroom with her hair and smooth pale skin even softer, damp and fragrant from washing or downstairs in the kitchen, eating fruit or drinking her coffee as she left him a cup on the bench beside her, prepared just the way he liked it, gossiping with Temari.
The Hyuuga didn't want to think about it. He packed his things hastily and stopped when his fingertips brushed against a smooth, sheer fabric. Neji looked down and saw the beautiful sapphire dress, unstained and perfectly whole in every way. Without knowing why, he gently folded the garment and placed it under his clothes before snapping the case shut.
----x----
A few hours later, the Hyuuga prodigy was at the doors of the study that had once belonged to the late Hyuuga Hiashi- his uncle, and Hinata's father. He pushed the sturdy oak doors forward and bowed to the new ruler of the Hyuuga clan- Hinata. The kunoichi agitatedly waved, making an exasperated sound. Neji shut the doors and waited.
"You know what this is about, don't you?" Hinata asked, pacing stressfully as she waved a document in her right hand.
"If that is Hiashi-sama's will, then yes," Neji replied blandly.
"The Elders will have all of my father's wishes fulfilled- there is nothing we can do but follow them- especially me and you, Neji." Hinata stopped pacing and looked Neji in the eyes. "You have inherited the most power of the Byakugan, and the leader of the Branch family." She did not disguise her distaste of the word- not because of the people, but because the fact that her family was divided. It was one of the things that she hoped to abolish, with the help of Naruto and Neji.
"Okay, down to business," Hinata said, suddenly business-like. Neji noticed the sudden change in her demeanour and almost smiled- Hinata was a born diplomat, entrepreneur and healer, and she knew it.
"This goes to you," Hinata unlocked the safe in the wall with a beautiful golden key that hung on a golden chain around her neck, hidden by her clothing. She handed Neji a thick white envelope that had his name inscribed upon it, in his uncle's writing.
Neji ignored the sudden painful thudding that was blossoming in his chest.
"There are more specific details about your… arrangement in there."
Neji noted that his cousin did not use the word 'marriage'. The tension rose up a few notches in the room. The Hyuuga slid the envelope off the sturdy, antique, mahogany desk and ripped the envelope open on the side.
--------
The woman woke up and sat up in a white eiderdown quilted bed. The sun was streaming through an eastern window, looking out to the sea. In fact, there were many windows looking out to the sea- she could see that she was currently surrounded by it.
She ran her hands through her hair. For a moment, her fingers grabbed at air- as if they were used to having to untangle long messed locks when waking up. It felt wrong somehow.
She looked at her hands. They were strangely smooth and soft, the nails perfectly shaped and manicured. Her eyes glanced down at her wrists. Her brain projected some ugly bruises onto the skin, but there was no pain there- no markings, no scars.
Yet somehow, she felt that there was some essential part of her life missing.
"Miyako-sama…" a young servant bowed at her. "Hiroshi-sama is waiting- you've slept in far too long today." She nervously motioned for some other servants to come in.
The young woman tucked her knees under her chin, drawing up the white sheets. Who were they? Or, more importantly, who was she?
"I… I demand to see this Hiroshi-sama," She cried, and the servants quailed at her sudden confidence, demand and authority.
"Miya? I'm here," A pleasant voice said, coming into the room. A young man with sandy blonde hair and green eyes entered, and gently kissed her on the cheek. Miyako blushed, somehow feeling very comfortable in his presence.
"Come back later," The man said to the servants who obeyed him without objection.
"Miya," the man said calmly, stroking her cheek. "What's wrong?"
Her lips curved upwards in a genuine smile.
"Nothing, Hiro." The paranoia she'd felt when waking was gone, and she felt at ease.
Hiroshi kissed her on the lips and drew away, drawing back the pale, gauzy curtains. Miyako followed him and glanced out the window, sighing at the breathtaking view.
"How did you sleep?" Hiroshi asked after a moment.
"Fine," Miyako replied. She turned to her wardrobe and picked out a green and white cotton floral print dress to wear, tying the dark green sash into a bow behind her. "How about you?"
"Fine," Hiroshi replied with a smile. He picked up a comb from the dresser and combed her hair. Miyako smiled and turned, gently prying the shell comb from his fingers.
"You're doing it wrong," she teased. Sitting at the dresser, she looked at her reflection. A young woman around 21 stared back at her, with amber eyes, sharp lines for a nose and mouth and horrendously short brown hair. She ran the comb quickly through her locks and admired the subtle highlights that told of sun and sea. Her fingers, however, twitched when she combed slightly at the air, as if expecting longer, silkier tresses.
"Come on down to breakfast," Hiroshi suggested, tugging at her hand. Smiling, Miyako followed him, oblivious to the stares of the servants. There were four girls- a red head, one with silvery locks, another with a green plait and the last, with short black hair.
Miyako waved at them as she walked past and they bowed their heads, curtseying.
The pair sat down to breakfast on the deck- fruit was served with yogurt and muesli.
"So, I was thinking that today, after breakfast, you continued with some of those studies…" Hiroshi began.
"Mm… What was I up to again?"
"Well, you were learning about the Hideaki lineage, I think," Hiroshi said. "And my sisters were helping you learn…"
"Oh," Miyako said, suddenly remembering. "I remember now- something about control over the subconscious, right?"
Hiroshi nodded, obviously pleased. Miyako smiled, and a butler came and took away their dishes.
"Listen, Miya," Hiroshi said. "This morning, when you woke up… I heard you- you sounded very distraught. Are you sure you're okay now?"
Miyako nodded. "I'm perfectly fine- I was still half asleep, I guess."
Hiroshi nodded, standing. He kissed her briefly, before walking away.
"Hey, Hiro," Miyako ran after him. "What are you doing today?"
"I'm having a meeting with my business associates, so I'll be going to the mainland."
"Oh… can I come, one day?"
Hiroshi smiled. "Sure," she looped her arm with his and they walked through the house. "Do you want to walk me down to the docks?"
Miyako leaned into his shoulder. "I would love to," she walked peacefully beside him, her steps purposeful, silent and graceful.
"So what are you discussing at your meeting?" Miyako asked. "I've always wondered what you did."
Hiroshi smiled. "You've always been very curious," he sighed mockingly, as if she was a great burden upon him. "But, I am your typical businessman- and I deal with very boring things- nothing for a young woman like you to hear- you'd fall asleep in an instant."
Miyako laughed. "Try me," she said playfully.
"Well, I deal with the commerce and economical affairs of the string of villages along this coastline, and manage trade and communications."
"So how long does it take you to get to work everyday?"
"About half an hour- but I don't mind, because the sea air is very good for your health, or so I've heard."
Miyako laughed again.
"I like your laugh," he whispered, and she sighed dreamily in response. They arrived at the dock, and they stopped walking. Hiroshi turned around, and gently placed his arms on her shoulders, leaning in to kiss her.
"Have a good day," she whispered when he broke away.
"I will," Hiroshi replied with a smile, walking away. "I love you, Miya." He waved as he boarded the boat, and it sped away.
Frowning, Miyako placed a hand to her lips. He had just told her that he loved her- and she hadn't been able to say anything back.
----x----
Neji glared at the letter. It was incredibly ironic. Had he been someone else, for example, someone like Hanabi, he would have wanted to know what possessions, property or funds would go to him (Hanabi was very materialistic, from what he knew of her) however, being himself, he had expected something similar to a command or 'request' – mildly put.
"Neji? Neji-nii-san?" Hinata called.
Neji looked up, and it took all of the restraint Hinata had learned to not flinch at the murderous intent in his eyes.
"I am leaving now. It is time," he said curtly and pushed the chair back. Throwing the letter onto the table, he stood and swept out of the room, a dark aura pulsing from him- an even darker aura than normal, Hinata noted. She sighed and deeply sympathised with him. What her father had done seemed wrong to do- even to her- especially since he had often noted that Neji seemed a lot better off when he was with Tenten.
For one thing, he had moved out- meaning the servants were less stressed, without having to deal with Neji's temper on bad days, and the fan girls had instantly vanished. On the whole, though, Tenten brightened up Neji's life- he was the night, as she was the day, and they loved each other deeply. Hinata had wished that this whole thing hadn't happened on Neji and Tenten's first anniversary. He had loved her enough to spend all of their lifetimes together, Hinata knew, and he still did. But, unfortunately, there was nothing anyone could do about their separation in this life.
Neji passed no one on the way to the place where he was to meet his future wife- that, or everyone was avoiding him, which seemed closer to the truth than just coincidence that he saw no one. Back to the original topic- the reason he was still in the building- the first meeting of his future wife.
The girl he was supposed to marry was Takumi Emi. She was only seventeen- three years younger than himself, and a part of a clan was famous, mainly because they were a family of artisans and they had all scattered far and wide across the globe, becoming artists, actors, dancers, musicians, authors, playwrights and architects. She was supposedly, according to Hiashi's sources, the perfect housewife. But he sulked mentally (only it wasn't called sulking in Neji's language); a perfect housewife wasn't what he wanted or needed. He needed someone he could spend the rest of his life with, someone who knew truly him inside and out, and someone who loved him, and was loved by him. And there was only one woman in the entire world that fitted all the criteria perfectly.
Unfortunately, fate had dealt him an incredibly soul shattering blow that he would hate himself for the rest of his life. Why had he brought Tenten into this? The question echoed in his mind as he stopped walking- he was at the designated meeting place.
Neji slid the doors open and looked down at the young woman kneeling on the floor in front of him. She was wearing a black veil over her clothing, but Neji could only feign interest for so long.
"Get up."
"As you command, Hyuuga-sama."
Neji's eye twitched as the young girl rose from the ground.
"Do not address me in that manner- to you, I am Neji."
"As you command, N-Neji."
A young servant kneeled on the ground in the corner, her face veiled. She wore a yellow kimono with an embroidered hem.
"Emi," Neji said, raising an eyebrow. "Don't seek to fool me. There is a reason why I have a bloodline limit." He activated that talent and the girl veiled in black fell to his feet once more. In contrast, the young woman in the corner rose and took off her veil.
"Interesting," she said, looking him directly in the eye. Neji shrugged.
"I try," he said sarcastically, before leaving the room.
"Wait!" Emi cried.
Neji turned and raised an eyebrow.
"Isn't this meant to be a meeting of some sort?"
"I met you, great. We're going to be married, there. Is that enough?"
"No," Emi said defiantly, glaring at him with hazel eyes. The light caught the highlights in her lustrous, waist length, sandy blonde hair and made her pale, unblemished skin glimmer. He could tell that in a few years, when her face lost all childish qualities and became sharper, older, she would have been attracting suitors from far and wide. She would have earned quite a large dowry. Well, her clan, anyway.
"Well I'm leaving anyway," Neji turned, unaffected by the sudden beauty he could see emerging in the woman.
"What? Why? Where to?" Emi rushed after the prodigy's retreating back, ignoring her crying servant.
Neji stopped walking.
"The least you could do," he said coldly, without turning. "Is help that poor girl up. She did only what you wanted her to, and you ignore her without thanking her."
The people in the vicinity of the Hyuuga were shocked. Neji was not normally so… warm towards other human beings.
Without another word, Neji continued to walk out of the building, taking a few short cuts to throw off his… fiancée. He knew it was childish, but he felt he needed air- quickly- along with some sake or anything severely burning and alcoholic.
Once out of the twists and turns of the compound, Neji walked quickly through the training courtyard at the front of the mansion, went out past the posted guards, and made his way towards the nearest bar where he could go and drown himself in some alcohol and perhaps die of liver failure. One could only hope, unfortunately.
----x----
Emi was directed out of the maze by a passing Branch member, her distressed servant staying behind to unpack her belongings. Her room was near Neji's, with her servant's room in between, with adjoining doors to Emi's living quarters.
Emi looked around on the street. There was no one there, and Emi was considering where to go next, when something collided with her leg.
She looked down. A dark haired girl with blue eyes stared defiantly back up at her, with four ponytails in her hair, sticking out at strange angles. She looked around the age of six.
There were other children playing with her, apparently around her age, also- a blonde boy with white eyes, with a foxy grin on his face and a second girl with jet black hair that was short and spiky, with a strangely hued pair of jade green eyes that were clear, but also mysteriously unknowable.
"Hey!" yelled the first girl she had tripped over. "Watch where you're going!"
"Hey!" Emi mimicked. "That's my line!"
She looked at the small boy with the white eyes- eyes of a Hyuuga.
"I'm looking for someone you might know," Emi said.
The boy snickered in response and grinned slyly.
"Who is it- your boyfriend?" he sneered.
Emi rolled her eyes.
"The reason I am asking you, my little Hyuuga, is because he is most likely a relative that you know."
The child nodded, with pride evident on his face.
"I'm looking for Hyuuga Neji- have any of you heard of him?"
The three laughed loudly.
"Hyuuga Neji? You're asking us if we know Hyuuga Neji? He's like an uncle to all of us!" the blue eyed girl said.
"Well, he actually is my uncle," muttered the young Hyuuga.
"Anyway, he's our 'uncle'- although we think he's downright stupid to be all depressed about getting ma-" the young girl who had collided with Emi's leg was silenced by her other female companion.
Emi noticed the red and white fan insignia on her sleeve- she was an Uchiha, most likely Sasuke's.
Suddenly, it clicked- these children were all around the same age- most probably like their parents- which explained how they knew each other.
An Uchiha, a Hyuuga and a… Nara, perhaps?
"He probably went to that bar, over there," said the young Uchiha, pointing.
"Thanks," Emi sighed. "Before I forget, what are your names?"
"Uzumaki Daiki." Emi tried to hide her surprise.
"Uchiha Chikako," said the small girl quietly, her green eyes sparkling.
"I'm Nara Oki," introduced the young girl who had crashed into her leg.
Emi smiled at them.
"I'm Takumi Emi- it's nice to meet you three- see you later, then!" Emi turned around and walked away. She turned to wave, but they were gone- the street was absolutely deserted. Emi frowned, and entered the bar, even though she was underage. No one would be the wiser.
It was incredibly dark inside the room. There was no one else there.
"Fancy seeing you here," said a low, masculine voice.
Emi started and turned, her eyes falling upon Neji who was sitting on a bar stool.
"I had help," she said shortly, helping herself to a seat beside him. Neji frowned and sipped at the sake.
"From who?" Neji asked mildly.
"Three highly inquisitive children- an Uzumaki, a Hyuuga and a Nara."
Neji stared at her. "That's impossible."
"How!" Emi demanded.
"Sakura and Sasuke got married three months ago. They have not had a child as far as I know. Hinata and Naruto are engaged- they would not dare have a child out of wedlock. The Council of Elders would probably disown her if she did, but they are getting married in a few months. Hiashi-sama obviously approved of their relationship," he added bitterly and Emi was hurt deeply, but remembered that he was slightly drunk already. "Ino and Shikamaru have only been married for around a month, so I don't see either of these children actually existing right now outside your mind."
Emi was shocked.
"I still don't understand," she mumbled.
"There's no way any of these children that you describe exist. That's all there is to it," Neji said sharply and Emi flinched.
"The least you could do is be nice to me- we are going to be married, after all," she whined.
Neji glared at her.
"The least I could do is not kill you," he said coldly. Tenten was never this annoying- she knew her boundaries since the first time she had met him.
"Who's Tenten?" Emi asked, curious.
Neji groaned. He had said that, hadn't he?
"Yes, you did."
"Tenten is… none of your business," Neji said firmly, finishing his second bottle of sake and slamming his money onto the table, he left the bar.
Emi followed him.
"She's your ex, isn't she?" Emi said. "When did you break up?"
"This morning. She left me this morning, at two o'clock." It was now eight in the morning.
"Holy shit," Emi swore.
"Yeah. I was like that too, you know? It was like- holy shit- she's gone, and I have to get married."
"Did you cry?"
"What!"
"I mean it- did you cry?"
"I never cry, so stop it."
"Why did you break up?"
"Are you that blind?" Neji asked sarcastically.
Emi bit her lip.
"Did you love her?"
"What?!"
"Did you love her?" Emi repeated.
"I still do, and will always."
"How long have you known her?"
"Since we were five. I met her at the academy, and she was assigned to my genin cell at the age of 13," it didn't occur to Neji to ask why he was answering these questions so freely.
"When did you realise you loved her?" Emi asked slowly.
"What?!"
Emi rolled her eyes.
"When did you realise that you loved her?" she repeated loudly.
"Three, maybe four years after."
"After what? Meeting her? Or being assigned to the same thing?"
"Genin cell. It's called a genin cell. There, you have your answers. Leave me alone! You're as annoying as those freaking fan girls," Neji waved her away and Emi persisted, but Neji had vanished.
Emi sighed. What she needed now was a manual on how to melt an ice cube prodigy. It was just too bad that she hadn't met this Tenten girl.