Chapter 39: Hyuga Litmus Test
Mini-Chapter Track: "Sleeping States" by Gregory and the Hawk
It took most of the next day to explain to Tenten, both in the company of Lee and out of Lee's company, what the heck all of this meant.
Essentially, the Hyuga clan did not date. They bargained. If a potential prospect was introduced to the Main or Branch houses, it was incentivized by the strengthening of blood lines, monetary compensation, gain of resources or influence. Or, if a marriage was not the conclusion of an approved courtship— elders would sometimes ask for a runner up to be sent and considered so that there were no hard feelings between families. It was transactional. Always.
"So how do your clansmen…get to know anyone?" Tenten was baffled, "Is there a lot of…intra-clan marriage and dating?"
"Not as much as there was in the past. Decades ago, that practice exacerbated a variety of hereditary diseases in the Hyuga…and prompted a shift to friendships with other clans and families to remedy that problem." Neji was recounting a bit of history and Lee stood to the side, listening in fascination.
"Hmm. You stand to gain with me…a disease free partner with a sense of humor. That's not much." Tenten shrugged, "Might as well hit up some aristocrat women to be sure that's what you're aiming for, Neji. Make some comparisons…"
He snorted contentiously at the suggestion.
Lee gave some input, "Neji could perhaps worsen relationships with allied clans, if he were to explore with that goal in mind. He is very temperamental!"
"Wow. I did not even consider that risk." She now understood why the socializing bar had not been set too high.
"Enough. This isn't about other possible candidates," Neji reminded her sternly, "It's about you. Whether or not you have a prestigious background…all that truly matters is your dignity and honesty. Even the most refined lords can get that wrong."
Tenten and Lee were impressed by the notion.
Neji went on, "We have a few hours, and much to go over."
Later, they broke the news to Hinata and gently begged for help. Tenten had never been to a dinner more formal than a kaiseki restaurant which, Hinata was alarmed to tell her, was nowhere close to the level of formality that she ought to expect.
"You will need to wear a furisode." Hinata added.
Smiling cluelessly, Tenten acted like she knew what a furisode was.
Neji gave Tenten a long, impatient look. It was obvious to him that she had no idea what they were talking about. The three of them were assembled near Hinata's garden while she watered plants and simultaneously assisted with the courtship project.
"Furisode is the long-sleeved, ornate kimono traditionally worn by unmarried women." Hinata explained helpfully, "Sometimes they are passed down in families, because they are so valuable. They are used to express the eligibility of a woman."
Painstakingly, Tenten was forced to confess, "My family…never had anything like that. Mom always had super expensive qipao, though! Why can't I wear one of those?"
Hinata nearly tossed her watering can when she reacted, "You can't! It isn't formal enough."
"It's beautiful and formal." She protested weakly.
Neji was shaking his head at her.
"Fine. I'll let your traditions trump mine." Tenten gave in, "But I don't own one. So now where do I find furisode?"
"I own two. But they…would not complement your coloration." Hinata tilted her head to look at Tenten, "We need to find someone who is selling or is willing to rent to you."
Tenten was muttering under her breath about all of the hassle.
Neji warned her, "This is the least complicated aspect of this meeting. You still need to be taught prompts, greetings, appropriate eye contact, appropriate volume of voice, table manners—"
"Table manners!" Tenten nearly threw her hands above her head, exasperated, "What am I? Uncultured swine? I have good manners."
"The Hyuga have strict etiquette when it comes to these kinds of introductions. So do other clans." Hinata tried to pacify her, patting Tenten's arm, "We can show you what to do."
After that, they sought out Kayato at her studio in the house. The woman was leaned over a complicated piece of costume embroidery, and when she looked up at her visitors she had a glass eye piece scrunched in her orbital, used for magnification. She grinned at them.
"Ooh, my favorite customer is back." She tittered at Tenten and removed her eye piece, laying down her needlework, "To what do I owe this visit, children?"
Neji explained. Hinata co-explained. Kayato was breathless and excited.
"Oh! Furisode. I haven't worked on one in a while, and I'll be honest…" Kayato smiled wanly, "I haven't got a single one in stock. You're going to have to ask around. Once you do find something I'll have it fitted and tied correctly for Tenten, of course. Also…" She took a discerning up and down look at the girl in question, "What to do with your hair and face?"
"What about them?" Tenten asked defensively.
"Well you need to look your best!"
Tenten held a hand up to her dewy, just-good-enough-face as if she were a game show host revealing a prize. Kayato laughed at her. Not the reaction she was going for.
"Neji won't be a slouch either, just to be clear." Kayato pointed out merrily, "He owns hakama already. That will do. And maybe we'll tie his hair a bit nicer…"
The statement did not grate on his nerves. Neji just accepted it as a necessary evil. It was a one-time meeting and once it was completed and Tenten approved of, they could pretty much go back to how they were doing things before. With the exception of Tenten being more involved with his clan…and entertaining a few other minor theatrics.
The group split up: Neji set out to join Lee for training with Wong Leung, and Hinata scampered off with Tenten in the hope of finding a friend who owned furisode. That afternoon they would all regroup.
Naturally, the girls checked with Ino first. Sakura was visiting her at the Yamanaka flower shop as they gossiped in hushed voices. They ceased whispering and animatedly greeted Hinata and Tenten when they arrived, asking what was Tenten frowning about? Hinata's rendition of the situation was syrupy sweet and excited, while Tenten was not nearly as enthused.
"This is a huge deal, you know." Ino simpered at Tenten, "Try to get over the parts of this that are annoying and inconvenient. If you get your foot in the door with the Hyuga clan-! Damn. That's not easily done. Neji's really sticking his neck out for you."
"I know. It makes me feel worse that I have no idea what I'm doing, or that my parents aren't alive to give their approval, you know?" Tenten revealed her somber train of thought.
Sakura's cheerful face faltered, "Oh. Sorry about that. But you know you're going to get this right! Neji chose well and Hinata's dad can't overlook that."
"Thank you, Sakura."
Hinata's head was bobbling in agreement, "I know my father will like you!"
"Even if I mess up my table manners?"
"You won't." Hinata assured her.
They passed through Ino's home to a tatami-mat storage room, finding a wall of cedar chests. The blonde woman gleefully pulled open a mid-level drawer, lifting away preservation paper to retrieve rich, green silk. Ino proudly held up the kimono, "Feast your eyes on this, girls. My mom and dad found it for me specifically for Coming of Age Day, but if there's an occasion for it you bet I am wearing this sooner."
In another drawer, Ino directed Sakura to retrieve the corresponding violet and pink obi and accessories. Tenten's expression seemed to thaw, marveling at the work of art. Hinata was fiddling with the sleeves.
"Do you have a kimono in every drawer?" Sakura wondered, aghast.
"Nah; just less than half of the chests are filled. Mom and Dad cleaned out a lot of old threadbare pieces."
"My clan has two rooms full." Hinata noted, "And the owners' names are printed on each drawer to avoid mix-ups."
"I bet your clan does, Hinata." Ino sighed enviously and then held up the green furisode against Tenten's chest, "You're a chestnut beauty. Green will look good. You're welcome."
"I…" Tenten pursed her mouth. At the sight of her inexplicable dismay, Hinata's expression also wilted.
"What? What's the matter?" Sakura stood beside her, "It's beautiful! I know you're not into flower designs, but we're lucky someone had something for…you…" Sakura seemed to pick up on what was concerning Tenten.
Ino blew a strand of hair out of her face, "Problem?"
"Neji won't like it." Sakura determined.
Hinata quailed at the suggestion and reevaluated the garment, frowning as she realized that Sakura was right.
"He probably won't." Tenten reasoned, "He liked me in red…but at this point how can I be picky? I have hours to prepare for all of this. I can't go door to door soliciting for formalwear."
Hinata had to ask, "Maybe Onii-san would understand-?"
"This furisode is as green as Lee." Sakura declared, "Maybe that's only a subliminal message, but men can be touchier than they let on. Unfortunately."
"Pff. Great." Ino proceeded to fold up the garment in defeat, "I wasn't even thinking of that."
"I just appreciate that you were willing to let me wear something before you did." Tenten thanked her.
"I would have called in a favor with you someday, for a premium." Ino warned her smilingly.
"Right. Do we know anyone else that I can ask?" Tenten inquired of the group.
Hinata perked up again, "Maybe Tama-chan!"
Sakura shook her head, "Tama doesn't own furisode either, just hakama for formal occasions. She's sporty. And she's been engaged since she was four years old, so her family never invested in something that signaled: I am up for grabs, gentlemen."
The girls stewed on the dilemma.
Ino turned to Sakura curiously, "I've seen you in red many times, Forehead…"
"I rent from my Auntie. She would charge Tenten an arm and a leg for formalwear…" Sakura lamented, "There has to be somewhere to go…"
Considering the problem in silence, the women racked their brains for a solution and stared off into space. Judging by Sakura's scrunching and quivering facial features, her mind was rapidly combing through a list of Konoha's tailors, expensive boutiques, and eligible women to ask.
Suddenly, Tenten made for the door to exit the storage room, snapping her friends out of their community brainstorming.
"I have one other female friend in my life who could probably help." Tenten ushered them to follow, "As long as Hayate doesn't give me grief about it…Yugao can salvage this."
And by the grace of a higher power, Yugao answered the door, beamed at the sight of Tenten, and yes— she could definitely help. She was delighted to lend Tenten the furisode she had worn only once for her engagement pictures. Now it just sat in a box, like most kimono did. Yugao welcomed the gaggle of kunoichi inside her house, and ignored Hayate's incredulous sounds of protest from the kitchen.
In passing, Tenten greeted her tutor as he put away groceries. He didn't get much of a hello otherwise, and no explanation of why there were so many visitors.
Yugao nearly floated into a guest bedroom and happily retrieved a lacquer box from the closet. She set it down and lifted the lid, "So things are going well, Tenten? Being introduced to his family! The last time you asked me for help it was for your first date."
Tenten tried to shush her, but her friends were already chattering about it.
The woman lifted up the garment and it silenced the group of girls. The silk was a richly dyed black, emblazoned with a scarlet cascade of flowers and ribbon designs down a sleeve's length and at the legs. It was simple and boisterous all at once. The gold obi also elicited a nod of endorsement from Tenten.
"Oh, so you like it?" Yugao brightened.
"Will Hayate let me walk out of here with this?" Tenten joked.
"No, he won't. But I'll go with you if you have a dresser. I won't be able to put this on you myself." Yugao explained.
"He—"
Yugao shook her head, "Hayate has no business parsing the details of my loan to you. This kimono belongs to me." She smiled, "And I want you to wear it."
"Seems a shame you only wore this once." Ino said, examining the obi in the box.
"I would have worn it for Coming of Age day when I was younger…but I was on a Black Ops assignment, then." The woman shrugged, "Such a thing may happen to you girls as well, while you take missions."
It was food for thought and gave them pause. Tenten took another moment to fawn over the exquisite piece, "I really appreciate this, Yugao…"
"Not at all!" The woman chirped, setting the kimono in place again and closing the box's lid. Yugao marched from the room with her entourage, and Hayate held up a hand to get her attention in the living area.
"I just want to know if you're coming back for dinner later." The man asked his wife, "And if…I'm feeding all of you?"
Yugao assured her husband that it would be just the two of them for an evening meal.
A short time later, the pack of kunoichi had arrived at Kayato's dressing studio at the Hyuga compound. Sakura had excused herself from the uproar to check on Tama in the hospital. After handing the lacquer box off to Kayato, Tenten was promptly seated on a floor cushion so Yugao could begin styling her hair. As Ino explained it for her, "Hair has to be done before you are cocooned in layers of fabric. I'll take some time to do your makeup."
"Ino, I don't need makeup. I need caffeine or some other stimulant." Tenten complained, relenting as Yugao shushed her in a motherly way and unwound her chignons to set to work.
Hinata offered to run and fetch tea. Ino tsked at her, "Don't indulge her, Hinata. She needs to get through this like a big girl."
"Indulge? Says the queen of indulgence—" Tenten's comeback was cut short when Yugao pulled back too hard on her head with a fistful of hair.
"Sorry!" Yugao chuckled, "I want to do something more intricate today. Bear with me, Tenten."
Tenten relinquished creative input, "Do what you think will make me seem classy."
Yugao and Kayato laughed in unison and Tenten tried not to shrink and disappear into the floor mats. Kayato hung up the kimono for inspection and spoke over her shoulder to Tenten, "Dear, it's so funny to hear you say that you think you don't seem a certain way. Elegance is mostly pretense no matter what."
"But I have to try. The Hyuga clan is…" She trailed off, feeling lost.
Yugao kept clucking her tongue at the girl. Ino had asked Hinata to seek and find a suitable makeup pallet nearby; otherwise she would be running across town to fetch her own.
"The Hyuga clan is distinguished and proud, but in the end…" Kayato simpered as she worked, "Even you saw our clansmen drinking themselves under tables a few nights ago."
"Oh yeah." Tenten relaxed.
"They had to win that game. They couldn't let Sarutobi clan visitors beat them on their own turf." Ino remembered in great amusement. She assisted Kayato in relocating the long obi and other fabric ties about the floor.
When Hinata returned with two sets of cosmetics, Ino inspected them and picked the better option of the pair. Tenten still objected to the one girly art that the stronghold of her tom-boyishness had disallowed.
Ino soothed her and handed over a hair tie to Yugao, still at work. "Tenten. I'm not going to do your face like some neon billboard. Alright? You already have unfairly good skin." Ino traced a fingertip along the older girl's cheekbone, "I'll leave that be. Let's play up your eyes and do a subtle lip. Have a little faith in an expert."
With little other choice, Tenten elected to accept the help. She needed the help. She needed to start feeling adequate so that she could have a stellar meet-the-uncle dinner, and convince Hiashi that she wasn't going to take advantage of Neji or utterly fuck things up.
Yugao was re-doing elaborate chignons that connected in a central, ponytail-like braid. Ino and Hinata kneeled in front of Tenten and continued grooming her. While Ino gently dabbed Tenten's eyelids with some kind of base, Hinata reviewed the shortlist of etiquette with Tenten.
"Anywhere you go in the Main House, you must be escorted. Because you are Neji-niisan's guest, he is the only one permitted to escort you." Hinata raised a finger and added, "To the restroom, for example. Father will not let me leave dinner to bring you myself."
"Will you be wearing kimono too?" Tenten had not considered it.
"Yes. I am required to at these types of functions."
"When I agreed to all of this I never thought I'd be inconveniencing you too, Hinata." Tenten shut her eyes so Ino could work, trying to apologize for the bother.
Though she couldn't see it, Hinata was smiling, "It's alright. It makes me happy that you are the visitor, Onee-san! In Spring I had to do this sort of thing nearly every week for a different suitor. That was…"
"Awful. Nauseating. Pointless?" Ino offered, recalling that dark time as well, "Wow, and even I had to put up with all of that indirectly. I'm glad you survived, Hinata-chan."
Hinata concurred. She also filled Tenten in on: avoiding too much direct eye contact, avoiding too little eye contact, placement of hands in lap, correct seated posture and how to rise from a floor cushion to stand. Ino vehemently agreed with the last subject.
"She's right. You have to practice sitting and standing so you don't flash anyone." Ino recommended.
Hinata explained that food at the dinner table would be served to her by either herself or Neji, and that it would be inappropriate for Tenten as a guest to handle dishes. However, if she wanted anything she could ask at any time. Hinata mentioned that her father would do most of the talking, and that Tenten should do her best to answer his questions. Fibbing was to be avoided. Hiashi did not take well to dishonesty and had a knack for detecting it. Overall, Tenten would be prompted to speak and should avoid talking out of turn or ahead of Main House members. It was just a general rule of thumb. Hinata hoped the introduction would decrease in formality as the evening wore on, and that Tenten could engage in conversation freely.
Also, under no circumstances, no matter what Hanabi said at dinner, Hinata added— do not take the bait. Her sister excelled at cattle-prod questions and remarks. She liked to gauge the character of new acquaintances by mildly antagonizing them. Kayato seconded the warning.
"Duly noted." Tenten acknowledged.
After dinner, Hinata forecasted, there could be further talk and refreshments. After that, before it got too late, Tenten would be politely discharged and could visit Kayato to undress and box up the furisode. Neji would escort her home after that, and hopefully return to hear a positive endorsement from Hiashi. Tenten mentally took notes on the timeline.
By then, Kayato was waiting around since she had concluded laying out the different furisode components. She stood close by and watched Yugao enter the final stages of hair artistry, and then circled 'round to see Ino's handiwork, "Oh, that color! What is it?"
"Burgundy." Ino announced, "And just a bit further in it'll blend into scarlet— which is much brighter and I don't want to overdo it. Then a bit of gold…"
"It corresponds so well with the fabric's designs."
"That's the idea."
Kayato considered the girl, "Ino, was it? I may need to hire you for makeup on photo days before I submit portfolio work to my agent. My models will look so much better."
Ino was charmed by the suggestion.
Hinata had a few last pieces of advice for Tenten: Don't attempt to eat until after Hiashi began the meal, muffle bodily functions and sounds, don't ask very personal questions of anyone at the table (even though Hiashi could ask such things of her,) and in general try to be interesting and also be herself. Ino called the list "a doozy" and wished Tenten luck. She was finishing up and patting color onto Tenten's lips with a small brush.
Yugao finished tying Tenten's hair, and tugging in a few spots to straighten the braids encircling the buns on top of her head, "Ah. There. I've gotten my hair fix for the week. It's always easier doing someone else's. Mine always comes out just a bit off when I tie it up."
Tenten thanked her and peered into a mirror that Ino handed to her. She was relieved to see she looked more aristocratic than costume-y. She breathed a sigh of relief. It was like a beautiful, rich woman was looking back at her. Tenten set the mirror down and puffed up a little, awestruck that it was possible to look so good.
"So, do you have any questions?" Hinata asked finally, "I have to leave soon to get changed. I'll have my sister help me, since Kayato-san will need some time to dress you."
"Well." Tenten considered it for a moment, "I think I want to avoid talking about Huo and Exam drama."
"Yes. Please do." Hinata nodded.
"And would you be so kind as to signal me if I start breaking a rule or forget myself?" Tenten asked.
"I will be as discreet as possible." The younger girl promised.
"Is there a chance that Neji could mess this up, and not me?" Tenten wondered.
"Oh yes, but he won't. Onii-san will use his best manners and patience. He's been to functions like these in the past."
Tenten ventured, "What if, despite my best efforts to adhere to etiquette…and I go home…your Dad decides that he doesn't like me?"
"I don't see how that could happen!" Hinata chirped, "My father will be glad to meet you."
"Maybe, but what if fundamentally he thinks I am a bad fit? He's still entitled to that opinion even if he likes me as a person." Tenten wisely pointed out, "Hinata, if that's the case, is it implied that I stop seeing or stay away from Neji?"
The room got uncomfortably quiet. Ino cleared her throat to fight the awkwardness, bouncing to her feet when she finished touching up Tenten's lips.
Hinata had to suspend her disbelief to reply, "I think that's what father would want, if he felt that way."
"That's fine." Tenten was calm about it, "I just need to know. I'm a realistic person. I refuse to assume things will go well just because I subscribe to positive imagery. What everyone else thinks and feels still weighs on something like this." She smiled warily, "But you know, positive attitudes have gotten my team pretty far."
Kayato chortled as she and Hinata pulled Tenten to her feet. Yugao affectionately patted Tenten's bottom when she stood. She did a fast swap of clothing for underclothing.
Then, after fitting Tenten with a practical, white nagajuban and undersash, Kayato slipped Tenten into the black furisode. Here and there, Hinata tugged and helped straighten the kimono while Kayato prodded and adjusted. The meticulous, measured preparations and tying took a while. Kayato had rolled up the floor-length sleeves and made Tenten hold them, keeping them out of the way. Ino observed, "It's a spectacle every time. Putting one of those on…"
Hinata excused herself to get dressed and advised Tenten to stay positive. Tenten watched her go with a wistful expression.
"Relax, she'll be with you at dinner." Ino reminded her.
"I know…"
"If it's any kind of consolation, we all go through something like this." Kayato said while working on a koshi himo at Tenten's waist, "I did, in fact, go through exactly the same introduction you will. I was a nobody. Not even a ninja. But Hideyasu, that crazy man, had haunted my step for two years and was adamant about me meeting his family. They needed some extra convincing that I would be a good match for him, even after we met." The woman laughed, "They came to my place of work to see what I was good for since I was not a kunoichi."
"Did that satisfy?" Tenten wondered in terror.
"For some reason, it did. Then we were allowed to date. I'll admit, living among the Hyuga clan and its stringent rules and elders…it tired me out. I tried to leave Hide-chan several times. I couldn't imagine getting married and staying in a place where I felt so unfree." Kayato explained, "But things got easier, and with time their scrutiny of me relaxed, even when I was trying to run off again…they knew I'd be back."
"I'm surprised they tolerated that." Ino admitted.
"Well, it wasn't exactly tolerated. He and I were still dating, but suitors were called in for Hide-chan for the interim. His elders wanted to give him options." Kayato grunted as she tugged another under-belt tight around Tenten, "And I hear that he did not welcome any of those visits. He scared them away with his weird sense of humor and waited for me."
Yugao was curious, "How long after that did you get married?"
"About two or three months after my last I'm moving out tantrum. I'd made friends in the Branch family and they were helping me with my new business. It made me feel more secure…and appreciated. I just hated feeling alone when those old men— er, our elders…stared at me and said I wasn't enough." Kayato sighed, "Hide-chan was happier after that. I put him through a lot. He always used to feel scared that I would leave."
"You maneater." Yugao teased.
"I wasn't! I was just frightened." Kayato laughed nervously, "My point is that I know this isn't easy, Tenten. You don't have to go through with anything that you think is unfair or oppressive. Stay true to yourself."
"That seems to be the theme." Tenten recognized, "But I'm wondering how I do that and still impress the head of this house?"
"Make sure you don't apologize for anything." Yugao suggested, "Oh, and don't sugarcoat your opinions. A clan leader may respect you more for being critical about something."
"But don't outright insult anyone either." Ino added on to it. She had begun helping Kayato wind and fold the golden obi around the kimono.
"I may forget most of this." Tenten admitted.
"Just remember to make it clear to Hiashi-sama…how much you value Neji." Kayato recommended, "That's why you're here."
Tenten liked that piece of advice best. It took time to complete the flower-like knot of the obi, and Kayato looped a red obijime beneath it before fastening it at the front. Yugao admitted that she had no idea how Kayato had created the knot, other than employing wizardry.
"When you dress about 200 hundred people a year in kimono," Kayato told her, "You get good at it."
Yugao took another few moments to fawn over Tenten, reminiscing, "I can't believe I only wore it once. It makes me wish I were still young and single!"
"You can be, if you want. Just kick Hayate out. That house is in your name." Tenten jested.
"Oh, no, no. He's a good cook and I like his company." Yugao flipped a dangling, red tassel earring at Tenten's ear, "I wore this furisode when I met Hayate's parents for the first time. I don't know if they approved of me or not by the end of the night because we all got so drunk."
"Maybe that wasn't a bad outcome?"
Yugao thought on it, "Maybe. They like me well enough now."
Kayato forewarned, "Oh, Tenten, so you know— only tea will be served at this introduction. You will all be scrupulously sober."
"I didn't think alcohol would be served. I'm kind of grateful for that." Tenten recalled that she and Neji were not at all presentable after getting drunk the night of the festival, or the morning after.
With her desire to see her furisode worn again sated, Yugao bid everyone good luck and a prosperous evening. She set out for home shortly after Ino did, leaving Tenten in Kayato's company. As Hinata had advised earlier, Tenten slowly practiced sitting and standing from a floor cushion.
"Try not to be so rigid." Kayato demonstrated a good technique on the next zabuton, "It will be easier if you push up with your fingertips for balance, like this. No one will notice with your long sleeves."
After many attempts, she was starting to get it. Tenten even tried to compose her face as if it wasn't a big deal that she wasn't falling over and crushing Kayato's hard work on the obi.
When that was done, Tenten asked for a time check.
"Well, you have nearly an hour to go." Kayato confirmed with a glance at the work desk clock, "I know what we can do. My family won't be joining your introductory dinner…and I bet my son is still practicing out in the yard. Why don't we watch?"
Tenten liked the idea, "Sure. It'll give me time to practice walking without tripping over this."
Since there was no need for shoes indoors, hers were left in the studio and Tenten accompanied Kayato barefoot through the house. The walk down long hallways and around a few corners ended on an outdoor porch that overlooked a green lawn. Fujita and Hideyasu were scrapping with each other, using Taijutsu that was distinctly Gouken as opposed to Jyukken, according to Tenten's trained eye. Kayato sighed at the sight of her husband and child.
"I'm glad Fujita recovered from his injuries." Tenten spoke sidelong to her dresser. She wasn't sure what to do with her arms in long sleeves, so Tenten crossed her hands at her front like a lady. Not her usual posture, for sure.
"It took quite a while. My husband was concerned that he was so out of shape! They've been sparring for the last few days to condition Fujita again." There was a far-off look on Kayato's face while she watched her loved ones. Her shoulders drooped.
Tenten watched her carefully, considering the woman who had not really wished to join the Hyuga clan but had integrated anyway. By Tenten's estimate, Kayato was a genuine best friend and spouse to Hideyasu. There was no question she loved him and their children. She had compromised to keep her professional career, and to fulfill her duties to the Main House. There were probably some days, Tenten gathered, that she still wanted to run away from the surveillance and demands of clan elders.
And of course, one of her children was dead. That probably stuck mercilessly like quills in her heart. Tenten regarded the woman in profile and began to empathize.
"Is it hard not seeing him out there with them?" Tenten wondered.
By him, Kayato understood she meant Hikune, "Very hard. Sometimes I want to burn this place down to the ground, I'm still so angry."
Tenten bowed her head a little and looked out over the lawn again.
"I felt lucky…watching my eldest boy grow up to be smart and kind. He was so much like Hide-chan." Her voice flattened, "But he was also selfish and didn't take rejection well. I disliked listening to Hikune bad-mouth girlfriends that had dumped him. I remember telling him one night that he was the one who needed to reflect, and not the women who had moved on. There was much he had yet to learn. That boy frustrated me on some days…argued with me…"
Amazed, Tenten's ears perked up at the honest admission.
"Children are challenging. I laid awake worrying many nights, wondering if the things I said or did permanently damaged them. It took a while to learn they are largely responsible for their own choices, no matter what I taught them…or didn't teach them." Kayato settled her hands in her trouser pockets, "I worried that they would never understand what the Hyuga clan really needs. That they would never know it the way Neji-sama so profoundly knows it. I feared that even more when Hikune fought with him…that he would prefer that ignorance as long as he could feel superior or secure in some way."
She turned to Tenten and saw the bewildered look on her face, "I'm not trying to panic you or tell you to avoid this kind of a future! Sweet girl…I'm sorry. I just keep talking while you're here—"
"It's okay. I'm glad you're sharing it. I don't have anyone to tell me about these sorts of things." Tenten informed her.
Kayato regarded her warmly, "I see. Well…this path wasn't at all bad. It's quite fun. My sons are neither the most generous nor the most enlightened people…but because they aren't perfect, I forgive myself a little more for not being perfect either." She smiled to herself, "This clan wants excellence so much that we become afraid of our softer, truer selves. You've helped Neji-sama in this respect, but don't be afraid to help yourself either. Don't wallow in doubt. Not for too long, anyway."
Tenten was still upbeat, "This is kind of heavy subject matter for someone who just wants to be allowed to date."
"It is! I know you're not my therapist…but I felt like opening up." The woman laughed, "You may realize that you want more than just the chance to date Neji-sama, and it will be very hard for you. Forever. For every milestone and bit of progress you make, you'll have to keep fighting for him."
Tenten winced a little. She still had not fully considered what was ahead, because she had hardly anticipated coming so far.
"Not to worry." Kayato patted her immaculately dressed shoulder, "Your team prides itself on hard work. I'm sure you can handle it."
"Thank you for your confidence."
The sun had sunk closer to the horizon. Hideyasu and Fujita concluded training and were drying their faces and necks with towels. The two visited Kayato and Tenten at the engawa of the house with puppy-like enthusiasm.
"Wow! New project, Kayato? She looks great!" Hideyasu was thrilled with the kimono.
"Believe it or not I didn't make this. I simply fitted her." Kayato brushed errant hair from her husband's face while he stood a step below in the grass, "Gekko Yugao owns this furisode."
He turned to Tenten, "My goodness, you're a friend of Yugao-san's? How fortunate! She's well-to-do and a respected veteran of our village." Hideyasu noted, "It seems to me you've been formally invited to sit with the Hyuga, is that right?"
Fujita gasped over his water bottle, surprised by the news.
"That's right. Neji had a talk with his uncle and…I'm trying to be effortlessly impressive and vigorously myself for this dinner." Tenten summed up the total of all advice she had taken.
"Bwa-ha-ha!" Hideyasu laughed more easily than his wife did.
Fujita was grinning, "It won't be so bad!"
"I've heard things…" Tenten sighed, "And Fujita, we really need to work you out. We can start weapon drills again…as soon as I get out of expensive clothes."
He nodded happily, "Oh yeah, I'd like that. I don't want to take another mission until I feel strong again."
"Thank you for looking out for my nugget, Tenten." Hideyasu was jolly, "Also, we wish you an expedient and pleasant introduction this evening. May Hiashi-sama have mercy on you."
Kayato whacked Hideyasu in retaliation for the low blow comment, but then they erupted into inside-joke giggles. Fujita mused at his parents and internalized their silly camaraderie. He slipped off his shoes and stepped onto the porch, offering to show Tenten around for a bit while his parents canoodled.
At sunset, Neji showed up and interrupted Fujita's detailed explanation to Tenten about games played with Hanafuda cards. Tenten was intrigued that he was such an avid card game player.
From her seat on the porch near Hinata's garden, Tenten looked up at Neji to where he stood. She blinked and tried to recognize him. The montsuki hakama he was wearing were probably worth more than the apartment she currently lived in, plus the lease for her shop space.
"Hello." She managed to say without swallowing her tongue.
Neji was dressed in a haori of indigo as dark and deep as the ocean's bottom. The crests of the Hyuga clan were visible in bright contrast; with charcoal colored hakama that made him look unattainably important. His hair was pulled back in a regal ponytail, putting his chiseled face on display. Neji frowned at her staring.
"Good evening, Neji-sama." Fujita greeted respectfully, scooping up his cards and into a deck box, "Mother and Father said that Tenten is going to be formally introduced to the clan head tonight. I hope you have a good time."
"Thank you, Fujita." Neji extended his hand to Tenten to help her stand, "Good will be a relative term at this meeting."
"That's boosting my self-esteem." Tenten sniffed at him.
Neji turned his attention back to her and for two very long seconds…he seemed to become squirrel-ish. He averted his eyes from her slightly, "You were successful." He was pointing out the furisode that she was wearing— not as if she had a choice. 'I couldn't show up here without one, apparently.' Tenten logged Neji's strange reaction to her.
They bade Fujita farewell or in Tenten's case, gave parting remarks on fitness, "Hold a horse stance for a few hours and do high reps of push-ups. Ask Lee to help, he'll whip you into shape—" Neji tugged her through a sliding door into the house.
"He's gotten skinny and flabby." She noted to Neji.
"He had four broken ribs, a ruptured spleen, and a broken wrist. Fujita abided by a no-activity order."
"Spleen too? That can be a lot of bleeding…" Tenten observed as they slowly traversed the hallway. She was actually going at her top speed in kimono.
There was a step down from the wooden floor, leading towards the extra formal dining room of the Main House (where no one ever ate except for nights like this.) Again, Neji held a hand out to help Tenten negotiate the perilous drop. He finally worked up the nerve to say, "You look beautiful."
Safely on the next level, Tenten stopped to regard him and smiled with curling, cherry-hued lips. "You didn't think I had it in me, huh?" She teased.
"I knew you did."
"The layers are killer. Note to self: never wear one of these again in summertime." Tenten added, "I can't wait to get this off and return it."
"Who does it belong to?" He was curious.
"Yugao. She's a lifesaver."
Neji nodded in agreement. He still had not met Hayate or Yugao for a proper introduction or hello, but he felt a shred of gratitude towards them.
"I learned all of my etiquette." Tenten disclosed as they approached the formal room's closed door, "But…just in case this doesn't go well…please know that I really tried, Neji."
He said nothing and kept looking ahead, minding her step so she would not trip. He had to move aside the billowing silk of her sleeve, but Neji was able to locate her hand and stroke the back of it with his fingertips. Tenten did not have to inquire about why he did it. He communicated several things through the gesture: he knew she was trying, he would try too, he didn't know what to expect, really, and thank you.
The door slid open and nearly elicited a startled yelp from Tenten, but she contained it. They stepped inside, and the servant in the room slipped out and shut the door behind her. Neji stopped an appropriate distance away from the table, addressing his uncle and two cousins already seated, "Hiashi-sama, Hinata-sama, Hanabi-sama…this is Tenten." He gave her the verbal cue to bow, which she did spectacularly, "Thank you for letting her join us this evening."
Hiashi inclined his head, his expression straddling the fine line between boredom and indigestion, "Welcome." And since that was their cue to join, the two sat down (Tenten carefully so) across from Hiashi and his daughters seated to the left. Tea had already been served. Hanabi brought her cup up to her lips and then reneged on the sip, looking at Tenten with a grimace.
It seemed to just occur to her why Neji would have invited his teammate out of the blue. The thoughts danced across her face, piquing her, "Tenten. Neji-niisan's teammate."
"Yes, it's nice to meet you." Tenten provided a default reply.
"What family are you from? Shouldn't they be here too? Why didn't Onii-san introduce you properly?" Hanabi set her tea cup down, "Who did that makeup and where can I find them?"
Tenten remembered Hinata warning her about not taking the bait, so she played it as cool as possible, "I'd be happy to tell you…as soon as we're properly acquainted."
Hiashi gave an annoyed look to his youngest and it reeled Hanabi in somewhat. He turned back to Tenten, "Thank you for joining us. There is no need for presentations, as I know that you are already quite familiar with all of the Main House." Ah, so he'd noticed, "I feel that I should commend you for your performance at the Chunin Exam, Tenten. Both you and Hinata were exemplary in your matches."
"Thank you, Hiashi-sama." Wow, she thought, that kind of felt good.
"Please oblige a few questions so that I can get a grasp of who you are, as Neji considers you a cardinal companion." The clan leader added.
Tenten's stomach did weird acrobatics. There was no platform for Neji, or Hinata, or anyone else to speak because, as they had rightly predicted— Hiashi would do most of the questioning and she would do the answering. Hiashi wasn't interested in what Neji had been up to or the pursuits of his children. Not now, anyway. Two servants stopped in and dressed the table with a handsome spread, efficiently and rapidly setting it. Hiashi paid them no mind.
"How long have you known Neji?" The man asked.
There were a few ways to answer that. Tenten went with, "I got to know him when we became a team about five years ago. But I have known him since we both attended the Academy."
Hiashi accepted the answer and pressed on, "What are your specialties in terms of jutsu?"
Ah. Easy. "Bukijutsu and Ninjutsu."
Neji plucked food from dishes with chopsticks and left a variety of items on Tenten's plate. His eyes subtly traveled between Tenten and his uncle. Hanabi was flat out staring at Tenten, and Hinata could not conceal a bubbly, silent smile.
"And your Taijutsu?" Hiashi wondered, because of course he wondered. It was the expertise of his clan and everyone at the table.
"I'm improving. I've started Wushu lessons with Neji and Lee to hone my skills." Tenten remembered to breathe through her nostrils. This wasn't so bad.
"What rank do you aspire to, if you continue your shinobi career?" Hiashi asked as he accepted a bowl that Hinata handed to him.
Tenten took four extra seconds to actually think about it, "I was told that I should consider enlisting in the ANBU Black Ops. I've seriously been thinking about that. I wouldn't want to retire until seniority."
Hiashi seemed surprised by the answer, "And who told you to enlist?"
"A member of the Black Ops." Tenten hoped her reply wasn't too snappy. It seemed to satisfy him. Though Hiashi wasn't saying anything about how he evaluated her answers, she got the gist that he was trying to gauge how hostile she would be if, for some reason, she had to retire at a younger age.
He went on, "Do you have any other relationships or connections with clans in or outside of the Fire Country?"
"No." No friendly relations, at least. Tenten chose to omit the Huo debacle.
"Do you have any illnesses?"
"None."
"Have you ever been apprehended for illegal activity?" It was a serious question.
Tenten noticed Hanabi's mouth curve up in amusement, and Tenten internally struggled not to also be amused by the thought. After a bite of some of the best fish she had ever tasted, Tenten assured him, "I have no criminal record."
They were eating in earnest. The mood seemed to lighten and become a tad more conversational.
"Do you have any outstanding debts?" Hiashi asked.
"Not anymore. I paid off one of my parents' last loans about a year ago. The other was forgiven." Tenten explained truthfully.
The information registered on Hinata and Neji's faces as they looked at each other from across the table. They were unaware Tenten dealt with that type of burden.
Her response led to Hiashi's segue into, "How long have you been living independently from your parents?"
She chewed for an extra moment because her throat felt tight. Tenten banished the emotion down with the masticated food, "Since they died nearly six years ago."
The admission hung in the air of the room for a while.
Hiashi seemed to be thinking very hard on the matter. His eyes fell away from her and settled on the wall behind her and Neji, eating with easy sophistication. Tenten wondered if he was already aware of that. Her parents had been the same age as Hiashi and shinobi peers of that generation.
He spoke again on a more considerate topic, "I had the pleasure of being introduced to Wong Leung-san at the Tournament. He is a distinguished master, though not from this land. I hope you and Neji both continue to learn from him."
Tenten dared to smile a bit, "I'm glad you met him. We really enjoy training with him. I think he'll be happier if he gets to socialize more in the village."
"I agree. Neji has said that you can communicate with Wong Leung-san in your native language. Tell me about your ancestry, and if it lies outside of Nihon."
She stewed for a moment. He was searching for some type of genetic information to judge her by. Nihon was the region of the world that was home to shinobi countries. Beyond that border were the Kingdom of Han, the Kingdom of Joseon, and Sindhu. Ninja hardly concerned themselves with those foreign territories, but sometimes grew curious about the rest of the world.
"My family is descended of Han settlers who arrived in the last few centuries. They intermingled with old shinobi clans from the north." Tenten did not want to get too specific and raise questions about loyalties or refugee status from the last war with Iwa.
"Do you possess Tao Arts?" Hiashi got to the point.
Tenten coached herself to breathe again. Was this going to be a selling point? Perhaps a deal breaker?
"I don't." She admitted, "My father may have taught me if he were still here. He could Shadow Step."
Hinata tipped her empty tea cup over, bumping it with a tea pot before refilling. The comment excavated memories of her recent struggle against Huo. Tenten gave her an apologetic look, sorry for the blunder.
Hiashi had the opposite reaction, his face lit with interest, "I see."
"I think my mom also used Tao Arts, but for so long I thought it was only Ninjutsu. They never talked about it when I was a child. Unfortunately, I can't confirm it now." Tenten went on, "I have no inherent skill for it."
"That likely is not the case." Hiashi disagreed, "There may be use for abilities such as those in the near future…more than this village realizes. Should you never develop them, it's no loss. You already have a high degree of skill with Ninjutsu."
The positive assessment was like a silent siege on Neji, completely upending his expectations. He tried to eat his meal with composure and not interject until he was invited to.
But Hanabi happily interrupted, "So you're below average compared to your parents? What was their surname? Do I know them? I don't get where you're from. Konoha, right?"
"People leave names behind for protection." Tenten assured her, "That's what my parents told me. And would a name really speak better for me than my own actions?"
Neji damned propriety and added, "She is a Leaf ninja, Hanabi-sama. She has even saved your life, if you recall."
Hanabi wore a blank look and searched her memory. Oh. After the first Chunin Exam when the Invasion hosted a splinter cell of Cloud ninja hunting the Byakugan. That incident. Hinata had been too exhausted to keep fighting to defend her sister, but Tenten was quick to protect the cornered girls.
Hanabi didn't press the matter after that.
Hiashi slowly observed, "Perhaps it is worth mentioning…that she has saved each of your lives at least once."
It got quiet again. Tenten stuffed an uni roll in her mouth and chewed to excuse herself from acknowledging that fact. Her involvement with the Hyuga clan was evident enough for the clan head to certify.
"Thank you." Hinata smiled at Tenten, acknowledging what had long gone unacknowledged.
Tenten chewed, swallowed, and tried to wave the matter off. They saved lives too. It was just part of the job, and not necessarily exclusive to Tenten's friendship with Hinata and Neji. Not that Hiashi would buy into that reasoning.
Hiashi moved the conversation along, inquiring about her interpersonal skills and how easily she formed meaningful relationships. Tenten estimated that she had a pretty good knack for it. She had many friends, but she didn't always want to be around them.
With that the man asked, "How do you think you would fare in a close-knit, dense family unit within a clan? Would it run contrary to your independence?"
Tenten sipped tea and thought, whoa, what a good question. She wasn't exactly claustrophobic, but neither was she accustomed to having 135 housemates.
"I like being alone." Tenten was honest, "I like having free time to metalwork, organize, seal, and train…but it can get lonely. I might benefit from having company again."
That answer also seemed to satisfy. Hiashi nodded and sipped his tea. He had a much better rounded idea of who Tenten was. The meal relaxed from then on, finishing most dishes as conversation became organic thanks to Hinata's small talk.
She brought up Tenten and Neji's experiment with Chakra Affinity and how they helped her practice with her Water Nature, "That was the first time I succeeded with Nature Application, when Tenten used her Fire Nature against me!"
Hiashi seemed to appreciate the anecdote. Such a lesson probably had direct correlation with Hinata's triumph at the Tournament.
While sipping miso soup to conclude dinner, conversation lulled and Hanabi took over again. "How old are you?" She was almost accusatory with the question.
"I'm seventeen." Tenten replied evenly.
Then, the bombshell, "We heard a lot, but really-! What's the motivation for this? Why does Neji-niisan like you?"
Hiashi and Hinata turned their heads in unison to scold Hanabi, who still didn't much care about the delivery of the question, which bordered on insult. Neji exchanged a look with Tenten that a lawyer may have given to a client, wordlessly advising: you have the right to remain silent.
Hanabi broke away from bickering with her father and sister, adding to Tenten, "You can't answer that? Psh! You're here because you want to date— we all know it. Why do you even like Neji-niisan? Don't you find his personality abrasive?"
"Hanabi." Hiashi's voice was heavy and prickling with irritation, "Stifle yourself. You owe courtesy and respect to our guest."
"Dad, I just wanted to—"
He pegged her with a I will fling you out of this room if you don't reinstate the manners we have beaten into you look.
Surprisingly, Tenten offered a conciliatory answer to Hanabi's grilling, "I can't speak for Neji on why he enjoys my company, so you should ask him that question. And I do…" She reached for the words, "Find that Neji can be— surly…some days…but I've learned to read beneath those feelings."
Hanabi, along with others at the table, turned their attention back to Tenten and listened.
"What I've gleaned most from Neji's, hmm…concealed thoughts and emotions…are very good things." Tenten provided a heartfelt explanation, "He cares deeply about his family and clan. He vigilantly looks out for his team and friends. Neji holds these people in high esteem and I can see it, and in turn that earns him respect. Neji is smart, but he is willing to learn more, and he is getting better at seeing things for what they really are."
Tenten paused to consider that none of that had clarified her feelings for him, so she amended, "I think Neji is a leader who has also learned how to be led and how to listen. I admire those things. Neji has many of the qualities that I want to see in myself, and I enjoy learning from him. He's the best."
Hinata kept her line of sight only on Neji, fascinated by the minuscule, colorful expressions threatening his face.
Hanabi was flabbergasted by the decorous reply. The girl suggested in a mutter, "If you think all of that…well…maybe we should train sometime." Her opinion of Tenten had transformed.
Nothing was perceptibly registering with Hiashi yet, but Hinata responded jubilantly, "Oh! Onee-san, it's wonderful to hear someone find so many positive attributes in Neji-niisan; apart from our family!"
Tenten contended, "Well, Lee has learned a lot of things about Neji too. Lee truly understands him."
Neji gathered some composure to confirm, "I can attest to that."
And from there, Hanabi turned her questions loose on Neji, "Neji-niisan, you too! Why do you like her? Tell us!" Hiashi didn't bother trying to get her to pipe down again. The answers could prove useful.
But it was silent for quite a while and Neji did not try to answer the inquiry. Tenten glanced down at the empty bowl and plate in front of her, feeling her hands get uncomfortably clammy. Her thoughts tottered towards a new possibility, 'What if this is it? This is where we mess up. Neji could choke or not get this right…I can't be mad about it. I'm glad I did well, for my part.'
Luckily, Neji had only taken some time to refine his statement, "Everything she does teaches me and makes me better."
Hanabi protested, "That's still vague…"
Neji elaborated, "Tenten is the better leader. Her emotional intelligence creates direction on our team. I've known that since graduating from the Academy, and I long fought that reality…but I could never change it or compete with it. I had to grow to match her talent." He concluded, "I have the highest respect for her of anyone I know."
What was conveniently, and appropriately, left out was that both were undeniably attracted to one another and had romanced each other to no avail for years. That was not up for discussion.
Hanabi shut up entirely. Hiashi was visibly amused by the answers. What seemed to be a lot of beating around the brush indicated to him that Neji and Tenten did possess a deep, emotional relationship. From what he could see, Tenten had no ulterior motives. She genuinely cared for his nephew.
After dinner, the table was cleared and plates of namagashi were set out for dessert. The confections were delicately molded into flower and peach designs for summer. Things were more casual in terms of discussion at that point. Hinata was using her imagination, "I think my mother would have liked you a lot, Onee-san." She spoke merrily to Tenten, "I wish she was here. Kayato-san was quite fond of you, I noticed! It'd be nice for you to meet some of the Branch family too. While speaking with me a few mentioned your matches at the Tournament, and they'd be very excited to get to know you!"
Tenten relaxed and prattled on with Hinata: oh yes, sure, she'd meet anyone if it wasn't a bother; and yes, kimonos are a lot of hassle aren't they? It was still fun to have Hinata's help for most of the day.
They did not pick up on the clear expression of hopefulness on Neji's face. He was even bold enough to eat a peach-shaped sweet. Neji caught his uncle's eye and tried to approximate what Hiashi was thinking about.
No one had eaten more than two namagashi before Hiashi asked, "Children; will you excuse yourselves from this table for a short while? To the adjacent tea room— take dessert in there." He announced, "I want a word alone with Tenten."
Heartbeats were nearly audible. Since there was no precedent for something like this, Neji and Hinata had no idea what it indicated. Almost passively, the two agreed and nudged the less-willing Hanabi along with her plate of treats. They shuffled out of the dining room and sealed the door behind them.
Tenten felt a spike of alarm in her gut and then let the feeling go. There was still no use in panicking. Honesty was her greatest asset, even if conditions had changed.
Hiashi leveled an analytical gaze at the young woman, finishing a bite of dessert. He assured her, "We can speak informally now, within good taste, of course."
"Ah, r-right." Tenten untensed her shoulders, "What about, Hiashi-sama?"
"That you are ideal." He said simply.
Her mouth was stuck in a half-smile, her jaw threatening to drop.
"I have watched you for some time. It's been years, in fact." Hiashi explained, "Our clan has many formalities and rules that must be respected, however…I hardly needed this introduction. Not to know how much you've benefitted Neji. It is self-evident."
It was difficult to form words of thanks, and she wondered if thanks were even in order. Tenten just took the compliment with a nod.
"It was not discussed in depth before, but the absence of your parents dampens the spirit of our village. I imagine if they were here, they would have quickly controlled discord at the Tournament…and they certainly would have made this meeting cordial." Hiashi gave her a kind thought, "I did not know them personally, but my brother did. Perhaps that's why this arrangement is a touch ironic. Some friendships endure in new lives."
Tenten cleared her throat with a small laugh, "That's something…my dad might've said."
"So that you are aware of what happens after this: I will take the time to discuss our meeting and Neji's request with our clan's elders. I can advocate for your breeding and abilities, and general compatibility with my nephew…but once you are approved, you will be subject to numerous other bothers and interviews." Hiashi exhaled tiredly at the thought, "Understand that courtship among the Hyuga is serious. If marriage is not the ultimate result, frivolity and wasted time is met with hostility by our elders. Be aware of the expectations."
"But there's no rush for that sort of thing?" Tenten verified.
"There is no rush. You're young yet." He confirmed.
She begged to differ on that. Young? Perhaps; that, or Hiashi was starting to feel old, Tenten guessed.
"Also, please know that I am grateful for your support and defense of Hinata." Hiashi added, "I intend to repay that debt to you."
She raised a hand nervously, "No, no, that isn't something that ever needs to be repaid. I'll always feel compelled to protect her."
The clan head looked at her for a long moment as if something had come to mind. Hiashi recited an old proverb she had reminded him of, "Ten men, ten colors."
A frilly way of saying to each his own, Tenten knew, but she also noticed a reference to her name. Though she had been poised and minimally effusive that evening, she allowed herself a small smile.
Hiashi went on, "When approval is granted there will be many rules you shall abide by, and you will also remain under the watch and care of the Hyuga clan from then on."
She felt slightly caught off-guard by the weight of the arrangement but nodded anyway.
"I imagine that the children are anxious next door…wondering what this is about." He asked of Tenten, "And perhaps you had thought I was a cold, aloof man before we spoke candidly?"
"I never thought that." Tenten certified, "I understand. Well…I've seen the stress that Neji has been under. I know you deal with your own share of quandaries and red tape."
Hiashi appeared briefly delighted by her observation. No one seemed to get it. How hard a day in his shoes could be… He raised his hand and gestured with a wave, as if motioning through the wall for his family to return. Tenten was amused that he knew at least one if not all of them had been watching with the Byakugan.
His children and nephew returned, muffling their own speculative conversation as they entered the room. They had only saved one last namagashi for Tenten, as Hanabi had eaten all the rest. Tenten helped herself to it and gave Neji a reassuring look as he sat stiffly beside her, clueless of how well it had gone.
"I find this to be…a sensible match." Hiashi updated his nephew, who straightened attentively after hearing the opinion, "Know that I approve, and will follow up by morning to have other minutiae of this matter sanctioned."
Hanabi and Hinata started talking at each other, turning their thrilled jabbering toward Neji and Tenten. It was hard to tell who the congratulations and fawning were actually aimed at. Hiashi took a moment to let the girls process. Neji and Tenten, on the other hand, sat beside each other and quietly marveled at the outcome. They spared a glance for each other, pleased.
"Before it gets too late, all of you change out of that formalwear." Hiashi mandated. Oddly, it was only then that Tenten noticed the clan leader was dressed as he always was: in white and black yukata. Quite informal for such a meeting, but he probably did not want to deal with heat or discomfort nearing the end of summer. It was his prerogative.
"Neji, bring Tenten home and then return to me so we may go over other details." He requested of his nephew, and then added to his guest, "How fortunate that we were able to learn more about you, Tenten. From here out we can share even more. Be a good companion to my nephew."
Calmer and cooler, Tenten responded in the affirmative, "I will, Hiashi-sama. Thank you."
After being bid good night, Hiashi and the youngsters went their separate ways, with most intending to find help removing their kimono. As directed, Neji led Tenten back in the direction of Kayato's work area, matching her slow-as-molasses pace.
"Were you watching from the other room?" She asked him.
"We all were." Neji confessed.
"Ah. That's what we thought. Your uncle didn't bother checking what you were up to."
"What did he talk to you about?" Neji needed to know.
"He…huh." Tenten tipped her head as she recalled, "He was nice to me."
Neji was not sure how his uncle had been inserted into the context of 'nice.' He could scarcely even envision it.
"Stop. He just recalled some things about my parents…and talked about a few subjects that were best not said in front of your cousins." Tenten filled him in, "They were already riled up."
"Good." Neji breathed easier. He found her hand again under the billowing sleeve.
"That went well." Tenten observed, amazed.
Neji halted and Tenten stopped short, leashed by his hold on her hand. She turned to see if anything was the matter. He stood close to her with his eyes shut, keeping his face level with her temple. He was winding down: much too high-strung for a rather simple meeting.
"Thank you for doing this. Most of it will be troublesome. There will be critics and naysayers, but I will do my best." Neji spoke the words softly beside her ear, planting a chaste kiss there, "For you."
Tenten badly wanted to kiss him the way she typically did, but it was not the proper time or place. She made a sound of accord in her throat and reveled, standing face to face with him. They just stood like that for a while, wordlessly appreciating each other and how it had turned out.
After a few seconds Tenten lightly jabbed Neji's arm, continuing her slow walk down the corridor, "Not half bad for a late birthday present, right?"
Note: Look at that, they are almost adult-ing. Beware. To describe the form and premise of the next chapter— imagine a full carton of a dozen eggs that are cozy, beautifully smooth, and uncracked. Now imagine dropping them 5 meters onto concrete. Side note; Naruto will be involved in the mess. I will post that soon. Oh and hey, what did you like? Let me know in a review, good reader.
Chapter 40: Anathema