The three of them were silent as they walked towards the Hokage's quarters. Neji and Tenten's distaste for each other plain and obvious. Tangible. Lee just seemed to watch them both, confused. He had stayed quiet, afraid to press the issue further. He must have sensed something was wrong. It was smart of him to keep his mouth shut, Tenten thought. She didn't understand what Neji's problem was. His irritation not only stemmed from her but, apparently, Lee as well.

Soon, they reached the building and walked the echoey halls. The door to Naruto's office was opened and when he saw the three of them standing outside, he beckoned them inside. Once inside, Naruto instructed them to close the door. Then he heaved a long sighed, rubbing a hand through his blond hair.

They watched in silence as Naruto pinched the bridge of his nose, never looking so serious and frustrated in his life (which was saying a lot). Tenten started getting nervous, heart racing. She had never gotten in serious trouble before, not like this. She didn't know what this whole meeting was about—the kunoichi said it was for a mission, but she doubted that it was only for that. One stern look from Neji told her that her nervousness was getting to him too. She tried to calm down for both of their sakes.

Naruto started, "I was told of some old news that have recently come to light. One involving a powerful scroll."

Ah, Tenten thought. So, this is what this whole thing is about. Finally. This somehow calmed her down. There wasn't much Naruto could do now, if not strip them of their ninja status. Everything has already been said and done. It's not like she could undo anything. The only thing she didn't understand was why Lee had been asked to come. He hadn't been part of their original mission.

"Let me explain myself," Neji offered.

Naruto raised a hand, clearly not interested in whatever Neji planned on saying. "There is not much to say. You went against Tsunade's direct orders and hid something that could have potentially shaped the war. Something that could have made it end sooner."

Neji crossed his arms. "I think the scroll wouldn't have changed the course of the war. Either way, I thought I had destroyed it. I didn't know Tenten had hidden it away."

Naruto smirked sarcastically, which made the whole exchange unnerving. "May I remind you that you died in that war. Maybe if you weren't so blatantly insubordinate you would have still been here, and we wouldn't be put in this position. Who knows? Maybe you would have married and had kids like the rest of us. That would certainly have helped Tenten a lot in her decision about what to do with it later. Hmm. Perhaps she would have found the scroll and would have handed it over instead of opening it. But you are right, destiny is as rigid as you always said it was. Certainly, nothing would have made a difference."

Tenten didn't know why but Naruto's comment about her made her feel completely exposed and humiliated—like he knew her inner workings. She and Neji briefly made eye contact before they both focus on something on the ground.

It was Lee who voiced what they were all thinking. "Why have you brought us here today, Hokage?"

Naruto sighed, rubbing his face. "I have known of your insubordination for a few weeks now. Or better said, I didn't know it was insubordination. Not at that time. I was surprise when my daughter told me the first time, right after you had come back from the dead, Neji. She said she was sure it was all due to a scroll she had found in Tenten's shop. Albeit, I had not thought anything of it at first. Himawari didn't specifically tell me what kind of scroll it was—not that she would know. Besides, I chose to believe that it was a miracle. You had saved Hinata back then, and she was pretty devastated because of it, so I thought it was good that you were back. Forget about how you even got here, it was good that you did. But then Sakura filled in the gaps two weeks ago."

Naruto paused, pondering. Tenten could tell he was weighing somethings in his head. Lee had started to fidget. Tenten breath in deeply. She would handle this just fine. This was a long time coming.

"If you plan on punishing us, just be out with it already," Neji growled impatiently.

Naruto snapped his eyes open and looked at Neji, irritation painted on his face. "I was starting to like you more when you were dead."

"I thought we were sent for a mission. If this is regarding Neji and Tenten, why am I here?" Lee blurted.

"That's what I was just about to go into."

The sun was barely high in the sky, the morning chilled air making Tenten's nose red. She had avoided going on missions deliberately for years. She preferred being in her shop where she was in control. She knew she was not the same ninja she used to be. Now, being forced on a mission by Naruto to retrieve another scroll—one like the one Neji and Tenten extracted 14 years ago—had forced her to walk down memory lane.

Naruto had said Sasuke had gathered some intel about it in his travels and had briefed him about it when he had gotten back a few days ago. He said the scroll was in the Country of Wind, hidden away inside a heavily guarded palace in the middle of the desert. So, that was where they were headed.

The Uchiha had also told Naruto that he had gotten wind of an organization working under wraps and who were also after the scroll (which was going to be a problem, Naruto had noted to them). They were called New Order Society. They were formed a few years after the war was over by people who thought the wrong side had won. They have kept quiet and were relatively unknown until this moment. Now that the existence of the scroll was confirmed to be in the Country of Wind. Due to the nature of its power and what it was able to accomplish, they wanted to get their hands on it.

If for some reason they weren't able to get the scroll, if the New Order Society got their hands on it instead, they would bring back Madara and wage a new war. And this time they would assure their victory.

Tenten still didn't know why Naruto chose them. After all, it seemed like highly skilled ninjas were better equipped for this. Not that they weren't, but she hadn't been on a mission in a while, Neji just got back from the dead and Lee was… well, he was Lee. He might have fought dozens on his own, but if Sasuke's intel was right, they might be dealing with more than a few rouge ninjas.

When confronted by this, Naruto had simply explained, "You and Neji had retrieved it once. I don't see why you wouldn't be able to do it again. Anyway, Lee will be joining you in case anything goes amiss. As insurance you could say. He will make sure the scroll does not get burnt or lost, but rather gets safely to the Leaf Village. Don't you think this mission is better than being stripped of your ranks?"

There was no convincing him after that. Tenten was already preparing herself for their unquestionable demise. Now, she waited for her team to meet at the village's gates so they could be on their way.

She was not that surprised that she had been the first to arrive. She was sure Metal was making it hard for Lee to go and Himwari was probably pestering Neji about double checking all of his things. Tenten was the only one who didn't have people waiting on her. There wasn't anyone reminding her to pack food or extra clothes. She only relied on herself.

Tenten could have moved on. She had certainly tried, wanted to. Nothing had come out of it. She just ended up feeling hollowed, like she was not being truthful to herself. She knew there was a lot of talk, mostly pitiful, people imagining a life for her. But it was all better said than done. Perhaps her biggest regret was getting involved with Lee and breaking his heart. Tenten should have just accepted the emptiness she was feeling, instead of trying to fill it up. They were on good terms now, but they hadn't spoken for a year before they patched things up. She had needed—

In the far distance Tenten could see Neji approaching and she tried not to cringe. He looked awful, like he hadn't slept a bit, which also meant he would be irritable. That translated to him being a jerk to her and Lee. Great. Other than that, Tenten could tell Himawari had pestered Neji like she had thought. He was wearing a tight ponytail, a dark navy-blue kimono-like shirt and black pants. Tenten could just tell Himawari was behind that look.

"Good morning," Tenten chippered, even though she knew it was useless.

"Hmm," was his only response.

"Lee still isn't here," she added after a beat or two of silence.

"Why am I not surprised?"

"It's probably Metal. He is very attached," Tenten explained.

Neji looked at her, a question on his face. "Who's Me—?"

"I am right here, my youthful companions!" Lee screamed as he ran to them, Metal clinging to one of his legs. "Metal has been having a hard time letting me go. It was all my fault. I made the mistake of telling him about the risks."

"You'll die," Metal yelped, still clinging strong.

"I won't!" Lee said, trying to shake him off.

"He won't," Tenten echoed, but she knew it was useless too.

"Please!" Metal begged

Lee stopped shaking his leg and stared at Metal in the eyes. "Nothing will happen to me. I will return safely, I promise, son."

"Son?" Neji uttered, shocked.

Metal must have sensed some truth in his words because he let go. "I hope you hold yourself to your word!"

"I will," Lee reassured. "If not, I will walk on the tips of my fingers around the village 100 times!" As if that were not enough, he added, "Backwards!"

Tenten stopped hearing their other exchanges then, she was too busy watching Neji look from them to her in a vicious cycle, his frown deepening in as if in realization. She couldn't help the heat of embarrassment she felt raising on her cheek for what he was implying. This seemed to only convict Neji of his findings, like he had in the restaurant.

Before she could clarify anything, they started walking out of the village. By then she had decided that she was not going explain herself to Neji. She didn't have to. She wasn't Metal's mother, but if he wanted to believe it so badly, then so be it.

The Lao-Yung dynasty had descendants spread throughout the continent. It was them who had accidently discovered that they could bring someone back from the dead by linking them to another person. This helped them branch out and win disputes over lands, asserting their dominance. Although they had power, they lacked funding. This was one of the main reasons their expansion project was short lived and why most didn't know of them. Still, they managed to plant themselves in each one of the countries. One of their conquests was located in the Country of Wind, a little ways away from the Hidden Sand Village.

Ironically, Neji and Tenten had been in one of their palaces almost 15 years ago. They had gone with the pretext of funding them for war. Everyone knew that war generated money and the Lao-Yung weren't oblivious to the fact. They didn't plan on participating (or strategize, like they initially had said) in the war, but rather gain from it. Seeing how they had the perfect weapon to sell (both to enemies and allies), this would have finally made them powerful enough. Too bad Tenten wasn't the heir they thought she was (they had also stolen one of their scrolls, so there was that too).

What was unknow to them at that time was that the Lao-Yung liked to throw extravagant parties on rare occasions. That rare occasion was once every 15 years. During a desert solstice, the palace gates of the Lao-Yung family would open to the public and they would celebrate for three days. It was a commemoration of sorts, one that marked a victory they had long ago, one that established their place in the Country of Wind. The scroll was inside the palace, in a safe room.

This party was also their opening—maybe their only shot. Since during this time were they permitted access inside, they only had a small time frame to retrieve it.

They left two weeks before said celebration so they could have enough time to get there and prepare. Not like last time, they would not go under any special cover. They would only be part of the crowds who would join the celebration. They had planned on splitting up once they were inside and search the palace. Tenten was sure that unlike the first time, the scroll would be difficult to find.

They were making good time, she supposed. They were focusing on moving quick, staying quiet. That alone help them move faster. But what good would it be if they arrived too soon? It would be seen as suspicious. Tenten bet security would be extra tight outside and inside the palace, they wouldn't open their gates just to have looters rob them. No, they would keep a close eye. That is why they needed to be stealthier than usual. Arriving before the celebrations and lurking around until then would be seen fishy.

After four hours of running on top of treetops, Tenten called for Neji and Lee, letting them know she needed a break. Neji grumbled something she couldn't quite hear, and Lee looked relieved that she even mentioned it. It was two against one, so that settled that.

They got down and chose a spot under a tree, getting their food and water bottles out. They were quiet as they ate, which only served to annoy Tenten. She was tired of the awkward silence.

"I think we should scout the perimeter and the layout of the castle on the first day of celebrations, so we know how to distinguish and cover the areas more efficiently. Then the second and third day can be dedicated to trying to get the scroll. Although, the faster we can get our hands on it, the better," Tenten said, slurping a noddle once she was done.

"Agreed," Lee said. "That is a good idea, Tenten."

"Thank you," Tenten said, feeling useful for once. It's been so long since she has done this, she had almost forgotten what it was like to plan and think around a problem.

Neji just drank from his cup, choosing to keep his opinion to himself.

Tenten exhaled in a short breath before she voiced her thoughts of arriving before they should. Lee agreed with her again, which was something he was used to doing (not just her, but with everyone as well). Neji shook his head in disapproval.

"Arriving sooner or on time won't make a difference," he explained. "People from all over will come to the palace just to have a look inside. I doubt we could be singled out."

Lee nodded. "He is right about that, Tenten"

Tenten knew Neji could be right, of course there would be other people attending the celebration. Not only locals. Still, it annoyed her. Since he came back, Tenten has always felt like Neji just liked going against her.

"I guess you are right," Tenten mumbled. "We should still be careful, though. Keep an eye out."

"Like we are already supposed to be doing," Neji commented.

Tenten didn't know why, but this comment made her blood boil. She was sure Neji could also feel how she was getting under her skin. "Do you need to say something to my face?"

Neji looked at her, eyes roaming her entire face and looked away, disinterested. "No, but I do think you should keep your feelings in check by the time we get to the Lao-Yung palace. We wouldn't want to draw attention, now would we?"

Tenten got up in a swift move. "I am done eating, I am going scour up ahead in case there is any trouble." Then she started moving.

"What's up with Tenten?" she heard Lee ask.

"You are asking the wrong person," Neji replied. "I have no idea."

Tenten unnecessary scoured too far ahead, making her return to Lee and Neji double the work and effort. By the time she reached them again, it was dark out. Still, she needed this. She needed to clear her mind and control her anger. Tenten didn't understand why Neji and her were acting this way. They used to be friends—dare she even say, best friends. She knew he would be angry for bringing him back, but she thought he would understand where she was coming from. Why she did it. That he would accept her decision. She was wrong about a lot of things.

Tenten was between some bushes, looking at their camp from a few feet away, set and with a fire going. They still hadn't heard her arrive. Tenten guessed she was being extra quiet or Lee and Neji were too engulfed in their conversation to notice her. She thought she could scare them, that would certainly lighten up her mood. But she thought that was too immature, specially for a woman in her thirties. Tenten decided she was just going to waltz in.

She was about to announce herself when she heard Neji say, "I did not know you had a son, Lee."

Lee was drinking something, nodding as he tried to swallow fast. He always liked talking about Metal. "Yes, he is the most important thing in my life. Actually, he has changed my life. I am a better man for it."

There was an awkward silence which Tenten interpreted as her cue to step in, but Neji stopped her in her tracks again with his next question.

"Who is your son's mother? Why are you not with her?"

Lee stared at the fire they had built, already far from earth. He never liked speaking about it. He hadn't even told her, and she had pressed him about it for years. "This is a topic I do not like discussing. I hope that you are understanding in that matter. He is my son, that is all that matters."

Neji frowned, obviously not understanding in the slightest. "Okay."

Lee must have read a lot in Neji's answer because he deliberately added, "Knowing the answer seems important to you, Neji. Although I cannot tell you who Metal's mother is, I will offer the only information you clearly sought after: Tenten is not the mother of my son."

Neji was baffled into silence, seeming to choke on himself. Tenten couldn't relish his embarrassment or shock because she was too angry with what the whole exchange implied. What if she was Metal's mother? Why did Neji even care?

Lee closed his eyes, setting his cup down and crossing his arms. "Tenten and I are just friend. She will always be that to me. Yes, we did share a moment many years ago—before Metal was even born. But she and I have come to terms with the matter that nothing will ever happen between us. She calls it being 'emotionally unavailable.' But I think—"

Tenten decided this was the perfect time to step in. She was extra loud as she barged into their camp. "Hey, guys! What are you talking about?"

Lee and Neji jumped at the sight of her, terrified.

"Nothing," Neji answered quickly.

"The weather," Lee blurted.

Tenten sat down across from them, feign ignorance. "Was it the weather or nothing? It seemed to me like a very interesting conversation, you hardly notice I was there."

Neji looked away, obviously flustered. "Did you find anything while you were gone?"

"No," Tenten said too cheerly. She could tell Neji was uncomfortable and Lee was trying to act like he wasn't trying to hide anything. "Everything is clear. We are good."

"That is great!" Lee said, trying to match her level of cheer. "That means we won't have any problem reaching the Country of Wind."

"Yes, it does."

Afterwards, they shuffled around each other for half an hour before each of them going to sleep. It was difficult for Tenten to find sleep, though. She was too worried about the mission and their plan and everything that could go wrong. What if they couldn't find the scroll? What if they were caught? What if the New Order Society found it first? What if she got hurt, what would happen to Neji then? What if it was the other way around? What if it was Lee?

Then her thoughts were on Lee and Neji and their conversation. Why was Neji so interested in finding out if she was Metal's mother? Why did Lee tell him about their failed relationship? Why did that matter enough to be mentioned? As if Neji cared if she was the mother—although, he seemed like he was. Actually, he also seemed interested in what Lee was telling him afterwards. No, she was just reading into things. Neji clearly hated her still. And Lee—she still couldn't believe he told Neji she was emotionally unavailable.

Tenten felt so embarrassed. Perhaps trying to escape this feeling was what made her fall into a fitful sleep. It was like they were in the war again. It was like she was reliving it, but this time she was there when it happened. When Neji put himself in front of his cousin, when he saved Hinata.

In her dream, Tenten fell on the ground, devastation anchoring her limps. Her chest ached and she wailed controllably. It was like her heart was bleeding out along with his. Then, suddenly, she was Neji. She was the one gasping for air, the one whose heart was bleeding out. The pain was beyond words. It was excruciating. Unlike anything she has felt before. She touched the stone spear, knowing nothing could save her. She was going to die.

Tenten gasped as her eyes snapped open. Her pulsed was rapid and her breathing pitched. She was having in and out as she touched her chest and neck. They were fine. She could feel the tears running down her face from the pain.

Neji. It's Neji!

Tenten looked at Neji's bedroll, he was laying on it, still. Somehow unbeknownst to everything that was going on. His body would twitch now and then, reassuring her that he was having a nightmare. The nightmare. She tried to call to him, but she could only utter a gasp.

Tenten did a quick swoop around their camp, trying to locate Lee, but he was missing. Where is he? She needed him to wake Neji. She tried calling out to him, but it was useless too.

A wave of pain hit her in the chest, making her wail silently. She decided she was going to crawl towards Neji and shake him awake. He wasn't that far, and she had no other choice. With every movement Tenten made as she dragged herself towards him, she felt the pain increase. She was sure she was going to die at any moment.

By the time she reached Neji, Tenten was covered in sweat and tears, trembling and moaning from the pain. She barely had the strength to shake his shoulders.

"Ne-neji," her voice was a broken sound, barely audible. "Wake up."

Neji's body was starting to shudder, his eyelids moving fast. Tenten got on top of him, hoping the weight of her body would snap him awake. "Neji," she tried again, trying to control her breathing.

Just then another wave of pain hit her, stronger than before. Tenten howled in agony, digging her fingernails in Neji's shoulders. The sound or her clawing at him finally made Neji startled wake, yelping in the process. Lee also came rushing from the woods, disoriented.

Tenten slumped, falling in Neji's chest. She was still feeling pain, but it wasn't like before. She could hear Neji's labored breathing beneath her. She knew she was feeling just as weak as her. They were both unmovable.

"What happened? What's wrong? I went to relieve myself and heard you screaming," Lee said, hovering over Tenten and Neji, unsure of what to do.

"Lee," Tenten said weakly. "Please get me out off Neji."

Lee carefully picked up Tenten and place her right next to Neji. She turned to looked at the Hyuga, seizing him up, whispering, "You okay?"

Neji looked at her, eyes tired yet grateful. "Yes. Thank you for waking me."

Tenten nodded as if it wasn't that big of a deal, sleep and exhaustion already creeping in her mind.

"Can someone please explain what just happened?" Lee asked.

But it was too late, Tenten was already unconscious.

A/N: Sooo I poured myself in this chapter. I kept tweaking it for so long. I like how it turned out, glad my sweat and tears weren't in vain (I think). Raspberryfanfics reminded me that I wanted to include Metal (I had initially thought of doing it the previous chapter but forgot). I am glad I wrote him in this one. I googled him so badly (don't know how his personality is, sorry) because I wanted to find out who his mother was. Didn't know it was a mystery. I was glad to find that a lot of people don't think it's Tenten. So, that is the route I took for this one as well (and because Nejiten forever!). I also tried to make things go full circle with what happened in the first chapter. I have already started working on the next one (confession: before finishing this one) and I am excited for what's coming (even if I am not pretty sure of that myself). Please review and tell me your thoughts. See you on the next update!