Moving right along!

Drive Me Crazy
-
Swerve

When Kakashi sent Neji the memo that they'd be meeting to discuss the case, he'd assumed he'd be summoned to his superior's office, and arrived for his appointment accordingly.

"Oh, good," Shizune – Kakashi's long-time assistant – smiled as she stood from her desk. "Kakashi said that you'd be early."

"Force of habit," Neji gave a small shrug. "Is he in?"

"Actually, he decided to relocate the meeting offsite. He asked that you gather everything you need to discuss the case, and join him. Here is the address."

Neji took the slip of paper, mentally reviewing his travel option.

Shizune's phone buzzed – her mobile this time, and she answered it without preamble. "Yes sir?" she glanced up at Neji. "Yes, he is here. Yes," she smiled. "Early." She listened for a moment or two more, before checking her watch for the time. "Very good sir, I can call a cab if.. oh? Alright. I shall let him know."

Shizune ended the call and pocketed her phone before quickly gathering a stack of files. "That was the Captain. He asked you to bring these as well," she handed over the files, "and said that your ride is waiting."

Neji paused, files in hand.

"My ride?"

"Yes, and he said he bet her she wouldn't park in the Chief's spot… so…"

"Understood," Neji tucked the files into his laptop bag, and hurried to the stairs.

Neji yanked open the passenger door, and got into the car, hastening to fasten his belt.

Tenten was innocently studying her nails.

"In a hurry?"

"Kakashi tell you what the Chief did to the last person that parked in his spot?"

Tenten shrugged. And Neji spotted the Chief.

"You know how I'm always telling you NOT to drive the way you drive?"

"Mm-hm?"

"Forget that, and drive."

Tenten's grin grew wide and wicked.

"With pleasure."

Thirty minutes into the meeting and Neji still wasn't quite back to his normal color.

Tenten leaned over and whispered "Are you alright?"

"No," he muttered. "And I didn't mean for you to drive that way the whole way."

"All or nothing," she shrugged, and turned her attention back to the meeting.

Genma Shiranui was something of an elite in the world of security, and the longstanding head of the Governor's security team. He had been the one to suggest outsourcing the Governor's personal and home security citing flexibility matters, but largely because it put the cost (and Madam Shijimi's demands) back on the Governor and not on Konoha. He worked closely with Gaara and Sabaku Securities to ensure that all was in order, and was very happy to have his interaction with Madam Shijimi held to a minimum.

"So, what became of the burglar Neji was chasing," Shikamaru asked, leaning back in his chair.

"We identified him," Gaara nodded to Kankuro, who changed an image on the screen. "His name was Karashi. He was a last-minute replacement for the intended burglar, and was not a party to the gang or its workings. We suspect that the organization got a tip off about the police operation, and sent someone they wouldn't mind getting caught."

"That explains his driving," Tenten wove her pencil through her fingers. "He was reckless, but he knew the area well enough. Did they give him a specific route to drive?"

"It sounds like they did," Gaara agreed. "He practiced driving it several times – which leads me to believe they wanted the car found."

"Oh?" Neji darted a glance at Tenten. "Why is that?"

"There was a great place to lose a tail about five blocks from where we ended the chase," she traced a route in the air with her pencil. "If I had been planning a get-away, I would've jumped at that – and if he had taken that route that night, I don't know that we would've caught him. I'm guessing they didn't mind if Karashi got caught."

"And we did catch him?" Neji asked, swallowing his irritation.

"We found him," Kakashi admitted, "but he is under surveillance. It is clear that he was a one-time contact for the job. His mother is in poor health, and an inside source tells me some outstanding medical bills were just paid off unexpectedly."

"Hm," Neji sat back in his seat. "And no one has questioned him?"

"Not officially," Kakashi shrugged. "Let's just say our intel is good on this one. We don't think there are any plans to involve him again."

"So back to square one?" Tenten asked, her lips pulled into a frown.

"That is what we need the enemy to think," Genma winked at her. "My sources say that they are looking for another driver; that means another attempted burglary. Also, we are fairly certain there has been inside help in these jobs. We've identified several potential targets; the trick now is to get a handle on the players in the game."

"And how are we doing that?" Neji arched an eyebrow.

"So glad you asked," Genma's eyes sparked. "I do hope you got your tux mended after that fiasco at the Officer's Ball last year, Detective. You're going to need it."

The original plan had been for Tenten to attend several of these events in the background – as part of the security or wait staff – and to observe (and probably snoop) while Neji mingled and gathered more information.

That had been the plan.

Unfortunately, the Governor's niece disrupted their plans in a way no one had considered.

It all started when she made a formal call at Lady Hyūga's, both to deliver an invitation, and hoping to see Hanabi. Naho being Naho (a former-self-centered-brat who was still in recovery and prone to assuming whatever worked best for her worked best for everyone) hadn't bothered to call first, and wouldn't be detained, even when Kō tried to explain that Lady Hinata was already with a guest.

"No need to show me the way, Kō," she'd said kindly as she handed her things to him. "They'll be in the Day room, won't they?"

"But Miss!"

Naho didn't hear the rest, as she happily hummed to herself and made her way to where she assumed Hinata would be.

"Hello, girls!" she announced, sweeping into the room, and earning a variety of looks from the women there. Hinata was politely surprised, Hanabi looked incredulous (Naho interpreted this as 'surprised' and 'excited') and the third woman did little more than arch an eyebrow.

"Naho?" Hanabi blinked. "What are you doing here?"

"Bringing invitations," she held up the cards in her hand. "What else? Ah! Kō – see I told you I could find them," she motioned to Hyūga women. "Oh, is that your hot chocolate?" She looked at Hanabi's cup. "How wonderful! You remember how I like it don't you?"

Kō flicked a glance to Hinata who gave an imperceptible nod.

"Of course, Miss. I will be right back."

"There now," she grinned and handed the girls an envelope each before plopping down into a chair between the sisters. "Oh!" she reached for the plate "Kō's scones! It's been ages since I-"

"Naho," Hanabi interrupted. "What are you doing here?"

"I told you," she frowned prettily. "I am bringing by the invitations for Auntie's party."

"I meant," Hanabi tried not to glower. "What are you doing here now."

"Well, I could hardly wait to get them to you, could I?" she laughed lightly. "The responses have to be back soon and you won't want to miss out on that! Besides, I told you I was in town visiting."

"For a month," Hanabi said flatly, "and you might've mentioned coming here."

"Last minute decision," she shrugged. "You know how it gets over there – I needed a break. So!" she acknowledged Tenten for the first time. "I've not seen you here before – I'm Naho. Naho Shijimi."

Tenten simply smiled and offered, "Nice to meet you."

Naho blinked at her; when the expected reaction to her name didn't follow, she asked with a sort of pitiful sweetness, "You're not from around here, are you?"

"I'm not," Tenten agreed, with a good-natured smile (as Hanabi face-palmed and Hinata hid a smile). "At least not originally."

"Oh? Where originally?" she asked, half acknowledging Kō as he put down a large mug of hot chocolate on the table, as well as a small bowl of marshmallows and some more baked goods. Hinata murmured her thanks while Naho took a large sip, ignoring Kō and focusing on Tenten.

"Just a small town," Tenten shrugged. "I doubt you would have heard of it."

"I don't really know many small towns," Naho chuckled. "Mostly a big city girl. Unless of course you count Uncle's summer home, but I don't think that really counts."

"No," Hanabi muttered into her drink. "It doesn't."

"And how are you finding Konoha?" Naho asked.

"I am enjoying my time here," a smile tugged at her lips, and her eyes sparked mischief.

"Staying with the Hyūgas?"

"No," she grinned, thinking about how that would make the Detective shudder. "I just came by to say hello. I can come back another time," she looked to the sisters.

"Did you drive?" Naho interjected. "Perhaps my driver can give you a lift?"

Tenten's smile remained easy (and Naho really did think she was being kind by offering a ride and freeing up her friends, rather than rudely ejecting their guest) as she took her keys out of her pocket. "I'm good."

Naho's light air shifted dramatically as she inhaled sharply, her hand flying to her chest. "What," she froze, "is that?!"

Tenten frowned. "Is what?"

"That!" Naho squeaked, pointing an accusing finger at Tenten.

"My keys?" she asked, eyes darting between the sisters for an explanation. Hinata just looked baffled, but Hanabi's eyes were round, and she mouthed something that looked like 'oh, shit.'

"That keychain!" Naho sputtered.

"My keychain," Tenten looked at her keys, and then half laughed. "This? It's not real, or anything – it's just supposed to look like a-"

"A shuriken," Naho interrupted. "Limited edition Rising Twin Dragon Tenth Anniversary memorabilia, but the only ones with that emblem were given to cast and the production team and –"

Her eyes widened, and her draw droped. "You're Tian Hoshi!"

Tenten blinked as Hanabi tried not to groan, and Hinata remained placidly alert.

"I am," she admitted, as there was little else to do.

"Oh my god – oh my GOD – Hanabi!" she whirled on her friend. "How could you not tell me you know Tian Hoshi?! How could you not tell me she'd be here."

"Gee," Hanabi deadpanned. "I don't know, what with all the advance notice you gave before coming over…"

"I watched all of your movies as a kid," she turned back to Tenten. "I was just talking about you the other day! I overheard some guests at one of Auntie's soiree's talking about get away cars, and chase scenes, and some race in downtown Konoha that started near the neighbor's house, and – well!- nothing could compare to the work that you did on your last race scene! And now you are here? What are the odds?"

"Yeah," Tenten met Hinata's eyes, suddenly alert. "What are the odds?"

"Naho," Hinata gently interrupted. "Who were you talking to?"

"Oh, just some of the younger crowd," she waved the question away. "Those gatherings are so frightfully boring – but they would kill to meet you! Whatever petty little race they have must be no match for your skills! OH!" her eyes got even wider. "Here!" she snatched Hanabi's unopened invitation up and shoved it at Tenten. "You have to come! It will be so much more interesting with you there! Ah!" she gasped. "Do you think your parents would be able to come?"

"Seriously?" Hanabi threw her hands up in frustration.

"Sorry," Tenten smiled. "But their schedules are really full right now."

"Of course, they are," Naho nodded enthusiastically. "But you'll come, won't you?"

Tenten was trying to decide what answer would piss Neji off the least when Hinata came to her rescue.

"We should let Tian check her schedule," she admonished Naho gently – but firmly. "She has many commitments, you know."

"Oh, of course, of course," Naho bobbed her head furiously. "Do you need to go now? I mean, I understand if you do, but should-"

"Ms. Naho?" Ko appeared at the door. "Forgive me, but your Uncle has just sent someone to collect you – he says your Aunt is most eager to see you."

Naho looked crestfallen.

"So soon?"

"I'll walk you," Hanabi jumped up and grabbed Naho's elbow.

"Sure," she nodded, deflated. "I hope you can come, Tian," she gave a genuine smile to Tenten. "Really – It would be nice to get to know you."

With that, Hanabi steered her out of the room, leaving Tenten to sink back into her seat, and toy with her keys.

"So," she tried for levity. "How much will that mistake cost us?"

"Very little, I should think," Hinata's smile was small and knowing. "Madam Shijimi is terrible with names and faces. If you go to the party as Tian, she will only see Tian. She will not connect you to 'Tenten.' I'll mention the change to the appropriate people; I think you will find many won't make the connection."

"But what about what she overheard," Tenten frowned. "Could there be something in that?"

"There could," Hinata allowed. "And even if someone isn't bold enough to solicit your help, they might try and pick your brain for someone they might ask."

"True," Tenten allowed. "Now the real question. How will Neji take this?"

"That, depends, I suppose," Hinata smirked into her teacup "on what you wear to the party."

Neji hated parties. At least he hated the kinds of parties given by dignitaries with too little to do. Hinata told him about Naho's discovery, but she seemed to think it might be to their benefit in the long run.

He supposed he should have remembered Naho running around with her twin buns as a child – but he hadn't made the connection that it was in honor of her favorite child-of-film-stars-turned-actress-turned-stunt-double. More importantly, he was relying on the girls to figure out if there was anything to what Naho had overheard.

Known to be stoic and quiet, many people gave him his space at these functions, but he did not have the gift of invisibility here that he might elsewhere. Also, it was known that he was a detective, so it was unlikely that anyone would repeat things in his hearing. Kakashi had sent him a message at the last minute that there would be another agent providing backup, and he mentally ran through who that might be. Either Uchiha might make sense, although they weren't strictly expected at these sorts of events. Naruto had a great way of getting along with people, but he wasn't a great social fit here.

"You look tense," Genma approached and handed Neji a drink. "Here."

"What is this?" he stared at the glass suspiciously.

"Nothing to knock you on your ass," Genma snorted into his glass. "I'll leave that for other variables."

Neji took a careful taste, and was pleased to find it was tolerable.

"So, I got someone last minute to come to this thing," Genma lowered his voice. "Given the new intel, it had to be someone younger than we had originally intended to send."

"Younger?" Neji frowned. "Like how young?"

"Like maybe most people don't know he's already graduated from the academy, young."

Irritation roiled in his gut.

"Please don't tell me you asked who I think you asked."

"Sorry," Genma shrugged as the former Mayor of Konoha walked in with his Grandson in tow. "But he's the age of the guys Naho mentioned. It's a good fit."

"Perfect," Neji now decided he needed a stronger drink. "Now I can babysit, too."

"Oh, I don't know," Genma's eyes slid to where Hanabi and Hinata were entering. "But if that doesn't knock you on your ass, then nothing will."

Neji grimaced at the glass. "It doesn't seem that strong."

"It isn't" Genma agreed. "But that," Neji followed his gaze across the room. "Is another story entirely."

Neji found himself staring at his cousins and their guest – who no longer looked anything like the woman who'd scared the life out of him every time she drove.

"Bottoms up," Genma smirked. "You're going to need it."

Neji downed the rest of his drink without a word, and hoped it was the alcohol burning in his chest, and not anything resembling attraction to his partner.

"Tian" was a hit. As the evening progressed, she was given more invitations to more parties, lunches, and other events.

Neji had to admit she had a natural way about her that put others at ease – something that made her appear approachable. She was charming, really; an intelligent and generous conversationalist, who did a remarkable job of encouraging the other party to do the talking without feeling as if that were the case.

Neji wasn't sure what he had been expecting – perhaps the two-bun hairstyle and an outfit reminiscent of something from her mother's movies – but what he saw took him completely aback.

Belatedly, he reminded himself that she had been around film her whole life; he shouldn't be surprised she would know how to alter her appearance so completely. However, the more he considered her, he thought perhaps he was seeing less of an altered appearance, and more of what was already there. Her smile was familiar, even if the darkened lips were not, and her eyes still snapped with the same wit and humor.

"Ugh," Hanabi sidled up to him as she snagged a drink and nodded toward Tenten. "I'd kill to be able to contour like that. If you didn't know that was her – you'd never know that was her."

Neji disagreed with that statement – he had a strong feeling he'd know Tenten anywhere – with or without her lead foot – but declined to comment.

"Did you help her find a gown?"

"Nope – she had that at home," Hanabi motioned to the qipao cocktail dress. "She said she wanted to wear something to match Naho's expectations without wearing her hair in buns. She pretty much nailed it."

"Mm," Neji hummed his agreement, knowing there was nothing he could say that wouldn't pique his curiosity.

"Let me get you a fresh drink," a new voice said cordially, and Neji turned in time to see Konohamaru plucking Hanabi's drink away and replacing it with another from a passing tray.

Neji arched an eyebrow at him.

"Need something?"

Konohamaru gave a knowing look to Hanabi who smiled.

"Alright," She grinned. "You win. He is always all work."

"I know," he slipped an arm around her shoulders. "That is why I asked you go over first. If you will excuse us," he lifted his glass to Neji, "we are going to go hang out with some of the younger people – particularly the ones with fast cars."

Neji's irritation shifted at that remark.

"Don't involve my cousin unnecessarily," he said in a low, steely voice.

"I fully intend to enjoy Hanabi's company in earnest," Konohamaru promised them both, tucking her arm in his. "Or did you forget that we are actually friends? Besides," he lowered his voice. "You might need to go run interference for Tenten. Naho might've lost her to Chikara."

A smirk tugged at Neji's lips.

"Then there is no hurry."

"True," Hanabi shrugged. "If he gets touchy she might just kill him."

Neji paled and Konohamaru pointed.

Tenten was having a really hard time deciding what was actually going on. Somehow she'd drifted into a strange circle of conversation and was finding herself faced with the most ridiculous caricature of a human being she'd ever encountered off of a movie set.

He called himself Chikara, but all Tenten could think was "Blond Elvis Impersonator – the Vegas years." She'd seen him talking to other guests and had already figured out he considered himself to be romantic, and she deftly managed to stay out of arms reach. It didn't take long to realize he was sweetly self-absorbed and meant no real harm, but that didn't mean Tenten was going to pretend to be affected by his charms.

She was more interested in the man that had been quietly watching from the side – since she had been there in fact. He hadn't been obvious in his attentions, but she had noticed him watching. Genma noticed, too, and made a point not to be too far from her during the evening. But Chikara had monopolized her conversation, and any other would-be participants had slipped away.

Tenten was beginning to feel a bit cornered.

"So, my lady," he winked broadly and plucked a rose from a nearby arrangement. "I heard that you have quite the heart for adventure – quite the accomplished stuntwoman!"

"I've been around it a long time," she allowed with a small chuckle.

"Then your knight in shining armor must work twice as hard to catch your attention," he offered her the rose. "Do you have a knight?"

"Poor bastard is probably stuck in a tree somewhere," she shrugged. "But I'm not much for needing saving."

"Everyone needs a little saving," he said, lowering his voice in what was probably supposed to be a sultry way.

"Nope," Tenten's voice was overly bright. "I'm good!" Perhaps belatedly she wondered if there was a polite way out of this situation that would prevent her from having to harm one of the guests of the Governor who she was quickly realizing was too thick to fathom her indifference.

"Still," he offered the rose, and began to close the distance between them.

Tenten had a horrifying three seconds where she was certain he was going to try and kiss her before a warm hand gently grasped her elbow.

"Miss Hoshi," Neji said, the calm baritone of his voice a very welcome melody in her ears. "Lady Huyga asked if I would find you."

"Lady Huyga," Chikara blinked, before tipping his head to the side. "You know Lady Huyga?"

"She is a particular favorite of my younger cousin and Lady Naho. Lady Huyga would like Ms. Hoshi to meet some other guests."

"Well then, by all means!" Chikara took Tenten's hand and kissed it. "Another time, perhaps."

"Perhaps," she said, keeping her smile in place before allowing Neji to lead her away.

"Okay," she breathed as they moved to a quieter part of the party. "I was wrong."

"About?"

"Turns out I do need a knight," she wrapped her arm more tightly in his. "Thanks for showing up in the nick of time – although, for future reference, avoid that cliché and just avoid ASAP."

"Noted," Neji smiled to himself, and steered her toward where Hinata was engaged in pleasant conversation with pleasant people.

"I have a good bit to catch you up on," Tenten leaned over and murmured in his ear. "Will you go back to Hinata's tonight?"

"You are staying there tonight?"

"Genma insisted for alibi purposes," she agreed. "To distract from my day job, I guess."

"I will come by, then," he agreed.

"Ok, but for now," she held on to his arm. "Don't go far, alright?"

Something in Neji's chest lit brightly with the press of her fingers, and a small grin twitched his lips.

"As you wish, My Lady."

Tenten nudged him playfully, her smile a brilliant thing, and he couldn't help but smile in return.

Longer than intended, but there it is! Enjoy!