The Mechanics of Law
Chapter Three: Dramatis Personae
dramatis personae: Persons of the drama
-Part One: Compos mentis-
'having command of mind.' Of sound mind. Also used in the negative "Non compos mentis", meaning "Not of sound mind".
Neji hadn't seen Tenten since he had returned to Konoha – an unfortunate combination of opposite schedules, and outside obligations – and he was more than anxious to remedy the situation.
He had a break between his morning classes and an appointment with Professor Sarutobi, and used the opportunity to call and ask if he could meet her after work. The knot of tension at the base of his neck loosened when she readily agreed.
"My shift ends at five, but I've got a real messy job today. Do you want me to meet you somewhere?"
"Text me when you are leaving the floor," he glanced at the clock. "I'll meet you by your truck."
"Listen to you sounding like a mechanic," he could hear her grin. "Alright. I'll text when I get to the locker room."
Neji couldn't help the contained smile (he was in public, after all) that tugged at his lips. He was half-way to the Professor's office when his father called.
"Yes?"
"Are you done for the day?" his father ignored the cool, professionally detached tone as another of his son's carefully cultivated mannerisms.
"I have an appointment with Professor Sarutobi and then I was planning on returning to the library to study until my evening plans. Why?"
"Well, about that," Hizashi smiled. "Unfortunately, the board meeting ran over, and Professor Sarutobi won't be back on campus in time for your advisement appointment. Fortunately, he has agreed to join us for lunch."
"Us?"
"I need to speak with you as well; don't worry – you will be done in plenty of time to Tenten out to dinner."
Neji couldn't help but arch an eyebrow at that, but he didn't bother to deny it.
"Where did you want to meet?"
"At the Club. Grill Room. Unless of course you were planning on bringing Tenten here tonight?"
"I can be there in twenty minutes."
Hizashi and the professor were already seated when Neji arrived, and looking quite pleased with themselves.
Neji's senses were instantly on high alert.
"I appreciate you meeting us here, Neji," Professor Sarutobi folded his hands and leaned back in his chair. "My secretary called to warn me that I have several faculty members that are high maintenance and they've been stalking my office today. Luckily this emergency appointment came up."
Still wary of the mischief glinting in the eyes of the two men, Neji took the seat his father offered him. "It was no trouble."
The waiter materialized at their table with menus, and the three men placed their respective orders with little to no deliberation.
"So," Neji flicked out his napkin and placed it on his lap. "I take it this isn't a meal for recovery?"
"Not at all," the Professor chuckled. "The board for the Konoha Youth and Outreach programs has historically been one of the most pleasant boards on which to serve. In addition, this was a particularly productive and positive meeting."
"Oh?"
Hizashi nodded. "You will be pleased, I think, to hear that the YOUTH program has had an outstanding year both financially and operationally. The Winter Gala is already planned, and invitations will go out in two weeks. Naturally you don't have to attend," he gave a nonchalant shrug, "but there are still tickets available, should you want to."
"I already have a ticket," Neji reached for his water. "I bought mine when Tenten and Lee bought theirs. Did the board approve the final changes to the design for the Youth Center?"
"Yes. The entire project won't be finished before next Spring, but there will be a display of the new design up at the Gala."
"It really is remarkable." The Professor interjected. "Hinata really outdid herself with this design. I understand she will be in Konoha more once the major construction is done?"
Hizashi answered. "She is hoping to be back in Konoha in October."
"And what of you?" the old man turned a curious eye to Neji. "Have you thought any more about your plans after graduation? Still focusing on corporate and securities law?"
"That and international law, yes. I have long thought about accepting a position outside of the Land of Fire," he admitted. "I would rather travel on the front end of my career – but there are multiple opportunities in Konoha, as well. Obviously, I shall stay with my family's firm."
"That still leaves a wide range of options, son," Hizashi stirred his coffee. "Both Hinata and I travel internationally for the business, but your Uncle still handles many international dealings in-office. Perhaps you should come with me during your fall break – we can visit the Sumo and Kumo offices where we have openings."
"I shall consider it."
"Either field suits you," the Professor stroked his chin. "You have the temperament and the attention to detail, as well as the work ethic. Given the size of your family's firm and other holdings, they also overlap greatly. I would suggest taking the opportunity to spend time wherever it is you plan on doing business. Living there a year might be even better."
They settled into a discussion about various opportunities and strategies for the remainder of his academic career and the transition to his professional life. Even when the conversation drifted to other topics, or when his father arranged to meet with him tomorrow to discuss several projects the firm was handling, some part of his concentration lingered elsewhere.
Neji had a realization.
He had always presumed he'd leave Konoha after graduation – if not in his first year, then in his second. He had traveled with his father when he was younger, and understood the nomadic nature of his job. He loved hearing the stories when his father came home with some small souvenir and tales of the world beyond Konoha's walls. Some small part of him had always been waiting for it to be his turn to return with gifts and stories from abroad.
The first time he came home from a long trip with his father, he'd been the one to give the gifts to Hinata and Hanabi. He relished in the experience, and would never forget their small faces as they listened with rapt attention when he told them about his trip.
He never thought anything would make him second guess his decision to live away from Konoha.
Until now.
Over time, Neji realized he enjoyed coming home as much as he enjoyed traveling – perhaps even more so. Subconsciously, the mental image of walking through the door to share his adventures had changed over the years. Gradually, it was Tenten's face he imagined lighting up when he walked in the door with some small trinket and a cache of adventures to share over a welcome-home cup of tea.
Something about that image – although new – was inexplicably, inexorably right.
It lingered on the periphery of his thoughts through the duration of the meal, and even after he had taken his leave of his father and mentor.
It was almost 4:45 PM when he got the text from Tenten letting him know she was going to get cleaned up from work and would be available in short order.
By 5:15 PM, Neji's sleek car was parked in the employee lot behind the garage, looking incongruous next to Tenten's lovingly maintained vehicle. He turned off the engine and stepped out into the warmth of a Konoha late-summer evening. The slight breeze kept the heat from being stifling, as did the shade of the large tree that arched above his and Tenten's vehicles. He leisurely unbuttoned and rolled up his sleeves. The sun wouldn't set for hours, leaving the remainder of the day to stretch out tantalizingly before him.
He heard her before he saw her – a light hum punctuated by the crunch of shoes on gravel. When he saw her, he couldn't take his eyes off of her. Neji had never been one that particularly cared for summer, but he recently gained an appreciation for the season. Perpetually cold, Tenten loved the summer, and it loved her right back. Her skin was several shades darker, her hair a shade or so lighter. She still dressed in layers, but the layers were breezier and draped around her playfully. She liked wearing light dresses and skirts, but given her natural level of activity, usually opted for shorts or not-jeans.
She must've already gone to the gym that day, because her after-work workout clothes were replaced with a light blue cotton sundress. Her white jersey cardigan was tossed over her arm, and her backpack slung over her shoulder. Her long, lean legs were bare, but he'd bet anything she had thin shorts on under her dress. She'd wound her damp hair into one sloppy bun (so it would dry faster) and was wearing the earrings Lee bought her for her birthday (surprisingly silver and not green).
Her smile was bright, and did strange things to his chest.
"Looks like you knew I'd be calling," he nodded to her dress.
"I had a hunch," winked, using her key to unlock the door of her ancient truck. She placed her bag and cardigan on the passenger seat before turning back to him. "At least I hoped you would."
Perhaps he was emboldened by their being alone, or their time apart, but Neji lost no time in cupping her face in both hands and swiftly claiming her mouth in a heated kiss. She sighed happily before relaxing into him, lazily wrapping her arms around his neck.
It was several minutes before Neji touched his forehead to hers before stepping back, keeping her in the circle of his arms.
"I've been waiting to do that for days," he admitted.
Her grin was almost feline. "I missed you, too. Tomorrow isn't your early day, is it?"
"No, thankfully. And you?"
"Nope! I'm all yours."
"I'll drive," he wound his hand in hers. "We can come back for your truck later."
She let go of his fingers long enough to pull a cross-body bag out of her backpack, grab her cardigan and lock her truck. He opened the door for her before taking his own seat. As his engine purred to life, she leaned over and kissed his cheek.
"I'm really glad you are back," she grinned, and he couldn't help but return her smile.
"Me, too."
Wrapped up in their own happiness, they pulled away, blissfully unaware of the figure leaning against a tree with arms crossed and eyes narrowed.
-Part Two: Carnot's theorem-
'No engine operating between two temperatures can be more efficient than a reversible engine working between the same two temperatures.'
Tenten had been a part of the moving process from almost the beginning, when Naruto told her that while Iruka agreed to finish out the regular academic and summer school sessions in Suna, he'd be retiring from teaching that year.
She and Lee had traveled over the summer to help Iruka prepare for the move.
That was when Naruto had come to her with an unusual request.:
"I need your help," he said looking over his shoulder. Satisfied that Lee and Iruka were busy packing up the ton of books the soon-to-be-former teacher had accumulated over the years, he pulled Tenten into the kitchen with him. "I need you to give me a hand with something for Iruka."
"Name it," she said without hesitation.
"Okay, so he doesn't know it, but I got someone to fix up his new place for him. You know," he waved a hand around. "To make sure it looks nice and is cozy and homey and stuff."
Tenten's eyes went wide.
"You? Hired a decorator?"
"Sort of," he rubbed the back of his neck.
"How did you even find one?" she gaped. "Through the moving company?"
Naruto fidgeted. "It's a long story. The short version is that I found them through my work with Jiraiya."
"So what can I do to help?"
"Pictures," he said, flicking a glance over his shoulder again. "I need pictures - you know, to make sure it looks nice and is cozy and homey and stuff? - and I really wanted to get my hands on some of those ones from the Gala."
"I can do that," she tapped her chin. "Ino will know who to ask for them – and Sai can get them printed and framed. Did you have specific pictures in mind?"
"A couple," he pulled out his phone and showed her some pictures he'd taken at the Gala.
"Send those to me," she smiled conspiratorially. "I'll take care of the rest."
As soon as she got back to Konoha, Tenten had reached out to Ino with her request. Ino, in turn, got in touch with Tenten, Naruto and Sai, and provided them all with access to the pictures. Naruto put Sai in touch with the decorator so they could coordinate their efforts. Not wanting to arouse suspicion by asking to be put in touch with the decorator, Tenten and Lee approached Sai about surprising Naruto with some pictures for his home. Sai agreed to take all of pictures they had for Naruto and promised to pass them on to the decorator who would better know what sizes and frames would look best.
All that was left to do was to transport the printed and framed pictures to the apartments.
Lee gave a low whistle when she pulled up to the curb.
"What kind of favor do we owe Ibiki for lending us his baby?"
"Not sure," she checked the rearview. "But it's probably a good thing that neither of us has a firstborn."
About ten minutes later they walked in to the small photography studio and were greeted almost instantly by a pale man dressed in black.
He flicked a glance at the clock on the wall.
"On time, as always," he remarked, extending a hand to Lee. "Good to see you."
"And you," Lee pumped Sai's hand a few times before clapping him on the back.
Sai's smile was small, but unlike so many of the ones he had to give in years past, it was genuine.
"Tenten," he nodded toward her. "I take it you are here for the pictures?"
"If they are ready," Tenten's smile was easy.
"They are," he motioned for them to come around the counter and follow him to the back room.
There was a small gallery of Sai's photographs and paintings between the welcome area and his studio space. They bypassed the room he used for portrait work, and went directly to his workshop.
Sai had warned them that there were multiple boxes to pick up - hence Tenten borrowing Ibiki's SUV – but she was surprised at the pile that waited for her.
"Wow," Tenten blinked. "There are more than I'd thought there'd be."
"A good bit of that is packaging," Sai shrugged. "The boxes are labeled, so make sure that you get them to the right house."
"This one is labeled differently," Tenten studied the medium sized box on top. "Does it go with us?"
"Yes," Sai gave a short nod. "The designer ordered that one. I am still surprised that Dickless did something so intelligent – or managed to find someone competent."
"So, he found someone good?" Tenten asked hopefully. "Lee and I haven't heard any specifics."
The slight shift in Sai's expression was one of puzzlement.
"You mean you don't know?" Sai's eyes darted between them.
"Why?" Tenten frowned. "Is it someone we know?"
Sai gave a careless shrug. "I'm just surprised - Naruto never shuts up, so I assumed that if you were involved in the move he'd have told you every last detail, whether it was relevant or not."
"He has been pretty busy," Tenten allowed with a knowing smile. "But you are pleased with his choice?"
"I've been impressed," he shrugged again. "It's a newer company, but the owner has experience. I don't think you have to worry."
"So, Naruto's place isn't all orange?"
"If it is, the frames I made are going to clash horribly," Sai walked them over to the boxes. "There are two larger ones I need Lee to help me with, if you want to start with the ones on that cart."
"Sure," Tenten bobbed her head. She made sure to take her time loading Ibiki's SUV as it looked like Sai wanted to chat to Lee about something.
Sai was a newer acquaintance, and he was more Lee and Naruto's friend than hers. Naruto met him shortly after he'd lost his leg. He had been angry, bitter, and shut off, and adjusting poorly to his prosthetic. When he was transferred to Konoha for rehabilitation, Naruto reached out to Lee and Lee made sure to get on Sai's rehab team.
She waited until they were on the road to ask about how Sai was doing.
"Better," Lee gave a friendly smile. "Therapy is going well and he is finally starting to feel comfortable in Konoha."
"Hope he likes visitors," Tenten grinned. "Because once Naruto is in town, Sai won't be able to keep him from checking in all of the time."
"I think he is looking forward to it, in his own way," Lee chuckled and Tenten agreed.
As they drove away from Sai's shop, Tenten reflected on another life touched by Naruto and his kindness.
And it made her smile.
-Part Three: Proprioception-
The awareness of posture, movement, changes in equilibrium, and the knowledge of position, weight, and resistance of objects in relation to the body. Sensed by muscles, tendons, and soft tissue
While Tenten loaded the SUV, Lee helped Sai.
"These aren't as heavy so much as they are awkward," Sai allowed. "But I could use the help."
"Show me what you need," Lee motioned to the frames.
"Help me slide this one into the box," he fitted the corners with Styrofoam. "So," he lined the frame up. "Why doesn't Tenten know about Hinata?
Lee sighed.
"Because Neji doesn't know about her offshoot company yet, nor does he know about her and Naruto."
"Bet that'll be awkward," Sai said with a good-natured smile. "She is working at Naruto's place right now. I'll send her a text and tell her to take a break."
"We'll go there first and then go to Iruka's. I'll keep us out of her way," Lee steadied the box while Sai taped it shut.
"Good plan," Sai motioned to the other large frame.
"How is everything with Ino?" Lee asked.
"We are... friends," Sai ventured cautiously. "She still thinks I was a photojournalist caught in the crossfire."
"You were," Lee handed him the next set of Styrofoam corners.
"My cover was," Sai corrected him. "I was on a Black Ops mission."
"Who doesn't love a James Bond?" Lee teased.
"No one would love what I had to do, Lee," he said seriously. "I was an assassin before I defected. If it wasn't for the Captain, I'd have gone straight to military prison - which means I'd've been dead before the ink on my paperwork dried."
He looked down at his hands, clenching and unclenching them on the worktable to stop the tremors.
"There is no hero in my story."
Lee put a strong hand over his. "Maybe not," he said gently. "But I know Ino. When you are ready, she will listen."
The tremors stopped.
A ghost of a smile tugged at Sai's lips, and he took in a cleansing breath.
"Let's get these on the cart."
And just like that, normalcy returned.
The last box loaded, and the tailgate closed, Lee put a solid hand on Sai's shoulder and met his eyes seriously. "We will get together this coming week. I will text you tonight, so check your schedule."
Sai's eyes softened with what might be gratitude or perhaps even affection. "I will."
They were only a few blocks away when Sai sent him a text assuring him that Naruto's home would be empty
Lee appreciated the "Wet Paint" sign that kept Tenten from giving into her 'investigative' (nosy) tendencies, and limited their foray into Naruto's home to the first empty room. They carefully unloaded the boxes of pictures, then used keypad on the door to lock up behind them.
They repeated the procedure at Iruka's before heading out to do more errands. Since they were in the area, Lee suggested they visit a nearby mom and pop diner Gai used to take them to when they were kids.
"It's been ages since I've been to Caramade Franks," Tenten sighed happily, pushing her sunglasses onto her head as she angled onto her seat at the counter. "This was a great idea, Lee."
"Thought you'd like to change it up," he grinned sitting next to her. "You know once Naruto gets here, we'll hit all of the old spots."
"You mean in between going to Ichiraiku every day?" she rolled her eyes. "I can hardly wait."
Lee hid his smile behind his menu.
"I have a feeling that Naruto is going to be very busy when he gets back to Konoha – we probably won't have to eat nearly as much ramen as you are thinking."
Their conversation drifted into the fluid shifting of topics only truly close friends can achieve. They chatted about what was left to do for both Iruka and Naruto, and how they could help. They shared how classes were going, and touched on Lee's plans for after graduation, and what residencies he was considering. They talked about her and Neji, and his offer to take her with him for a long weekend, and how she was pretty much planning on going.
Lee might've had something to say to that, but the waitress set their plates in front of them – each with a giant, messy, signature caramade frank wrapped in paper and oozing deliciousness.
They picked up their meals and grinned before taking gigantic bites into the messiest meal in all of Konoha.
Tenten was trying not to laugh as she grabbed her napkin to swipe at the sauce threatening to drip down her chin.
Lee pulled more from the dispenser to hand to her when the low laugh echoed behind them.
"I only know one person on the planet who can order a mess like that, and still look that good. Before and after eating it."
Lee and Tenten froze, and she turned, wide eyed to the man behind them.
He was tall and dark, eyes brimming with amusement, and lips curling with something that made Lee vaguely uncomfortable.
"I-Idate?" she blinked.
"Tenten, Lee." He nodded to each of them before his eyes skated up and down from the top of her buns down her long, tanned legs and back to lock with her eyes.
And Lee knew from the glint in his eyes, he was only speaking to Tenten when he said:
"It's been a while."
Say it with me, friends: this is a NejiTen story. I will not worry. This is a NejiTen story...