Hello, friends! A longer chapter that I didn't quite get to finish last week. Last update of 2016! I wish you all of the happiness and health and prosperity and kindness that 2017 has to offer.
The Mechanics of Law
Chapter Four: Ab Extra
ab extra: 'from outside.' Concerning a case, a person may have received some funding from a 3rd party. This funding may have been considered ab extra.
-Part One: Animus revertendi-
'intention to return.' "Wild animals, such as bees and homing pigeons, that by habit go 'home' to their possessor. Used when discussing ferae naturae."
Neji's first clue that something was off was the motorcycle parked outside of Ibiki's garage. It was parked in the employee lot, but he'd been coming by long enough to know it belonged to none of the employees. Further inspection indicated that the plates were not from Konoha – or even from the Land of Fire.
He circled the vehicle once or twice.
Even if the plate hadn't been a give-away, he knew it couldn't belong to one of the mechanics; he was certain that if anyone of them had purchased a Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R – especially one that looked like this - he'd have heard about it.
His next clue was the strange air that had settled in the garage. He didn't miss the furtive looks from Izumo and Kotetsu before they met each other's eyes and hurriedly returned their attention to their work.
He heard her laugh before he saw her, and it warmed his heart.
He hadn't seen her over the weekend, and unconsciously quickened his pace.
He wasn't expecting a second laugh to answer hers.
He stopped, momentarily confused by the man sitting on a low stool, bent to talk under the large truck. His bare arms rested easily on his thighs as he twirled a wrench through his fingers. His hair was dark and pulled back, his air confident and charismatic. A hand stuck out from under the truck, and he handed over the wrench. Nine seconds later, Tenten slid forward on the creeper and sat up, handing back the wrench.
She turned in time to catch his eye, and her face lit up.
"Neji! I didn't expect to see you here!"
She rested her forearms on her knees, and he was shocked to realize a small part of him wanted to yank her up and kiss her in a most ungentlemanly like manner, partly because he had missed her, and partly because of an irrational desire to let whoever this person was to know she was with him.
Surprised by his intense and out-of-character reaction, he settled for an apologetic smile.
"I am sorry. I should have called."
"I wouldn't have been able to answer," she jerked a thumb over her shoulder. "I've been under there most of the day."
The beep of something electronic interrupted them.
"That's me," the other man stood up from his stool, holding a hand out to Tenten. She held up her hands, showing they were dirty, and he quirked an eyebrow at her. "Really?"
She rolled her eyes as she took his hand. "I know, I know."
He gripped her hand like they were going to arm wrestle and hoisted her up easily. Pulling her toward himself, he wrapped his free arm around her giving her a tight hug before releasing her.
"Missed that," he palmed the top of her head affectionately. "Gotta go train and then catch up with Jirōchō," he stepped back and pointed to the expensive watch strapped to his wrist. "Still up for keeping me company on my morning run?"
"Ugh, yes," she sighed. "You and Lee are going to be the death of me."
"Looking forward to it," he grinned, and pulled on an expensive mesh motorcycle jacket. He turned to Neji and subtly looked him up and down. "Noji, was it?"
"Neji," he returned with a cool politeness. "And you are?"
"Idate. Morino Idate."
He was clearly expecting Neji to recognize his name – and Neji did.
Idate was the newest Jōnin level driver on the Kage Racing Circuit, and had made big news when he not only defeated reigning champion Fukusuke Hikyakuya at the Todoroki Shrine Race, but shattered the standing record. The end of the Wagarashi family's reign in the circle of winners had been a huge upset in the racing world, and the Wasabi family and their driver were suddenly very, very big news.
"Of course I know the name" - Neji allowed Idate to gloat for about a nanosecond before he added -"Ibiki has long been a friend to my family."
Idate's expression faltered, but he kept his tone light.
"Is that a fact?" His watch beeped again, and his manner shifted abruptly. "Sorry. Really gotta go. See you in the morning, Ten," he waved as he strode out of the garage.
Tenten turned to Neji, oblivious to the knots in his gut.
"That's Idate for you," she shook her head. "Always running somewhere." She wiped her hands on a rag before reaching for her Camelbak bottle.
"I don't believe I've seen him around before," Neji was pleased at his nonchalance.
"He lives in the Land of Tea" - she flicked open the top and sucked down a few hearty swigs before adding – "hasn't been around for a couple of years." She checked the time. "I'm ahead of schedule; do you have time for a cup of coffee?"
He did, so he joined her on her break. During the break, it was decided he'd join her in cooking dinner that night.
Over the course of the day, he cleverly used his long-honed skills in intelligence gathering and research to learn the following:
1) Idate was Ibiki's younger brother.
2) He was two years older than them, making him 26.
3) He'd been a long-distance runner and his high school records remained unbroken.
4) After graduation, he had been recruited to run for Angel University in Ame, but at the last minute moved to the Land of Tea for his education.
5) Tenten hadn't heard much from him about what was behind that decision.
6) He made a name for himself at the University level as a runner.
7) He still trained as a runner, and kept in peak physical condition – a requirement for any professional level driver.
8) He traveled a great deal, but rarely traveled to Konoha.
9) He was in town until next Tuesday to be photographed for a new endorsement deal and to accompany Wasabi Jirōchō (his sponsor) on multiple business engagements.
10) Tenten and Idate used to date.
"It was mostly in high school," she shrugged. "I don't think that even counts anymore. We decided it was better if we just stayed friends."
"Strange that you never reconnected," he offered casually.
"Timing never quite worked out," she shrugged again, and in that instant Neji knew that there had been attempts to rekindle the relationship.
"Either way," she waved the conversation aside. "We're just good friends now."
Neji had known Tenten well enough by this point to have complete faith in what she said.
But he didn't know Idate.
Deciding that he didn't need to have faith in the other man (he didn't) to have faith in Tenten or to feel secure in their relationship (he did), Neji guided the conversation to more general topics.
"It is almost October," he noted as they sat on her couch with their tea. "Is Naruto still on track to move?"
"Sounds like it," she blew across the top of her mug. "He has a heavy travel schedule between now and the fifteenth."
"The fifteenth?" Neji raised an eyebrow. "I thought you said his birthday is the tenth?"
"It is," she took a careful sip before putting the tea down to cool some more. "But he is traveling until the twelfth. As it is he is staying in hotels – the movers emptied his place this past weekend while he was gone.
"Gone?"
"He surprised Iruka by taking him on a mini-vacation," she grinned. "Sort of a retirement/going home present. It also meant that everything has been moved out in Suna and delivered to their places in Konoha."
"That must be wildly inconvenient for him," Neji frowned. "That is still several weeks of being essentially homeless."
"Naruto is used to living out of a suitcase," she reached for her tea again. "I think that is part of why he is so excited about this move."
"Will he be traveling as much?"
"I hope not, for his sake. He and Iruka are flying in to Konoha on Friday night but he has to fly back out out on Monday. That reminds me," she cocked her head to the side. "Naruto invited us to dinner on Saturday – sort of a welcome home meal for Iruka. Will you come?"
"You are going?"
"Lee and I and Gai-sensei will be there, as well as some friends from academy. I understand if you'd rather not," she was quick to assure him, "but I'd-"
"Of course, I'll go."
Tenten blinked twice.
"Are you sure?"
Neji held a hand out to her. Recognizing the gesture, she put her tea down and took his hand, letting him pull her to him.
She snuggled into him with a contented sigh, and he couldn't help the lazy chuckle from rumbling in his chest. "I'm sure, Tenten," he pressed a kiss to the top of her head as he draped an arm around her. "They are important to you – it is good that I get to know them."
"Then…" she hesitated a moment before sitting up enough so she could meet his eyes. "Then I guess I'd better start packing."
"For?"
"For the conference, next week," she smiled crookedly.
Hope blossomed under his skin but he didn't wish to appear too eager.
"You're sure?" he shifted to better see her. "You don't have to, you know."
"I know," she gave a simple shrug. "But I have the time to take off, and Ibiki said that it would be alright."
"What about your classes?"
"I checked; I'm good. They are pretty understanding with us 'non-traditional' students, and my class load is pretty light this time around."
Neji's eyes widened fractionally. "I just realized I never asked you - whatever happened with your tests?"
"Oh, those?" she waved aside his concern. "Qualified for a tuition reduction. Ibiki got the refund last week. Come to think of it," she tapped her chin in mock consideration, "that might be why was so agreeable with my missing work."
"I am proud of you," he tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear. "Not that I doubted you for a moment."
"I know you didn't," she smiled gently. "But that was probably cake compared to what I'm going to have to do next."
"Oh?" he arched an eyebrow. "Do you have a large project on the horizon?"
"Not exactly," she grimaced. "But when I mentioned the possibility of going to the conference, Ino made me swear that if I decided to go I'd consult her before I packed. Unfortunately, with Ino that sort of consultation always results in shopping. Lots, and lots of shopping."
"Hm," Neji mused. "And Ino was the one that found your dress for the Winter Gala last year, was she not?"
"The very same."
"Then, while you have my sympathy, I am looking forward to seeing the fruits of her labors – or, perhaps, your labors."
"Oh, I never mind her results – it's just the process that gets me. It will be worth it, though. Can't let your family think I never leave the garage."
Something dawned on him.
"Are you nervous?"
"Well… yeah," she admitted with a half grin. "Of course I am It's your family. They are important to you, and you are important to me."
The naked honesty in her face was enough to quicken his pulse, even as words deserted him. All but three.
He rested his forehead on hers, and murmured "Thank you, Tenten."
He felt rather than saw her smile as she replied. "You're welcome, Neji."
And all was right with his world.
-Part Two: The Frequent Flyer-
a person who regularly travels by air on commercial flights, especially one who is enrolled in a promotional program for such travelers.
Naruto yawned widely as he ambled down the moving walkway. It always amused him how it appeared you were sprinting by the normal pedestrians even when taking a leisurely pace on one of those things. He absently wondered if that was what Lee felt like when running.
It had been ridiculously early when he flew out of the Land of Iron – so early that it was impossible to check in any earlier than an hour before his flight. He had done everything with the automation of a seasoned flyer: walked over to the kiosk, scanned his boarding pass, collected his ticket, went through security, rode the shuttle to the international wing, and boarded his departing flight. Now he was cruising on autopilot to the executive lounge to wait out his hour-and-a-half layover in Iwa.
Not for the first time, he was grateful that Jiraiya had always insisted that Naruto fly business/first class.
"You're going to be doing a whole bunch of flying, my boy," he'd thumped him on the back. "You are at work the minute that plane lands; stay in the mindset."
Naruto really could live out of a suitcase, and had, if his frequent flyer miles were anything to go by. He was a familiar face at executive lounges all around the Elemental Nations and beyond, and a welcome one at that.
He pushed the door open swallowing one more yawn, blinking twice to clear his eyes of the inadvertent tears.
When his vision cleared, he was met with a familiar smile.
"Coffee?"
He blinked two more times before stammering, "H-Hinata?"
She smiled and held a cup out to him. He took it dumbly, sinking into the seat next to her.
"I also grabbed some breakfast sandwiches," she produced a crisp white bag, and he could've died of happiness. "Go on," she urged him gently. "Eat something, and then we'll catch up."
"Just when I didn't think I could love you any more," he shook his head. "You really are something, you know that?"
He pressed a fast kiss to her cheek before accepting the bag. He inhaled two of the five sandwiches and half of his coffee before he began to feel human.
"How did you beat me here?" he finally asked.
"There was a storm coming through. I managed to get on an earlier flight and got here last night."
"My connecting flight got canceled by that storm," he sighed. "Mine and everyone else's. I wasn't the only one that got stuck in Kurosawa airport all night."
"I am sorry," she wound her fingers in his.
"It's alright," he shrugged. "At least it happened on the way out of Konoha, and not the way in."
Glad for a change of subject, Hinata asked "How was your time in Konoha last week?"
"Saw your cousin," he managed between sips of coffee. "He came out for Iruka's dinner."
"And, how was he?"
"Fine. Mooning over Tenten – at least as much as a Hyūga moons about anyone."
"Hanabi said she agreed to join us for the conference," Hinata grinned. "I am looking forward to meeting her."
"And I can't wait for her to know you," Naruto raised the back of her hand to his lips. "You will like her."
"I already do," her eyes sparkled. "Anyone that can make Neji happy is fine by me. So," her eyes danced with amusement, "What's this I hear about Neji meeting an old acquaintance of yours last week? Someone he didn't particularly care for?"
Naruto gave a snort
"That would be Idate."
"Idate?" she looked at him quizzically. "Who is that?"
"Ibiki's brother. Hotshot racecar driver."
Hinata tilted her head to the side. "And that's a problem?"
"No. The part where he used to date Tenten is probably the problem."
"Oh," her eyes rounded in surprise. "But she and Neji were getting on so well!"
"They still are, Hina," Naruto put a reassuring hand over hers. "It's just..." he considered his words, finally settling on "…Idate and Tenten have a complicated history. He's a good enough guy, but sometimes he isn't a good enough guy around her."
He rubbed the back of his neck with a dry chuckle. "It doesn't help that as observant as Tenten is about everything else, she kinda doesn't get it when guys are interested in her. She's pretty much hung out with guys her whole life, so she tends to take all interactions at face value."
Hinata's smile was kind. "She doesn't like to assume?"
"Like someone else I know," he grinned at her crookedly.
"Well what did Lee have to say?" she turned in her seat to better consider him. "He always seems to have a finger on the pulse of whatever is on Tenten's mind."
"He said Tenten was as unfazed as ever. She enjoyed catching up with an old friend and nothing more. It's pretty obvious she's really into Neji."
"Then it is nothing to worry about," Hinata's relief was palpable. "Just a mild case of jealousy on Neji's part."
"Well, yeah, nothing to worry about from Tenten. I wouldn't count Idate out entirely though. Once he shows up, he's got a tendency to keep showing up. Which makes me wonder why he was in Konoha in the first place."
"Hm," Hinata sat back in her seat, thinking. "The Suna 500," she mused. "It's in April."
"Sure," he shrugged. "Everyone knows that. But what does that have to do with anything?"
"Idate didn't just get promoted to Jōnin, by any chance, did he?"
"Actually, yeah," Naruto's eyebrows raised. "He did."
"Then that's why he was in Konoha," she gave a small nod. "The last qualifying race for the Suna 500 is the Konoha Classic in March, and all racers had to be registered by the end of the month."
Naruto's eyes went wide. "How do you know all of this?"
"Both my Uncle and Father are car enthusiasts," she grinned. "We used to go to the Konoha Classic as children. I still follow the racing circuit news – probably out of habit if nothing else."
"Wow," he blinked. "I never knew that!"
"But if he is going to try and race in the Classic," Hinata brought them back to the topic with a small crease between her brows, "he's going to want to practice in the area."
"Why?" Naruto frowned. "Isn't one track just like another?"
"The Tanzaku track is ranked as one of two of the most difficult to qualify on, and there aren't many opportunities to practice on it. Most drivers hoping to qualify through the Classic prepare using the older track in Sora-ku, since it was designed by the same person."
"But the Suna 500 is only a month after the Classic," Naruto pointed out. "Won't he need to be preparing there, too?"
She shook her head. "He doesn't have the experience to win the 500, but it would still be huge for his career if he raced in it so soon after being promoted to Jōnin. He can't race in Suna at all if he doesn't qualify through the Classic. It's a calculated risk," she allowed, "but it makes the most sense to spend the bulk of his time preparing in Sora-ku with the occasional scheduled run at the official track in Tanzaku Quarters."
Naruto gave a low whistle.
"Sounds like he'd have to get a lot of driving in."
"He will," she agreed. "Most new competitors will relocate for months at a time. Given what time he has versus his experience, he'd be foolish not to move to the area by November at the latest, and then, should he qualify, go immediately to Suna."
"Bet that'll take up the bulk of his time," Naruto drummed his fingers on his leg.
"Quite a bit of it, yes."
"And neither track is actually in Konoha – so he won't have time to bother anyone."
Hinata shook her head again.
"Tanzaku Quarters is an expensive place, and he won't be able to use the track often enough to warrant staying there. Sora-ku has almost nowhere to stay; the most practical solution is to stay in Konoha and garage the car in Sora-Ku."
Naruto mulled the information over, unsure what, if anything this meant for his friends.
Hinata put a gentle hand on his. "We'll give Lee the heads up once we get to the Land of Waves. It might be nothing."
Naruto smiled and patted her hand lovingly, "You're probably right. Tell me about your time in Kusagakure." He listened as she quietly narrated her trip, trying to banish his suspicions to the back of his mind.
Hinata put a hand on his.
"Call Lee."
"What, now?"
"Naruto, I just told you that Akamaru asked me to have his puppies and you didn't even flinch." Her lips tilted in amusement. "Go on. He'll be awake."
"You really are the best," he squeezed her hand before pulling out his phone, and calling the only person he knew (other than Guy-sensei) that would willingly be awake at that hour.
-Part Three: The coefficient of friction-
the ratio between the force necessary to move one surface horizontally over another and the pressure between the two surfaces.
Tenten sometimes wondered how she got herself into these situations. Generally speaking, the answer was "Naruto," but in cases like these, it was always "Ino."
"And just where on earth do you think I am going to wear this?"
She came out of the dressing room, hands on hips. "This is a conference, not a ball."
"Oh, that's not for the conference," she got up from her seat and ushered her to the three-way mirror, standing behind her critically. "This is for the Gala."
Tenten arched an eyebrow. "This is too much, even for the Gala," she said flatly.
"Depends on which Gala," Ino shrugged. "If you go to the one on New Year's Eve or to the Governor's Ball, it's perfect."
Tenten stared at Ino through the mirror.
"Why would I go to either of those functions?"
"Because you are dating Huyga Neji, darling," Ino fiddled with the straps before waving a seamstress over. "Could you just pin this here? And here?"
Tenten flinched at the woman's cold fingers against her bare skin.
"And what does that have to do with anything?"
"What does dating someone from one of the most powerful families in Konoha, as well as one of the top donors to local charities have to do with anything?" she arched an eyebrow. "What sort of question is that?"
"But I don't think Neji even goes to those sorts of things."
"He will now," another person piped up. "Now that he's got a built-in date."
And there was the other part of Tenten's problem.
Ino had asked the Squirt (The former Governor's grandson, Konohamaru) to come with them, as she intended to leave with multiple purchases. As it turned out, Konohamaru was dating Neji's cousin Hanabi. Once she heard about what was going on, she'd had Konohamaru ask Ino if it was alright if she tagged along. Naturally, Ino had agreed – but without warning Tenten.
So, she was faced with not one but two conspirators.
Hanabi's phone buzzed.
"Hinata says she likes that one better than the last one."
Make that three conspirators.
"I agree," Ino bobbed her head twice. "It isn't green," she teased Tenten, "but the navy and silver are wonderful on you. And it really isn't as fancy as you are thinking – you're just not used to this kind of gown."
"I'm not used to any kind of gown," Tenten muttered.
"Precisely," Ino sniffed. "And that is why we are here helping you." She stepped back and nodded her approval. "This and the red dress. You have your lotus cheongsam from last year's gala that would do perfectly well for a different event."
"I think you are making too much of this, Ino."
"I already contacted the event coordinator at the other hotel," the blonde crossed her arms. "I wanted to get a sense of what the general feel of the events outside of the conference would be, and it is definitely better to err on the side of dressier."
"She means on the side of stuffier," Hanabi snickered, "but you won't stand out as all as being overdressed if that is what you're worried about. I wish I could go early like you and nii-san," she smiled wistfully. "Unfortunately, there's no way I can leave before Friday – not with my current class load. Oh!" she sat up straighter. "They have the best hot springs and swimming pools. Do you have a suit?"
"Sure," Tenten shrugged.
"A not-for-racing suit?" Ino pressed. "And purchased less than three years ago?"
Tenten couldn't swallow her sigh. "…No."
"Alright," Ino clapped her hands. "Let's get ourselves pulled together. This will have to be altered slightly, so I'll help you get out without moving the pins. Hanabi – do you want to take the red one up front? That one won't need any alterations."
"Got it!" she bounced up to follow directions.
Forty-five minutes later, Tenten had survived swimsuit shopping, and was back in her own clothing, sitting on a bench outside of a shoe store that she had convinced Ino and Hanabi to go into without her.
She closed her eyes and let out a deep breath.
"That seat taken?"
"Oh, no," she sat up, trying to collect their bags. "Sorry."
She looked up and blinked before realizing who she was talking to.
"Idate? I thought you had to fly back this morning?"
"There were storms, so my flight got pushed to later tonight," he took a seat next to her on the bench. His eyes skated over the bags with the designer logos. "Ino running you ragged?"
"Yeah," she scooted over as best she could.
"That girl is a force to be reckoned with for sure," he shook his head. "You the labor on this trip?"
"Sadly, most of these are mine," her lips twisted into a rueful smile. "I'm going with Neji to a big conference, and apparently Ino thinks I also have social engagements to every fancy event in Konoha."
"Naturally," Idate's grin was knowing. "Because that is your sort of thing."
"Well, obviously," she sniffed delicately. "The mechanic thing is just a ruse."
He darted a glance to the store, watching Ino sized up a pair of Jimmy Choos before looking back to her.
"Is he making you do all of this?"
Tenten cocked her head to the side. "He, who? Neji?"
Idate nodded once.
"No," she shook her head. "He has different social obligations than I do, but he isn't trying to make me do anything." Her phone buzzed in her pocket and she read the text. "Ah – Ino and Hanabi are checking out now. I think they wanted to make sure I hadn't run away."
"You've never run away from anything in your life," Idate scoffed.
His phone buzzed in his pocket, and he checked his message with a frown. "I'd better get going - the driver will be here in a minute."
"Driver?" she quirked an eyebrow. "You?"
"Just for today," he stood and pocketed his phone. "I'm leaving the bike in Konoha."
"Oh?" she frowned. "Does it need repairs?"
"Something like that," he answered cryptically. His eyes roved over her, and she got the sense he was trying to decide what to say.
"Don't let them change who you are, Ten," the set to his jaw was hard, the line of his mouth thin. "Don't change for anybody. You're who you are – screw anyone that can't accept that."
Tenten blinked her confusion, but smiled at him kindly. "You know me better than that, Idate," she said with a combination of gentle assurance and reproof. "Besides – no one is trying to change me."
"Good," he lowered his voice and stepped in closer. "Because you're fine just the way you are." He bent impulsively to kiss her cheek, lingering just long enough to murmur, "Always have been."
Several heartbeats and a light flush later, he was gone.
Tenten was still sitting, dazed when the girls came out with more bags.
"Tenten?" Ino asked. "You alright?"
"Fine," she shook her shoulders. "Just running low on steam."
"Then we need coffee," Ino looked around. "There's a great little café around the corner. Text Konohamaru," she told Hanabi. "He can meet us over there. Once he's put the bags in the car, he'll join us."
Tenten followed her friend, still trying to make sense of what had just happened. She had already dismissed Idate's strange behavior as one old friend looking out for another – but she couldn't help but wonder what he saw that made him feel she needed to be warned.
She'd have to assure Idate that Neji would never try and make her fit the mold of someone else. But as Konohamaru hauled away armloads of bags, she felt a twinge in her heart.
Neji had been very clear that he appreciated her exactly as she was…but what about his family? Hanabi had been alright, but Neji had made it clear that his firecracker of a cousin was the exception, not the norm.
"So," Hanabi motioned for Tenten to sit next to her as she fished for something in her oversized purse, "Neji is too proper to give you the lowdown, so it's up to me."
"The lowdown?" she flicked a glance to Ino, who shrugged. "On what?"
Hanabi grinned and handed over the folder.
Tenten flicked it open just as Konohamaru rejoined them.
"Oh, so she gave it to you, too?" he sat on Hanabi's other side. "That thing is a life saver."
The crease between Tenten's eyebrows deepened. "What is this?"
"That, my friend, is the ultimate in cheat guides. Who is who – who talks to who – what not to say to who…"
"Let's just go over who you'll run into this weekend," Hanabi interrupted, shooting her boyfriend a warning glance. "More of a Hyūga 101."
"This should be a reality show," Ino grinned into her latte. "'So You Want To Date A Hūyga.'"
"No such thing as dating one of them," Konohamaru snorted. "You take on one – you take them all on."
"I'm sure my grandfather will be glad to hear that you two are dating," Hanabi said airily.
"I'm sure he'll like you better than he likes me," he winked at Tenten.
"Debatable," Ino teased. "Alright, Hanabi," she sat back in her chair to listen. "Narrow it down for us."
"Us?" Tenten arched an eyebrow. "Since when is this about 'us?'"
"Please," Ino waved away any possible objection. "I navigate things like this for a living, Konohamaru grew up with his Grandfather, and Hanabi has done this all her life. Between the three of us, you'll be totally prepped and polished for this weekend, and then you can just sit back and enjoy."
"I guess so," she watched her friend warily. "But I'm gonna need more coffee than this," she held the to-go cup up and sloshed it side to side.
"On it," Konohamaru jumped up and went to the counter and returned almost immediately.
"Ino had me order and pay for two but asked me to have them hold one back until a few moments ago."
Tenten chuckled and gave in.
Later that night, when her purchases were hanging in her closet, and she was reviewing the file for what felt like the 100th time, she allowed herself to feel overwhelmed.
"I'm not trying to be someone I'm not," she reasoned out loud. "It's just like when I was a kid. I am just trying to find my place somewhere new – but I don't have to change to find my place."
All of Gai-Sensei's encouragement as she adapted to her life in foster care, and away from everything she'd ever known came rushing back to her.
"It's different now," she reminded herself. "Now I know who I am."
With visions of Neji's smile – the one that was happy to see her if she was covered in grease, or dressed up for a formal affair – floating through her mind, she finally fell into a well-deserved sleep.
Notes:
**The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 R is one of the top 10 fastest motorcycles in the world. Naturally Idate would drive something incredibly fast, and once I saw the name 'Ninja' on the list, I was certain that would be his model of choice.
.
.
**Dates aren't as important in this story, but I do keep track of them on a google calendar. If you were curious, so far:
-.- Aug. 22 - Ch. 1, Neji
-.- Aug. 24 - Ch. 1, Tenten
-.- Sept. 1 - Ch. 2, Neji
-.- Sept, 7 - Tenten's test
-.- Sept. 17 - Ch. 2, Tenten
-.- Sept. 19 - Neji arrives back in town
-.- Sept. 22 - Ch. 3, Neji
-.- Sept. 25 - Ch. 3, Tenten and Lee
-.- Sept 26 - Ch. 4, Neji
-.- Sept. 30 - Naruto and Iruka fly to Konoha
-.- Oct. 1 - dinner for Iruka
-.- Oct 3 - Naruto flies out of Konoha
-.- Oct 4 - early morning Ch. 4, Naruto and Hinata
-.- Oct 4 - afternoon Ch. 4, Tenten
-.- Oct 4 - evening Idate leaves Konoha
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**Ino is totally channeling Rarity in this story. #sorrynotsorry
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I started to do a bunch of research for the racing aspect of this story, but decided to save it for another tale. Ultimately I decided that the racing style in this story is more like NASCAR than Formula 1, as the races are longer and require a different kind of endurance. I'm kinda fascinated by the differences between the two, and if/when I pick up 'Racing Hearts' again, that will be a more 'Formula 1' setting. Not going to spend much time writing about the actual Kage Racing Circuit - I'll leave it to your imagination. Also, I now have this idea for either a 'Great Race' or 'Cannonball Run' AU, and I need to not have any more AU ideas... Bad Giada, bad.
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Thank you so much for your feedback - I've needed the love these last couple of weeks! Here's to 2017, friends!
-With a small heart brimming with gratitude,
- Giada