CCNote: Hey y'all! Heres another installment in our sequel. I wonder how many people guessed correctly for the subject for today? This chapter was a challenge to write and I'm not all the way satisfied with it but it is necessary to get to the next chapter.
To reviewers wondering about Sakura: She hasn't disappeared from the story. Her role will come into play very soon.
To reviewers wondering about Itachi and Hanabi's relationship: Up to this point, just like last time, their relationship is open to your own interpretation. If you don't like ItaHana that's fine. It's definitely not ItaHana. If you do like ItaHana that's also cool cuz it's sooo ItaHana. It's whatever you want it to be. It will change definitively one way or the other later on in the story (feel free to speculate) but we are nowhere near that point and I'm not telling.
To reviewers wondering about the story title and chapters: The title of this story came to me in a dream so I ran with it. There's no real meaning behind it but the chapter titles will give you a hint at what the chapter will be about. (Example: D is for High Society; Ino vs the snobby moms. F is for Regrets; Sasuke vs (potential regrets) Work/Family life and Hiashi vs his own (very real) regrets)
Important: This story is non-linear. It dips in and out of the lives of all of the characters/storylines from SwtE. So in order to not be confused please pay attention to date, time, and location stamps. It will help you keep things in order.
Excuse all mistakes, I do go back and change them eventually.
As always please don't forget to leave a REVIEW. They are literally what keeps me writing this story! Enjoy!
G is for Traditions
Saturday, April 3, 2019, 11:10 am
Higawa Shrine
...
"Hold still."
"I am holding still. I can't even move!"
"You're breathing, that's moving."
Tenten wanted to huff at the statement but instead held her breath and prayed that this would be over quickly. As she watched Hinata's nimble fingers skillfully fold and tuck the copious layers of expensive fabric around her body she knew that finishing quickly was an unlikely outcome. Hinata might be good but there were still more cords and fabric littering the tatami floor around them. While Hinata was wrestling with her kimono, Ino was trying to put her makeup together, something the martial arts instructor rarely ever bothered with. It was too much of a hassle to paint her face every day like most women did and Tenten liked to think of herself as more practical than that. The less time she spent preening the more time she had to practice.
However, today was a special day and necessary for her to have the patience to actually get dolled up. It was her wedding day after all and as such, it required an exception to her self-imposed 'no-preening' rule. As Ino's steady hand lined her eyes and curled her eyelashes she hoped that she didn't look like a hot mess. She wasn't the prettiest girl growing up, in fact, she'd been mistaken for a boy on more than one occasion. It wasn't until she hit puberty and started developing more feminine features that men started to recognize the fact that she was a girl. They still weren't interested in her all that much. They just recognized the fact that she had boobs but that never stopped her from kicking their ass.
"There." Ino said, placing one last flick of gloss across her former roommate's lips. " I must say, I've outdone myself."
Tenten rolled her eyes as Ino moved out of the way of the mirror and when she caught her reflection, her breath caught in her throat. Her brown eyes looked bigger, brighter and her eyebrows were perfect. Her lips had been painted a shade of red that complemented her complexion nicely and didn't overpower her face. She'd been afraid that Ino would go overboard but this...this was...
"Beautiful." Hinata said breathlessly as she straightened her back to stand next to Tenten. "You look absolutely stunning Ten!"
Tenten blushed at her best friend's praise. Beautiful was not a word she would normally use to describe herself. Rough? Yes. Hard-headed? Yes. Beautiful? No...never in a million years. She could barely recognize the woman staring back at her in the mirror. This foreign woman standing before her in an elaborately embroidered wedding kimono worth more than she'd made in her lifetime. Was this really her? What would Neji think would he saw her? Would he even recognize her? Would he like what he saw?
Ino and Hinata tag teamed wrapping the heavy obi around her, cinching the material around her waist. With each addition to her attire she was beginning to resemble the past Hyuuga matriarchs more and more but on the inside, she felt like an imposter. She'd poured over the Hyuuga archives and explored aspects of the clan's history that were obscure to even Neji when she made mention of them. The Hyuuga were an ancient and noble clan and with that came many responsibilities.
In the past women were bred to become the matriarch of the main house. From their first steps, they were taught how they would fulfill their future duties to their clan and to their husband. They were taught how to walk just slightly behind him and how to eat with small bites. They were never to talk back to their husbands and a challenge to their authority was seen as a blight on their union. From how to sleep to how to bear children, it was all extensively recorded in the Hyuuga's long history. The information was overwhelming. It weighed on her shoulders more than this heavy kimono. Was she right for Neji? Could she handle this?
Click!
A bright flash in the mirror made Tenten squint her eyes and turn towards the culprit which of course was Ino. The blonde was smiling broadly as Hinata pulled the bride's arms through her heavy white haori.
"Don't glare Tenten. You'll ruin your wedding photos." Ino chided and Tenten sent her a half-hearted grimance. "That's a terrible face!"
"Almost done!" Hinata said as she finally reached for Tenten's wataboshi.
The large white hat was placed carefully on the bride's head and then promptly secured with what felt like a million bobby pins. When Hinata was finally satisfied with her work she took a step back with her hands clasped tightly over her heart. Her pale lavender eyes welled up with tears and Tenten couldn't help but feel concern for her emotional friend.
"Oh, Hina!" Tenten started worriedly. "What's wrong?"
She tried to move towards the crying Hyuuga but found the kimono she wore to be so stiff that it kept her from moving quickly. Hinata sniffed and shook her head, a quivering smile on her lips.
"I'm just so happy!" She said and quickly wiped her eyes. "N-Neji finally has someone on his side."
"Hinata-" Ino said softly wrapping an arm around the Hyuuga's petite shoulders.
"I'm sorry for crying. I...I just feel a little overwhelmed."
Tenten nodded, the sting of tears springing to her own eyes as well. She understood exactly what her best friend was trying to convey. Neji had lost both of his parents when he was very young. After that, he was tasked with looking after Hinata and later on Hanabi. He was supposed to make sure that no harm came to them while they were in school and that they always kept their grades up. Neji was the one that packed their lunches and dropped them off at school. Neji was the one the girls went to for advice and who was their support system. Not once did he complain about his role as their overprotective mother hen. That was just the kind of guy he was. However, while Neji was enmeshed in his cousins' lives he was still alone. While he cared for others there was never someone for him to lean on. There was never an outlet for his own emotions or someone to support him.
That is until today.
When she'd found out more about Neji's background she was able to relate to him on a level she never thought was possible. Even though she also didn't have parents Neji's loss was worse in her opinion. She'd never known her parents but Neji had. He'd known the love of a mother and a father. To have that ripped away caused him to close in on himself and not let anyone in. Letting others in meant letting others hurt you. It meant that at some point you'd lose them.
"Don't you dare cry Tenten!" Ino hissed as she wiped some of her own tears away. "I'll have to redo your makeup! Don't cry!"
The brunette let out a sound halfway between a laugh and a choked cry, fanning her eyes to keep from having Ino bring her torture devices near her face again. She wasn't a crier but dammit Hinata was contagious!
"Has Sakura made it in yet?" Tenten asked, seeking to change the subject into lighter territory.
Ino shook her head and Hinata stiffened a bit.
"No. She called this morning...I...I didn't want to say anything unless you asked." Ino said. "She wasn't able to book her flight back in time... but she sends her love. She also sent a wedding gift which I think you'll get after the honeymoon."
Tenten nodded her head, her wataboshi moving along with her. Sakura had left Konoha a couple of weeks after the dojo's showcase. Something about 'finding herself' whatever that meant. Tenten didn't really understand but she let Sakura go with little fuss. Ino, on the other hand, had been very upset. She'd only just gotten her best friend back and she was already leaving again. She had expected Sakura to stay and help her through her pregnancy like a best friend would but that's not how it panned out. She didn't even return for the Uzumaki's small elopement ceremony or the birth of Ito. Ino took most of it in stride as the weeks turned into months but Tenten could tell that even now, over a year later, Ino still felt abandoned.
"Knock, Knock!" A cheery voice called from the doorway.
The three inhabitants of the room all turned to see Hanabi smiling broadly in the doorway. Her long brown hair was actually curled in tamed ringlets and she wore a simple yellow tea dress that complimented her slender figure nicely.
"Hanabi!" Hinata gasped and raced to the door. She wrapped her arms around her little sister and pulled her in close.
"Himanba!" The teen said as she was being smothered in her sister's affection.
Sensing the fact that she was suffocating Hanabi, Hinata let her go. Tenten giggled as a blush of embarrassment stained the elder's cheeks only to evaporate when Hanabi threw her arms around her neck.
"I missed you too." She said before letting her sister go and turning her attention towards Tenten. "Wow! Are you sure you want to marry Neji? You could do a lot better you know?"
"Hanabi!" Hinata chided but Tenten and Ino only laughed at the remark.
"Well hello to you too Hanabi." Tenten said. "Long time no see. How's your first semester going?"
Hanabi shrugged her shoulders at Tenten's question and glanced back at the door to the dressing room.
"Is it cool if I hide out here until it's time to start?" The Hyuuga asked. "Everyone out there is a stick in the mud."
"I wish we could say yes but it's time to get a move on." Ino laughed. "We've to get this show on the road!"
….
Saturday, April 3, 2019, 12:01 pm
Higawa Shrine
...
Higawa Shrine was nestled in the middle of downtown Konoha's historic district. It was said that the entire town had been built around this shrine. Despite the many wars that had taken place over the centuries and the natural disasters that had decimated the surrounding area, Higawa Shrine always remained. Somehow, even though it was located in the center of a sprawling metropolis, the shrine itself was untouched by outside noise. Lush greenery hung from the rafters, contrasting immensely against the bright red and gold paint of the shrine's buildings.
Carefully Tenten stepped out of the building she had been getting ready in. Her kimono was so heavy she wondered how Hinata wore these death traps so often. Across the courtyard, on a pavilion opposite to hers, was Neji and the sight of him made her forget all of her wardrobe woes. He stood staring straight ahead, his expression in its usual unreadable state. He wore an all black hakama and haori with the Hyuuga crest embroidered in white on the ends of his sleeves. His hair which was usually tied back in a low ponytail now hung loosely around his shoulders and lending an even more regal air to his appearance. Underneath the sleeves of her kimono, Tenten pinched the skin on the back of her left hand just to make sure she wasn't dreaming.
Down in the center of the courtyard, the Hyuuga clan was gathered to bear witness to their union. White eyes divided their attention between their new matriarch and their future head. Tenten gulped, none of their eyes looked friendly but as Hyuuga, they kept their disdain under wraps. Tenten couldn't blame them. Who had ever heard of a complete and utter nobody marrying into such a prestigious clan? In all of the records she'd come across she'd never found a matriarch that had a similar background to her. Pipes and flutes began to fill the air, cueing Neji and Tenten to walk down the steps of their pavilions into the courtyard.
Tenten's heart began to beat wildly in her chest as her feet led the way into the courtyard. Was she ready for this? Could she handle this? She met Neji halfway into the courtyard, his back stiff and eyes hard. He looked every bit the role of the Hyuuga head that he was supposed to be. She felt like an imposter. She wasn't supposed to be here. She was supposed to be in the dojo sparring with Lee or wrapping her bleeding knuckles with gauze. She was supposed to be the bridesmaid never the bride. She was an orphan who was more than content with the small life she'd eeked out for herself in Konoha. She was not supposed to be marrying into one of the most powerful clans here.
The music around them faltered a bit and Tenten was torn from her thoughts. Her face began to turn red as she realized that they'd been standing in the middle of the courtyard for far too long. Awkward coughs and sniffles were heard among the crowd and her heart felt like it would leap out of her chest. That is until she noticed the pale hand being extended to her. She stared the hand, utterly surprised by its appearance, but placed her hand in his. There were murmurs and gasps throughout the assembled crowd. They weren't supposed to be touching. This was against all of the rules for the ceremony. Neji's fingers intertwined with hers and the sounds of outrage faded away. All that she could think about was how warm his rough hand felt in hers.
Together they turned to face a four-hundred-year-old ginkgo tree where a small raised platform held the shrine's head priest who would be officiating their union. To the priest's right sat Hiashi Hyuuga and on his left was Gai. The bushy-browed man was all smiles and pride as he threw a thumbs up at the couple's approach. Tenten had to stifle her own laughter at the man's exuberance. Seeing Gai sit up in a place of honor next to Hiashi Hyuuga no less was quite the comical sight. Neji squeezed her hand gently, leading her down to sit in the seiza position before the priest. As the head priest started his prayer Tenten squeezed Neji's hand back and realized that her heartbeat had returned to normal. She might not be the most conventional choice for Hyuuga matriarch but she was going to be Neji's wife. She could handle that.
This stick in the mud that knew how to sew up holes in his own socks and always looked out for others before himself. From now on he would have someone looking out for him. The bride snuck a glance at her groom's stoic face as he listened intently to the head priest's words. Yes. From now on she would be the one looking out for him.
….
Saturday, April 3, 2019, 5:15 pm
Magnolia Hotel
...
The ballroom their reception was to be held in was decorated impeccably. White and silver silks were draped from the ceiling, decked out in strings of pearls and crystals. Large circular tales were scattered throughout the room draped in white linens with large centerpieces of crystal vases and red roses. At the front of the room on a raised platform was where the long head table was situated. Tenten and Neji sat as straight as boards as they regarded their friends and family intermingling below. So far things were going pretty well but it was only a matter of time before Lee found his way to the open bar. The newlywed couple hoped to be far away before they had to bear witness to that.
Underneath the table, she tapped the side of Neji's thigh, a silent plea to find out how much longer they'd have to sit up on this dreadful pedestal. Her husband didn't answer her. Instead, he took her hand and intertwined their fingers together. While she enjoyed holding Neji's hand that only meant that they weren't getting up from the table anytime soon. It wouldn't be so bad if they had better company. The Hyuuga elders were a...dry bunch to put it mildly. They were even more subdued now that the marriage contract had been signed and she was officially a Hyuuga now. Speaking out against their future head's new wife was something even they wouldn't dare to do.
Clink clink clink
"May I have everyone's attention." Hiashi's voice boomed over the cavernous room and its occupants fell quiet. Once satisfied that all eyes were on him, Hiashi placed his fork back on the table and raised his glass to the newlyweds on the other end of the table.
"Thank you all for coming to bear witness to this joyous occasion. The union of my nephew and his wife Tenten."
Polite applause spread over the room although Tenten could distinctly hear Lee's enthusiastic clapping over the din of the others.
"The mantle of the head is a heavy one to bear. Your wife must be there to bear the load with you for it is too heavy to hold alone. Trust in one another. Confide in each other. Above all else ensure that every day you work to strengthen the clan and your bond." Hiashi continued and he raised his glass to his lips. "To many long years together."
The crowd raised their glasses as well and toasted to their union. Tenten bowed from her seat respectfully to her new father-in-law. It was strange to refer to him as such and she wasn't quite comfortable around him. It always felt like he was judging her and if she had to place bets Neji was likely shielding her from his outright criticism. His toast had been sweet though...in a distant Hyuugaesque way so that meant he was trying right? She felt Neji squeeze her hand from under the table before releasing it. He stood up and Tenten gratefully followed suit. She was eager to mingle with the few people who were friendly here.
It didn't take long for many of her allies to surround her either. Hanabi immediately skipped over and pulled Tenten into a hug much to the brunette's surprise.
"You're my sister now so we are in this together." She said with a devious smile. Tenten glanced at Neji who's brows were now furrowed. "There are some things you should know now that you're trapped. First, he takes forever to shower in the morning. His hair is his lifeforce so if you cut even a little bit of it he's powerless. Also if you flush the toilet while she's in the shower-"
"Hanabi." Neji said sternly cutting his cousin off.
"What?" The teen asked innocently and Tenten couldn't help but laugh.
"Please don't listen to her. It appears she hasn't matured much since she's been at school."
"Oh look how the mighty Hyuuga have fallen." An enthusiastic voice called behind them.
Kiba Inuzuka threw his arms around both Neji and Tenten's necks and rested his chin on Neji's shoulder. Tenten wrinkled her nose at his close proximity. He reeked of booze already. Tenten slid out from under the man's hold while Neji removed his arm from his own shoulders.
"Good evening Kiba." Neji said politely and the Inuzuka grinned.
"Congratulations man. You now have an ole ball and chain." Kiba laughed and turned to Tenten. "Did you know he would stare at you constantly when you worked in that coffee shop? He looked like a sad little puppy."
Tenten and Hanabi laughed at Kiba's imitation of Neji's pining face but the man in question did not take the jest very lightly. Tenten shook her head and placed a hand on Neji's arm. He was less tense once she touched him but he still didn't look comfortable in Kiba's presence. Kiba didn't seem to care since his attention was enraptured with the teen who was struggling to keep in her laughter.
"And you are?" He asked smoothly, stepping away from Tenten and Neji to grab Hanabi's hand. Before Neji could stop him he brought her hand to his lips and kissed it.
"Too young for you and not interested." Neji snapped and Kiba dropped Hanabi's hand.
"You can't keep all the women for yourself Neji. You're married now." Kiba teased and threw a wink at Hanabi before handing her his business card. "Call me sometime."
Kiba then walked away, seeing another group in the distance he could worm his way into. Neji narrowed his eyes at the business card in Hanabi's hand and the teen rolled her eyes.
"Don't worry I'm not going to fuck any of your friends." She said with a smirk and tore Kiba's card in half. "Scouts honor."
Then she flitted off into the crowd before Neji could chide her for her language or give her a lesson on her behavior. Tenten only smiled and shook her head. Hanabi was going to give Neji a heart attack before he turned forty. Her husband looked down at her with tired eyes, clearly not finding amusement with this situation. He didn't have much time to think about it more before they were swarmed with more well-wishers.
As the hours ticked by Tenten found it harder and harder to pay attention to what other people were saying to them. Even keeping her eyes open was a struggle. As the last great aunt twice removed finished her long winded story Tenten tugged at the edge of Neji's sleeve and looked pointedly towards the door that led to the gardens. Her husband breathed a sigh of relief and led her as swiftly as he could outside before anyone else cornered them. Once they had made it through the sliding glass doors to the hotel's garden it felt as though a large weight had been lifted off her shoulders. She took a deep breath and spread her arms out wide, thoroughly enjoying the rather balmy night air. Neji chuckled next to her at her antics.
"Man it feels good to stretch." Tenten groaned as she tried to stretch out her stiff muscles. There wasn't much she could do in her kimono but it was better than nothing.
"Let's go for a walk." Neji suggested which caused Tenten to look at him like he'd grown a second head. She'd never known Neji to be one who would slack off from their duty. "The open bar has been rather busy. I doubt anyone will know we're missing for a while. We'll go back in when we're done."
Tenten nodded her head in agreement but her peace was shortlived.
"Oh no!" Tenten gasped. "Lee!"
The bride and groom quickly turned around and sure enough, they could see Lee up to his usual drunken antics. Hyuugas young and old were watching with a mixture of awe and horror at Lee who was juggling several crystal vases and sharp cutlery. Tenten prayed at he didn't break anything. She looked up to Neji who was pinching the bridge of his nose and trying to resist the urge to stop Lee. Tenten let out an exasperated sigh at the scene. They really should have thought to designate someone as Lee's keeper for the night. At this point, all they could do was back away slowly and pretend like they didn't see anything.
Sensing that as their best option, Tenten pulled Neji away from the door and he allowed her to guide him down to the steps to the garden pathway. As the light from the faded away so did her anxiety. She wrapped her arm around Neji's and leaned her head against his shoulder as they walked through the well-cultivated gardens. Their clothing trailed behind them in the grass but neither one of them cared much, although Tenten knew that the Hyuuga seamstresses would give her an earful when they saw the grass stains.
"Ah, ya bastard. You never let me have any fun."
"Shut up you idiot."
Tenten and Neji looked at each other curiously as they heard the voices of their friends behind some of the tall hedges next to them. What in the world were they doing out here? As quickly as their bulky clothing would allow, the newlyweds made their way to the other side of the bush. There they found Sasuke, Hinata, Naruto, and Ino sitting on the grass with their backs against the bushes. Ino was snuggled between Naruto's legs and was using his suit jacket as a makeshift blanket while Sasuke and Hinata were much more content to just sit next to each other. Empty beer cans and wine bottles were scattered around them and the four didn't even notice the newlyweds approach until Neji's foot kicked an empty beer can. Ino nearly jumped out of her skin but settled back down when she realized who they were.
"Oh, it's only you guys." She sighed and picked up a beer can from a bag next to Naruto. The blonde woman handed Tenten the beer and she eagerly accepted it. She hadn't had anything to drink all night.
"Only us?" Tenten snorted as she took a seat on the grass next to Hinata. Grass stains be damned. "The last I checked we were the main event."
It was a little difficult to get low to the ground with all of the stiffly folded material she had on but somehow she landed with little damage to herself or others.
"Oh! You look sooo handsome Neji." Hinata said, her words slightly slurring together as she spoke. She was cradling a half-empty bottle of cabernet to her chest which Sasuke slipped from her possession took a long swig of. "Like a million bucks."
"Come sit with us Neji! It's a party!" Naruto cheered and Neji rolled his eyes.
Tenten could see him debating in his mind whether to ditch the rest of the wedding or to remain outside. While he had a sense of duty to try to stick it out for the rest of the night, all of Tenten's willpower had slipped away. The moment she'd gotten a taste of fresh air it was going to take an army to force her to go back inside. Tenten smirked and offered Neji her beer. He should have never brought her outside. With a huff, he sat down next to her and Naruto cheered. Ino passed her another beer and Tenten gratefully cracked it open. The slightly warm hoppy liquid slid past her lips and made her muscles relax instantly. Three more of these and she might actually find the members of the Hyuuga clan enjoyable company. Naruto whooped as she and Neji finished their first beers and immediately went for more.
"Keep it down idiot or you'll draw attention." Sasuke groaned and elbowed Naruto in his side.
"Blah, blah, blah." Naruto mocked which made Ino and Hinata giggle.
"Do you think he's funny Hyuuga?" Sasuke asked Hinata and the pale-eyed woman blushed. She shook her head no but the drunken smile was still plastered on her face.
"Don't be jealous Sasuke. I'm naturally funnier than you."
"Hn. There's nothing to be jealous of. No one is laughing with you. They're laughing at you."
Naruto leaned closer to Sasuke and rested his head on his shoulder. The Uchiha glared at him but was too tired to shake him off.
"You're jealous. Just admit it."
"Shut up Naruto."
"I'll take that as a 'yes, Naruto, you are the greatest most funniest person and I'm totally jealous of you'."
Everyone laughed at that statement except Sasuke of course who did not find Naruto funny at all. Even Neji cracked a small smile. Tenten nudged his shoulder a bit with her own and his smile got a little bigger. After a few more beers they popped open a bottle of champagne Naruto had pilfered from the bar and passed it around between the six of them. When the last of the champagne was gone Tenten slumped further against Neji's side, enjoying the playful banter of her friends and the peacefulness of the gardens.
It was rather odd for all of them to be huddle together in hiding given the history they had between one another. If someone had asked her when she first came to Konoha where she would see herself it definitely wouldn't be here. Fancy dinners and expensive kimonos just weren't her thing but if she had to slog through it she would. As long as she had people like this in her life it would all be worth it.
Tenten looked over at her friends and was unsurprised to find that they had all fallen asleep. They had been drinking long before she and Neji had arrived and were likely exhausted from their usual parental duties. Tonight their children were in the care of some poor Hyuuga branch member and while they should be making the most of their freedom they had drank until they passed out. Tenten smiled as she observed the four of them slumped together. Both of Sasuke's shoulders had been taken up as pillows by Hinata and Naruto, the latter of the two softly snoring in the raven's ear. Ino had pulled Naruto's jacket up so high that she could only see the top of her blonde head resting against the Uzumaki's chest. Tenten turned her head away from them to look at Neji who was taking another sip of his beer. She leaned over and kissed his cheek, a subtle warmth passed between the two of them.
"This is nice." She said and Neji grumbled next to her.
"We've spent all this money on a wedding and we aren't even apart of it." He said with a shake of his head.
"Hmmmm. I think I like this better." Tenten shrugged and cuddled into his side a bit more. "Admit it, you do too."
"We should have eloped like you suggested."
Tenten giggled and leaned into his side. She would have loved to have gotten eloped but hell would have frozen over before the Hyuuga elders allowed that to happen to their head. With a shrug of her shoulders, she closed her eyes as Neji pulled her in closer to his side.
"One day you'll learn that I'm always right."
To be continued...
H is for Growth
"Well, I've never been given an actual choice to decide what I want. Everything that's been given to me are things that I'm supposed to want. I've never had time to figure out what I really like, just what I don't."