I'm so sorry for not updating in a long time. I was busy with school then I got hit with the flu the moment I had time to sit and write. But here you go. Thank you for your patience. The chapter might suck, been a while since I wrote... Reviews would be appreciated.

Rated E for Ermergerd.


Deep, brown, unblinking eyes stared up at the ceiling of the bedroom. There was nothing but the rays of light from the moon and shadows danced and warped into patterns which reminded her of movies she'd seen where a character would interpret the pictures they'd see in an inkblot test. Shapes moving and becoming one thing or another. What she thought was a town turned into two bears high-fiving, the shadows under the bears became unclear in shapes of darkness. It was becoming a strain to guess what her mind was creating with the images before her so she sat up and got off the bed, placing a nightgown on to cover herself. You never knew what sort of night workers would go out of their way to chance a peep so she wasn't taking any chances.

Tenten had been up two hours past her usual bed time and despite her body wanting rest, her mind was racing with thoughts she couldn't keep hold for long. How was everyone back in the village? Surely they were all busy with wedding preparations, Konoha business, missions or their students and jobs. Did Shikamaru and Temari make it to the big city yet? It had been over a week so maybe they'd just arrived. Who really was Nobunaga and why was he so scary? Tenten heard stories but she knew stories could be exaggerated or outright false to stoke a lord's ego. Did Temari and Shikamaru patch things up? Who will move in with who? Is Nene a natural cook or did she learn all her recipes from trial and error? Why was Hideyoshi so care free? Is Hanzo keeping watch right now or was he asleep? What was up with Gaara during the day?

She looked over at the closed door of her room and frowned. Gaara usually spoke to her for a bit before they parted to rest but that night he looked so confused and hurt. He gave her soft spoken "goodnight" she hardly heard before heading straight to his room. Nene had told her he must have been tired having to watch both Motochika and Saika during the day and Tenten halfheartedly agreed but had her doubts. Many who didn't know of Gaara would only see a cold, suspicious man. But Tenten knew better. She saw concern buried within his eyes and she felt something of a need to caress those feelings away. Although she was unsure of why she felt the need to comfort him, she chalked it up to it being worry for a close friend. When did she consider him a close friend? They only spoke for a few moments this past week when the mission officially started and several hours before it all began and yet he easily feel into her circle of people she cared for.

Unable to help a small smile work through the frown, she thought of how in less than ten years the man who was feared in Konoha, the one tailed beast who tried to kill Lee in his sleep would turn around and show a whole new man. Smart, considerate, kind, handsome. That's when she blushed and turned those thoughts away and began to look out the window of the patio connected to her room. She walked over and opened the large glass door, immediately sighing with content as the room began to cool off from the night air. There were soldiers positioned around the walls. She searched the darkness of the forest around her but saw no signs of Nene or her crew. "Must be asleep. I guess they patrol during the days while these guys get the night watch," she thought to herself.

Although she didn't hear it at first, Tenten could detect a faint noise not too far off into the distance. It wasn't the noise of soldiers nor was it some nocturnal creature like an owl or crickets. It had a calm rhythm and a beautiful melody. It took her a moment to realize it was a shamisen. It had been years since she last heard someone play one of those instruments; not since she went to watch a traveling Kabuki show with Gai and Lee when many were used for the music in the play. Taking several steps to reach the guard rail of the patio, she leaned out to search for where the noise was coming from. She peered out into the darkness and saw by the sakura trees, where she was with the gang earlier in the morning, sat Motochika playing the instrument. His eyes were closed and his fingers moved so fluidly. He didn't miss a single note as Tenten watched from afar.

So mesmerized by the music was she that Tenten didn't realize Motochika was staring right at her until he stopped playing and waved. She blushed red immediately and gave a small wave right back. Motochika motioned his head in a "come hither" motion to which Tenten turned away to debate her actions. She could be a good princess and stay atop her tower like Nene expects her to be or she could give herself a bit of freedom and come see the prince. It wasn't like she was getting any sleep anyway. Looking back at him with a smile, she nodded and gave him the open hand gesture to inform him to "give me five minutes" before she went back into her room to put on a light kimono to wear kimono.

Slipping out of the room was easy enough, there wasn't anyone around and she was light on her feet to not arouse any suspicion. The only fear she had was that maybe Hanzo was still awake and he'd report this to Nene but it was a chance she was willing to take as she made her way down the castle and out into the courtyard to Motochika. He greeted her with a smile as she sat beside him quietly and saw him begin to play the shamisen once more. The melody this time was melancholy and sad but had a hopeful undertone to it. Something Tenten thought of listening to the music was the whole world coming down and crashing on top of you, pushing all its weight on your shoulders but you're not alone. Friends, family, loved ones reaching out to help you push through and see to the end. It was too beautiful for words as he stopped and smiled at her.

"I hope it was to your liking, my Princess," his voice broke through the silence and Tenten gave him a nod of approval. "I'm glad. I don't often play it to strangers so I never know how well I am to conveying the emotions of my music to the listener. I play for Magoichi but he's always states it's good and never provides any criticism."

Tenten smiled and answered, "It was sad and yet it was full of hope. As though everything is telling me to give up and yet I can't help but feel like I'm being pulled forward to trying my best and not let anyone down. I think it was perfect... If uhh... that's what you were aiming for, anyway." She had forgotten for a moment she had to keep her answers vague to him. It was harder than she thought since she did want to be honest with him. He was a good guy and she felt terrible having to lie to the man when all he had was good intentions but this was the mission. She had to push back her own feelings and act out whatever answer the princess would give, which wasn't much to go off of.

All he did was give a chuckle and stood up to stretch his legs out, groaning in the process but with a smile on his face. She was a nice girl, beautiful on the outside and perhaps more on the inside. All those stories he heard were beginning to look like nothing but rumors as the woman who sat with him gave honest answers... that quickly changed, giving him a curious desire to really figure her out. He wanted to know her more, know what she really liked and disliked without the grey area she nestled herself into. He had hoped sometime soon before he had to leave, he'd figure her out more to the point of perhaps asking her about the marriage proposal and see if she was interested.

Offering his hand to her, Tenten tried to stand up, not noticing her foot was on top of cloth of her kimono. As she tried to pull herself up, she gasped as she fell back, taking Motochika along with her. She gasped out a "Woah!" as they fell down with a loud thud. Motochika catching himself just in time to not throw all his weight onto the young girl below. They were both red with embarrassment as they stared into the eyes of one another for a few moments but soon the prince's eyes went from shock to alert as he quickly jumped off and avoided a kunai from hitting his face.

"So this is where you were hiding, Princess Tokuhime."


Gaara had been up for a few hours which was normal for him since entering the residence, although today felt more troubling than usual for him to keep his thoughts focused. The redhead stared out into the night sky as he tried to keep his mind alert and his heart from feeling the strange ache he had experienced since Motochika arrived. He had no business in disliking the foreigner, he was performing his intended purpose, which was to court the princess into marriage. But it wasn't the princess he was speaking to, it was Tenten.

His eyes widened a bit to his realization that whatever he was feeling was due to Tenten's presence and the strong bond they forged in such little time. He didn't know a thing about her and that made him more annoyed than he had wished to be. When they spoke to one another, Tenten never spoke of any troubles she was involved in, always talking about her friends and what they were doing. Gaara didn't know anything about her aside from the fact that she was Lee's best friend, she fought his sister during the Chuunin exams, she was a part of the team to help rescue him from Akatsuki, she helped defeat a monster during the war and that she was always known as Konoha's Weapon Mistress. That wasn't personal enough for him. He wanted to know what foods she liked best, what was her favorite color, her hobbies and just everything about her. He hadn't ever met a female so shrouded in mystery and she wasn't even attempting to hide herself.

Thinking about the day, he knew that he wasn't being at his best behavior near his friend. Yes he was near by to protect her as the mission stated but he was failing her as a friend with his behavior since Motochika had appeared. Gaara was acting more distant and colder as he tried to quell whatever he felt raging within and took some of it out on Tenten when she did nothing to deserve it. She was playing her role as best she could but the looks she gave the prince stoked his anger and it did not quell when she smiled at him out of reassurance for herself. It wasn't just her safety he was concerned with but her feelings to the situation at hand.

What if she accidentally blew her cover to him to stop his advances? Of course she wouldn't risk the mission just for that. What if he tried to take her in some vile, manipulative way? No, as much as Gaara disliked the prince, he did not seem the type to do so especially within the walls of Nobunaga's home. What if Tenten were to fall for the prince?

Gaara clenched his hand into a fist at that thought and turned to look at the door. He needed to speak to Tenten to make sure that whatever were to happen in this mission, she would need to keep her personal feelings at bay... That was his excuse but Gaara wouldn't dare say he wanted clarity on Tenten's own thoughts about the Prince. He didn't know what he'd do or say if she said more than her fair share of fondness for him. The jealousy was rising in his heart as he opened the door to his room and walked over to Tenten's quarters.

He did not knock as he didn't want to alert anyone nearby as it would have seemed highly suspicious to see the body guard enter the princess's chambers in the dead of night. The door opened with no noise as he slipped inside and saw that Tenten was missing, the large doors to her patio completely open. Gaara tensed and ran to the open doors to see if he could find a trace of her. Peering out towards the walls, he saw no signs of forced entry within, the soldiers positioned all looked wide awake and alert. Perhaps she was still inside the gates? Frantically looking around, he heard a soft voice he would have easily missed if he hadn't been searching for it, Tenten's. Glancing down, he saw her on the ground with Motochika placed over her. That's when a dark haze clouded his eyes and he leaped into action. jumping down onto his sand Gaara landed and ran at a fast pace, throwing a kunai over to the male as he appeared before them.

"So this is where you were hiding, Princess Tokuhime."

Gaara's voice was ice cold and held nothing but hatred and bitterness as he spoke to them, "I was tasked to keep an eye out for you and make sure none are to harm you, that includes a Prince from another land." He had sand surround the area as he saw Motochika take the shamisen and hold it tight, ready to play the instrument. "Is that his weapon?" Gaara thought to himself as he motioned his fingers to move the sand closer to the Prince's feet.

"Enough, Lord Kazekage!" Tenten spoke out, glaring at the red head as she carefully picked herself up and stood between the men. "I came out on my own accord. I was being picked up by him and due to my clumsiness, fell back and dragged him down with me. Now put your sand away."

Gaara said nothing, calmed him composure and placed all the sand back into his gourd before stepping back into the darkness. He watched Tenten turn away from him, but not before catching the look of disappointment in her eyes as she glanced back at Motochika. "I'm sorry for that, I didn't tell him I left... I didn't mean for this to happen."

"No, princess, do not apologize. I'm just glad no one got hurt. Though I suppose that's enough excitement for one night, I'll take my leave back to my quarters before Magoichi decides to come out and check up on me too." He smiled and puts his shamisen down to lift Tenten's hand up and gave her knuckles a kiss. "Good night, my dear princess," he said as he began to walk away.

Once he was no where in sight, Tenten looked back at Gaara and shook her head in frustration. She began to walk back towards the castle and he followed along. The silence was what was killing them both. Gaara had overreacted but Tenten was also at fault for not telling him anything. He almost hurt if not outright tried to kill the prince but it was because of Tenten's carelessness that this whole thing had happened in the first place. Tenten didn't want to admit she was at fault but she wasn't completely the one to blame. Now she was feeling like a child who was going to be punished for shaving the dog. As they made it back to her room safe and sound, Tenten closed the door and went to her bed to fall face first into her pillows.

Gaara watched as she spoke into her pillows, all muffled and incomprehensible but he was sure she was cursing. He sighed, the anger within him did not die down but he needed to speak to her about how she could of almost ruin this mission in a calm manner. As he opened his mouth, he heard her voice softly speak out.

"I'm sorry I failed you Gaara." He saw her sit herself up and rub her the fatigue and what seemed like tears from her eyes. "I know I shouldn't of gone out without telling you. Heck, I shouldn't of gone out at all but I went against my better judgement. I was curious and I knew Motochika didn't mean any harm. I just wanted to listen to him play. I'm sorry."

Gaara said nothing to her. She apologized, she gave reasons for her actions and acknowledged that she shouldn't of done that but that did not seem like enough for him. Why did she even go out to meet him so late? Why didn't she tell him? Rubbing his temples, he turned away from her and began to walk towards the door. "I'll see you in the morning." He needed to stop himself from whatever outburst he felt coming on and the sooner out of her room the better. As he opened the door, he looked back into the eyes of a woman he wanted to comfort, "I apologize for the way I behaved as well. Good night, Tenten."

The morning came too early for Tenten. Nene was brimming with energy as she dressed her up as the Princess she was meant to impersonate. Going for a more aquatic feel, her kimono base was a shade of royal blue with various shades of lighter blues making the shapes of waves. The sleeves of her dress had various colored koi fish swimming around in no particular pattern. The make up she wore had her feeling like some mermaid or some sort of fish creature. White as ever for the base, sea green eyeshadow, lighter green blush with a blue green lipstick. Her headdress was silver this time with pearls and small sapphires embedded into it in a swirling pattern. Tenten hated looking so... themed.

She grimaced at the mirror when Nene finished and went out to greet Gaara outside of her room. From there, the same morning pattern began but this time she couldn't even talk to Hanbei or Nene's three boys so openly while Magoichi and Motochika ate with them. They sat in silence and it was unnerving as she looked over at Gaara who was looking at Motochika with an intent stare. She looked over at the prince who was staring at her. Looking away quickly, she glanced at Hanbei who appeared bored out of his mind, that is until Kanbei walked in and asked for his assistance. The young boy perked up but gave a hard mocking sigh as he bid farewell to everyone and left the room. Tenten couldn't help but giggle slightly at the sight of it. That boy was completely smitten with that old man. She knew it was odd pair, a young boy still in his teens after a man who had more than enough gray hair but she couldn't help but find it endearing more so than creepy. Love did take all sorts of forms.

The day had passed on with ease. Magoichi told stories of his duties as the leader of the Crows of Saika, Motochika spoke of some adventures they had while traveling around the land. Nene had stories herself of a few scuffles and battles she had with her husband, Hideyoshi. It was interesting but she made it sound like love was what won the day rather than her skilled mastery with her blades and Hideyoshi's ambition to prove himself to Nobunaga. Not to mention the stories she had when she first met her sons, which included a small summary of how Hanzo was added into the fray of her family despite him never asking or agreeing to the idea of having Nene as a mother figure.

Masanori, Kiyomasa and Mitsunari were "volunteered" by Nene to spar with Gaara. Tenten watched as her good friend battled her new friends in what seemed like a never ending charade of shenanigans. The three boys couldn't get close enough to Gaara to attack head on, the Kazekage using his sand to push them away as they tried to pounce him one by one. They all yelled and mocked one another as they all tried and failed to get within 20 feet of the sand ninja. Gaara found it amusing how they didn't treat this so much as a sparring match as it was a now a contest of "whoever manages to get the closest would not do chores for a week". He never knew three warriors, all of which had strengths to cover each other's weaknesses, to be so hell bend on proving themselves the best.

Motochika and Magoichi watched the young redhead move the sand with ease and were impressed to note how much sand he could fit and wear on the gourd he wore. It must of weighed a hundred pounds but the man didn't seem overburdened with carrying it all day. "I'd like to give a battle with him a try," the prince said to the princess. Tenten nodded her head, unsure of what to tell him. That Gaara was a vicious fighter and would easily tear the arena apart if he didn't worry about the bystanders but seeing as how Tenten knew nothing of Motochika's fighting ability, she couldn't rule him off as being defeated so quickly. Watching them all having fun with their weapons, running around and doing crazy stunts made Tenten envious again and Motochika noticed the look in her eyes as he watched her. He'd need to find a way to see that face smile once more for him and he had an idea of how. He'd need Magoichi's help to do it.


When it came down to dinner, Tenten never understood the ordeal of making the food look like a work of art. But there it stood staring at her and for some strange reason, she just couldn't help but not touch it. The fish laid out on her dish was posed in a way as if it stopped mid jump, the tail decorated in sauces that shined in various colors, making it seem as if it were splashing. Still moving... Still alive... That really didn't appease her appetite. Sometimes, simplicity was all that was needed for a meal. It didn't help either that not only was Gaara staring at her, but also Nene, Magoichi, a few maids and servants ready to refill a glass if need be. Looking up at the handsome guest that sat across from her, she saw the look in Motochika's eyes and she guessed he thought the same of the meal.

It was still so hard to believe this man was a prince when all Tenten could think of is "rock star". Even though he was very kind and charming, knew his table manners, spoke knowledgeably on various subjects she didn't even know existed his entire appearance still just screamed "I'm going to party like a rock star!" The thought made Tenten giggle gently which caused the prince to smile at her with a tilt of his head in confusion. "Is there something on your mind, Princess Tokuhime?"

Tenten looked down at her food with an embarrassed flush over her face. She wanted to tell him but she thought it would be rude of a princess to say it out right. "Remember... The princess is kind and caring and wants to make others happy. Don't suck it up!" After she calmed herself from that split moment, she poked at her food once before saying, "Even though this meal looks impressive, I felt like maybe some dumplings would of been enough to-"

"You heard Lady Tokuhime!"

"Quickly, get some dumplings! Don't make her wait!"

Tenten looked over at the hustle to see the maids and servants scrambling to grab at their plates and replace them with new ones. She and Motochika appeared confused of the whole situation. Her eyes went from a random servant yelling out "Get some Dumplings!" to Gaara who looked horrified to see the staff members move at high speed at the thought of the princess not satisfied with her meal. She wanted to show his expression but instead kept a somewhat calm manner. "Oh dear... I didn't mean to cause a fuss."

"Haha, it seems to me like they would like nothing more than to please you, Princess. I'm happy to know you're always taken care of with all your needs," he laughed and watched as the table now had a spread of steamed dumplings covering the table. He couldn't help but look at the flustered princess who tried to keep a calm head as she took a bite of the new meal and smiled in approval.

"I think I could get used to this lifestyle... Sorta." Magoichi said aloud and winked at Tenten then Nene. "Beautiful women to keep me company during dinner, being waited on hand and foot, but I think after a while it would get boring. Where's the challenge and satisfaction?"

"I believe the satisfaction comes from the fact that your ancestors worked hard to make it to this lifestyle. How much they sacrificed, bled and crawled to make it here. I think I'd rather be given food than starve out from a failed hunt." Tenten replied as she finished her steamed bun and wiped her lips with a napkin cloth.

"Spoken like a true Princess. Now my lady, it's time to get yourself ready for bed. Let's go prepare a warm milk bath and get you set." Nene said as she motioned her hands for the maids to start clearing up the dishes and leftover foods that would be going to some of the other workers and pigs in the pen. Everyone stood and Tenten bowed to the Prince and his guardian, they in turn did the same to the two women and the Kazekage.

Just as Tenten was about to walk away, she heard Magoichi call to her. Looking back, he walked over with a smile, Motochika looked away with a bit of a pink hue on his face as his companion gave Tenten a handshake. "Thanks for everything, by the way, princess. Accepting us and giving us a warm bed and a belly full of food. I think I shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth and what you said was true. I would rather have food given to me than go starving due to a failed hunt." He let her hand go and Tenten nodded her head as she gave him a smile. She had felt the piece of paper in her hand he slipped to her when he gave her the handshake and she knew it had to come from the prince. She was eager to read it out of prying eyes, curious to what it could hold. Hiding it out of sight from Gaara and Nene's gaze while she walked to her room. Gaara simply watched as she and Nene entered her room and he went off to his own to also take a shower.

Nene was oblivious and while she was getting the bath ready, Tenten slipped the paper from under her kimono sleeve to under the pillows she slept on. She undressed and slid into the warm milk before Nene could catch an eye of her. "Geez, someone is eager tonight!" The older woman commented as she undressed herself and went into the bath with her. "So tell me what you think of them? The Prince and Magoichi. They seem nice. Sadly I don't think they might be up to par for the princess's real taste."

"What is her real taste to guys?"

"Even I don't know completely. She goes for the guys that don't seem like they'd get a lot of attention." Nene began to motion her hands like claws, "She usually pounces and has crushes on those types because they seem like they'd give her the most attention but just when you think she'd say yes to marriage, she drops 'em for a guy who doesn't even fit the personality scale of the last one. It's frustrating!" Nene sighed and smiled right back to Tenten. "So do you have any crushes on anyone back home?"

Tenten shook her head furiously and laughed, "No way! No guy in my village ever finds me interesting. Too many exotic beauties and they all happen to be my friends. Ino is a gorgeous blond with flawless skin and hypnotic blue eyes. She's the girl every other girl wishes they could be. A nice figure and a great sense of fashion. It's just her personality is very straight forward and she can scare a lot of guys away from being intimidating. Hinata is the very image of a doll come to life. She is so pale but has the perfect body. Her hair is long and silky smooth. She is shy but can stand up to anyone when pushed and she's extremely nice and sweet! She's getting married to the Hokage in a few months. Sakura has cool green eyes and pink hair. She's smart, punctual, a nurse and can really kick butt. She was trained by Tsunade, one of the three Sannin, and is friends with everyone in the entire village. Several of my guy friends had crushes on her and one is going out with her now but still she had admirers. Compare them to me and I might as well be a sack of potatoes."

"Hey now! Don't you talk like that!" Nene scolded to her, giving off her motherly aura once more as she spoke to the young girl. "You may think that way about yourself but don't believe that people won't take interest to you. I've only known you a little over a week and I can already tell you're special and attractive in your own way. On the outside you have a wonderful figure. Your muscled are toned and that tan you have looks amazing. You have brown eyes that show a lot of courage, strength and wisdom. Your hair is soft and easy to work with, you have natural beauty so you don't need all that stuff on your face to look good. I don't want to brag but I used to have a body quite like yours when I was much younger!" Did that mean Tenten would also get a behind as outstanding as Nene's? "On the inside I can see someone who is smart, kind, has a sense of humor and can get along with anyone easily. You are a tomboy for sure, I could tell from the day I met you but that's never a bad thing. You can take a challenge and tackle it head on with little standing in your way. You just have insecurities that don't have justification. You're perfect just the way you are and I'm positive you have some guys looking at you. Maybe you're just not noticing them!"


After washing off and saying goodnight to Nene, Tenten laid on her bed and thought about what Nene had told her. Maybe she did have a crush on someone, but how could one tell a crush from just simple admiration? Who would have a crush on her anyway? She'd think about it another time. Reaching under her pillow, she found the slip of paper and opened it to see the words "Come by the sakura trees three hours after bedtime. I have something important to show you. It won't take long. Please don't tell anyone, just for royal eyes only. - Motochika" Tenten looked out of her window then over to her door. Last time she went off she got in trouble by Gaara, should she tell him she got the message? There was no real harm to go down for a few minutes and it was important... "Well, it's really quick and the trees are just a moment away. I'm sure I can slip in and out of there without anyone being the wiser. Okay mister prince, I'll see you then!"