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Here's the new chapter.

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Chapter 8-The Star: White, Part 1


The mornings after performances were always quiet with contentment. During the weeks between performances, Tenten found herself getting apparently much needed sleep. Takara was kind enough to get her a room at an inn across the road from the theater. She was always well rested by the end of the week and ready to dance for two straight nights.

The first month of performances went by slowly, without any mistakes or hecklers. Each viewing housed a completely full audience. The second month was well received by the audience as well, though Tenten and the other dancers were beginning to get weary. Takara, however, only grew more excited.

One afternoon, she swept into the theater where they were all gathered in an excited frenzy. "Girls, Haru," she said with a wide smile, "I am pleased to announce that tomorrow's performance is private." Many of the dancers began to clap and laugh among each other, while Tenten sat naively.

"Why is that important?" She asked. Takara giggled softly. "Private performances are expensive. We are paid more; the audiences are smaller and richer. We are all ensured great bonuses. The host means to have a gala event that includes the first half of Megami. The next night, we will finish the opera and they'll finish their little party. Oh! I love sponsored events!"

"Why can't they just see a regular performance?" Tenten asked. "The rich can't mingle with the plebeian, dear," Takara murmured dismissively.

The theater was cleared out to make space for only two hundred viewers when the room could seat up to one thousand. The back of the room was decorated with long tables that would be covered with fancy snacks and drinks for the viewers to enjoy during the performance. In the lobby, twenty tables of ten were set for them to enjoy a light meal before the show and socialize with the people in attendance. Overall, the guests were expected to arrive at five in the evening, Megami would start at seven and end its first half at nine and they would return the next evening.

Takara had the honor of attending the gala before the show started, which she reminded everyone of whenever she had the chance. An hour before the event, Tenten sat with other dancers and watched the lobby transform. A few of the single girls conspired to find some rich, handsome man to whisk them away. Other girls gossiped about the people that would likely be attending.

Tenten and the other dancers had to disappear until the opera, so she ate a light meal and napped. Loud rapping at her door woke her with a jolt. Tenten stood quickly and opened the door to see Takara, dressed extravagantly. "You should have worked the room with me, dear," she said letting herself in. Tenten blinked the sleep from her eyes. "What time is it?"

"Oh, don't fret. We have an hour to prepare. I just needed a moment to be with a simple person. The rich can be very demanding, you know."

Tenten rolled her eyes and started to take out her paint, make up and costume. "The host family was very interesting," Takara was saying. "They're from Konoha, like you. Very prestigious." Tenten felt an uneasy prickling at the back of her neck. "Is it the Hyugas?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact, it is. Are you familiar?" Takara asked with interest. Tenten felt her face flush and stomach churn. She had a fleeting nervousness, but decided to ignore it. She'd known Neji for years and while he respected culture, he would never go see something like this. Maybe some other members of the family wanted to get other clans together; if Neji had the power, he would remain home. Besides, she could avoid him as much as possible and hoped that he would offer her the same reprieve.

"They're pretty famous back home, that's all," she replied casually.

Takara stared at her for a few moments while Tenten tried to avoid her gaze. "Shouldn't you start getting ready?" Tenten said hoping she would leave. "Yes, I should," Takara murmured thoughtfully. "I'll see you on stage, dear."

Tenten sighed in relief and continued dressing. When she was ready, she walked onto the wings of the stage and peaked out at the audience. The lights were so bright she couldn't make out any distinct faces and despite the small amount of viewers, they were as talkative and excited as a full crowd was.

The opera started as usual and Tenten gave herself over to her character.


The applause seemed far louder than usual to Tenten, but perhaps that was because half the audience had been drinking for four straight hours. The first half of the opera concluded well, and she looked forward to finishing the next evening.

Tenten had barely made it from the wings of the stage before Takara grabbed her arm and breathlessly said, "We're due in the lobby. The guests want to meet the leads." She led Tenten through backstage, found Haru and Kaito to bring him with them and walked to the lobby to greet the guests as they left the theater.

"Put on a pretty smile, dear," Takara said practicing her smiles. "Try to be enchanting or something."

"Why would they want to meet me? At least you're all famous," Tenten replied. Haru gave her a patronizing yet amused look. "We weren't always famous. This is how people learn your name. Get used to it."

Eventually the guests, all of them dressed in fine silk and sparkling jewelry, began to leave the theater and thank them for such a great first half. Tenten greeted each of them politely and graciously took their compliments.

"I knew it was you," a familiar voice gasped. Tenten barely had time to register what was happening before she was tightly embraced.

"Hinata, it's so nice to see you," Tenten said genuinely. Hinata pulled away from her and beamed. "I saw you on stage and I just knew it was you." Her smile faded and was replaced with worry. "You left without saying a word, Tenten. We were worried about you."

Tenten flushed guiltily. "I'm sorry–"

"No. What were you thinking? I know you wanted to find your mother, but you didn't even say good-bye." Tenten placed her hands on Hinata's shoulders. "I'm sorry. I really am. It's just that I was going through a lot and I needed to get away." Hinata sighed and embraced her again. "I'm just happy to know that you're alright."

Tenten smiled. "So, tell me, why are you here?"

"Hanabi just turned fifteen. She really wanted to come see the opera and begged our father to bring her here. He took it as an opportunity to socialize with other clans and, between you and I, hopefully find someone to marry her when she gets older," Hinata explained.

"Hanabi would never agree to an arranged marriage," Tenten murmured. "I know," Hinata laughed, "I tried to tell Father but he never listens to me. Neji told me he'd try to convince him, too, but I'm not sure it worked."

"Is Naruto here?" Tenten asked. "No. I didn't expect Naruto to sit through a four hour play with such boring people, so he stayed back home. Neji's very jealous."

"Neji's here?" Tenten asked, her voice bordering on shrill. "Father insisted," Hinata replied, "It would have looked inappropriate, since both Father and I would have been here without him."

"Why?"

"It's a long story," Hinata groaned though her eyes brightened. "My father's inviting people to our apartment for a late dinner. You should come. I know he intended on inviting the director and Takara. I'll tell you as much as I can there."

Tenten shook her head. "That's sweet, but–"

She felt her heart jump as Neji locked eyes with her. She quickly looked away but she could still feel his eyes on her. Within moments, as Tenten grasped for a polite refusal to Hinata, he was standing in front of her, his face stoic, masking what she could clearly see was irritation in his eyes.

"Were you going to tell anyone that you left the village?" Neji asked without preamble. Tenten, thankful that they couldn't see her blushing under her face paint, replied, "I just got done begging an apology, okay?"

"It's true," Hinata said with a giggle. "I've forgiven her on behalf of all of us. There's no need to scold her." Neji looked unconvinced. "Why are you here?"

Tenten pointed at Takara. "That's my mother. She got me a job." Hinata's eyes widened in shock. "Her? I can't believe it." Tenten laughed. "Trust me, I took it worse than you."

"She's very beautiful," Hinata murmured. "I suppose. It's a shame she's pretty rude under all that makeup," Tenten retorted. Hinata giggled and lightly slapped her on the arm. "This is why you should join us at the apartment. I'm sure you have great stories."

"I really shouldn't," Tenten said. For more reasons than one, she thought. The most important one is standing next to you.

"Of course you should," Takara called loudly. She smiled but gave Tenten a stern look. "If we have the honor of being invited, of course we should go." Takara lowered her voice so only Tenten could hear. "Smile and agree with me, dear."

"I don't want to intrude, Takara. It also seems highly unprofessional," Tenten replied willfully while sending a dark glare at Takara.

"It would really be no trouble," Hinata insisted. Tenten looked at her sadly, then at her mother, who looked fit to fly into one of her rages, and then at Neji, whose eyes had not softened.

"As long as you're sure," Tenten complied. Hinata grinned, Takara laughed and Tenten forced a smile. It's just one night, she thought. I can find something to talk about for a few hours.


Okay, so this chapter was going to be longer, but I want to post Part 1 now.

Please Review and Enjoy!

Next: The Star: White Part 2 (Which is half done, btw :)