Hiya readers!
Here's the new chapter.
Flashback is in Italics
Please Enjoy!
Review!
Chapter 8-The Star: White, Part 2
Takara threw a few of her personal kimonos at Tenten in a huff. "How could you refuse the host's daughter? They're spending a great deal of money on this private performance; we have to accommodate them."
Tenten, having had quite enough of this entire evening, fired back, "If I don't want to go to some stupid party, I should be able to say no!"
Takara rolled her eyes. "Don't be a brat, dear. It's unbecoming."
"I don't know what to tell you," Tenten replied setting aside the gown and folding her arms. Takara sat at her mirror and took pins out of her hair. "You can start by being honest," she mumbled. "Why did you tell me you didn't know them earlier?"
Tenten blushed, embarrassed. "Remember when I told you about the person that I had a brief fling with. He's a Hyuga. I'm not ready to confront him yet, so I won't."
Takara threw Tenten a sad glance. "While that's unfortunate for you to go through, I'm sure you'll be able to handle it." She stood and grabbed Tenten's hand. "Sit down. If you think I'll let you face your former flame looking all drab and homely, well you don't know me very well."
After a few rushed minutes, Tenten, Takara, Haru and Kaito rode to the Hyuga's rented apartment. It was far from the usual rush of the town and appealing from the outside.
Takara strode in the apartment on Kaito's arm wearing a beautiful violet kimono with a neckline that dipped dangerously low. She allowed Tenten to borrow a jade green kimono with her shoulders exposed and blades of grass painted along the hem. Takara quickly fixed Tenten's hair so it was partially down with a section that was held by a pretty, gold comb.
Once they were inside, Takara, Kaito and Haru completely left Tenten alone, so she walked around the luxurious apartment curiously, hoping to run into Hinata. It was beautifully decorated even though it would only be used for a weekend. A few servants offered her food or wine and, when she first arrived, she refused. Eventually though, one of them offered her savory dumplings that she simply couldn't refuse after such a long day. Unable to locate Hinata, Tenten eventually sat away from most of the others and watched them interact inquisitively, laughing discretely at a few of the more ridiculous conversations she overheard.
As she was finishing a spicy dumpling, Tenten noticed a shadow beside her. She peaked in that direction and felt her mild contentment fade to dread. "I've never known you to be a wallflower," Neji murmured down at her. Tenten chose not to respond spitefully and turned her head away from him.
"I think we should talk," she heard him say but refused a reaction. She felt him settle next to her, his thigh pressed warmly against her own.
Tenten swallowed nervously, but turned to him and said, "So, how do you like the show?"
"It's invigorating," he mumbled dismissively. "The last time I saw you–"
"Was in the lobby and before that on stage," Tenten interrupted quickly. "Don't be flippant," he snapped. "Don't be snippy," she fired back, finally making eye contact with him. His eyes were dangerously narrow and his jaw was set. While she should be intimidated, instead Tenten was bordering on furious. Why was he even bothering to talk to her? Wasn't their night of embarrassment enough for him too? There was really nothing to talk about.
"I don't understand why you don't want to talk about it," he muttered. Tenten felt her face redden. "Why do you want to talk about it? There's nothing to say."
"Is there a reason you left without telling anyone?" he asked bluntly. Tenten pressed her lips together and chose her words. "I- I told people I was leaving. I just didn't say when I was going to go."
"I was worried about you. It was days before Hinata told me that you wanted to locate your mother, but that was all anyone knew," Neji explained, his voice softening slightly. "I know how upset you were after... everything that happened." Tenten blushed and looked away from him. "Knowing that, it was disturbing that you disappeared the next day."
She felt fleetingly remorseful and looked down at her hands. "Look, I didn't mean to worry anyone. I was frazzled and I didn't know what to do, so I left."
She was stupid, in hindsight, but her decision to leave was constructive. She was happy again, empowered. Even though she didn't know the direction her life was going anymore, she was strong enough to be flexible and discover the road as it unfurled before her.
Now, she felt that she could conquer her past and make strides to move forward.
Tenten peered up at Neji and observed him thoughtfully: her old friend, short-lived lover and forever comrade. She wished things could be as they were before: before the war ended, before her dismal, lonely year, before they completely ruined it.
As if reading her mind, Neji whispered, "I know we can't change what happened in the past, but perhaps we can start over. I value our friendship–"
"Oh, come on, Neji. How can you value a friend you didn't talk to for a year?" Tenten groaned bitterly. Whatever softness existed on Neji's features before faded away quickly. "Did it ever cross your mind that I couldn't speak to you?"
Tenten faltered and took an abrupt breath. "What are you saying?" He stared at her searchingly and she noticed his eyes flicker across the room. Tenten followed his gaze and watched a red-faced, laughing Hinata approach them quickly.
"I've been looking all over for you," Hinata said breathless. Tenten stood and embraced her warmly, thankful for a momentary break from her uncomfortable conversation. "Your apartment is beautiful; very luxurious." Hinata giggled. "Thank you." She looked at Neji politely. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything."
"Actually," Tenten said reluctantly. "Would you mind giving us a moment? We're, uh, reconnecting."
"Of course I don't mind. I'll be at that table over there by the window when you're done. Don't forget me," she urged good-naturedly. "I won't," Tenten promised with another hug.
Hinata left them with a smile and Neji stood when she was out of earshot. "May we speak somewhere privately?" he asked and Tenten swallowed apprehensively. The last thing she wanted was to be alone with him again; if there were people around, then she'd trust herself against her urges.
Oh, God... What urges? There are no urges. I'm over everything, she thought, a blush creeping up her cheeks. They could speak alone: close enough to other people so things could stay casual, but private enough for him to explain whatever he was going to explain. "How about the veranda?" she mumbled taking quick steps as far away from him as possible toward the doors leading outside.
The back of the apartment overlooked a sparking pond and lantern-lit walkway. It was vaguely romantic, but Tenten pushed that thought from her mind. She rested her elbows on the stone railing of the veranda and watched Neji mirror her actions. Even though she was nearly distressed, he still maintained a nonchalant disposition, his face stoic and cold, though his eyes, usually withdrawn, had the slightest dejection buried deep inside them.
"Right after the war ended," he began, his demeanor distant, "I recovered from my injuries at the compound instead of in a hospital. A few weeks into my recovery, my uncle came to see me. He thanked me for my services to the village and, subsequently, my family."
His days had been a plethora of stiffness. After lying in bed for weeks, all Neji wanted to do, at the very least, was move. When Hiashi visited him, looking maddeningly immaculate in his formal robes, he first told Neji basic updates: who'd been named the Hokage, how many people were named into Konoha's council, which shinobi died while they were in the hospital.
After a litany of thanks, Hiashi looked at Neji firmly, with purpose. "You have shown immense promise and the Hyuga Elders and I want to honor you in the best way we know how." Neji stared back at him and tried to stay composed.
"Our family must change along with the time and you may very well be a large part of these changes. You are old enough to hold a governing position in our family and that is what we'd like to offer you for your efforts."
Neji shifted in his bed, his mind racing. He'd always rejected fantasies that involved an advanced stature in his family. While he worked hard to be a great shinobi, he didn't expect to be compensated for his work by the main branch.
He swallowed and asked, "What is the offer?"
Hiashi prefaced the answer by first explained the change in governance that the family would be adapted to. He then explained to Neji where his role would be: leading over the branch house with little interference from the main house and advising or training all shinobi in the clan.
"Unlike the main house, your position is not determined by birthright, but through a vote among the branch house, your approval and the Elders' approval; I did not like this, but the Elders insisted. Also, you will have to undergo one more mission before you can take your position," Hiashi finished and pulled out a scroll.
Neji sat quietly, pondering his options. He should accept without question, to avoid offending them. Some parts of their offer was specifically intended to keep the branch house submissive and yet, if Neji had control a good amount of power, he could slowly make changes progressively. If he handled himself correctly, in this moment, he could affect immediate change.
"A mission?" Neji asked before giving a final answer.
"There are small clans in other countries that want to ignite more conflicts while each of the villages are weak and in recovery," Hiashi explained. "The Kages want to send a few squads to quietly observe these families and eliminate anyone that has treasonous plans. The Hokage requested you and we thought that this final mission would do well to determine your readiness to lead."
Another step to assure submission; if Neji happened to die while away, all of their promises would be as if they never existed. Only he could see to it that their word was maintained.
"I'm very grateful for this opportunity," Neji murmured deferentially. "But I have a condition."
"Condition?" Hiashi repeated cautiously.
"From the moment I become the head of the branch house, the curse seals will be abolished. You said yourself the clan must change with the time," Neji said rigidly.
"The curse seal is used to protect our family's secrets," Hiashi spat sharply.
"If that is the case, then every member of the clan would have it," Neji argued, his voice cool but polite. "You know as well as I that the seal is used as a form of punishment more than it is used to protect our clan. It's a barbaric practice that has no place in a civilized family such as ours."
Neji watched Hiashi's jaw work in and out. A deep ache formed in his stomach; if he ruined this opportunity by being too presumptuous, he'd never forgive himself.
"I think I can find a way to convince the other Elders about your proposition," Hiashi sighed finally. Neji felt his heart flip and he stared at his uncle, stunned.
"All I have to do," Neji said after a moment, "is successfully complete this mission."
Hiashi nodded. "It will take a few months to complete. In addition, the mission is covert; you may discuss it with no one. Even when you are safely home in the village."
"I understand," Neji replied. "When am I going?"
"You will leave tonight. Do you have any objections?" Hiashi asked.
"I'm a bit out of practice," Neji mumbled. "But I can be ready. You said that I cannot discuss the details of this mission with anyone, but how do you expect to explain to people that I am away?"
Hiashi snorted. "The only people that are important enough to know already do."
"My teammates should know that I'm gone," Neji insisted. Especially Tenten. The last time he saw her, they were separated in battle. She didn't deserve to worry.
"Your teammates are no longer your priority," Hiashi stated bluntly. "If you maintain that they are, then you clearly do not have the clan's best interests in mind."
Neji cringed. "Never mind," he said quietly. "I only thought–"
"People will be told that you have undertaken responsibilities that keep you quite busy in our clan. It's not a complete lie, but it's sufficient to keep people from asking too many questions," Hiashi explained. "Do you accept the terms I laid out for you?"
"I do," Neji agreed resolutely. "As long as my condition is met when I return."
"On my honor, I will see to it that your condition is met by the time you come back," Hiashi murmured sincerely.
Neji climbed from the bed, despite the tenseness in his body, knelt and bowed to Hiashi's feet. "Thank you, Uncle."
Tenten stared off into the pond, a lump of shame forming in her throat. Her year of anger and frustration at him had been for nothing; he was on a mission, risking his life for the village and all she did was mope and think of herself.
"I had no intention of telling you any of this," Neji was saying, "until that night. I didn't want you to feel the way you did without cause."
Tenten still stared off mutely. What could she possibly say? "I–"
Neji took her hands gently. "When I was away, I thought about you often. At first I thought it was guilt; I felt bad that I hadn't told you that I was alright after the war and that I was only away on a mission." He reached out and gently touched her cheek. "I know now that there was more to it than that."
"Neji, I'm- I'm sorry," she babbled. "I was so mad at you and for absolutely no reason. I–" His words seemed to just then sink in for her. "What are you saying?" she asked, her eyes wide.
Neji looked away from her sheepishly. "I missed you," he mumbled softly. "And when you came to see me and you kissed me, I thought that you felt the same way."
I missed you, too, she thought helplessly, but the words lodged in her throat. She was so overwhelmed; what did everything that happened before she left mean now?
She was mad at him for only comforting her out of pity. Now she knew that he missed her and wanted to spend that time with her.
"Back inside, I said that I wanted to start over with you," Neji said locking eyes with her once more. "And I do. I trust you and I respect you. When I wasn't around you this past year, it was particularly bleak."
Tenten laughed lightly and peered up at him. "I feel so stupid," she muttered. "I left in the heat of the moment for nothing. I hope you can forgive me."
Neji brushed his thumb against her cheek. "I do," he replied. "I want you to forgive me, too, for keeping secrets from you."
"It was your duty," she said. "I understand." A harmonious silence followed that made Tenten flush with pleasure. And while things were mostly settled between them, another thing he said still had to be discussed.
"Look, Neji, about the starting over thing. I need some time to think. I don't know if I'm ready to make a firm decision about it right now," she explained reluctantly, though she knew it was the right thing to do. Tenten watched him stare at her for a few moments, her heart pounding.
"That's fine," he replied courteously. "Take all the time you need; I will wait." Neji brought his lips to her cheek softly, warmth radiating off him, a fragrance he was wearing lingering in the air. He pulled away from her and quietly led her back into the apartment before exiting the room.
Tenten stood in the middle of the room astounded. She never expected the night to be like this. Neji... You never cease to confuse me, she thought.
She noticed that Hinata was still sitting at a table by the window, so she walked over to her and sat in an empty seat. "Thanks for being so patient," Tenten said taking a breath.
Hinata smiled a sly smile she likely learned from Naruto. "When did you start dating my cousin?" Tenten stared at her, her mouth agape with embarrassment. "I'm not dating Neji," she replied quickly. Hinata gasped and took Tenten's hands. "You're lying! I absolutely saw him kiss you just a minute ago."
"It was a peck! Nothing intimate," Tenten argued. "For Neji, any kind of physical affection is intimate," Hinata countered. Tenten blushed and snatched her hands away. If only you knew, Hinata, she thought, her blush deepening. "It isn't what you think," she tried feebly, knowing she was caught.
"Sure," Hinata mumbled unconvinced. "Well, if it isn't what I think, then I just want you to know that hypothetically, you'd make a great couple."
Tenten rolled her eyes. "Neji told me about his mission this past year." Hinata's smile fell and she paled slightly. "Did he?" Tenten smirked and poked Hinata in the arm. "You lied to all of us for a whole year."
Hinata blushed. "I didn't want to keep the secret but my father made we swear. I couldn't even tell my own husband. I did tell him eventually; it was killing me. I wanted to tell you, especially when you seemed so mad at him, but–"
"Hinata, it's fine, okay. I'm not mad at you or anything," Tenten assured. "He wasn't supposed to tell you, or anyone, about that mission," Hinata murmured but grinned. "That's why I know something's going on between the two of you."
"Nothing's going on or has ever gone on," Tenten lied. I can keep secrets too, she thought. However, she quickly forgot that Hinata was just an adept byakugan user as Neji, so being dishonest was pointless.
"You're lying!" Hinata laughed covering her mouth with her hands, her eyes wide with shock. "What happened?"
"Nothing," Tenten urged. "Let's just drop it, okay?"
"So you admit that there's something to drop," Hinata whispered. "Interesting."
Tenten rolled her eyes again, though inside, she was elated. Everything in her life was falling gracefully into place for the first time since the end of the war, so she basked in it.
In the back of her mind, she thought about the decision she'd have to make concerning Neji. The choice was so simple to her but she wanted to tread lightly. Even when she tried to think seriously, she smiled blithely and thought about the feeling of his lips against her skin.
Ok, how'd you like it?
Next Chapter: White Part 3 (Final Part of the White Chapters)
Please Review
