Chapter 5

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or the song below. The song lyrics really set the mood for the first scene so please take the time to read them.

So we in sleep in beds we never made
Holding close to love, when love should fade
Holding on to this is the best thing we'll ever do…

The morning sun is sweet and soft on your eyes
Oh my love, you always leave me surprised
I feel my heart start to burst
With all my love for you…

And oh how it rains
And oh how it pours
I never could feel this way
For anyone but you…

So we take some time and slip away
Holding on to love, when love should stay
Holding on to you is the best thing I'll ever do
The evening sun is sweet and soft in your face…

Oh I'll never, ever leave this place
I feel my heart start to burst
With all my love for you…

And oh how it rains
And oh how it pours
I never could feel this way
For anyone but you…

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Ayame sat on a park bench, absentmindedly fiddling with the ring held onto her neck by a simple gold chain. The ring itself was gold with a large diamond in the center, offset by a smaller sapphire and amethyst. It's almost funny to think that I could feel so attached to such a small thing. She started to stare at the lotus blossoms in the pond in front of her. They swirled and swayed with the ever-present breeze, dancing to their own tune in their own time. I wish I could be like them…free to do whatever I want…………I wish we could be like them.

"Is this seat taken?" Kenji's deep voice permeated her thoughts, bringing her back to reality with a crash.

"Yes," came her cold reply. She turned her head away from his body, once again staring at the lotuses.

"Well, that's just too bad." He sat down right next to her. Since she was sitting on the edge of the bench, subconsciously trying to create distance between him and her, she couldn't move any farther away. Kenji could always do that to her, he always made her want to stay put rather than run away. She turned to him, staring directly into his purple eyes with her own aquamarine ones.

"Why wouldn't you tell me? Did you think that I'd just find out on my own when I saw you at the ceremony? Was that your idea o-" A hand was clamped over her mouth, forcing her stop her ranting.

"Why would you say that? You know I would never do anything to hurt you! I love you Ayame! Just what do you think I am?" His hurt glance was tearing her apart.

"If you love me," he voice died down from its previous angry shout to an almost inaudible whisper, "why didn't you tell me?" She was on the verge of crying, the tears threatening to spill onto her lap and his hands.

"I-," he paused, obviously struggling for words, "I just- I didn't want to wreck what we have. I couldn't," He was now staring at their feet.

"Well, it's a little late for that," she said, laughing harshly at their sad predicament. "Maybe it would be easier if we just pretended that there never was anythi-"

"You want me to pretend that I was never in love with you?" he asked incredulously. "That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard! Anyone would be able to tell just by looking at me when we're in the same room. Besides, you're one of my advisors, I'd have to see you everyday."

"Kenji," she grabbed his hands and held them tightly, staring intently at his face, "Those girls, I'm sure they'd feel a lot better if they had some hope that their husband could love them."

He pulled his hands away from hers and stood up. "If that's what you want fine, it's just fine Ayame. But, just remember this, I'll never love them. The only person I love and ever will love is you."

With that he walked away from the bench, too quickly to be a normal pace, too slowly to be an angry one. "I love you too," she whispered softly to his retreating figure. Why does it have to be like this? Isn't love supposed to make everything all right?

Only when he was fully out of sight did she give in. She sat on the bench and cried.

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"Welcome! Welcome to our village!" The endless chanting of the people in the streets was beginning to grate on Tenten's last nerve. She squeezed her palms together to relieve some of her pent up frustration while she continued to smile.

I wonder if they really had nothing better to do than come watch us walk into the center of the town. Well, I can't say I blame them for being curious. I have to admit that I'd get a little territorial if I found out that we had to arrange a marriage between our kage and some other random person just for the sake of an alliance. Not that the alliance is a bad thing! It's just that I'd be a little cautious before I completed trusted the person around our leader. Tenten rubbed her head; her thoughts were really going too fast.

When they finally had reached Iwagakure they received word that they were to proceed to the central building of the town, where they would be introduced to the Kage. We don't even know his name and the way they were talking, I don't think they know it either. It's always 'the kage' this or 'tsuchikage-sama' that. This place just feels so formal and stuffy compared to Konoha. Everyone is so picture perfect and rule abiding that it's gonna drive me crazy!

And she was right. Every building looked as if it was freshly painted. The lawns were neatly manicured and precisely trimmed. Even the pavement was free of any cracks or chinks. It was all just a bit much. I've heard of going the whole nine yards but this? It all seems a bit fake to me.

"Oi, minna-san, we're here." Shikamaru's voice brought her out of her reverie. Her heartbeat sped up as she forgot all about the masses cheering them on as they walked to the tower. Fiddling nervously with her weapons she looked around her and noticed that Ino and Sakura were doing the same. Hinata, however was simply staring at their destination, with no hint of nervousness or qualms of any kind apparent in her body language, which was, to say the least, surprising. In any other situation it would have been the other way around.

Ino had always been known for her confidence. She had always been one of the 'it' girls, even in their academy days. Now, she was five foot eight, very tall by kunoichi standards. Her gleaming blond hair and bright blue eyes were enough to make any man notice her, if nothing else. She was fairly tall too, at five foot seven she towered above most other girls.

Despite all being the same height at twelve and thirteen, Sakura and Hinata had only grown a few more inches, now standing at five foot three and five foot two respectively. They seemed dwarfed by their companions on this mission. All of the boys had shot up to over six feet and they all pretty much looked the same as they had in their genin days, only their bodies were far more lean and muscular, the result of intensive shinobi training.

If anyone had changed over the years, it was without a doubt Hinata. Her hair was now shoulder length, still its original charcoal black with midnight blue highlights. She didn't wear her large clothes anymore, opting for much more simple yet practical shinobi attire consisting of the standard jounin pants and a fitted top that didn't reveal anything. Even if she did gain some self-confidence she's still incredibly modest when it comes to what she wears!

Her brows furrowed in concentration. Today Hinata had covered herself up, ridiculously so. It looked like she'd stolen one of Neji's sweaters and pairs of pants. You could only see her face under her layers of clothing, and then she seemed to be constantly staring at the ground. Whatever happened the night before would have had to have been something pretty bad if she had told Naruto – of all people – to leave her alone. What was more surprising though, was the fact that Naruto was still brooding over this fact. He was one of those 'take it like a man' people, never dwelling on the past or what other people had done to him. Today, he'd been deep in thought since Hinata had jerked away from him in the morning.

"Tenten?" Ino waved a hand in front of her face. "We're here!" Without her noticing, the group had proceeded up the stairs and into the foyer of the Tsuchikage's chambers, with her trailing listlessly behind. "Come on Tennie! It's time to meet him!"

"I was trying to forget about that."

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When the entered the chamber they were greeted by twelve very old men and women.

"Good morning all, my name is Burakku Fuzen, the chief elder of the village. We hope that with this marriage we will be able to solidly cement the alliance long sought after between our two villages. We ar-, excuse me Neji-san, did you have something to say?" His harsh glare was sent in Neji direction, where it was matched by one that was even fiercer.

"No" came the simply reply. "Nothing that you would want to here Burakku-sama."

"Neji," came Tenten's irritated whisper, "why did you do that?" she hissed.

"You know this is a load of bullsh-"

"Matte Fuzen-san, how did you know his name?" asked Sakura, her naturally curious nature kicking in.

"Your Hokage sent me a file containing personal information on each one of you Sakura-san. Never mind that, it's time that you meet him. Ikasu-san, if you would…" he gestured towards the door leading towards the inner office.

"Of course Fuzen-san." Sakura felt a sweat drop forming. Jeez, these people are so polite. I think Tsunade-sama would have a heart attack if we started talking to her like this.

Ikasu reached the doors and swung them open, revealing a tall young man with white hair and bright purple eyes, eyes that seemed somewhat hooded. He even looked handsome in the formal outfit of the kages, a feat by anyone's standards. Just imagining what he would look like in normal clothes was enough to set most people drooling. Ino stared at him openly, Tenten tried to mask her interest by sneaking glances at him, Hinata just stared at the floor, seemingly fascinated by the pattern of the tiles. Sakura stared too, though he wasn't what she was looking at. Behind him stood a small woman with aquamarine eyes and sky-blue hair, a girl who looked very familiar.

"Ayame-chan is that you?" Sakura asked nervously, not wanting to seem like a fool in front of these obviously important people.

"Sa-Sakura-chan? You're one of the girls that-oh my - it really is-I'm so happy to see you!" She ran out from behind Kenji's rather large form to hug Sakura, who was running towards her.

"I can't believe it's really you! I haven't seen you in almost three years!" They were both holding onto each other in between the two groups of obviously confused people.

Sakura beamed and grabbed a lock of Ayame's hair, "You went through with keeping your hair that colour? I didn't think that you li-"

A hand was clamped over her mouth. "Not so loud Sakura-chan, not everyone in the room needs to know that," she whispered in a singsong voice. Ayame released her hand and the two girls laughed again.

Fuzen coughed loudly into his hand. "I think that you two should continue your reunion at a time when it's appropr-"

"So, how have you been Ayame-chan?" If Sakura had heard him, she didn't show it.

"Oh, fine I guess, you know some crap's piling on but without that where's all the fun?" Ayame gave a small smile before fiddling with her ring again.

"Why do I get the feeling there's more to that story?" Sakura grinned and started pulling Ayame out of the doors, the two apparently in their own world.

'Fine, just don't expe-"

"Right, don't expect everything? You'd think I'd know that after spending six months with you! How spaced out do you think I am?"

Their voices were fading out of hearing distance as they walked further along the hall. Fuzen stared after them, a hard glare dominating his facial features.

"Well, as they obviously feel they are too important to be a part of this then I sugg-"

"Aw, come one Fuzen-san! You're a bit too uptight these days, even for you! You guys really are working way too hard. Even my father's retired by now."

The whole council showed him respect while he was talking, by bowing their heads.

"How many times do I have to tell you that you don't have to do that?" he gestured towards the elders before continuing. He started speaking to the group from Konoha, "They do this every time I say a word! You'd think I was omnipotent or something. Come on now Ikasu-chan! You really shouldn't be bending like that, you never know, you could get stuck!" He cheerfully walked over to her and pulled her into an upright position. Tenten laughed at his antics, but quickly covered her mouth and stared at the floor after seeing the glares from the council and Neji.

"Well, then I was never one for awkward silences so I guess I'll jump right into it. Girls, Sakura-san included, when she get back with-" he stopped mid sentence, his face darkening over momentarily, "well, just whenever she gets back. I would like to take each of you out on a date. Tonight is the formal welcoming ceremony, so I guess tomorrow I'll start with…..Ino-san?"

"Sure Kenji-kun! Well, where are we going? I don't want to show up looking out of place!" She smiled at him brightly, a little too brightly to be real.

"Actually I have no idea," he walked over to her and whispered in her ear so that only she could hear what he said, "They planned this whole stupid thing and if I look like I'm not excited I'd probably be executed knowing this place. Just smile and act like I complimented you."

She, in turn, cocked her head, a sultry smile playing on her lips. "Really Kenji-kun? We're going to have so much fun." But, as brief as it had been, there was a confused look on her face and Shikamaru did not miss it.

Fuzen jumped in at this apparent lull in the conversation. "Sorry to interrupt you two but there is the matter of the ceremony tonight. Among the information Tsunade-sama sent us was your clothing sizes. In your living quarters there is a selection of kimonos and yukatas in the appropriate sizes. Please select something that is appropriate for this formal event. It starts after sunset tonight in the town square so do not be late." He glanced severely at Tenten who just rolled her eyes behind his back. "As for where you will be living, it's just down the road from here. There will be two to a room so divide yourselves up accordingly. There are separate areas for the males and female so be sure to make use of them. That is all for now. Oh, and ladies?" he gestured towards Ikasu, "She will have wardrobe approval for tonight so be sure to see her before entering the event."

Once they left the building conversations immediately started up between them. "Ne, Shika-kun, where do you think forehead girl went with Ayame-chan?" asked Ino as they plodded towards a division of houses down the road from the central tower.

"Wait, you know her too Ino? How is that possible, I mean you guys are different ages and you're from different villages an-" Naruto scratched his head and cocked it to one side, showing his confusion. Sasuke too, was obviously confused as to the details of this matter.

"Well, in a nutshell, while you two were on, for a lack of a better word, hiatus, from the village, Sakura trained with Tsunade-sama as you all know. Anyways, as a sign of goodwill the two countries decided that they would send one top apprentice to train together and cement a bond of friendship or some crap along those lines. As Tsunade-sama's apprentice, Sakura was sent from Konoha and Ayame's father was the kage before Kenji-kun so that's why she was sent. Those guys trained together for six months all alone before Sakura returned to the village because she heard the baka was coming back." She pointed her thumb in Naruto's direction before grabbing Tenten's arm and pulling her down the street.

"Er, Sasuke-teme..did you catch any of that?" Naruto still looked very confused.

"Hn." Sasuke picked up his bag and followed after Tenten and Ino.

"What's that supposed to mean? Is that some sort of Uchiha secret code? Teme….teme are you listening?" Naruto ran after Sasuke, fully intending to smack him but before his fist could connect with Sasuke's back, he disappeared with a poof.

"TEME!"

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"Hinata-sama," Neji's forehead furrowed in concentration. "Are yo-"

"Fine" She picked up her bag and started ambling down the road, still staring at the apparently fascinating roadwork.

""No, you're not fine. I really think you should talk t-"

"No, I'm fine. You were always perfectly happy to ignore me before so don't pretend like you care now."

Neji moved towards her and firmly placed him hand on her arm. Hinata looked at him, then immediately jerked her body away from his, her eyes filling with tears. "Hinata-sama!" the exasperation in his tone was very apparent. "I don't know what to do to help you!"

Her eyes, once again emotionless, glared into his pearly orbs. "Then don't"

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"OOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHH" Ino squealed as soon as she entered their house. "Just look at this spread Tenten! I could get used to this." She gestured around the spacious main room before running off to inspect the rest of the house.

"And she wonders why Sakura-chan calls her Ino-pig." Naruto placed Ino's and his own bags onto the floor. She had made him carry them as payment for dropping the tent on her. "What the hell do you have in here anyways?" He collapsed on the nearest couch before continuing, "Building materials? Concrete bloc-"

"Enough ramen to feed the dobe?" Sasuke suddenly appeared, smirking behind Naruto.

"Teme, get outta my face!" Naruto sat up fully, shaking his fist threateningly in Sasuke's direction.

"Oi you two! Cut it out….it's only twelve o'clock and you're already at it. Poor Sakura, having to deal with you two all the time." Shikamaru sighed as he too entered the house. "How many people do they think are living here? There's enough space for my whole clan in this room. What a waste of time." He too, collapsed on a nearby couch, falling asleep in about two seconds.

Faint voices could be heard down the hallway, voices that were getting louder.

"Is it this one Ayame-chan? Ah, I guess it is! Ohayo minna-san." Sakura dropped the many packages she was carrying on the kitchen floor. "Ayame, jeez don't leave!" She grabbed her friend's arm before pulling her back inside.

"Come on Sakura-chan! I don't even know any of the-"

"Ya, ya and now's a good time to start….it's like Shishou always says, there's no time like the present." Sakura smiled and continued to pull Ayame inside, strategically kicking the door shut as she went.

"I've never heard Baa-chan say that. I don't think she has enough brain cells left after all the drinking to d-" Sakura's fist met Naruto's head, resulting in him flying across the room and hitting his head on the cabinet doors. Ayame ran over and examined the nasty gash on his head that was already starting to heal.

"Itai, Sakura! Gomen-nasai Naruto-san, she was just pissed that I didn't tell her all abou-" Ayame's face fell and she smiled bitterly before standing up.

"About what?" Naruto stood up too, rubbing his head, cursing under his breath about that time of the month.

"About what's for lunch! I hope we bought enough stuff, I actually think we bought out the store." Ayame quickly went over to the bags and began pulling out random ingredients. "Sakura, there should be some pots and pans under the sink, can you check for me?"

"I'm pretty sure that's not what you were gon- AH! Sakura-chan! ITAI ITAI ITAI ITAI!"

"Urusai baka!" she hissed into his ear, "Don't say another word or I'll throw out all the ramen we bought."

Naruto clammed up and went into the next room.

"Sakura! Look at all this stuff!" Ino ran into the room pulling an aggravated Tenten behind her. "There all this…and then the…and all that…and it's just so nice, you have to come and see it now!" Ino was practically bouncing around the kitchen.

"Uh, could you translate that for me" Sakura grinned evilly, "All I heard was a bunch of squealing."

"Well, seeing as how you think you've insulted me I'm just gonna let that one go because just wait until you see it!" She immediately forgot about being crabby and started bouncing around again.

"Tenten, a little help?"

Tenten rolled here eyes and pointed in the direction of the room across the hall. "There's a whole bunch of junk in there that you'll like." She pulled a bag of chips out of the pile of groceries and started popping them into her mouth before walking into the living room where all the boys were.

"A bunch of junk? How can you say that!" Ino ran after her, disbelief written all over her face. "Okay, I'll admit that when Burakku-sama first said that they picked out all our clothes I was a bit skeptical."

Naruto looked at her, his eyebrows almost in his hairline.

"Okay I thought I would rather be wearing a sack but that's not the point! That stuff in there is absolutely gorgeous! There's a quarter of a room full of clothes just for you, and they're so pretty!" Ino's whimsical expression immediately changed. "And since we have to go to that big party tonight you're gonna dress up!" She honed in on Tenten, rubbing her hands together.

"She's right," came Sakura's voice from the kitchen, "I've never even seen her in a dress, never mind a kimono!"

"No," Tenten popped a few more chips in her mouth, "I think I can dress myself." Neji snickered in the corner but tried to cover it up by coughing. When that failed miserably, he left the room.

"Well see about that." Ino walked down the hallway laughing, "we'll see."

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They moment she had arrived at the apartment Hinata had made a run for the bathroom, using speed she didn't know she was capable of. She stripped off her clothing and jumped into the shower and started to scrub. She'd been at it for the past hour without anyone noticing.

"Hinata-sama?" Neji's voice was easy to hear, even over the noise of the shower.

Just ignore him. He'll go away soon, like everybody else.

"Hinata-sama!" This time it was more forceful. "Don't make me come in there because I will!" She just continued scrubbing.

Hinata heard him bang his head against the door in frustration, frustration that he never showed. "That's it! I'm coming in there if the water doesn't stop now!" He was practically yelling now.

"I'll be right back!" Sakura called to the others as she ran down the hall she'd seen Neji walking down a few minutes before. Neji would only be yelling if it had something to do with Hinata.

"What's wrong?" Sakura looked at the bathroom door and tried to understand what was going on.

"She's been in there for an hour and she hasn't said a word, she could've killed herself and we wou-"

Sakura put a reassuring hand on Neji's arm. "She wouldn't do that, she's a lot stronger that most people give her credit for," she said softly. They had been so wrapped up in Hinata's problem that they didn't hear the shower stop and the bathroom door opening.

"If you two wanted to be alone all you had to do was find a different room." Hinata glared at them before proceeding towards a small bedroom at the end of the hall. She had all of her baggy clothes on again. Sakura simply stared after her, noticing how red and raw the revealed skin on her face and hands looked. She had probably been scouring her skin for the past hour. She started after her to make she was all right before she realized what Hinata had said. She looked at her position with Neji and turned a faint shade of red. She moved closer to him and began talking quietly, not wanting the others to be able to hear what she was saying.

"How long do you think this will go on for? You are in the anbu too and you're a woman so you would have a better idea." Neji focused intently was Sakura thought.

"I honestly can't say I know, I mean I don't know any who this has happened to and it's all my fault that it did happen! How could I do that to Hinata-chan!" Her eyes suddenly pooled with tears that she didn't even attempt to hide. Neji just stared awkwardly before placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder, not sure what else to do.

"It's not your fault. It's that ass's and when we find him we'll smack the sh-"

"Uh, sorry, didn't mean to interrupt!" Tenten's wide-eyed face could be seen as the two turned towards her. They hadn't even noticed her walking down the hallway towards them. "Yeah well lunch is ready so come and eat, I'm gonna go get Hinata, bye." She ran away from them before they could explain, tears filling her eyes despite her valiant attempts to keep them away.

"Wait Tenten! It isn't what it looks like. I can explain." Neji called after her, wanting to explain what she'd seen.

She stopped, but kept her back towards them, hiding her tears. "You don't have to," she said very softly, so softly that only Neji heard what she had said. "You don't owe me anything."

She started walking again, then she knocked on Hinata's door. When she got no answer she opened it, only to find Hinata furiously brushing her hair. So furiously that she had pulled out a brush full of it.

"Hinata! What the hell are you doing, stop it!" She ran towards her friend and pulled the brush out of her hands, only to feel a stinging pain in her hand. As she looked down she noticed five red spots on her fingers.

"You closed my tenketsu? What the hell is wrong with you Hinata!" Hinata in turn only glanced at Tenten before walking out of the room, towards the others.

She closed my tenketsu? Why would she do that to me, now my hand is going to be completely useless for atleast two days, until I can get Ne- damn it! What was he doing with her? I thought she loved her precious Sasuke-kun! Why does everything have to be so hard?

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So, again with the incredibly brief cut off of my chapter! Yah, you know it was good…lol jk So, they are finally in the Earth Country and, if you're looking for hints, look at the scenes with Ayame and Kenji, and the council and our wonderful heroes! Some pretty important groundwork was laid in this chapter too, so it's all gonna start make some sort of sense to you soon..don't worry. If you wanna know the song just say so in your review hint hint. There was a development in the Tenten/Neji pairing in this chapter, so don't worry! I haven't forgotten about them, and the couples aren't going to change. And don't forget about our old pal Athrun! He's coming back in next chapter. As for the next chapter, finally we're at the party and lo and behold- our bad guys make a move….finally! So stay tuned…and thanks for reading! Drop a review on your way out!

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