Auspicious Obligations Chapter 3: Runaway Bride, a naruto fanfic

There will not be any NejiTen interaction for a while because events need to build up. But don't worry. It'll come.

A u s p i c i o u s O b l i g a t i o n s

Chapter 3 - Runaway Bride

Hyuuga Neji felt that the gods were testing his nerves as Hanabi continued staring at him in the carriage. The two were on their way back to the castle.

"What?" Neji growled, his eye twitching. He couldn't believe that he had survived until this point, but he was really losing his cool. Hanabi was silent for a moment.

"You interacted with a female that was not family willingly." The young teenager's voice was filled with amazed disbelief.

"Yes, I did. Is there a problem with that?" Neji's eyes twitched more furiously as Hanabi gave him a significant look.

"Of course there is! Something's definitely off if that happens! Do you have a disease or something, Neji?"

"…" The crown prince resisted the urge to send Hanabi flying out of the carriage. He chose not to answer as they pulled up to the palace. Hanabi jumped up and ran as fast as she could towards her home, wanting both to get away from Neji and to inform her older sister of the prince's interaction with another female. Neji walked at a reasonable pace after Hanabi, glad to be back at the castle. A servant followed him with their numerous purchases.

"H-Hanabi? N-n-nani? Are you o-okay?" Hinata asked concernedly as Hanabi stopped in front of her, momentarily out of breath. The younger girl eventually straightened.

"Hinata! Guess what? Guess what? Guess what Neji did while we were shopping? Kami, you'll never guess it!"

"A-ano…" Hinata blinked at her young sister, and looked up at Neji, who was approaching them. "Nani…?"

"Hanabi, be quiet," Neji said dangerously, but said girl was too excited to pay him any heed.

"He talked to another girl that wasn't a Hyuuga willingly! And no, she wasn't Sakura-san either! Neji interacted with another girl! He helped her too! Kami, I can't believe it!"

"R-really?" Hinata looked at Neji questioningly, her expression eager. Neji glared at both the girls.

"I refuse to participate in such a trivial discussion," he said calmly. "Especially seeing as it involves me."

"Oh, n-nii-san…" Hinata smiled, then heard a door open and turned around to see Hiashi walking towards her. "O-otou-sama!"

"Hinata, I need to see you privately for a moment," Hiashi told her seriously, before spotting Neji and Hanabi. "Ah, back already?"

"Neji wouldn't stay any longer," Hanabi sighed. "But we still got a lot of awesome stuff! Oh, and I got some really nice things for you too, Hinata! I'll show them to you later!" Hinata smiled again, and nodded. Meanwhile, Neji was giving his uncle a look that said that he would never, ever take Hanabi shopping again. Hiashi sighed, shaking his head. "Oh yeah! Otou-san, Neji wouldn't buy me something I wanted today," Hanabi whined. Hiashi winced inwardly at how spoiled his youngest daughter was, but turned to Neji.

"Why didn't you, Neji?"

Neji didn't seemed a bit fazed at Hanabi's complaint. "Another person saw it first and was planning to buy it, so I only did what was right."

The king was satisfied and looked approvingly at his heir. "I am glad you were so responsible, Neji. As for you, Hanabi, you must stop acting so spoiled." Hanabi pouted angrily. "Now, Hinata, we must talk." Hiashi beckoned for Hinata to follow him, and the two left. There was a silence, and Neji was about to go elsewhere when Hanabi decided to ask him a question.

"Ne, Neji, did you get her name?"

Neji glanced at his cousin disinterestedly, then turned away. "…there was no need," was what he replied, before he departed.

Tenten sat in her house, playing with the fan that Sakura had let her borrow. She wanted to return the fan to her, but Sakura hadn't been in her quarters when Tenten had returned in the late afternoon. It was now evening, nearly night. Sakura was bound to be back soon.

The brunette took out the ruby ring that she had bought today, admiring it in the light. She slipped it onto her finger and sighed at its brilliance. Tenten was happy that she had been able to purchase the wonderful piece of jewelry, but she hadn't been able to meet a single guy. Nobody had come up and spoken to her, apart from the lecher and the Hyuuga. The Hyuuga…

"He's too handsome for his own good," Tenten thought rather dreamily. She felt let down that she didn't get his name. If she did, she'd at least know who he was. Maybe even meet up with him sometime…

Tenten laughed rather uncharacteristically to herself, and stood up. She left her house, heading to Sakura's on the pretense of returning the fan. The attendants outside of Sakura's house recognized her and bowed.

"Tenten-sama," they murmured respectfully.

"Is Sakura-hime back yet?" Tenten asked, frowning at the dark house. One of the attendants shook her head.

"No, Tenten-sama, Sakura-hime has not returned," she said solemnly. "I am a bit worried; Sakura-hime has been out for a very long time."

Tenten's frown deepened. "That's strange," she commented. "Well, can I go in to return Sakura's fan?" The girl held it up.

"Yes Tenten-sama, Sakura-hime has told us that if you wish to go into the house, you are allowed," the other servant said, opening the door for Tenten. The latter found this piece of information extremely strange, and went into the dark house. She lit a lamp and proceeded to put down the fan on the main table in the living room when she noticed something.

Something that looked like…a letter.

Tenten picked it up, her eyes widening and her heart beating faster. She unfolded it and began to read.

Dear Tenten-chan,

How did your boyfriend hunting go? Oh, well, I won't be able to know. Because…I'm really sorry, Tenten-chan. Really! I wish that I could tell you face-to-face without having to resort to writing this letter, but I couldn't. You wouldn't let me go if I did. Because, Tenten-chan…I'm running away. Well, not running. If you're reading this letter, then I've already ran away. I decided that I just couldn't submit myself to the marriage. What, hand over what little freedom I have on a silver platter? Fat chance. That's why I've run away. I'm so sorry, Tenten-chan. I wish you could come with me. You'll always be my best friend. I hope I'll always be yours.

Hey, that sounds kind of like we'll never see each other again. Well, don't worry, I'm sure we'll be able to see each other soon. Someday. When father accepts my position and what I've done. Please, don't worry about me. The place I've escaped to is completely safe. It's a wonderful place - just as safe as the palace. Here, I'll be able to live just as well, if not better. There's no danger whatsoever, so don't go looking for me. Even if you do, you won't be able to find me.

The marriage will be cancelled - I'm sure of it. There's no way it won't be, since there isn't anyone else that father can offer to marry to Hyuuga-san. Please tell Sasuke-kun not to worry. Actually, I've written a letter to him too. It's under this one, on the table. And one for otou-sama. I hope he will forgive me.

I'm so sorry, Tenten-chan. If you haven't met anyone yet, I wish you luck. Hopefully you'll find someone soon. I wish I could tell you this, this morning. I'm sorry. Gomenasai. Gomenasai. Gomenasai. Please, don't worry about me. You're the best ever, Tenten-chan.

- Love, Haruno Sakura.

PS. I've written a novel for this, haven't I? I hope that I haven't bored you to death with the length of this letter.

Tenten stared at the letter for a moment, before dropping it with shaking hands. She collapsed onto the floor, gazing at the table unseeingly.

"Sakura-chan…Sakura-chan…SAKURA-CHAN!" Tenten screamed, sobbing into the folds of the kimono she was wearing.

"Tenten-sama? Nani?" An attendant, who had undoubtedly heard Tenten's scream, came into the living room to find Tenten a complete wreck. The servant was utterly bewildered. "Tenten-sama…?"

"Get…g-get H-Haruno-s-sama," Tenten choked, coughing and crying at the same time. "G-get him n-n-now. H-hurry!" The servant nodded quickly and left, hurrying to call the king. Tenten tried to blink back tears and reached for another folded piece of paper on the table. She opened it with trembling hands to find a letter addressed to King Haruno.

Dear Otou-sama,

I have run away from the palace, from home, and from you. I am really sorry to have done this. I know I am your only daughter, and I really did not wish to leave. I am very sorry father, but you left me no choice. I can't marry Hyuuga Neji…I can't do it. When I was little, I used to dream of marrying my prince charming. I will marry out of love. As much as it may break your heart, I refuse to marry for the good of the kingdom. It is also clear that Hyuuga Neji does not like me, so this will be good for him.

I do love you, otou-sama. I always will. But I just cannot succumb to an arranged marriage. I know that there is no way to escape except to run away. Therefore, I have done so. Please do not worry about me. I have gone to a great place where I will be able to live well. The place is as safe as home can get, so do not worry. You may look for me if you wish, but you will not find me. Gomenasai, otou-sama. I will not tell you where I am until I am positive that I will no longer be forced into arranged marriages. I will not step foot into the palace until you accept my position. I am ashamed of what I have done, going against my duties of being a princess, but I have chosen my heart. There is no turning back.

If Sasuke-kun comes looking for me, please tell him what I have done. The complete truth. Please tell him that I am very sorry to have left without telling him. I am also very sorry to Tenten-chan for the same reasons.

I love you, otou-sama. I have failed at my duties towards you and the kingdom. I am also sorry to Hyuuga Neji. Gomenasai, father. Gomenasai. I hope you will forgive me someday. Sayonara.

- Love your only daughter, Haruno Sakura.

Tenten stared in disappointment at the letter, still in shock and despair. Her hand closed tightly over the third letter on the table - the one addressed to Uchiha Sasuke. The girl felt, however, that she couldn't take any more, so she put Sasuke's letter and her letter into her pocket. Just then, she heard the servant return.

"Tenten-sama! Haruno-sama has come." The attendant bowed as King Haruno walked quickly into the house, looking rather worried. He spotted Tenten and went over to her, concerned about her appearance.

"Tenten! What has happened? Why have you requested me? Why are you crying? Where is Sakura-chan?"

"…" Tenten merely shook her head, her grief consuming her so that she could not answer. The brunette handed the letter in her hand to the king, who took it slowly, as though he was sure that it held terrible news and didn't want to read it. There was a moment of silence as the king read, only broken by Tenten's sniffles and crying.

"No…" King Haruno looked up, his eyes wide. "This…this is not true. It is not true. Tell me it is not true, Tenten!"

"G-g-gomen, H-Haruno-s-s-sama…" Tenten replied hoarsely. "G-gomen…"

"My Sakura…she…she can't have. No! I refuse to believe it!" The king stood up, his face a mixture of immense sadness, disbelief, and anger. He rounded on the attendants. "When did she leave today? When did she leave? Did she say where she was going? What did she bring with her? Tell me!"

The servants cringed, frozen with fear. "H-H-Haruno-sama," the first woman stuttered. "S-Sakura-hime left today around e-early afternoon. S-she said that she was g-going shopping, and brought along a b-big bag with her. We are very sorry, Haruno-sama!"

The king roared with rage and left the house. Tenten gazed, still in a stupor, after him, shaking in sadness, and continued crying. Her best friend was gone. She wasn't in the safety of the castle, and Tenten didn't know if she would ever see Sakura again.

Neji suppressed the desire to spill cold blood when he was interrupted in his meditation by frantic knocking on the door, followed by yelling.

"Neji-sama! Neji-sama! Hiashi-sama has requested urgently to see you! The king says that it is an emergency!"

Neji's blood lust died as he realized the seriousness of the situation. The crown prince got up and walked out of the door, ignoring the servant that he had accidentally knocked over in his dignified haste to go to the throne room. The young man spotted Hinata also heading towards the throne room.

"Neji-nii-san! W-what has happened?" she asked anxiously.

"I should be asking you that," Neji replied quietly. "I thought you knew." They arrived at their destination, to be greeted by an angry Hiashi, who was pacing back and forth in front of the throne.

"Neji!" he said immediately, ignoring Hinata. "There has been a crisis with the marriage concerning the Haruno family. I have just received a messenger from King Haruno telling me of the events."

"What is it?" Neji asked, his voice deadly serious. This was a matter of politics, not a silly game.

"It seems as though Haruno Sakura has run away," Hiashi told Neji angrily. "She abandoned her kingdom and she cannot be found. The marriage is in danger. We have already sent out the invitations; if we cancel the wedding now, both the Hyuuga and the Haruno will look very shameful. This is a large, anticipated wedding. We cannot simply cancel it because the bride has run away!" Hiashi pounded his fist on a nearby table in fury. Neji contemplated the problem silently, disregarding Hinata's shocked gasp.

"…is there no replacement?" the prince asked coolly, not betraying any emotion.

"King Haruno did not mention any in his message," Hiashi replied, sighing. "However, a replacement seems to be the only solution, as canceling the wedding is out of the question."

"E-e-e-excuse m-me…" Hinata ventured timidly. "W-why is it s-so shameful to c-cancel t-t-the w-wedding?"

"All other allied surrounding kingdoms, nobility, and countries in which we are at peace with have been invited to the wedding," Neji answered. "The kingdoms would be preparing to attend it. If we cancel the wedding now, it would put both our kingdoms to shame because we have already caused the guests trouble, so we would only be complicating matters. Furthermore, questions will be raised as to why the event was cancelled."

Hinata blinked, momentarily stunned by hearing Neji say so much in one go. She recovered and bowed her head slightly. "I understand. We should h-hope t-that there is a r-r-replacement f-for S-Sakura-san."

"I am disappointed that King Haruno cannot even control his own daughter," Hiashi commented, quite dissatisfied. His tone indicated great disapproval.

"W-well, S-Sakura-san m-may n-not usually seem l-like the t-type to run away…" Hinata mumbled. "If I w-were to r-run away, w-would you b-be able to know about it b-beforehand a-and stop m-m-me?"

"…" Hiashi stared at his eldest daughter, an eyebrow raised.

"It does not matter how or why Sakura-san ran away," Neji cut in. "We must worry about the replacement."

"Yes, you're right Neji," Hiashi agreed. "I will order a messenger to inform King Haruno of this. However, the replacement must be of Haruno blood. I refuse to let the crown prince marry blood that is not of royalty, or not, to the very least, of high-ranking nobility."

Hinata gazed sadly at Neji. She felt sorry that her cousin had gotten trapped within the entanglements of marriage. He wasn't able to choose who his bride would be. Now, he wasn't even able to marry to a direct heir of a kingdom. He was stuck with a replacement.

"We shall take our leave, Hiashi-sama," Neji said properly. He cast a glance at Hinata, telling her to leave with him. When the two were far away from the throne room, Neji stopped. He stared out a window for a moment, then spoke. "As troublesome as it is, it is satisfying to know that she has escaped her cage." And with those words, the prince left. Hinata stared after him, surprised.

"Yes…Sakura-san has escaped her cage," Hinata whispered to herself, not stuttering at all for once.

Tenten sat in her room, rocking back and forth methodically. Although it had already been six days since Sakura's flight, Tenten was still feeling sorrowful. However, the wedding still had not been cancelled, and she did not know why. The brunette hadn't seen the king since Sakura's escape, so she was not able to ask. The girl had kept the letter addressed to Sasuke to herself, determined not to read it. Said young man had not visited the Haruno palace, so Tenten had not had a chance to give it to him.

The young woman fingered the letter. She was burning to read it, to see if there was any hint whatsoever of where Sakura had gone to. However, Tenten did not read the letter. She respected privacy, and did not want to intrude into the relationship between the Uchiha prince and her cousin. The brunette stared fixedly at the folded piece of paper, attempting to push down the desire to read it. After minutes of internal struggling, however, she gave in. Tenten unfolded the letter with shaking hands.

Dear Sasuke-kun,

Gomenasai, Sasuke-kun. I have run away from my kingdom because I cannot bring myself to marry Hyuuga Neji. I wish I could be with you, but I can't. However, onegai…don't worry about me. I'll be fine. I'm sure of it. I'll be as safe as if I was living with you or at home, so don't worry. I love you, Sasuke-kun. I will always love you.

- Your beloved Haruno Sakura.

Tenten stared at the letter, surprised by its shortness. It was only a paragraph - not even half a page. There weren't any hints as to where Sakura had gone, either. The brunette scowled angrily. She supposed that Sakura didn't want Sasuke to think too much of her, so she had kept the letter as short as possible. Besides, Sasuke could always ask Tenten about Sakura's departure. The cousin folded the letter and put it into her pocket.

She felt sorely disappointed that Sakura had not left any clue to where she escaped to, except for saying that the place was "really safe". Where was "really safe"? The only places that Tenten knew of with safety that could match the Haruno palace were other palaces, and it was impossible for Sakura to have hidden in another kingdom. Where else could she have gone? Tenten rather doubted that Sakura was still in the Haruno kingdom, as a matter of fact. The latter had probably secretly escaped to another country to hide. It seemed, however, that she had gone alone. King Haruno had taken account of all the servants surrounding the princess, and none were missing. It was a puzzle that completely befuddled Tenten, giving her a headache.

A knock on the doors jolted Tenten from her thoughts.

"Come in," Tenten called, walking out of her room, into the hallway. The main door slid open slightly, revealing a bowing attendant.

"Excuse me, Tenten-sama. You have a visitor." The attendant stepped aside, and opened the doors fully. They slid back with a thud, and in stepped Uchiha Sasuke, with nothing but a deadly serious expression on his face.

Once again, thank you guys for all the reviews! I really do appreciate them. It's nice to see input on this fanfiction, whether it be a "please update soon!" or a longer review, so please keep them coming. They inspire me to write more. Wow, I might actually finish a multi-chapter fanfiction for once.