Auspicious Obligations Chapter 5: Bittersweet, a naruto fanfic

Enjoy.

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

Chapter 5 - Bittersweet

"NANI?" Hanabi's shrill shriek echoed off the walls of the dining hall, causing everyone in the immediate vicinity to wince with pain. Hinata unconsciously covered up her hand.

"You are getting...married? To Inuzuka Kiba?" Neji questioned, eyeing the hand that Hinata had covered up.

"H-h-h-hai..." the princess mumbled, flushing. "H-how did y-you know that I-I w-w-was getting m-married t-t-to Kiba-kun, Neji-nii-san?" Said young man gave his cousin a look.

"Your ring," was all he said in reply. Hinata's eyes widened, and she took her hand back out in the open to look at the beautiful ring.

"M-my ring...?" Hinata looked wondrous and puzzled at the same time.

"Naruto would not have given you such a ring," Neji explained calmly, between bites of his dinner. "He would have gone for another style." Comprehension dawned on Hinata's reddening face.

"Y-you are s-s-so good at observing, n-nii-san..."

"This is awesome!" Hanabi said gleefully. "You've finally chosen, nee-chan! I knew it was going to be Kiba!"

"Y-you d-d-did...?" Hinata stared at Hanabi.

"She did not," Neji interjected smoothly, ignoring Hanabi's glares and protests.

"This is wonderful news Hinata," Hiashi commented, a smile gracing his face. "When did Kiba-san propose to you?"

Hinata flushed more darkly. "A-ano...a-about a w-week and a h-h-half ago..."

"WHAT? And you tell us now?" Hanabi demanded incredulously.

"I-I was not r-ready," Hinata defended, fidgeting.

"That is fine, Hinata-sama," Neji said, cutting off his other young cousin's attempted complaints.

"I will arrange for wedding preparations in a month," Hiashi decided. "After all, Neji's wedding is tomorrow. We must be ready. Neji, you will have to try on your wedding clothes after dinner. The servant that was fitting you told me that you refused to comply."

Neji's impassive face darkened a bit. "...fine," he said stiffly.

"Ne, Neji...you could at least try to be a little more cheerful about your wedding tomorrow," Hanabi said softly. Neji was silent. Hiashi sighed.

"You will be married before your birthday, and the protocol will be satisfied. I am interested in seeing the bride myself, admittedly."

"M-me too," Hinata chimed in quietly. "Neji-nii-san, smile. Please, smile. If not f-for yourself, s-smile for me."

Neji bowed his head slightly. "I am sorry, Hinata-sama," the prince apologized in a monotone. "I am unable to." Hiashi frowned, but he did not say anything, and the rest of the dinner passed in silence. After the meal, Neji retreated to his private rooms. However, his eldest cousin followed him.

"N-Neji-nii-san," Hinata said softly from the doorway. Neji did not turn around. He had already known that Hinata would come to talk to him after dinner.

"Come in," his deep voice commanded. Hinata stepped into the room and closed the door behind her. She sat down on a large, grey couch.

"How are you f-feeling, nii-san?" the princess asked concernedly.

"..." was Neji's silent reply. He gazed at the opposite wall for a moment, then decided to convey his true feelings for once. Hinata was pretty much the only person he ever opened up to, and rarely, too. "I...I do not think that I am ready for the marriage."

"Huh?" Hinata's eyes widened at this confession.

"I have never really interacted with other women," Neji continued, sounding frustrated. "I do not care for a wife, nor do I want one. However, it would be wrong for me to ignore my wife once I marry. I do not know how to be a husband. I do not know how to be a man, when it comes to women."

"..." Hinata was struck speechless with shock. She blinked a couple times, absorbing the information. "Ano...I g-guess it would b-be hard t-to b-b-be a good husband to someone t-that you have no a-affection for." Neji nodded mutely.

"I have no idea how she feels about this," he intoned. "But I doubt she will be happy. It is not I who will live in the Haruno palace. She will live here. She will be the queen of the Hyuuga kingdom. She will have to adapt to a completely new environment."

"That is true," Hinata agreed quietly. "At least, for me, I will be marrying t-the one I l-l-love. She...she has n-never even m-met you. She d-does not k-know any of us..."

Neji shifted his troubled gaze to Hinata. "Haruno Tenten," his emotionless voice rang out. "She will come to the Hyuuga palace. When she does, she will feel weak. She will feel cornered. I will not know how to help her. After all...she is a bird trapped within the confinements of our cage, and yet, I will never be able to set her free."

Tenten sat dazedly as the servants did her hair and makeup. She stared at herself in the mirror, at the beauty of her wedding dress. Its luxuriant red shone and illuminated her skin. Yet, Tenten could not smile. No matter how hard the attendants tried, they could not get rid of the dullness of the princess's skin, of the paleness in her cheeks...nor the sadness in her eyes.

For it was her wedding day. The day her life would change forever. The day she would be shackled in chains, never to be free again. It was the day she would become Hyuuga Tenten. The brunette's mind was wheeling, desperately not wanting to believe it, but was forced into reality. After all, she was sitting in front of a mirror in her wedding dress, merely a short time away from the wedding ceremony.

"Tenten-hime," one of the servants said softly, breaking into her train of thought. "You are ready." Tenten stared at her reflection. Could the beautiful, elegant woman really be the boy-ignorant, tomboyish Tenten? It was impossible...it couldn't be. And yet, the reflection was reality. The harsh, numbing reality.

There was a knock on the door, and a distant relative of the Haruno family stepped into the room. Tenten did not know him, but because he was a relative of the family, he would be the one to walk Tenten down the aisle. The man gazed at her approvingly, but his eyes softened in regret.

"...it is time, Tenten-hime," the male said gently. Tenten stood up automatically, allowing the servants to drape a long, red cloth over her head, as was the wedding custom. Her heart screamed with every step she took, but the brunette continued to walk, with the relative guiding her. Her heart beat ever faster as she sensed that they were approaching the doors of where the marriage was being held. Tenten's ears could pick up music being played, and people talking softly. And then...

"We are here, Tenten-hime. Please walk steadily with me," the man whispered, and the doors opened. An immediate hush fell upon the large room, all of its occupants falling silent as Tenten advanced with her supporter towards the podium. She was unable to see where she was going, and nearly stumbled when they came to a halt. The arm that had helped her left, to be replaced by another. Her soon-to-be husband's.

"We have gathered her today," the priest began," to celebrate the marriage of Haruno Tenten to Hyuuga Neji. They will be bonded together with this final act, forever at each other's side throughout life and through death. Let fate never separate them, and help them to achieve their dreams." There was a pause as everyone contemplated the speech. "Now," the priest continued, "let us commence the ceremony. Will Haruno Tenten and Hyuuga Neji please bow to the bride's father."

Tenten felt the arm that was linked with hers nudge her to the left, and she turned towards who she assumed was King Haruno. She and her partner bowed deeply.

"Now, will they please bow to the groom's father." Tenten was subtly tugged to the right, and bowed deeply along with the person next to her.

"Let the bridge and groom bow to each other." The arm left Tenten, and she turned in the direction that she thought her partner was in. Tenten bowed, and she felt the person do the same.

"And now," the priest said in a booming voice, "let the groom kiss the bride." There was a silence.

Then, Tenten heard a hand reach out for her, and watched as her veil was grasped and thrown off her head. The bright light of the room blinded the bride for a moment, before allowing her eyes to adjust. And then...

Tenten looked up into the pure-white eyes of Hyuuga Neji. Her heart leapt in shock at the sight of his familiar face...the high cheekbones, the narrow chin...the haughty profile. He...he was the young man that she had met on her shopping trip in Yokohama. He was the one that had gave the ring up to her...the one that scared the lecher away.

He was the handsome young man that Tenten had daydreamed about for the past week, amidst her anger, hurt, and sorrow.

Tenten gazed up at Neji, wondering if he recognized her. The other man had no visible reaction as she stared at her, his face as impassive as ever, although the brunette could have sworn that she had seen something flicker in his eyes for a second, before disappearing.

Neji felt rather surprised at the sight of his bride. She was the woman that he had met about a week ago when he had taken Hanabi shopping. Judging from her reaction, Neji guessed that she also recognized him. He did not let his emotions show, however, and continued staring at her for a moment, before realizing that everyone in the vicinity were waiting for them to kiss. And so, Neji bent forward, his face nearing Tenten's, going closer...closer...

Until their lips met. He felt her gasp, and wrapped his arms around her gingerly while deepening the kiss for a few seconds before breaking away.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife."

Applause and cheers broke out from the guests, with the musicians in a corner starting up another wedding song. Neji looked down at his bride, who was staring with nothing but shock on her face, unaware of the cold band of metal that was being slipped onto her finger until her hand received a slight squeeze.

"Are you going to continue staring at me, or will you give me my wedding ring?" he asked quietly, sounding slightly amused at Tenten's stupor. The girl started, and blushed in spite of herself, pulling off the male ring that had been resting on her left forefinger and placing it onto her new husband's left ring finger. She noticed the beautiful gold-banded ring on her own left ringfinger, which Neji had put on a few seconds before. A beautiful blood-red diamond was studded into the ring, intricate bands of gold and sprinkles of normal diamonds weaving around the main gemstone to form a dazzling frame.

It was the most beautiful thing Tenten had ever seen.

"A-ano..." A voice broke through Tenten's thoughts, and both she and Neji turned to see a young woman standing in front of them, smiling. "C-congratulations, N-Neji-nii-san a-and Tenten-san! I-I am H-Hyuuga Hinata, e-eldest daughter of King Hiashi a-and c-cousin to y-your husband. A-although, T-Tenten-san, we are n-now cousins t-t-too."

"I...thank you, Hinata-san," Tenten said softly as Neji nodded his thanks, and shook Hinata's outstretched hand. "I-I'm pleased to meet you." She wondered why her new cousin had such a bad case of stuttering.

"Hey hey, congratulations!" Another girl, albeit much younger, ran over to them. "Konnichiwa, Tenten-san! I'm Hyuuga Hanabi, Hinata's little sister."

"Konnichiwa, Hanabi-san," the brunette replied, smiling slightly at Hanabi's beaming face. "I'm also pleased to meet you."

Hinata gazed at the one foot distance between Neji and Tenten, then gave the former a look. Neji frowned slightly, but his frown disappeared and he closed the distance between himself and his new wife, grasping her hand in his. Tenten started slightly at the sudden, rather intimate contact, but didn't comment on it. Her cheeks, however, developed a pink tinge.

"Congratulations, Neji and Tenten!" Hiashi said, joining the small group. "We are pleased to welcome you into the family, Tenten."

"Arigatou, H-Hiashi-sama," the girl said nervously, bowing her head slightly. She noticed that King Haruno did not come over to express his congratulations, and refused to look at him. Soon, a trickle of people made their way to congratulate the couple, all of the guests being as polite as possible. Eventually, one of guests approached Tenten.

"...congratulations," Uchiha Sasuke muttered, not looking Tenten in the eye. Instead, he looked at Neji.

"Thank you, Uchiha-san," Neji replied smoothly. "I trust that you and your friend are doing well?"

"Friend...?" Tenten thought, following Neji's gaze. Her eyes landed upon a inconspicuous raven-haired girl, who was sitting in her seat silently, staring at the ground. Her face was not visible.

"We're fine," Sasuke said nonchalantly. "Thank you for inviting us to the wedding. We wish you two good luck." The Uchiha left abruptly to return to his friend's side.

The girl looked unseeingly at the ground, her head bowed and her vision blurring with tears. She heard Sasuke approaching, but didn't look up. The latter sat down next to her and wrapped an arm around her. He carefully pulled the black wig more securely down, hiding the small strands of rose-colored hair that had been sticking out, although they were under the collar of the girl's kimono.

"Let's go, Sakura," Sasuke murmured into the princess's ear, helping her up. He and Sakura left the large room, and were walking towards their carriage before the latter burst into tears. Sasuke looked at her, not really knowing what to do other than hold her more tightly.

"Tenten!" Sakura sobbed as she got into the carriage with the young man. "Tenten! She...she...I can't believe that otou-sama used her as a replacement for me in the marriage!"

"..." Sasuke stayed silent, patting Sakura on the back awkwardly.

"H-how could he?" the girl wailed, tears cascading down her cheeks. "I-I can't believe! Oh, Tenten-chan...poor, poor Tenten-chan! She-she never even had a chance to have a b-boyfriend! It's-it's so unfair!"

"It's not your fault," the Uchiha said firmly, looking into Sakura's eyes. "You have to understand that."

"N-no! If I h-hadn't run a-away, she w-wouldn't be H-Hyuuga Tenten right n-now!"

"Listen," Sasuke said harshly, knowing that it would be no use if he attempted to talk to Sakura nicely. "You thought that the wedding would be cancelled. There was no way that you could have known that Haruno-sama would replace you with Tenten. Nothing is gained by blaming yourself."

"..." Sakura sniffed, quiet for a moment. "...I thought that only princesses could be married to princes," she whispered. "Tenten is of royal blood, but she isn't a princess. How could have otou-sama married her...?"

Sasuke contemplated the issue. "Tenten has no parents," he said finally. "Haruno-sama may have adopted her." Sakura stared up at her lover, eyes widening in realization.

"Y-you're right, Sasuke-kun," she gasped. "I never thought of that!"

"Are you going to tell her?" Sasuke cut in, before the pink-haired girl could blame herself further. Sakura's face saddened even more.

"...I was going to, after this day," she said softly, "but now...I just can't face her. I'll have to tell her some other time."

"Aa," Sasuke agreed. "Then you will tell her of our marriage...another day."

Tenten sat nervously on the edge of the bed as Neji organized their presents, stacking them in a corner of the room. The two had retired to their room a while ago, after the wedding ceremony and the after-party. Neji finished his self-given task, straightened, and sat down on the bed next to Tenten. They were silent for a moment.

"I...I met you in Yokohama," Tenten spoke up softly, staring fixedly at her hands.

"Aa."

"Ano...your cousin, Hanabi-san...she was with you that day, right?"

"Aa," Neji said quietly. He paused, then continued. "I do not think that she recognized you today."

Tenten tried to smile slightly, and her attempted smile came out rather crooked. "...yeah, I guess not." There was another awkward silence.

"I am sorry that you had to participate in this marriage."

Tenten looked up from her thumb-fiddling with surprise. "Oh...no, please don't be. It's...not your fault. I..." The girl sighed softly. "It must be hard for you, too."

"It is my duty as the heir," Neji said monotonously. "I was prepared for this marriage." He paused. "Tenten-san-"

"Please," Tenten interrupted daringly. "We're married, so there's no need to be so polite. Just call me Tenten."

"...alright," Neji agreed. "Then please call me Neji."

"Okay," the young woman said. "Now, what were you about to say? I'm sorry for interrupting."

"It is fine," Neji replied. "Tenten. I have a question. Please answer me seriously."

"...okay," Tenten said hesitantly.

"...are you really Haruno-sama's second daughter?" the young man asked softly. "Daughter by birth?"

The newest member of the Hyuuga family stiffened. "Why...why do you ask, Neji-san...? Pardon me; I meant Neji."

"...I am not that easily fooled," Neji murmured in response, his white eyes piercing through Tenten. "Haruno-sama told me that Sakura-san in his only daughter. Then, when the marriage is in a crisis, he suddenly has another daughter? I do not think that things flow that smoothly in life, Tenten."

"..." Tenten blinked back the sudden tears that sprang into her eyes. "I...he..." The brunette lowered her head, unable to stop the burning in her eyes. "He adopted me for the wedding," she whispered, her voice sounding muffled. Neji hesitated. He knew that his new wife was crying, but had absolutely no idea of how to console her.

"I...am sorry to hear that," Neji said eventually. "That was a very...insensitive thing to do." Tenten merely nodded, not wanting Neji to see her tears. The young woman started slightly as she felt a hand placed awkwardly on her shoulder, and looked up to see Neji gazing at her. It was hard to tell what he was feeling because of his emotionless state. Tenten felt like she could be lost forever in the whiteness of his eyes. "You are now the wife of the heir to the Hyuuga throne," the male stated in his deep voice. "As much as you may be unhappy, you must be strong for the kingdom." Neji removed his hand and stood up. "It is late. We should go to sleep."

"Hai..." Tenten mumbled, getting up. She went behind a screen to change out of her wedding robes, obviously uncomfortable with undressing in front of Neji. Once she finished, she stepped out, to be greeted with the sight of Neji, sitting calmly at the edge of the bed, waiting for her to climb into it first, for she would be sleeping against the wall. Tenten felt her face reddening at an alarming speed, and quickly climbed into bed, trying not to look at Neji. Once she was nicely tucked beneath the covers, she turned to face the wall, closing her eyes tightly. The girl felt the sheets rustle beside her, and the light was blown out.

"Good night, Tenten," Neji murmured.

"G-good night," the female replied, stuttering slightly. "Damn," Tenten thought, her face burning. "Why does he have to sleep without a shirt on?"

Oops, sorry for not updating for such a long time! I...er, well, I've been pretty busy with school, and I kind of forgot about updating. Then, today, I suddenly realized I haven't updated this fanfiction in a while, went "OMG", and now I've updated.

The wedding is a mixture between a really traditional chinese wedding and a modern-day english wedding.

Kudos to Merciless Ruby and Life.Is.Like.Sushi for guessing where Sakura went correctly! Heehee, that Sasuke-kun. He's such a good actor. Thanks to everyone else for reviewing! Wow, chapter four got a lot of reviews! I'm very happy, a very happy author And please review for this one, too.

I'm currently writing chapter 6 and am having a bit of a writer's block, so the next chapter might take some time to turn out. Maybe. We'll see. Someone give me a saw to saw my way through that huge hunk of stone, si vous plaît.