Part II

I'll be there when your heart stops beating
I'll be there when your last breaths taken away
In the dark when there's no-one listening
In the times when we both get carried away
(When your heart stops beating -+44)

Neji hadn't stayed at my place last night. He had returned to the Hyuuga complex to speak exclusively to Hinata. It made sense that Neji had returned there, but it didn't make sense how I secretly wished he had stayed. To most people, he was read as inexpressive and cold, but I was 'Tenten' and maybe that just explained all of it. I always had been good at reading his actions and gauging his reactions. It just made sense that I would be so attuned to his nature. It both intrigued and disturbed me.

I liked being this close to him, but I didn't want to know the outcome if this seal went wrong, I didn't want to feel the pain. I didn't want to feel his pain at me being married off to somebody who didn't know me.

The clearing was the same as usual, but the mood was defiantly more… ominous, I finally decided. The two pale eyed Hyuuga's sat in an open ended triangle that I filled with my presence. Hinata was in simple white robes and Neji was without a shirt.

Hinata started performing the jutsu and spoken words of the seal, finally tracing a kanji over Neji's heart. The entire needed time was short, but I was on edge, terrified and spellbound.

When she reached up to put the mark of the seal on Neji's chest I almost screamed in frustration. I couldn't stand my helplessness. A blue light faded under Neji's skin, invisible. For the first time I realized that his family curse was exposed, no bandages to obscure it. It flared a bright light green for a second before Neji collapsed.

I stood up immediately, knowing Hinata had already finished her seal, her invisible seal.

"Neji?" I called; my voice cracking and ragged. My hands tried to find a pulse in his neck. It was there, but it was faint. It was traumatizing, all I could do was help Hinata lift his limp form and carry him as far as we could. For once I wished that Lee was around, he was so heavy. With determination taking its roots in my troubled heart; I reached down to lift him. Hinata helping me wordlessly, almost shyly as we maneuvered his form so he was over my back. His long hair fell over the shoulder his head rested on spilling over my front like a spider web of dark chocolate. It was hard to walk with my back hunched over to carry his extremely heavy body. I realized then just how much more solid he actually was in comparison to me. I was lithe, paper-weight.

Hinata made a nervous sound along with something about the village, she rushed on ahead. I presumed she was going to get me help.

Help came before I reached the gates; taking Neji from me as I stared with blank, disturbed eyes. I wasn't able to comprehend the actions but followed along with the medics you took him to the hospital. At least, with the white floors and antiseptic smell, I assumed it was the hospital.

I blankly followed until a closed door stopped me. Neji was behind the door. That's all I knew, that's all I needed to know. I opened my hand, fingers unclenching to reach for the handle. I was stopped. I didn't know what stopped me with the grip on my arm and I didn't care. I was angry all I could see was the door closing, and I wanted the door open. The door was supposed to be open, what if I lost Neji? What was happening in there!

Damnitt! I used my free hand to slam all of that uncertainty and rage and fear into whatever was stopping me from opening the door. My fist was stopped. Somebody said my voice but I didn't hear it over the screaming.

There was screaming everywhere, it sounded hollow and dead and it ravaged my mind. I wanted it to stop, all of it to just shut down and shut up.

My teeth bit down hard on my tongue and the screaming stopped momentarily. It was muffled, but it was my screaming I realized. I was screaming.

"Let me go to him!" I shrieked, regaining enough control in my frenzy to look up at my captor. It was the Hokage. I was always one to be respectful, that's me, Tenten. I never complained about a job or something I've been told to do. But to hold be back from him, I was livid. It made me reckless.

"Tenten," She tried to steady me.

Angry tears ran down my face and I fought her captivity before sinking to the floor in mental exhaustion. She finally let me go as I sank into a decline.

"It's all my fault! I shouldn't—"I cried, my voice devastating to my own ringing ears. I shouldn't have what? Shouldn't have even thought of persuading him to marry me, shouldn't have had hope that we could ever be together. Know what, maybe stupid fucking fate was right and it only liked you to think you could defeat it!

I shouldn't have pressed him or depended on him so deeply. I fucking broke him! This wasn't right, it was supposed to work, and it was supposed to give us hope. He was supposed to be here and love me like I fucking loved him! I loved him! The shock came with a settling dread and ecstasy.

I stood, twisting to pound on the door that had made Neji vanish to my eyes. I just had to break through the barrier keeping me. Strong hands restrained my wrists as I screamed and continued to struggle. I desperately clawed at the restraint with my aim of pounding through the door. My next scream was chilling. "If hadn't loved him……!"

Tsunade let go of me and I broke the door. Tears fell wildly down my face as I looked around the room. I spun to face Tsunade. "Where is he?!" I demanded.

She didn't reply but motioned me to come with her. I followed.

The room behind the door was a trauma room, and we weren't going to the mortuary. That was a good sign, I started to calm down. I pieced together my composure, with my appearance betraying all my efforts.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to…." I spoke quietly. Tsunade stopped a patients' room and opened the door.

I looked past her to the bed, walking quickly over to it. Neji laid there; sleeping but he didn't seem too worse for wear. His breathing was rhythmic and steady. It soothed me, calming me more that anything I could have done myself. I absently traced a finger along his cheek. I didn't even look up as Hinata stepped in and closed the door.

The Hokage must be worried. I opened my mouth to explain before closing it again.

"Tenten," A soft voice rang out, calling me from my painful reverie. "W-what happened t-t-to you?"

My voice sounded cold and vague, not entirely my own. "I was worried."

"I'm s-s-so-so s-sorry." she whispered, a stutter showing her nervousness.

Neji's lips moved in a silent sentence. I could read it on his lips; and I knew he was aware even if he was tired. I wanted this.

"Hinata, did it work?" I looked at her finally. Her byakugan was creasing her veins with excess blood. Her concentration was one of murderous amount. I knew that she was testing her theory. I traced the curse mark on Neji's forehead; knowing it should be causing pain. But it wasn't. There was no hot glow of the active curse.

"It worked." Hinata stated simply. I felt joyous, it wasn't just a waste.

I leaned down to place a kiss on Neji's forehead. Whispering in his ear; "You're free."

Thank you, He fought to mouth before sleep over came him; stealing him into the darkness.

I had forgotten Tsunade was there until she spoke. "The actual medical diagnosis is over-exhaustion. But I don't think he just overworked himself."

There was an order there, to give up the details of the story. I was so full of relief at her words and Hinata's to feel any extra emotion. "Well, three—no four days ago now, you told me that I had to marry the Inuzuka in three weeks if I didn't marry anybody else sooner.

"Well, Neji and I came to a realization and an agreement and we decided that if there was a way to deactivate the curse, I'd be his wife." I stated, a little simply and plainly.

Hinata looked strait at the bed that Neji laid, her voice didn't even falter as she finished. "We found a way."

Tsunade looked over the whole scene. "He'll be fine as long as he doesn't overexert himself."

I nodded to show I understood. "Hokage-sama, could you please not tell anybody about the agreement or the curse?" I asked.

She nodded sharply with a 'yes' and left, swiftly removing her presence from the room.

Hinata looked from me to Neji. "Take good care o-of him. I'm g-going to tell H-Haishi-sama that h-he overworked himself in t-training." Hinata said. I knew she wouldn't be back till daybreak; if then.

I was so tired. I pulled a chair from a corner of the room over to the bed. Settling into it, I made a mental list of all the times Neji had sacrificed his safety for me. There were so many; I never even realized just how many. I felt myself slouch forward and knew it felt good to hear his breathing. Perfect breathing, light and steady; in-and-out, in-and-…

An obnoxious morning wakeup saw me throw a kunai at the door. I looked up. My eyes were bloodshot and my hair was loose and tangled. I knew I looked like a mess.

"Tenten-chan! Your beautiful youth is suffering." I wished the Kunai had missed the door and hit Rock Lee's head. He must be back from his mission, and as much as his cheerfulness and hard work was endearing, this early in the morning and anybody would feel like shutting him up.

"I leave for five days and come to return with amazing speed and I find that my rival is not well. Tenten-chan, are you not well too?"

I wanted to roll my eyes permanently into the back of my head. Instead I lay my head on the edge of Neji's hospital bed. I felt something warm and comforting grasp my hand. I looked up long enough to see Neji, his eyes closed and his expression peaceful, a rare thing. His hand had entwined itself around mine, and I didn't care whether or not it was conscious or unconscious as I laid my head back on the bed and let sleep claim me for a little while longer.

I woke up later on my own and discovered that Lee had either left or been banished. I didn't really care at the moment. I looked down at Neji; he was still so weak from the seal being evoked; but it was not an exhaustion he was fighting. He was accepting it, he seemed to welcome it with the knowledge it was a price and not a reminder.

He paid to be free from a household curse; he wasn't reminded that his birthright had cursed him with an unchangeable fate.

"Tenten-chan?" I heard a female voice ask, addressing me to the foot of the bed where the cherry-haired medic stood.

"Yes," I stated, even my voice seemed to match my inside emotion. It had been a traumatic week. "Neji-san should be able to go home in a few days, whenever he regains his strength. But can you make sure he drinks this when he wakes up?"

She gave me what I assumed was an herbal mixture for strength or restful sleep or something important. I nodded in understanding and she placed the cup on a table beside the bed. She turned to leave with one last worried glance at me.

"Tenten?" I heard. I rushed to the bedside, Neji's voice sounded beaten. As he fought to open his eyes, he gave up and finally just closed them. A small but apparent crease formed between his brows. I knew that look; it was the one he got when he could see that other people cared about him. "I'm sorry" He whispered. Fighting a loosing battle against sleep that was inevitable, I let him go. "I know," I leaned down to whisper in his ear. "I love you."

When I looked back up I noticed that Sakura was gone from the ward. Neji was sorry for making me worry, not for his actions and I recognized this. I felt completely and wholeheartedly connected to him.

I really did love him.

#&#

The rest of the day passed at an even pace. Neji did not wake up; even briefly and I often worried about the effects of the curse. When evening started to fall, he opened his eyes. I was instantly over at the bed, looking anxiously down at him. He reached up to touch my arm. He didn't speak it but his eyes said it, I want you here.

"I need you to drink this." I stated, picking up the cup Sakura had left. I placed my spare hand behind his back and helped him sit up and drink it. He might have grimaced.

I helped him back down and put the cup back on the table. He looked so helpless, it was an unnerving feeling. I had never seen him so vulnerable and powerless.

His hand reached up to pull me down to him and I was guided by his light touch to lie down on the bed beside him. It wasn't uncomfortable and I curled into his chest. One of my arms reached up to loosely envelope his neck in an open embrace. Satisfied with my position; I let myself drift off to sleep.

I heard a girlish giggle and a very annoying. "Wouldn't it be great to blackmail them right now?"

I groaned and rolled, rolled right off the bed in fact. My body hit the ground with a thud and I stood up after a moment. "Ino-chan, I-I have a better version…" Hinata stated very clearly. She showed who I now recognized as Yamanaka Ino a photograph.

"This is the sweetest gossip anywhere, where was this taken Hinata?" She asked, I was about to go up and knock them both out to take a look at the photograph; but Neji started waking up and I was preoccupied.

"Careful," I voiced silently. I still wanted to know what the girls were doing here but I let it go when Neji discovered he could sit up on his own. He positioned himself to lean against the headboard.

Once he seemed settled I mentioned something to him about finding something to eat. He nodded in either defeat or agreement.

Hinata spoke again to Ino, no stutter in her mischievous tone. "In her room; on her bed!"

I silently moved behind them, being the stealthy ninja I was, and observed the picture. It was of me and Neji kissing. "Hinata?" I half wined. "Why is she here?" I demanded.

Ino decided to answer for herself. "I heard that Neji was up here with you and figured you could use some flowers to brighten up your lives."

"You mean you just needed some nice juicy gossip and decided to come here to look for some?" I asked sarcastically. It was more something Neji would say than I, but maybe he was beginning to rub off on me. I wasn't sure if that last thought should frighten me or not.

"Naturally," She laughed haughtily, again I was tempted to roll my eyes into the back of my head and just leave them there for a while.

"And I b-brought food," Hinata declared while handing me two bentou boxes. One for me and one for Neji I assumed.

Although Neji was strong enough to sit up, I had to feed him. I alternated between eating my own food and feeding him his. Ino and Hinata chatted and Ino succeeded in making Hinata blush about some story. I was pretty sure I caught the word 'Naruto' somewhere though.

Neji moved his hand into a hand signal we had formed, a movement that was flat-handed and swept out and down a little. It meant leave be. I never thought we'd come to use it in anything other than missions, but he often proves me wrong, even if it isn't a conscious act.

"Okay." I nodded and put the bentou box that was his on the bedside table.

From there I helped him lay back down. I listened lightly to Hinata and Ino's conversation, without actually participating. I worked on finishing my own food.

Ino spoke next. "Woa, he didn't even say anything, Hinata, do you think they have created their own language or something?"

"Sometimes I w-wonder if they haven't…" She agreed without actually supporting Ino's theory. "I m-mean, she always knows what he is feeling even though he always looks blank, and his words are cold."

"Tenten, how do you do it?" Ino turned to me; I caught on immediately what they had been talking about. The subject himself was faking sleep, his lips pressed together in amusement.

"No idea, but Neji thinks it's a funny enough topic that he feels the need to fake sleep and eavesdrop." I commented dryly. One eye opened lazily to glare at me before said eavesdropper rolled onto his side, facing me. "Now he's annoyed at being called an eavesdropper because it isn't considered honorable in any situation. He's a little sickened at himself for finding the subject amusing in the first place; and he's fascinated to realize it's probably completely true."

His face had fallen from its fixed position into a very peaceful one. "And now he's asleep." I observed dryly.

"That's kinda creepy Tenten," Hinata said in a quiet voice.

"The fact she can understand him like that, or the fact that she just humanized Hyuuga Neji?" I rolled my eyes and went back to studying Neji's face.

Hinata answered the possibly rhetorical question; her face mortified. "Both."

If it weren't all in good humor I might have taken offence but I wasn't really up to form a rivalry right now. I just shrugged it off as they spoke a little more before saying good bye and departing. By then it was already evening.

"They're finally gone?" Neji asked from the bed. I was adding some plant food to the flowers Ino had brought. "These are pretty," I said vaguely.

"Tenten?" He asked, demanding my attention. "Umhuh." I answered affirmatively.

He looked straight at me and I met his gaze evenly; I could see the subject in his eyes, I already knew what he was going to say. He didn't want me to suffer the effects of this seal either. He didn't want me to go through that. I frowned, unable to deny the fact I wanted it; the pain wouldn't deter me.

"I don't want you to do it." He stated; his voice foreboding.

I was angered; my breath intake was starved as I looked at him with a raged disposition.

"Don't tell me I can't." I decided to take a different approach. I leaned over the bed, placing a fist to each side of the bed. His eyes were a little shocked as I leaned down to kiss him. He kissed back as much as possible while still lying down.

I pulled back a little to whisper "You don't really want to leave me to be married to somebody I don't want to marry. Its fate I marry somebody, it's my fight to choose you."

There was no way he could argue with that, everybody who knew him knew he used to be obsessed with fate, he still was, but in a different way.

He groaned more out of irritation than actual pain. "How did you get to be so insightful?"

I grinned in an odd sort of way; a little mischievous and a little bit cheerful. "I learned from the best." I thought for a moment. "And it's really just you."

"I feel special." His tone was sarcastic. Sarcasm had to be one of his favorite ways of keeping the conversation light.

I knew he could tell what people were, in general, thinking around him. The byakugan was very useful to read the intensions of others. It made his able to predict his opponent's next move, either in battle or espionage. More and more he had been sent on missions of intelligence, a spy for konoha's protection. Tsunade said that she trusted any jonin to be able to take anybody down, but infiltration required care and planning.

She did seem to keep us to the same sort of missions. The number of assassinations I had completed alone was higher than anybody else. I was told it was because I made the best use of projectiles. I didn't brawl; my technique was finer and silent.

I was shaken from my thoughts. "Tenten," Neji addressed me, I stared at him as he tried to sit up, and he succeeded. "Will you marry me?"

I smiled, for all the time we had discussed this option, he never did propose till now. There was no other option for me to choose but the obvious one. "Yes."

I gave him a chaste kiss, whispering thank you.

After that Neji lay back down; I knew I wouldn't point out the way his lips curved slightly. For him, it was a full fledged grin. It made me smile too. I checked the window and noticed how truly late it was.

It was dark outside. I sat down in the chair; leaning my head back. Neji shifted and I turned to look at him. "They're letting you go home tomorrow." I told him. His body language asked me to get on the bed with him and I relocated, compliant.

I felt myself drift off to sleep. Neji's chin against my forehead; it was safe and comfortable.

#&#

I woke when the first rays of the sun shone through the window. Neji was sitting on the side of the bed, haven already awoken. I moved off the bed, taking in my appearance. I defiantly needed a shower; and my hair was all over the place. Even though it's almost always up in panda buns, it really is long.; down to my waist, in fact.

Neji started to get off the bed; I didn't bother to stop him. I knew that if he couldn't stand and walk, they'd never let him go home today. On top of that, three days of bed-rest is almost torture to someone who likes things physical. My mind relayed as I thought that, bad, bad choice of words. Damnit!

Trying to occupy myself with less suggestive thoughts, I carefully watched as the Hyuuga stood, took a step, and steadied himself. Then he took another one.

I tried to read the expression on his face. "What is it?" I asked, he didn't look to be in pain but I wasn't quite sure.

"How it must be for you to watch this and I knowing I'll get my turn to watch you." He said, a little bitter, full of suffering.

"Neji, I don't want anybody to know." I said, in reference to everything. I didn't want the village to know I was in love (though it hadn't been admitted) with Neji. I didn't want them to know that the Hyuuga clan was to burden me with their curse for marrying him. And I especially did not want them to know that last part.

"Hinata will know." There was the unspoken darkness in his voice, the 'but.'

I shrugged. "We'll swear her to secrecy."

"Tsunade won't talk if I ask, and neither will my family. They like their secrets." From his mouth, it was not a compliment; it was a tool we would use. The Hyuuga's barely told each other what was going on, let alone anybody else. Though with a clear mind and the byakugan; they really didn't have to, it was easy enough to figure out basic information. The byakugan outshone the even the Uchiha sharingan in respect of insight.

I nodded. Keeping something like this secret was going to be a bit of work. "Where will we live?" I asked. I knew full well what the answer would be, but wanted to make sure.

He knew that I already knew; but explained it out of respect, not kindness. There was no kindness when his family was under discussion. "The complex. The Hyuuga are possessive, what is Hyuuga stays Hyuuga."

"They don't have you anymore; let them think they do." I whispered as I moved to kiss him.

He kissed me back though the exchange remained brief. His hand untangled the mess of my hair. "We really need to find a new style of hair for you."

I laughed against his lips, my breath hot. "You need to let yours down more often."

"Deal?" He asked, compromising. He knew he got the easy side of the request. I wouldn't be wearing my cute little panda buns anymore. Mind you, change was not always a bad thing.

I gave him a chaste kiss before pulling away and saying; "Deal."

"Your family won't object to me marrying you, will they?" His eyes flashed, the mood changed automatically. Like when your hand touched a hot stove, and before the burn, you just knew. It was sorrowful and painful.

"Not as long as you are a fighter they can cage. Haishi-sama knows I would never marry a Hyuuga girl, so they really have no choice. It's my choice that counts, Tenten."

"I'll remember that," I stated, a little dizzy from the high intensity.

A ghost of a smile graced his features for a moment. I treasured it; back in our genin days I would have died from the incredulity. Now, I just took it in as one of the rarest, most beautiful sights I may ever see.

He started walking towards the door, his ghost smile barely evident on his face. White and black robes swaying and his hair loosely falling over his back, I was nearly captivated.

"We go see Tsunade first and then my family," I got up as Neji declared our own little personal mission, defiant towards any idea that this wouldn't work. Completely determined to see it through; even if it was one of the hardest things I'd ever done. I'd fought and killed bandits and rescued scrolls from the deepest of traps, but it was never personal. It was so easy to throw my life away for the good and will of Konoha. Yet, it was harder to admit that I was a ninja who was in love. Ninja were dutiful and strong and brave and never cried; it was hard to let my emotional side rule. I think Neji had some difficulty with it as well. At the same time, without Neji, I was not a ninja. I wasn't a kuniochi who could laugh in the face of death, like he taught me to. I was a girl holding a weapon at arms length hoping it would be quick and painless. He made me strong; and this would make us stronger.

Maybe we really did learn something along the way.

The walk was short and we didn't really talk much, somehow, I wasn't really nervous. Neji was beside me and would be for a long time; it made me brave.

I watched his hands, fascinated as he drew back the door that was the entrance to Tsunade's office. Fighter's hands, but they were still softer than mine. I would force him to cough up the secret later in private. My mind suggested many ways I could challenge him; but I banished them to the back of my mind before I was forced to blush.

We stood as Tsunade assessed us. I realized nobody but Neji had ever seen me with my hair loose and I dragged a hand through it.

"I want to tell you that you will have to disregard my arranged marriage." I stated.

She looked at me without too much in the way of expression; she already knew. This was just formality. "You found somebody?"

"But we ask you keep it secret." Neji stated, indirectly answering her question with our request.

She turned to me, an eyebrow raised. "Hyuuga Neji?"

I was adamant. "Yes."

For her part, she appeared curious but not surprised. "Will you keep this a secret?"

She nodded to Neji, purely business. She loved playing matchmaker too much to risk exposing us and canceling this development, personally I believed her word was true.

Neji reached over and took my hand, swiftly allowing us exit from the room. He was apparently satisfied with the word of the Hokage. I quickened my pace next to him. We descended upon the Hyuuga compound with purpose, but also a small amount of intimidation.

Before entering the formal office building of the head family Neji pulled us both into a side building. I noticed that the whole time we had been outside he had kept his hand on a kunai. The distrust here was in the air, a tense uncomfortable existence. In this room we were in though; the tense atmosphere vanished. It was comfortable and clean. A fairly large bed was centered in the room with plain white linen sheets to cover its expanse. There was a cabinet against the far wall, and a window that faced east. There were no real distinctive features but I knew this was Neji's bedroom.

The owner of the room was opening the cabinet with a key from his kunai pouch. Whatever was in there was not something open to everyone, but not valuable enough for a guard.

He gave me an outfit that was a rich creamy white with a black apron tie. He took another for himself and also pulled out a brush which he placed on the bed.

"That's all I have, change into that, and then we will go see Haishi-sama," Neji stated. I turned my back to him as he turned his to me and we switched our dirty clothes. When I was sure he must be finished I turned around.

"Come here," He commanded, but his voice seemed gentle to my ears. I walked towards him, curious as I always was.

He walked behind me to shamelessly run the brush through my hair. All the dirt was swept away from the movement of the comb. The dark brown was brought to shine. I could feel the teasing movement as his hands lightly brushed my back through his efforts. In spite of the situation I smiled with a playful intension before turning to face him. He didn't look fazed; he had already sensed the change in my mood.

"No fair!" I challenged, mocking tones in my words. "I didn't get to brush your hair."

He raised an eyebrow at my choice of argument. I tried to snatch the brush from his hands but he raised it higher than my reach; I jumped, he moved. I tackled him. I sprang up like a cat and my hands fell on his shoulders. He let me pin him down without much of a fight. Instinctively my legs pinned over his thighs to prevent him getting up. My hands locked his wrists against the floor and I suddenly realized how close we were.

Dark wisps of hair that were my bangs brushed his forehead. "You can't fight me." I whispered. I leaned to the side to nuzzle his hair. His lips brushed my neck appreciatively.

"Do you want to bet?" His lips mouthed against my neck, gooseflesh rising at his touch. I moved so I was facing him again

Without waiting for an answer he reached up to kiss me. I got lost somewhere when his tongue ran along my lower lip, demanding entrance. Without any hesitation, my lips opened to allow him entrance.

He pulled away and my hands twitched as I tried to move. I wanted to be closer to him.

"I win," was his choice of words. He had flipped us over so he had me pinned to the floor.

I almost laughed in incredulity. "When don't you?"

"Neji-nii-san?" I heard from the doorway. Damn her boldness! She opened the door, wide eyed, before either of us could switch positions.

For Hinata's part, she didn't point out our position. Her foot scuffed the floor and she said "I thought if I escorted you to the head complex, you wouldn't be questioned."

Neji stood up and helped me up, straightening my clothes as I did. There were the makings of a fine Hyuuga glare on his face. I soothed the lines from his face with fingers that traced it away.

Hinata turned and we followed her out of the bedroom. Neji closing the door behind us.

"By the way, you aren't newlyweds yet." She tossed back, her confidence showing. I couldn't stop the glare of Hyuuga Neji this time. It was more of an irritated expression than a violent one.

"You seem annoyed that she interrupted." I whispered, Hinata could hear, but she would know the words weren't for her.

He gave me a look that was hard to decipher and kissed my forehead. Neji did what he wanted; he was unstoppable. Many people believed he was stoic and businesslike; but that's how he often wanted to behave. His expressions were miniscule, but they did show. He wasn't completely impassive.

We walked under a somber air, this was a do or die situation. Hinata slid open the door to the main house complex. We entered wordlessly, Hinata walking ahead to sit on one of the cushions beside Hanabi. She was the oldest, the heir, but Hinata was still the Hyuuga reject. From her clothes and lifestyle to her physical appearance, even her show of expression and idealisms; she was too different. Her father and sister both appeared with their long brown hair and traditional robes.

Hinata had the netting that many ninja favored. It showed over her arms as her dim violet vest covered her midsection. Her pants were dark and went over her ears, as deep navy as her shoulder length hair.

Neji stood a little ahead of me; I could feel Haishi's pale eyes scrutinizing me. Picking me apart the same way Neji's gaze seemed to put me together. I raised my head defiantly.

"Haishi-sama, I request Tenten and I be married," Neji proposed, his voice hard and cold. "And I request it be a quiet affair."

"Then she will be a branch member," He either warned or observed, his voice equally cold. A warning of the curse that, upon marriage; would be mine.

A curt nod from the prodigy was given on this account.

Haishi accepted this from him. "And your bride?" Hanabi piped up.

Neji looked directly at her; his tone was firm and definite. "Tenten; a Konoha kuniochi of ninja decent." He appeared thoughtful for a moment. "My teammate and friend."

I recognized surprise within the byakugan eyes. At the mention of Neji declaring he had a friend; it was unheard of. His reputation as a lone, cold ninja was well known. It was strange for him to mention that he had a friend; I was touched. I knew I had always considered my teammates as friends; but Neji had never voiced the connection in public, ever. And with the history held against his family, particularly his uncle, he had to mean it.

"When?" Haishi asked lightly, in reference to our secret union.

Neji's voice was deadpan. "Tomorrow"

I had no objection to this development, and decided to let the events play out. I was less than a day away from the curse of the Hyuuga branch line, why nobody married in. I would be a caged bird, and Neji would find a way to set me free.

Haishi nodded in a formal manner, letting Neji grasp my wrist as we bowed and took our leave. Neji steered me back to his bedroom.

"You'll stay here tonight," He declared turning to me as I smiled. I wanted to be here. The mood seemed to change and he leaned in and kissed me.

"I might just be here every night. Think you can handle that?" I asked; my voice breathy.

He looked at me, pure male arrogance on his face. "I always win."

"That won't discourage me from fighting." This time I took his mouth, my tongue sweeping over his, my turn, my possession.

"You guy's need to stop acting like that. I go out of my way to do a favor for Tenten, and I come back and see this!" Hinata ranted in the doorway. Neji rolled his eyes, and I stared openly. I wondered just how much time Hinata had been spending with Ino. She seemed so comfortable.

She looked over to me, ignoring Neji as he ignored her. "I went to your house and picked up your usual clothes. Or do you want to walk around in Neji's robes forever? If you want to keep this thing secret, you're not doing a very good job."

I flushed a little, Neji's clothes were comfortable. It had honestly crossed my mind to steal a pair, I was afraid I had discovered a new fetish. It wasn't just the fact they were movable and easy to get on, it was the fact they smelled like Neji. Like green tea and forest earth. He was domestic and wild.

"Thank you." I smiled at her as I took the robes and put them on top of Neji's cabinet.

She smiled at me and I swear she child-likely stuck her tongue out at Neji when she left.

Neji slid the door shut behind her, I heard a distinctive "Hn." It was the kind that meant 'good riddance.' There really was a difference between the nondescript syllable he so often employed.

As I curled up underneath the linen of his soft white blanket, he looked back at me. "You get a new hair style tomorrow" Neji observed, slowly walking over to join me.

I stuck my tongue out at him, earning a face of open disgust. I laughed. He smiled again, a light turning of the corners of his mouth, his eyes softer. The unique lilac of his eyes flashed beautifully as he dimmed the lights; letting them slowly diminish.

There was only the moonlight through the window. He lifted the covers of the side of the bed I left for him, sliding under the linen and leaning his head on the pillow. His hair was loose as I combed a finger through it.

"You're on my side of the bed." He observed; his mood was still light.

I looked at him with triumph. "Then I win?"

He traced a finger absently against my lips, his eyes focused on the flush that rose to my cheeks, seen to the byakugan eyes. Something nobody else would ever get to see.

"Not really," He mumbled as we drifted off to sleep.