Wassup! Thanks for coming through to check out my fic. Special thanks to NarutoShippings, princesshyuuga01, Clovergirl100, Fluffy-puffle and Guest (mar 2)
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or the cover art.
Chapter 7
Neji opened his eyes and attempted to look around but everything was blurry. A familiar voice called to him.
"Hey Neji, Wake up were almost there" called the familiar brunettes
Neji lifted his head from the shoulder of the familiar brunette. He could tell who it was without having to see her. It was Tenten after all. Neji smiled at her when his vision returned to normal.
"What's up with that face? I don't look bad do I" asked the female occupant
"No" he ran his eyes over his partner once more.
He surveyed their surroundings. They were riding in a horse drawn carriage; which was abnormally spacious. Finding nothing threating Neji relaxed. He leaned against his partner once again. To his surprise, she didn't him push him away. Instead she smiled at him, ruffled his hair before directing her attention back in front of her. The silence surrounding them was comforting. Neji watched her intently; something was seemed off with his female companion. She squirmed a when his hand brushed across her thing. Neji looked her face to apologize and she squirmed even more with this gesture. Now he was positive something was definitely wrong.
"Tenten" he whisper
"Hmm" she replied
Neji moved away from the wall creating a gap between him and Tenten. He faced his best friend and surveyed her in the way he normally did. He could tell his staring was making her uncomfortable.But he continued to stare trying to make heads or tails of her. There was something off in her demeanor but at the same time something alluring. He doubted he'd be able to look away even if he wanted too.
"What's wrong?" asked Neji
"I can't believe the big day is really tomorrow" said Tenten
"The Big day?" repeated Neji.
"Our Wedding? You can't expect me to believe you forgot?" replied Tenten.
"No, of course not. Shouldn't you be excited?" Commented Neji
"I am" sighed Tenten
"What we discussed the other day? Have you given it any though?" answered Neji
"Yes, but my answer is still the same" admitted Tenten
He nodded in response and allowed her to continue
"I'm flattered Neji but I can't accept your feelings." she confessed.
"Why not?" questioned the Hyuuga prodigy
"I don't have those types of feelings for you" said the weapons mistress
"So the other night never happened?" responded Neji
"That was a mistake. Should have never happened" exclaimed Tenten
"You can't possible believe that" said Neji, harshly
"I do, I shouldn't have allowed that to go as far as it did"
"You were just so persistent. And we got caught up in the heat of the moment" she let out another sigh
"You didn't leave me with too many other options" he admitted
Between, you consider being covered from head to toe by layers of clothes qualifies as a heat of the moment situation" he asked
"Not exactly that but what came of it" she nodded
"I'm sorry" he admitted
"This is not entirely your fault. I was the one who though stripping down to give body heat was a good idea. Didn't realize how delirious you were at the time. You did have pretty high fever"
"You were looking out for my wellbeing and once again I caused you grief. For that Tenten I am very sorry. But I will not apologize for wanting to be with you"
"I forgive you! You know I can't stay mad at you for very long"
She playfully pushed him
"Me and you I need this. I need you in my corner" he said, reaching for her hand
"I'll always be here for you Neji. You're my best friend" she assured.
"What if I want more?" he posed the golden question
"You know, I care about you. But I can't live in your shadow forever. Don't you want me to be happy?" she pleased.
"No you're misunderstand" he corrected.
"I understand perfectly. You're afraid, so you convinced yourself of these feelings as a way of copping
"No"
"I have a chance to be happy. Please don't ruin this for me" she pleased once more.
"We made love. Does that mean nothing to you at all?" conveyed Neji
"No Neji we made lust. I'm sorry for sending you mixed because didn't realize I was doing that at all. But this has to stop NOW" demanded Tenten
"What do I have to do to make you understand?" asked Neji
"I know I love you too" spoke Tenten
"If you truly care, you'd let me go" confessed Tenten, not able to look him in the eye.
"Are you sure this is what you want?" asked Neji
She nodded.
"I know I shouldn't ask this of you considering all that's happen recently. But it would mean so much if you walked me down the aisle.
"Does my approval mean that much to you?
"More than anything"
~ Fades to Black~
ooOoo
It's been a little over a month since Neji and his team started their work in the Twilight Village. Once again he had a haunting dream about his best friend; this one in particular leaving his heart heavy. His most recent dream was not like the others. And as much as he would like to deny it, the fact was it felt so real. You know "those dreams" where she bent to his will. Reacting to every plead and gesture he made. And not in a dirty way! He was guilty of those kinds of dreams too when triggered. And until recently, Neji rarely dreamed of his bun head teammate. At first, he found comfort in dreaming of her which later led to confusion. Babysitting Shikahara keep him pretty busy; he couldn't even recall the last time he said more than Hi and bye to Tenten. And this frustrated him far more then it really should.
On the upside, his mission was progressing smoothly. Pretending to be Shikahara betroth wasn't difficult. More times than none, he escorted her to and from business meetings. Their physical interaction was minimal. Their engagement was a business venture on the outside as much as it was on the inside. Her clansmen would think nothing of their lack of intimacy. They were still getting to know each other after all. So aside from missing his best friend things were peachy. .
He's gone longer without seeing her. Was it the fact they were under the same roof, so close yet so far. Or was it the fact that Sasuke was there in his stead? Probably a little bit of both honestly. Uchiha Sasuke was prodigy like Neji which meant he excelled in almost everything. Tenten was in capable hands; not that she needed them but it was relieving. And then there's the constant reminder that his best friend is stacking up with this bastard. Luckily, he has yet to witness the playing of their roles. And if he knew Tenten as well as he though he did. She would excel in her cover without a doubt. They'd shared intimates moments; Flirting, kissing and touching. Surprisingly, this did not bother him because it was well work. But the things, that went on behind closed doors. The bonding time did. Trading stories, the sound their exchanged laughter and even the shared silence there both found comfort in.
Neji decided to push all those negative thoughts aside for now. He should be enjoying his day. Shikahara had a set of meetings in which he wouldn't' be allowed to attend. Instead of dragging him around unnecessarily, she gave him the day off. This was the longest he's ever spent at their rental home. He found it comfortable enough. The only think that would make it better was… Neji stepped outside when he felt a familiar chakra signature; of Uchiha Sasuke.
"Habari" acknowledged the Uchiha
"Where is my sister?" Neji asked bluntly, side eye the Uchiha. Since where they so informal
"Talking to someone from the academy" He answered.
Neji gave him the so you left her face.
"She's can take care of herself" pointed out Sasuke
'I'm aware but the fact remains you still left her" Neji glared daggers.
"And your point being" retorted Sasuke
It took all Neji had not to knock that stupid grin off his face. His point was valid enough. But how could he just leave her like that. The area they lived in was secluded but not deserted. The majority of those passing through were males. Her pending engagement may or may no deter them. None of this made any sense. He was ready to slit Neji's throat that day in Tenten bed room. But he felt comfortable enough to leave her alone with strangers.
"You and I need to talk" Uchiha suggested
Neji stared at the younger male with slight disgust but it was soon turned into curiosity
"I don't care whether you trust me or not. But know I have her best interest at heart " revealed Sasuke
"There was never a doubt in my mind" admitted
"About what?" said Tenten, as she approached with Grocery bags in her arms.
Neji stared at Tenten and the huge grocery bags she was carrying. And back at Sasuke who was empty handed. He should have known better then to believe anything that came out o this bastard's mouth.
"One of the boys from the market should be coming with the rest of them" she said doing damage control.
"Shouldn't he be the one that helps you?" he asked, taking the bags from her arms.
"You'll strain yourself. Let me help you" Tenten said trying to take some back.
He gestured for her to open the door and followed her inside. They walked down a long hallway then through the living room. Which lead to them to the kitchen He dumped all the grocery bags on the counter top.
"What's with all the grocery" he asked, sitting down at the opposite end to the marble countertop.
"The cabinet and fridge were empty. But how are thing with wifey?" She answered
"Wifey?" asked Neji.
"Wifey meaning your fiancée. Hint hint" she clarified
"Well" he said honestly.
"Glad to hear it. I was a bit worried. You've never been a very social person" she admitted
"This whole relationship thing is new to me." Added Neji
"So how are things otherwise? Feels like we haven't spoken in ages." asked Tenten.
"Alright, how are you?" admitted Neji
"Alright, I suppose." she also admitted.
"I'm adjusting. Makes it easier knowing I'm not alone. You know" finished Tenten.
"So I take it. He's been treating you well?"
"I suppose so"
Sasuke enters the kitchen with more grocery bags and teenage boy in tow. Sasuke placed them on the floor and boy followed his lead. Tenten smiled at the young man who helped her home. He had to be around 16 or 17 years of age. He was taller than both Neji and Sasuke. He was more muscular then Sasuke but not quite as solid as Neji.
"Thank you Ryyon. How much do I owe you?" asked Tenten, smiling at the young man
"Nothing, It was my pleasure" answered Ryyon, he almost cooed
"Well, how can I repay you?" insisted Tenten
"its fine, Hanari San" assured Ryyon
"No I insist"
"Well um... I turn 18 next week….. Would you….uh be interested in a date" bravely said the boy
Tenten wanted to face plant. Neji did and Sasuke smirked at the young man thoroughly pleased. Sasuke was not easily entertained. He clapped for the young man and all eyes darted towards him.
"Kid, you definitely have balls. But I can't have you moving in on my woman. Now can I"
Ryyon apologized and fled their house as fast as he could. The calm look on Sasuke's face scared the crap at of him.
"Had he been older, I would have considered it." Revealed Tenten, half teasing half serious
She felt the shift is he air.
"So what were you two talking about before?" asked Tenten, as she unpacked the groceries.
"Nothing that concerns you" told Neji, but it did though.
"Nippy much" she turned towards Sasuke hoping he would we more cooperative
"I could tell you but what do I get in return" spoke Sasuke
She chuckled lightly
"Figures, what do you want?" Asked Tenten
"A favor" stated Sasuke
"Fair enough" shrugged Tenten, as she stacked their groceries in the cabinets.
Sasuke stepped behind Tenten; he chest almost pressed up against her back. He leaned over and whispered into her ear. This sent a shiver down her spine. He blew on the said ear and was answered with an elbow to his stomach.
"That's my girl" thought Neji, pleased at her retaliation.
"Quit playing around" scolded Tenten
"You didn't seem to have a problem with it last night"
"Last night, we were working. And secondly, Neji is here"
"So? What about all the other times?" suggested Sasuke
"Really now?" she stopped what she was doing to glare at him
"Okay, so maybe this isn't a new response" shrugged Sasuke
"No shit" she said it really sarcastically
"Watch, you'll come around eventually"
"Yeah, whatever asshole" she huffed and continued unpacking the groceries.
Neji at some point weaseled his way in between Sasuke and Tenten. He didn't like where this conversation between the two was heading. And he wast going make sure it stayed that; a conversation.
"Neji, its fine I got this" placing her hand on his shoulder he squeezed it. .
Why was he so stiff?
"You haven't been sleeping well. Have you?" questioned Tenten
"Nothing to worry yourself over" he assured her
"Well I am, Wanna talk about it?" she asked
"So when do start working" he said, changing the subject
"Tomorrow, I'm kinda looking forward dodging the subject.
"Anything on your end?"
"Unfortunately no" revealed Neji
"Well, if there anything comes up let me know. How about your cover though"
"I retired after an accident in which I almost lost my eye sight completely. So I am impaired not blind"
"So just as we agreed. Good to know"
"Why wouldn't it be?" questioned Neji
"I don't know:" shed admitted honestly
Tenten filled the tea kettle and placed it on the stove to heat. She pulled three cups from the cabinet above her head. She pulled out 5 saucers; three for the tea cups and two for the pastries.
Sasuke stared at Neji and Neji stared back
"Fuck" she mumbled under her breathTenten
"Language Princess" said Uchiha
" Fuck you" she said, waving her hand frantically back and forth
"Let me see " He walked around Neji, stopped in front of her
"It's fine"
He placed his hand in front of her signally for her to give him what he asked for
She stopped shaking her hand and just stared. But what Sasuke wants he gets.
"No, the other one"
Neji latched his hand on Sasuke's shoulder; putting more force then needed to get his attention.
'What do you think you're doing?" probed Neji
"Come on Hyuuga. Did you really not noticed?" asked
"Tenten, would you like explain why you were using your left hand instead of your right"
Neji stared at her right arm and noticed a bulge around her covered wrist. Sasuke reached out for the hand in question and grabbed it. She flinched like he expected she would. Neji shoved him aside creating a shield between the two. Neji lifted her arm and stared at her disapprovingly. He rolled up her shirt sleeve revealing her bandaged wrist.
.
"What happen" asked Neji, hiding his emotions
"I got injured while saving a boy and his puppy. No biggie"
Neji wasn't that easily convinced and neither was Sasuke who watched from the sidelines. Unraveling the bandage as gently as possible; he found another layer of wrapping. This layer being gauze and under that was gauze pads and medical tape to hold it in place. Neji removed the tape and then gauze revealing her swollen flesh. There was gash stretched across the palm side.
"When did this happen?" questioned Neji, as he examined her wound.
"Earlier today" she admitted
"You need to stiches"
"I'll do it" interrupted Sasuke
"I think you've done enough. Where were you when this happened?"
"Not that it's any of your business but I ran into her afterwards. I sensed something was wrong but I wasn't positive to just now"
"At any point, did you think to make sure she was alright" spat out Neji
"This isn't his fault." intervened Tenten
"Don't defend him"
"I hide it and it was my error"
"I" Tenten cut his off
"Neji Enough!" she continued
"Before I thought you were overreacting because you were worried about me. Neji was just looking out for me. But then it dawned on me. That you really don't trust me. Do you? I'm a Kunoichi; a warrior. I saved your behind more times than I can count. I'm not some fragile piece of glass. I won't break."
"Ten I"
"Opened up to you the day that before we left because I though. Hey Neji just wants to help me. I didn't tell you that because I needed to be held with kid gloves. Do you really pity me that much?. Am I really that weak in your eyes? Some type of damsel in distress"
"Tenten, let me explain"
"No I don't wanna hear it."
She turned her attention away from Neji and towards Sasuke
"Can you help me please" she pleaded.
Sasuke nodded, grabbing her hand obediently and off they went!
What did you think? Let me know via comments or PM. For the guest accounts, I'll respond to these via chapter updates. And also I want to try something different. So what would you guys and gals like to see in up and coming chapters? What do you imagine happening? Between last scene in previous chapter was dream and the beginning of this chapter was a dream as well. So yeah, Thanks for stopping by and I hope to hear from you
S. Hollyhood 04/17/2015