A/N: YES I'VE FINALLY FINISHED THIS CHAPTER! And from here on, things start to get exciting :D Unfortunately, this is not the last chapter, and I doubt the next one would be. But just bear with me, it will be over soon xD I had originally planned to have this up before my birthday, but I guess I was a couple weeks late. But it's all good now!


Chapter 11 : No Turning Back!

It's already been two months after the recovery of my beloved. Though that was true, I have yet to confess my feelings to her. It should've been done ages ago, but as I'm sure you've known by now, words of such sweet affection wasn't exactly part of my everyday vocabulary. And I highly doubt a "fuck you" would be appreciated, even if that were what I have come to consider as "words of sweet affection". But if I really do try that, I really don't think she'd catch the literal meaning. But anyway, I have tried many times to tell her, but my self-esteem just brings me down. If it's my ego that's slowing me down, then I'm no better than an average man. Therefore, I am truly undeserving of her sugar-sweet love.

But today was different. I had planned to give it my all and tell her. I'll shower her as much love as I could muster, even if it was unwanted. I'd do whatever it takes to make up for my cowardice. But it was barely 6AM on this particular Saturday morning when a blasted beeping woke me up. The angry crimson glare of my alarm clock confirmed this as I reached into my bedside table. I shifted around, trying not to wake Tenten, who was sleeping soundly beside me (We went back to sharing a bed because I filled up my spare room with junk, not on purpose of course. Although I really did miss the feeling of her smaller body curled up beside me at night. You can only imagine how ecstatic I was when she agreed to my suggestion).

The emergency communication device Shika had given me flashed an assortment of colourful signals. This must've been important or else he would've used the phone. I quickly slipped out of the bed and escaped to the living room with the device, gently closing the bedroom door behind me. I put on the wireless headset provided and switched the device on.

"Took you long enough," Shika's voice rang through the headset, followed by the crackling of static. "Sorry the connection isn't the best, but I had no other way of getting in touch with you. Someone's managed to hack into the system and stole just about all the data. I suggest you don't use the phone today if you want to keep your conversation private."

"What the—I thought your security stuff was flawless, Shikamaru. Shit, that's not good. Doesn't that mean…"

"They know where you are. They know where she is. In fact, they knowexactly where she is. I don't know who did this, but I'm going to guess it has to do with Orochimaru."

"When did you find out about this?"

"Right before I called you. Your Tenten may be in danger."

"By the sound of this situation…I'm hoping with every fucking thing I've got that you're wrong," I sighed heavily into the headset. After a moment of silence, I hesitantly inquired, "What do you think we should do?"

"For once, I don't know. You better prepare yourself for combat at any time if you want to protect her. I hope you've still got that gun."

I fell silent again, horrible memories of my father's pistol flooded back. It had been the same pistol I had shot him with. I kept it with me when I fled with my siblings. Ever since I moved out on my own, I kept it in a box, planning to never look at it again.

Shika disconnected shortly after, leaving me alone to my thoughts in the heavy silence. I wasn't sure what would be the right thing to do at the moment. At this point, it was useless to think I can protect her on my own. Then it came to me. Running into the junk room, I dug up the old velvet box. Taking out the neglected pistol, I weighed it tentatively in my hand. It was heavier than I remembered. I took a seat on one of the many boxes and proceeded to polish it. I pulled the slide, the familiar snap sending a chill down my spine. I stared down at my finger, how it curled around the trigger. I can only shake my head and laugh as I remembered the determination on our faces as we loaded up this same pistol, the intent to kill swallowing us up. I pointed the barrel to my head as I tried to reenact the scene. I tried to remember the look of fear in my father's eyes. I tried to remember how easy it had been for us to pull the trigger that night. I don't remember ever being so fervent with hate. But that was many years ago. Now, I can only laugh at what we did without caring whether or not it was the right thing to do. But I am human after all, and there are times where that little pang of guilt starts to torment me. Of course, I get over it soon enough and try not to look back on it.

"What are you doing?" came a sleepy voice at the doorway. I looked up from the now shiny pistol at the ex-master thief who still holds my heart captivated. The brunette was clad in only a long black T-shirt as she leaned against the doorway, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. It's one hell of a fucking miracle I've managed to suppress my needs for the last two months. Although, I must admit, there were times I had to duck into the washroom for a while.

"What's that?" She asked curiously as I quickly tucked the pistol back into its case.

"A pistol." Her hazel eyes met my own green ones. "You're in danger," I said simply, holding my gaze. Looking down at the black velvet case I held in my hand, I explained to her what Shikamaru told me this morning. Her eyes flickered for a second, fear masked by courage.

My eyes softened as I got up and pulled her into the living room. I sat her down on the nearest armchair. Kneeling in front of her, I said, "We can't stay here."

She looked away, "I can leave if you want. I don't want to get you involved."

"It's dangerous out there, I'm not going to let you fend for yourself," I took her hand in my own as I explained myself, "Tsunade told me. I can't let them have you."

Silence stretched between us. Tenten turned to look at me in the eye, searching for the truth deep inside of me. "Why are you doing this, Temari?" she demanded, "I know I'm no better than a filthy street rat. You know that better than anyone else. I've tried to kill you countless times, for god's sakes! I can fend for myself; I've been doing it for so long. I can tell you now, that there is no reward in defending me. Maybe a slash at the throat by one of Orochimaru's men, but that's all you're going to get. It really would be best if—"

"No," I cut in, "I'd gladly pay with my life if it's going to save you from those perverted freaks of nature."

"I can't stay here forever."

"Even if that were true, I won't let you leave now. Come on, I think it'd be safer if we moved to Gaara's house. I can't protect you alone no matter how hard I try. I can probably get Shika to stay with us, or maybe even Kankurou, for extra security measures." Tenten fell silent again.

"I don't get it," she whispered, "Why are you doing this? I'm not worth the trouble. Really, I can handle myself if you don't want me around anymore."

Frustrated, I grabbed her shoulders and looked into her surprised brown eyes. "There's nothing toget, Tenten. You're worth all the trouble in the world. I can't let you leave my side, especially now. You..." I took a deep breath, "You are the most precious thing to me in the world. I love you more than anything. I don't need anything from you, just a chance for me to keep you safe and love you for everything I'm worth."

Her widened eyes glittered with unshed tears. Afraid I had frightened her, I released her immediately. I mumbled a quick apology, my face burning. I was unprepared when she wrapped her arms around my neck, giggling into my ear. I gave a dreamy sigh at the sound of her musical laughter.

"Temari," she paused as she pulled back to gaze into my confused eyes, "I've waited too long…" I instinctively closed my eyes as our lips met. To me, it was my first real kiss despite all the other kisses. I tried my hardest to pour all the passion and love I felt towards her into this single kiss. For us, this wasn't a simple lip lock. We savoured it as if it was our last, yet treasured it as if it was our first. This one kiss left both of us breathless and wanting, the look in her eyes was almost unbearable.

"We…don't have a lot of time…we can't do it here," I mumbled. She pulled me back down for a second kiss. Unlike the first one, this one was charged with teeming lust.

"…If we're being watched, we'll give them a show they'll never forget," the brunette said breathily, her voice husky with need. Unable to control myself any longer, I pulled the recliner on the armchair, causing Tenten to jump at the sudden movement. I quickly crawled on top of her, our lips meeting once again in a passionate kiss.

My hand crept all the way down the length of her body, fingertip outlining her frame through the T-shirt. I was enjoying the feeling of her body arching into mine. Tsunade wasn't lying when she said the brunette was sensitive. I smirked when I reached the end of the long cotton barrier. I kept one hand on her hip, the other stroking her exposed thigh. She whimpered into the kiss and wrapped her arm around my neck, pulling herself closer to me. My hand ducked under her shirt, dragging the thin material with it as it traveled upwards. She quivered; I felt her face start to burn.

I quickly ended the fevered kisses and pulled her shirt over her head, leaving her vulnerable before me. Her nipples stiffened once the material was off. My breath hitched in my throat as I pulled back to take in every part of her naked body.

"Beautiful," I said with a smile. Her face flushed as she tried to shrink back into the cold leather couch.

I lowered my head and tentatively licked a taut coffee-coloured nipple. I knew she was sensitive, but I was caught off guard when she jumped. She gave a loud moan, crushing her chest against my open mouth. I cupped her neglected breast with my free hand and massaged it slowly so it wouldn't feel so neglected.

"Temari…"she murmured between pants, "this is embarrassing…."

I only smiled as I flicked my tongue over a few more times. She was starting to shake as I took her other breast into my mouth.

"I-I…can't…" I gently bit down, ignoring her remark. She came suddenly, riding a wave of ecstasy as she arched into my mouth. I held her closely, making sure she doesn't hurt herself. She twitched violently in my arms during the aftermath, but was determined to go further. Not wanting to wear her out so quickly, I moved south. I left a wet trail as I went over and memorize every dip and curve of her front. She was more delicate than a glass rose and had to be handled carefully. I kept traveling downwards, only to stop at her wet center. She nodded and squeezed her eyes shut, waiting for the contact. I was more nervous then I had ever been at this moment. I wasn't sure if I would hurt her by giving into my own needs. Slowly, I inched forward. Spreading her sex with two fingers, I gave her swollen bundle of nerves an experimental lick. I pinned her legs down as she sprang up, clutching my shoulders. She gave a loud cry and came right into my mouth. I went berserk once I swallowed the hot juices. She tasted like a drug that clung to you with the slightest drop. Sweeter than anything I've tasted before, I couldn't help myself. Truly addicted, I attacked her once more. But I had barely gotten my well-deserved share of her when she came one last time, screaming my name in a way that could've made me come. Her fingernails dug deep into my back through my thin dress shirt, completely taken by the wave. She shook violently and I held her once more while she rode through the orgasm. Before long, her small body fell limp against me. I pulled back slightly and brushed away the stray hair that stuck to her damp forehead. I was not truly satisfied knowing I haven't truly claimed her yet. But it was to be expected because we were both aware of her limitations.

"Te…Temari…" Tenten whispered quietly through half-lidded eyes. I smiled at her and gently picked her up, carrying her back into the bedroom. As I tucked her in, she whispered my name again. I shushed her, urging her to sleep.

"I love you, Tema," she said with a tired smile. I could've cried right there, but I knew better. "I love you too, dork," I replied, knowing full well she was already asleep. I smiled at her angelic sleeping face. It displayed a serene carelessness I've never seen before.

On any normal occasion, I would've jumped right into the bed and spend my whole day just lying with her, but I haven't forgotten yet. I stared out my balcony window thinking, they could be anywhere right now. I shook my head and glanced at my clock. 9AM. I had a lot of time left over to prepare for the move. I tried to plan out things as carefully as I could while I took a quick shower.

Options were quite limited at the moment. Aside from Shikamaru and my siblings, there was no one else that can help me. If I could locate Hatake, it might be easier. But the safest thing for us right now is to leave. Like I had told Tenten earlier, I have no doubt that Gaara's place is the safest place to be. I was familiar with all the security devices and I highly doubt Orochimaru knows about it. If he does find us, Gaara and I will have no choice but to take them down.

The communication device thing beeped again while I was making myself breakfast. Turning off the stove right away, I grabbed the device off the coffee table and quickly put the headset on.

"Shika."

"Hey, Temari. I managed to get a hold of our satellite again. Its kind of, I don't know, broken right now. But at least I got this piece of shit to stop exploding in my ear every time I call you. And look! The static's all gone."

"How did you manage to get it back in such a short time?"

"The sad bastards were still messing with the satellite towers by the time I got there. I had to punch their lights out to get them off the thing. I did, in fact, get our tower back, except those guys badly demolished the dish. At the moment it's beyond repairs, but at least I got it back. In case you're wondering, I'm pretty sure they're Orochimaru's men. They all wear the same dopey uniform."

"So that means we're not being tracked anymore?"

"Well…In a way. They can't track your every move, but they know where you are. One of the guys messing with the thing managed to get away with your tracker data. From what I could see, that was the only thing they took. Although, all the other stuff is lost."

"What do you mean…my tracker data…?"

"It means they can access every place you've been to for the last month. You're lucky I clean out all my junk every month, or else they would know every place you've been to since the day I built this thing. Which is what? Three to four years ago?"

"Well this can't be good."

"What do you plan to do?"

"Running isn't an option anymore, now is it?"

"You can't hermit forever."

"Then I'm going to stick with my original plan and take refuge in Gaara's house."

"But they know where that is."

"If what you said was true, then we have nothing to worry about. I haven't been to Gaara's house since the week Tenten left the hospital. And even if they find us, Gaara and I will fight him off. We did take down Hatake once upon a time."

"I guess anything will have to do in a situation like this."

"Unfortunately. Hey Shika, do you think you can stay with us as well? Since the tracking radar thing's gone and all."

"I guess I can stay there when I don't have work. I can't guarantee anything though."

"It's alright, thanks anyway. I can try contacting Kankurou as well."

"Well, don't use the phone alright? Just as a safety precaution. I suggest you leave your apartment as soon as possible, before he starts stalking you."

"Yeah, I will."

"Then I'm going to go back to work, call me on this heap of junk if you need anything."

"Thanks Shika." I sighed heavily as I hung up.

I returned to the kitchen and quickly finished my breakfast. After getting changed, I returned to the junk room and tried to scavenge any old weapons I had lying around. I slipped the pistol in its holster along with my fans. It would be more than risky to use my fans without my costume, but I had little choice. Then it struck me how rusty I must be with the metal fans. It's been forever since I've used them. So while I waited for Tenten to wake up, I moved aside a couple of boxes and practiced some old moves.

I had inherited the skill of building up chakra from my father. And I could not tell you how refreshing it was to feel the adrenaline surge through my entire body as I swiped the air with my twin weapons. The boxes around me shrank back into the corners with ever whip of air. I was so carried away I didn't even hear the soft footsteps padding towards the room. I nearly fell backwards when a single projectile whizzed past the tip of my nose. Eyes wide with surprise, I looked towards the thrower in my awkward bent-back position. Seeing Tenten smirk at me from the doorway, I immediately dropped my fans and allowed myself to fall on my back.

Barely half a second later, the brunette was perched on my body, hands pressing gently into my body and legs straddling my waist. I looked at her warily, not realizing how tired I was until now. She giggled and reached over to pick up whatever she had thrown. It was only later that I realized she had made a conspicuous dent in one of my boxes.

"What the fuck was that?" I asked with a raised brow. She only laughed and waved the object in question in my face.

I stared dumbly at the chopstick she held before attempting to grab it from her. She didn't stop laughing but wouldn't let go of the wooden utensil. I growled playfully and pulled her whole arm with her, my lips meeting with hers halfway. She made a surprised squeak, but kissed me back fully. Soon the chopstick was forgotten as she dropped it and wrapped her arms around my neck. I levered my upper body up with my arm to purposely deepen the kiss. I felt her tongue make its way into my mouth as I readily granted access. Once I felt it between my teeth, I gently bit down, causing her to pull back in surprise. She gave a small yelp as I gently pushed her back, grabbing the chopstick in process and making a run for it.

"That was mean, Temari!" I heard her say with that alluring laugh of hers. I heard her footsteps charge at me, and knowing her speed, I knew I didn't have anywhere to go. I quickly tossed the chopstick onto the kitchen counter and spun around, just in time to catch an armful of speeding brunette. The two of us fell onto the soft cushions of my couch, laughing away with a sense of ease I knew couldn't last. But for the next hour, we did nothing but lie here, together.

"If we don't get up now, we'll never get to Gaara's today," I spoke softly, unconsciously stroking her hair.

"But you're warm," she whined playfully. I knew she was still a bit sleepy, but I also knew that the longer we stay here, the more dangerous it's going to be.

"C'mon, let's go get changed."

"Can't we just go like this?"

I laughed. "Look at us, Tenten. I'm wearing a see-through dress shirt with only my underwear on. And you don't even have your underwear on." I proved my point further by lifting up the edge of her shirt, and briefly exposing her naked skin before she slapped my hand and pulling her shirt back down. "Plus, you still smell like sex."

Her lips curled into a wicked smile, "Care to freshen the smell?"

As tempting as that was, I only laughed and ruffled her hair before pushing her off of me. She stuck her tongue out at me, only to have me dive in and take it with my own.

"Go take a shower, we need to get out of here as soon as possible. I'll get you a towel after I change. She smiled innocently before I retreated into my bedroom.

Needless to say, I took a bit longer giving her the towel than intended, but we eventually got out of the house.

Since neither of us ate this morning due to our…distractions, we decided to stop by a restaurant closer to Gaara's house and have our brunch there. That got me so paranoid it was beyond nerve-wracking. We got out of there as soon as I finished my waffles and packed up Tenten's pancakes. She wasn't too pleased, but I couldn't help it. Every look I got made me want to whip out my pistol. That was how paranoid I was. And despite Tenten's soothing words, I still tenser than ever.

It was when we got to Gaara's house that I truly relaxed. Unfortunately, he was out for a bit so we had to wait in the car for him to return. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, barely listening to the music on the radio, while Tenten sat beside me cutely finished up her pancakes beside me. I smiled as she struggled to cut them into smaller pieces with only her fork. She pouted when the soft breakfast cake fell from her plastic for the third time in a row. I couldn't help but laugh as I took the fork from her hand and gently scooped up the mangled syrup-soaked flour before feeding it to her. She looked like an ecstatic chipmunk while she was chewing. In fact, it was so cute, that once she finished chewing, I couldn't help but lean over and finish off my services with a kiss. She tasted like maple syrup, yet still uniquely like her. I licked her lips clean and was rewarded with a pleased noise from her.

That night seemed to have come faster than usual. Gaara gave Hinata a week off in case of danger. If the girl even lost half a piece of hair, Hiashi would sue us until we're back in Suna with nothing but a sandcastle for a home. Yes, the Hyuugas were that powerful. Even we can't do anything, besides probably assassination, if he has the ability to manipulate law. Kankurou dropped by later that night for me to give him a heads-up. He agreed to help us but wasn't able to stay in the house all the time. Shikamaru, always the quick thinker, gave him one of those annoying communication devices. He gave Gaara one too, just in case. I was moved speechless that everyone was willing go so far for me. Kankurou claimed it's because we're siblings. To my surprise, Gaara seconded the claim, agreeing without hesitation.

"Take good care of her, a'right?" Kankurou said to Tenten. "She may seem like she's all that, but trust me, she's a teddy bear." I slapped him on the arm playfully, demanding for him to take that back.

"So I've noticed," Tenten replied with a giggle.


The days went by peacefully, but it, of course, wasn't meant to last. One night, after nearly a week of staying at Gaara's, something disrupted the tranquility. We were sleeping away as usually when Tenten suddenly sat up in the middle of the night. I rubbed my eyes sleepily, gently urging her back to bed. She clasped a hand on my mouth, silencing me. It was then that I knew that something wasn't right. A faint hissing sounded by the window. It was so faint, I could've sworn I was just hearing things. But her hand laid still on my mouth, neither of us daring to move. My heart sounded in my ears. I was scared and I knew she was too. It would be illogical to doubt her senses as they had been artificially heightened and was capable of picking up the scarcest things. But I had heard something too, as delusional as it may have seemed. I slowly started inching over for the communicator but stopped, frozen in mid-reach, as a slow clapping sounded through the still night air. As the clapping became closer, so did the hissing. Tenten whimpered and sank into the pillow. I gathered her in my arms quickly in an effort to comfort her.

"So this is where you were hiding, Tenten," came a voice through the shadows, "Or should I say, Subject 1010. This is what happens when one loses something in return for something better, am I right?" A hideously pale man stepped out from the shadows, a nasty smirk etched on his face.

"O-Orochimaru," Tenten whispered, clinging to me for dear life.

"You're coming back with me, tonight. If you come willingly, maybe I'll spare that piece of shit you've got there." I gritted my teeth as he advanced closer.

"Don't you dare, you bastard," I barked.

"Or you'll what? I know who you are, bitch. You're that big-shot thief, Midnight Tempest. You don't scare me. Just Kabuto can snap your puny body in half. I have no need to be involved with you myself."

I knew that once the battle has begun, there was no turning back. It was a life or death situation now, and one of us had to die. And I'll make damn sure it's Orochimaru and his dogs. "Tenten," I whispered, my eyes fixed on the hissing bastard, "I love you. And I'm going to get rid of him for you once and for all." I didn't give her time to register my words. I jumped over and pressed the button on the communicator before throwing it past his head, missing his ear by a centimetre. It distracted him for less than a second, but that was all the time I needed to make my escape. I whipped out my fan, grabbed Tenten, broke through the patio's glass, and fled into the night. It wasn't that easy, of course. He was right on my tail. But from here on, the real battle begins. It's not gonna be pretty, but at least there's more space out here. Tenten was dazed, but recovered sooner than I thought.

This was it. The real thing. The real battle. And fucking hell, I'd better win.


A/N: Remember to leave a message :D I kind of noticed not many people have read this far. But to those of you who did, I truly hope it was worth your while xD Thank you all, so far! And remember to leave a review.