A/N: Sorry this update's so late. I actually had a glitch that set me back, along with stupid writer's block. Somehow, I couldn't access the first version of this chapter that I'd started and essentially a scan of it said it was corrupted and couldn't be opened. Damn. So, I'm starting over and hope it won't suffer horribly for it. My notes and thanks will follow at the end, except for me to say this: thanks to all of you who've stuck with me, and this story, so far. You all are amazing! :) Now, on with the show.

Sacrifices

Chapter 3: Realizations

Head pounding excruciatingly, throat aching, scratchy and dry, her body sore and somewhat weak, Tenten struggled to sit up before falling back weakly against her pillows. She lifted a hand to her forehead, feeling the bandage covering her skin, which was throbbing, pulsating with heat..

Her fingers gingerly brushed across the covered mark bearing her sin. The mark of her love. The mark that showed the extent that she'd go to for the one she loved, but it would forever remain unrequited. Some would name her a fool for throwing herself sacrificially into a world that she'd never belong. A world she could glance upon but never touch,would never become an intrinsic part. Once again, the mark of her devotion, her loyalty, a blessing, a bane, a curse. A mark that felt both cold and hot- burning hot from the heat, the passion of her love; cold for the consequences of her actions... Neji's spite and anger.

Soon she would have to face him. She'd have to face his anger, his demanding, questioning eyes. Hopefully, prior to subjecting herself to his tenuous and incensed gaze and presence. His displeasure coupled with a seething temperament regarding their situation, tenuous and palpable.

His anger she could bear, but not his hate. To be the center of the ANBU captain's ill-will and irascibility were things she couldn't tolerate. Her heart would break if he treated her little more than a stranger subjected to his icy, condescending eyes, his irritable clipped tones and prickly personality.

She swallowed hard pondering the first of her decision's consequences, and the outlook didn't appear well in her favor. Currently it seemed as if she'd swallowed a cactus during her unconscious state. Just to have something- anything- to soothe the constant pain. Just to have something to wet her mouth, rid her of the cottony taste prominent in her mouth. She prayed someone would bring her something to drink and soon.

Oh, how she wished for water- anything to quench her parched throat. Once she finally sat up, she realized there was another presence with her. She had already determined its owner from the stillness, the hostility and confusion radiating from it.

Time to face the music, she sighed inwardly, ready or not. Let the pain begin.

"So you're finally awake." His voice cold and angry filled the room, adding to the awkwardness.

Slowly opening her eyes, she saw him leaning casually against the door frame, arms crossed, frown firmly in place, although she intuitively knew his posture was deceptive. He was anything but relaxed. If anything he wanted to lull her into a false sense of relaxation, a sense of security. She knew how her partner operated. She should as they'd spent years together; countless hours and days on missions, having ample opportunity to observe each others' habits. This enabled their seamless team work to perform almost flawlessly.

Swallowing hard she reached up again to gingerly touch her aching head. "Yes," she croaked, still wishing for something to soothe her throat.

Tenten flinched upon hearing the scrape of a chair against the hard wood floor. "Good. We have may things to discuss," he stated with an air of finality. No argument. No escape. No distractions.

A tentative knock sounded at the door.

"Enter," Neji ordered angrily, upset at the disturbance.

The door slid open to admit Hinata carrying a pitcher of water and two glasses atop a plain wooden tray. She placed the tray on the bedside table and quickly poured a glass of water, handing it to the Weapons Mistress, who promptly took a small sip who sighed in contentment as the cool liquid flowed smoothly down her irritated throat.

"How are you feeling, Tenten?" Her pale eyes worried, Hinata fidgeted with the ends of her sleeves, suddenly feeling anxious in Neji's presence. More so, the young heiress was concerned about her being under her cousin's angered scrutiny. She was aware of the interrogation about to take place. If she could delay it for a few moments for Tenten, she would.

"Like hell," came her blunt reply. "My head feels like Sakura took a few swings at it, and my body feels like Neji used me for a punching bag. Not to mention my mouth and throat feel like I've been in the desert for a week."

Hinata smiled sweetly. "Well, Tenten, you were unconscious for a whole week." She replied with a shrug.

"What?" She shrieked. How could this happen? Unconscious for a week?

Looking down at her body, uneasily, she wondered who bathed her since she felt clean, no stench at all.

"I bathed you, Tenten, along with a couple of servants," Hinata replied, knowing what was on her friends mind. It didn't take a genius to figure it out as the young woman had glanced down at her clothed figure and examined her hands and arms, her eyes wandering further towards her stomach and below. All a tell-tale sign of her thoughts.

"A week, Hinata? Has it really been a whole week?"

"I'm afraid so, Tenten." Her pale eyes appeared relieved. "We feared the worst at the beginning. After the first couple of nights you stabilized, and we could only wait for your awakening. But it was a week to the day."

A whole week. She'd lost an entire week! A week she'd never be able to get back. There's no telling what she missed, but she knew that Sakura, Ino and Hinata would inform her of everything, including the latest gossip.

"Yes, Tenten, an entire week." Sensing the unspoken, Hinata patiently told her, "Apparently, since you were older than the rest that have received the caged bird seal it was harder on you physically and mentally. Aside from you, no other outside of our clan has received it. The clan members who have were small children; thus, they have no memory of any after effects."

"This I what we've theorized, for now," Neji intruded impatiently. "Hinata, leave us," he ordered brusquely.

Slightly lowering her head and staring at the floor, she quietly agreed, bowing.

A pale and disconcerted weapon's mistress grabbed her arm, halting her exit. "Hold on, Hinata." Brown eyes flashed angrily at his arrogance. "Neji, who the hell do you think you are? Hinata's my friend, and if I want her here...she may stay. If you don't like it, there's the door," she jerked her head towards the exit," and don't let it hit you in the ass on the way out! Jerk," she muttered, her anger coursing fiercely through her body.

Torn between the two Hinata made her excuses and hurriedly left, unwilling to be a pawn between either of them.

Feeling somewhat betrayed and thrown to the lions- or lion- in Neji's case, Tenten steeled herself for what was to come.

"Why?"

"Why what, Neji? You'll have to be a little more specific than that." She answered him with a little smirk designed to push him a little closer to the edge. Not exactly wise given her position and condition.

"Why do it? More importantly, why lie to me?"

No other female could light his blood on fire like Tenten. No other could soothe him quite like she could, either. She was liquid fire and water all in one.

The moment he'd seen her enter the room, his heart dropped. He felt angry, hurt and sad. All because it started with a lie and the situation worsened as she sold herself into his family's keeping. Little more than a slave. She hadn't realized that the moment she caused the elders or Hiashi-sama any displeasure, she would suffer excruciating pain- the same as in the initiation ceremony. He was certain that his team mate was ignorant of the full weight of her decision, the consequences. Even worse, there was nothing he could do to save her from her stupidity, and herself.

"You weren't exactly forthright yourself. When were you going to tell me about your upcoming nuptials, huh? The day of or the day before? You want to talk about honesty and being best friends, then where was your honesty? Why couldn't you confide in me?"

"As for why I didn't reveal my role in this was that I was ordered by your uncle and the elders to keep quiet. If I'd spoken of it then we both would've suffered. You're my best friend." Her brown eyes softened and she sighed. "I would do anything to protect my partner and best friend, wouldn't you?"

Her explanation didn't squelch his anger, irritation and curiosity. There had to be something else besides friendship fueling her reasoning. He never would've imagined her submitting to a position akin to slavery.

Displeasure could cause debilitating pain, even harsher punishments waited behind secreted doors of an activated caged bird seal. He had to ensure that her temper remained reigned in and that her actions were beyond reproach. Nothing to gain the attention or censure from the Hyuuga elders. Their cruelty was unmatched, aside from Ibiki. That man was the very definition of sadism and cruelty. When he had a reason, that is.

"Tenten, I was going to inform you in the next few days. I had no knowledge of it until about three days prior. Honestly, I wasn't sure how to break the news." Despite his fury, his lips turned up at the corners a little bit, halfheartedly. "You know I've never been the type to discuss emotions. They bring nothing but trouble and cause a chaotic heart. Those are liabilities we can not afford on missions. You know that as well as I."

"I know, Neji. I'm not ignorant, you know. There are so many things to adjust to, but I have my reasons. One of them being the promise I swore to long ago."

Eyes narrowed slightly, his head tilted, he asked, "Promise? What promise?"

"To watch your back. I swore that whatever happened I'd always protect you, be your eyes for the places you can't see. Come what may...that's what I promised, and this," she said calmly, pointing to her head, "is an extension of that promise whether you like it or not."

Leaning forward, his opal eyes piercing, as he stared unblinkingly at her. "There's something you're not telling, Ten, but I WILL find out what secret you're hiding."

With that, he stood quickly, turning on his heel and left the room, leaving Tenten with a swirling cacophony of thoughts.

She couldn't let him discover the true reason for her devotion, her epicenter's secret. He would certainly disapprove without a doubt. More than likely, he'd make her life hell. For she knew long ago that the handsome Hyuuga prodigy bore no romantic notions towards her. Never had, never would. He was solely driven in his training and missions. Beyond that, and some rather intellectual discussions, he felt nothing towards her but friendship. The truth stung, but it was better to walk into it with all the cards on the table, knowing exactly where you stood.

Tenten stared longingly at the empty chair, the void Neji left growing larger, heavier. "I know you don't understand my justification for this, but one day you will, but by then...it'll be too late." Her head relaxing back into the pillows, the cushions a welcome comfort she whispered, "If only you felt the same."

If he realized her intentions, her feelings, it'd all be over. Everything she fought for, bled for would be gone. All because he told her long ago that he wouldn't work with a sparring partner who bore romantic notions and feelings towards him. It made them weak; caused them to make simple mistakes that could get them - or him- killed.

Taking a drink of water, she closed her eyes, took a few steadying breaths and fell back into a dreamless sleep.

-X-

"Tenten?"

Hearing a voice calling her, she struggled through the fog, her eyelids heavy, her body not ready to wake. The voice repeated her name several times. Finally, she blinked and forced her eyes to open, surprised to see her most recent visitor.

"Hiashi-sama."

Throwing back her covers and attempting to stand, the Hyuuga clan leader urged her to stay in bed.

"What are you doing here?"

"Validating reports that your condition had improved." His eyes soft and twinkling turned serious. "It's time we discuss things in detail, Tenten."

She nodded resolutely. "I was waiting for this," she murmured. Abruptly her countenance brightened, yet it was obvious that the attempt was false for her smile didn't reach her eyes. Her voice didn't sound as spirited as usual.

"Okay, Hiashi-sama, where do we start?"

He began with her duties in regards to Yumi's and Neji's protection. "Obviously, Neji won't need you much in that regard, but Yumi will. As long as your presence isn't required for a mission, you will live here and you will escort Yumi wherever she needs to go, and that includes family functions."

The Weapons Mistress nodded, carefully absorbing everything he said. "What about Neji? Do I still spar with him?"

"Yes. He has specifically informed me that training with him is mandatory. I am in agreement. I believe that due to your patience and abilities my nephew has improved over the years. I know it couldn't have been easy, " he chuckled lowly, folding his hands in his lap.

She nodded her head and agreed. "Not really. At first, it was difficult. He keeps people at arms length- and for a reason. It took me some time and effort to discover that, though, but after I did...I learned more about him than I thought possible, being a new acquaintance and all. He's been through so much.

Her eyes met Hiashi's.

"Yes, he has, Tenten. Thank you for everything you've done. You and that Uzumaki boy have changed him in so many ways. For that alone, I can never repay what you've done." He smiled, appearing very handsome despite being somewhat older. His visage a look into the future, foretelling what Neji would probably look like in the future.

Tenten's senses propelled by curiosity could feel there was another reason for his visit. That there was a very important matter at hand. One that maybe he was uncertain how to breech, discuss. She wondered if it had anything to do with her gender. Some males had trouble talking to females regardless their age, or importance.

"Hiashi-sama, whatever you've come to say, just say it. I think that would be best." She stated simply, folding her hands in her lap, hoping he'd distract her from her physical discomfort; knowing when he left she'd be overwhelmed by her memories of the prior week. Memories she'd be forced to fight. Memories and feelings from the past and present that would have to be ignored and fought, though her heart screamed, protested under the weighted, emotional constraints of this thought.

Her attention shifted back to Neji's uncle as his breathing called her back from thoughts she wished would disappear.

Hiashi inhaled and exhaled deeply. "Now, on to more important matters."

A/N: That's it guys. I apologize for the length wait between chapters. I'll do my best to do better. I'd like to thank everyone for reading, but I'd like to thank the following for reading/reviewing:

Yuffie's Ninja Insanity

Mitzzi

minirukia

DarkAnonymous324