Chapter 13

Tenten

Since I was charged to be a host for the Sand officials, I took them out to eat at a restaurant that Sasuke and I have dined at recently. The food was very good, reminds me of the Curry my team and I used to eat. Temari and I love spicy foods. Gaara is fine with anything that isn't too salty.

"So here's the issue," I said after eating my salad.

Temari looked up.

"I'm supposed to be sleeping at the Hyuga compound tonight. If you don't have any sleeping arraignments I can ask Neji to set rooms."

"That won't be needed-"

"SURE! I've never slept at the Hyuga compound before!" Temari cut off her younger brother.

Gaara sighed, but nodded. He didn't want to argue with the wind master.

"Hm but I wonder about you," Temari looked at me.

"Hm?"

"Aren't you with Uchiha?" Gaara suddenly asked.

I almost spit out my water. I didn't know that news travelled all the way to Suna. Temari looked at me curiously.

"Ooohhh scandalous!"

"It's not anything like that! I would never-"

"Two noble clans wrapped around your finger! Damn Tenten, you got the goods!"

"Temari!" I whined.

Gaara was smirking in his seat. He causally sipped his water and shook his head at times when Temari would talk. He's opened up over the years. I was happy when he considered me to be a close friend since I was Temari's best friend. I have actually spoken to the Kazekage informally, by accident, but he gave me a small smile and commented on it. He's really nice once you get to know him and he's a great dancer. Just saying.

"Tenten-sama, you know I don't like to pry, but, I thought you enjoyed Hyuga Neji's company over Uchiha Sasuke's?" Gaara asked.

My eyebrows shot up and I looked at Temari.

"Hey, I didn't say shit. You forget how my brother is. He figured out almost everything."

"Almost?" Gaara turned his green eyes to his older sister.

Temari grinned and pinched his cheek. Gaara swat her hand away and rolled his eyes.

"How old are you, Kazakage-kun?" I asked.

"You an just call me Gaara, I've told you that before. And I'm eighteen this year." The redhead replied.

He doesn't act like it that's why I asked. Temari's a year older than me, already twenty and in a powerful position since she was eighteen. re and Shikamaru have been talkin a lot lately. But I don't think Gaara has caught on. Or he has and just hasn't said anything.

"Where's puppet boy?" I asked.

Temari split into a laugh and Gaara cracked a smile. All of us in Rookie Nine called Konkuro puppet boy. Ino had called him that because she truly did forget his name once, and it forever stuck. Poor Puppet boy.

"He's good. Puppet Boy is gonna get married soon." Temari chirped.

"Aww to who? Is she pretty?"

"More like the Daimyo's daughter..." Gaara shook his head.

I cocked an eyebrow. He said it wasn't arranged. After Kankuro went in a mission to escort the princess. They've been talking and seeing each other's ever since.
"Aww."

"And Gaara is still single!" Temari patted his head.

"I'm too busy to date and care about relationships."

"Just because your Kazekage, doesn't mean you have to be forever alone you know." I commented.

"And besides, you and I partied a bit when I went to Suna for my vacation after becoming an ANBU officer."

Gaara sucked his teeth. We mostly went clubbing and, trained a bit, more clubbing. And he took me and Temari with him to visit the Waterfall country. It was nice hanging out with the Sand siblings. They do so much for being in the desert.

Our food came and we are comfortably. We walked around the shopping area a bit so Temari could say hi to Ino before we headed off to the Hyugas.

Neji was accepted into the compound after becoming an ANBU. His main duty now is to protect Hinata and Hanabi when he wasn't on a mission and they main family went out of country. They gave him his own wing near Hinata's and has been living there since. He used to live with his grand parents from his mother's side and her family. I've met his mother's family and I see where he gets his charm from. His aunt is amazing at Hyuga style fighting and she isn't even a Hyuga. Neji is so nice to his nieces and nephews; he's like a big brother. They also have blue eyes which I find to be so nice. I can't really imagine Neji with blue eyes though.

We walked to the Hyuga compound where We were greeted by the two guards. They bowed to us and let us pass. Neji was with Hanabi in the training area, adjusting her stance. I called to him once Hanabi sat down.

"Hey Tenten- oh..hello Kazekage-sama, Temari-sama." Neji bowed as he noticed the two behind me.

"Hello, Hyuga-kun." Temari nudged me.

"Ok so they need a place to crash, so...can they stay here?" I asked.

Neji thought for a moment. He said yes but it's be a little while since the guest wing will have to be set. Gaara nodded and thanked him. Hanabi waved at me before walking past then to the kitchen. Neji sighed and apologized that his cousin didn't greet them properly.

"Oh it's alright. I wouldn't expect her to know who we are anyway. She's so young." Temari said.

"She's a Chunnin. Uchiha Itachi's pupil." Neji said as he led us to the main wing.

"I'm going to tell Hiashi-sama that you are here...he was just expecting Tenten so I'm sorry if he seems cross at first."

Aww Neji's so nice. He does a lot to make people (that he gets along with) at home. But it also might be because Gaara's the Kazekage. I glanced at Temari as she poked my shoulder, telling me that I was one lucky bastard. Rolling my eyes, Neji came back, wanted us to follow him to meet Hiashi. Normally when I would come over he would have the maids get me house clothing and he would personally escort me to dinner. Which is really nice since he seems so uptight. I think it's because I'm best friends with Hinata too. But even Hinata told me that her father just likes the fact that I'm and outsider who's close to Neji.

As we walked through the estate, many servants bowed deeply to us. Neji slid open the door to a small room where the Hyuga elders and officials had meetings. We bowed deeply to him.

"Hello Hyuga-sama." I greeted before bowing.

To my surprise, he bowed at us.

"Good evening, Kazekage-sama, Ambassador-sama, Tenten-sama."

It sounds so weird to hear him says that. I think that title is going to be the death of me since I'm finding myself being treated differently by it. Sitting on the cushions, Hiashi formally welcomed us to his estate blah blah blah, anything you need just ask, blah blah blah...

"Neji, why don't you escort our guests to their rooms," the Hyuga looked at me. "But I would like a word with Tenten-sama before you take her with you as well."

"Yes, Uncle." Neji replied standing and leaving the room with the sand siblings behind him.

I looked at Hiashi. I wonder what I did this time. This isn't the first time I have been alone with the head of the Hyuga clan. First it was for introductions, then it was for giving Neji a black eye (yeah I managed that once...just once...), then it was for sleeping over the first time. Which really wasn't all that bad. I mean he just asked if I wanted to stay in Hinata's room or the guest wing, but I ended up in Neji's room since my darling teammate insisted I stayed in his room. Other than that it's all been casual and nice...

"Congratulations on becoming a Lady of you village." He said.

"Thank you, Hyuga-sama." I replied.

"Neji tells me that you have moved into the Hokage mansion. Do you fancy it there?"

"I guess it's alright. I mean, I'm still left to my self most of the time so really nothing as changed drastically."

Hiashi nodded. He spoke to me about some things going on in the clan. Like how Ookami was getting married soon and how Neji was going to be going away soon on a training mission.

"He is? When does he leave?" I asked.

"In about five months. I'm surprised he didn't tell you." Hiashi's eyebrows shot up.

"No...he didn't..." I looked at my hands. He really doesn't tell me much anymore.

"So, I hear you and the youngest Uchiha have been together now for a few months."

I pursed my lips together. I really do hope he doesn't use me as a tool to get information out of Itachi-san... I can't do that to him and Sasuke...

"How old are you, Tenten-sama?"

"Nineteen,"

"And you have no ideas for marriage yet?"

I twitched. We'll not yet...I mean I'm only nineteen and I wanna be an ANBU for at least another year before settling down.

"I do hope you stay close to Neji if you decide to marry Uchiha Sasuke. He's very attached to you and you make him happy." Was what he said before bowing to me again, begging.

Marry Sasuke? I think he has the wrong idea. I have no plan to marry Sasuke. This is just a relationship that... Damn I can't even finish that sentence cuz I can't think of anything to add...but I don't want to marry Sasuke!

"Uhm, Hyuga-sama..."

"Yes?"

"Is there any chance that Neji could be head of the Branch part of the clan?"

I am seriously curious. Hiashi nodded. Once Neji hits twenty-one he will take his Aunts position as Branch head.

"So...he's still cadged even for being Branch head?"

"Unfortunately, but we cannot break tradition. I know you do not fancy the idea as well but it's how we work, my Lady."

I nodded sadly, guess Neji can't catch a break...

"Listen, how about you come to his nineteenth birthday celebration next month. It's a family gathering of some of the main branch and his mother's side of the family. I'm sure he'd like that." Hiashi suggested.

I would very much like that. The clan threw a huge shindig for his eighteenth birthday last year. I had a blast, as uptight as the Hyugas seem they sure can through a party like the Yamanakas.

"I will tell you my list of clans I wish to invite, so you can approve of them before I send out invitations... If that's alright."

"Of course, Hyuga-sama!"

Neji

I walked down the hall of the estate. There was talk begin me from the Suna ninja. They were talking about meetings and official stuff.

"Hey, Hyuga-kun."

"You can just call me Neji, Temari-sama. We have known each other for years now."

The blonde shrugged.

"Alright, Neji-kun, so I hear you're in a little pickle."

I cocked an eyebrow and shook my head. I have no idea what she's talking about.

"Because you know, Tenten has been with Uchiha-chan for a long time now..."

I choked. "Uchiha-chan" was defiantly the correct honorific for him. I was about to ask how she knew but then again everything in Rookie 9 isn't a secret. Everyone knows everything.

"So have you taken her out yet?"

"She's with Uchiha. Her business is hers alone."

"You wish it to be as such...however you and her are so close that your lives have become one another's business, Hyuga-kun." Gaara looked at me.

This is the first thing he's said to me all night. I eyed him curiously. Gaara wasn't one to pry. Then again he wasn't. He was stating a fact. I guess it is true. But that doesn't mean I have to be involved with her decisions.

"What?! Yes you do! You're her best friend, Neji-kun. Her best guy friend. Most girls look to them for opinions and stuff! And to top it off, you know her better than even Kami himself!" Temari pulled my pony tail.

I winced and shook my head. She's inflating my ego. Not that I'm complaining but Tenten is a big girl. She can make her own decisions as she pleases. That received a hit on the arm from the Ambassador.

"Hyuga Neji, stop being a Hyuga for once and actually open your damn eyes. I swear, you have no idea..."

I sighed. I'm getting beat up by the blonde. Might as well roll with it before she accidentally kills me...

"Then what do you suggest I do then?"

"Don't catch an attitude with me Hyuga! I will blow your ass to the Sound country!"

Gaara sighed and shook his head. We stopped walking and he looked me in the eye.

"Talk to her, Hyuga-kun. I've learned from Temari that girls like to be asked about what's on their mind and how they feel about situations. Try it. It can't hurt. Remember, she's with Uchiha, I bet you'd get a leg up if you be that best friend that never stopped caring."

I nodded. See? Temari could have just said that instead of beating me up. We stopped in front of a door and I slid it open to a small den with two separate rooms.

"Dinner is in an hour, a servant will come to escort you to the hall." Was all I said before turning my back and walking back toward my room.

I walked past the room were Hiashi was still talking to Tenten. I stood outside it, listening in.

"I don't think that's a good idea, Hyuga- sama...I mean... Wouldn't I be meddling in your clan's official business?"

"I believe in you Tenten-sama. I wouldn't ask anyone else if I didn't feel you weren't able to do it."

"Alright..."

"So do you accept the position?"

There was silence.

"Yes, I do. Just send a message to the Hokage tower when you need me."

"Very well. And Neji, you may come in and fetch the Lady. We're done here."

I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding and slid open the door. I was greeted to a bright smile from Tenten and a nod from my uncle. I walked her to my room. I waited until the door was closed to ask her what happen.

"Oh, well first it was about your birthday...then he asked me about my personal life..." She rolled her eyes.

"Sorry..."

She flashed a smile at me again.

"It's alright. I would have expected it since I haven't been around for a while." She took off her ANBU vest.

The spandex top was actually a mid-drift. Most kunoichi go standard, but Tenten decided that the vet was good enough and she was more worries about her chest than her middle. I watched as she slipped off the metal belt that gave a loud clank when it hit the floor. Now swaying a bit, she took off her arm guards and gloved before turning to me.

"So, that shower is calling my name right now."

I'd join you if you'd let me

I nodded. She looked at me curiously before heading to the bathroom, untying her hair as she walked. I grabbed her gear and placed it on top of my dresser. She has her own drawer since she has come over so many times. She also has some scrolls here. But I can't touch them. Tenten would kill me.

"Neji! Pass me some shampoo and conditioner!" She called from the bathroom.

Uh...ok... I entered the bathroom and opened the cabinet under the sink. Grabbing the two bottles I passed them to her waiting hands. After a thank you I turned my back and was about to walk out when she called to me again.

"What is it?" I asked my back still turned.

"You looked like you wanted to talk. So talk." She popped her head out from behind the curtain.

I blinked. Following Gaara's advice, I leaned against the sink and spoke.

"What did my uncle offer you?" I asked.

"Oh, that. He wanted me to sit in on meetings with you and your aunt. Also he wants me to train Hinata on Taijutsu."

I shrugged. But then I thought about what she said.

"Sit in on meetings? With me?"

"Well yeah, I guess he wants me around more. To be with you're stubborn ass." She poked out her tongue at me.

TCH. I smirked and poked her nose. I asked her what else happened. She stopped moving for a moment. Tenten didn't speak as she seemed to be rinsing herself off. Emerging from the shower, she looked at me.

"He wants me to stay by your side if I choose to marry Sasuke."

I looked at her wide eyed. No it's not because she's standing naked in from of me (we've been through this a lot). I handed her a robe.

"So...do you-"

"No I don't. I can't see him as a husband to be honest...at least not for me..."

I don't know what happen, but I reached over, grabbed her cheeks and kissed her. She has no idea how amazing that sentence was. I pulled back and finally realized what I did. She was staring at me with big brown eyes. Her cheeks were a deep red, and her lips were slightly parted.

Oh...crap...

"I.." I stepped back and looked away from her.

Dammit.

She blinked and walked past me to the room. I let her change by herself. Leaning against the door, I licked my lips. I honestly couldn't believe I didn't hold myself back from doing that. Against the door frame I didn't hear any movement. I really do hope she doesn't resent me for doing that.

I opened the door slowly and found Tenten dressed in her exotic blue house shirt and grey sweats. The style was much like her Gennin shirt except it was extended past her hips with silver trim and a dragon design present on the front. Her hair was back in their custom buns with white ribbons dangling from them.

"Tenten-"

"Let's go. I'm hungry." She said turning to me.

Deciding not to push it, I offered her my arm and we walked together to the dinning room. Her grip was tight and she was walking rather close to me. Glancing down at her I can tell I may have caused some kind of thought process to begin.

"Tenten..."

"We'll talk later, Neji." She murmured as we stood before the dining room door.

Entering, Gaara, Temari, Hinata and the rest of them, were a already seated. Tenten and I took our seats on the right hand side. I used to sit directly next to him until one mission where Tenten had saved my life. Since then she's sat directly next to my uncle. The food came and we began to eat.

After dinner, Tenten and I walked to my father's memorial. She's come with me here a bunch of times. Sitting by the memorial, we prayed together for a little bit. Whenever we talked about personal or important topics, we would do it in front of my father so he knew what was going on in my life.

"Ok. What was that?" She turned toward me.

I bit my lip.

"To be honest, I just moved out of feeling. I didn't really think about what I was doing." I looked to my father's memorial.

Feeling another chakra presence, I hushed her for a minute while I scanned the area. My Byakugan picked up a faint chakra trace right behind the memorial stone. Looking up it was a figure of a man. Younger than Hiashi, but a similar face to mine.

Father. I breathed in. He looked seriously at me but then smiled and pointed back at Tenten. Deactivating my Byakugan, I apologized and looked at her.

"Sorry, I thought I felt chakra..." I said quietly.

Tenten shook her head. She knew that my skills were advanced and she took my word when it came to things like this. She bit her lip and looked at the ground.

"Neji."

"Yes?"

"If you're going to tell me something. Do it now."

I held my breath and looked at her wide eyed. She didn't resent me. But she didn't look at me either. Guess it's time to face the music. But first-

"I think we should tell my father what happen first. I think he is confused." I suggested.

Tenten nodded and looked at the memorial. She re-told the events that happen today. I sat silently, my father's figure glowing faintly in front of Tenten, sitting down and smiling at her. I think father likes her. I mean like as in he enjoys her company.

"Tenten,"

"Yes?"

"I do have something to tell you."

She looked at me. And I could feel my father's eyes on me. I took her hand into mine and started from the beginning. Back in the old days when we were in the academy. I admit I found her rather interesting because she was not like other girls. She didn't fawn over me and she actually never even looked in my general direction. Then there was Lee. I would bother him and belittle him, but Tenten would insult me and stick up for him. I couldn't believe it when she called me an egotistical bastard who needed to get some friends. And then we became teammates; Rock Lee, Tenten, and I with the First Green Beast of Konoha
Gai-sensei. I remember we hates each other at first. Then Gai tied us together during the night and we had no choice but to get along. But we did. I discovered Lot about Tenten that I liked. She had tolerance and patience for me, and we learned to trust each other. When we went on more "adult" missions, Gai had locked us in a room, wearing nothing but a bathrobe. It was for us to get over any self consciousness we had and to become more comfortable with each other. Since we were only fifteen, of course we were all a bit awkward. But Tenten was the first to drop the robe and say "Just to be clear, I am a girl. Don't let the pants and the weapons fool you."

"I did say that. That was the weirdest training ever." She said smiling a bit at me.

I nodded. Since I was a bit stubborn, I took it upon myself to go along and train myself not to get aroused by the female standing in my face. I have to wonder if I wasn't so angry would things have been different. After that we trusted each other completely. I trained with her for years, told her my blind spot; and she hasn't told a soul. Tenten has actually saved me. Bunch of times because she would back me up.

"Then I became a Chunnin."

"Was that it?" She asked.

I guess you can say as a Gennin it was a crush after the Chunnin exam I spent more alone time with her; training, missions, or just hanging out. Then she went on that mission to fetch Itachi Uchiha.

"I admit I was horrified." I squeezed her hand.

"Were you? About what?"

"That he would kill you."

That got a smile. I became ANBU Leutenit. You became captain soon after. We got put on the same squad. It was Team Gai all over again. Except we were all ANBU. Tenten, Lee, and I. I was very pleased that she'd be working with me. As was my uncle.

"Your uncle does like me."

"Probably because he doesn't know what to do with me," I smirked.

Tenten looked at me for a while.

"Why didn't you say anything before?"

I shrugged.

"What could I say? You seemed to be content with us just being friends. I had everyone-even Hinata- tell me that you liked me. But I just couldn't believe such a pretty, independent, high spirited woman like an egotistical prodigy like me."

She reached up and brought my face close to hers. With her forehead touching mine I looked into her eyes.

"Neji, you've been there for me since we were Gennin. I've gone out of my way to make sure you were ok, make sure you were happy. I even slept over your house, in the same bed no less, for years. I allowed you to be apart of my life outside being a ninja. Don't you think that meant something? There are things you know that even Temari doesn't."

I placed my hands on her waist, an didn't break the eye contact. I could tell her I love her, but she is with Uchiha. I have no place to say it. Twirling a strand of my hair between her fingers, Tenten laid her head on my shoulder. We sat there for a long while in silence. I couldn't see my father's form anymore. After a while I suggested we head to bed. She agreed and stood. I slipped my hand into hers, receiving a surprised look from her. Kissing her hand, I led her to my room. We were quiet even when we reached my door. She had changed into a sports bra and shorts while I changed into a pair of sweats.

"Neji,"

I looked at her. She had tears streaming down her face. Reaching over, I hugged her from behind and held her tight against my torso. There are rare occasions when I have seen Tenten cry. The very first was when she was on her first seduction mission. Now, I want this to be her last time crying. I took the ribbons out of her hair, causing her buns to unravel and her chocolate brown hair spilled to the middle of her back. I kissed the top of her head and told her not to cry, even though my own heart began to swell.

"Neji?"

"Yes, Tenten?" I looked down at her.

"I need you to do something for me."

"Anything." I replied as she pulled away slightly to look at me.

"Kiss me again."