Thanks for the reviews, reading, and for your patience. Enjoy!

Chapter 14- Why Don't You

Why dont you love me
The way I love you
Why dont you feel things
As deep as I do
We've got a fundamental difference
In matters of emotion
But I need to feel you need me

Sakura bit her lip to keep her giggles at bay. Ino leaned up against her, her pale blue pupils switching back and forth in their sockets and a smile stretched across her lips. Hinata, in all her nervous glory, was pacing in the living room; her hands twisting and wringing her gloves that were suppose to be covering said hands. Her pale lavender eyes were wide and frightened and she bit her lip with more vigor each time she turned on her heal. Hinata had more emotions spiraling through her gaze then the two female ninjas had ever seen her possess. She looked to them, to Sakura with a silent plea shining in her gaze.

"Should you handle this or should I?" Ino questioned with a brightly lit smile.

Sakura glanced down the hallway toward TenTen's room, a woman that still hadn't left the confines of hiding. "You. I have to coax the other out and I don't want a brawl." She looked pointedly at Ino who attempted to look innocent.

Sakura smoothed out the wrinkles in her red satin gown, her fingers shortly tracing the unique design patterns that decorated the kimono style fabric; she quickly adjusted the spaghetti straps that held her endowed breasts in place. She flinched in thought, wondering how Naruto would react to her womanly figure. He had yet to see what exactly she possessed. If he reacts anything like Kakashi…She shivered at the memory and knocked lightly on the door.

"Don't come in or I'll gut you." A quick and feisty response that made Sakura smile.

"It's me." She hoped that was enough reassurance to allow her a safe entry as she peaked inside.

TenTen stood in front of the mirror, her attention on her hair. It had taken Sakura, Ino and Temari all their strength to keep her still as the hairdresser worked while shaking pathetically at the threats TenTen was constantly whispering. He hadn't cut anything, just wrapped her waist-length hair in a bun on the back of her head and allowed a few strands to drape down in front of her face and in the back. It hadn't been that torturous but TenTen had yet to forgive them. She wore a plain black gown, a long slit reached at mid to upper thigh, and a v-neck to expose a bit of flesh that TenTen was against showing. However all the other dresses she tried on had been much more revealing, or colors she detested so she ended up with this. Which Sakura thought was a good choice.

Her brown eyes rose to Sakura, a bit of betrayal shining in them. "I'm not doing this."

"It's for fun, TenTen."

"Showing off what should be mine and Neji's, how is that fun?"

"Other boys will no doubt notice you. It will get him riled, and he'll have to step in to protect what's his. It will be romantic."

The woman snorted, "Neji is not the romantic type. Besides, I'm pretty sure he won't care."

Sakura grabbed the woman by the shoulders, "Do you want to stay with him?"

"Do I have to answer that?"

"Yes." TenTen sighed a bit dramatically but she nodded. "Then fight for him."

"Fighting I can do. This?" She faced the mirror. "What is this?"

"A different kind of battlefield. Look, two months is hard on any man, Neji is no different."

"He is different. That's why I…" She cut herself off and shook her head.

"If he wants to ignore you so badly, then make him work for it." She smiled when the woman giggled.

"Fine…But if I live to regret this, I'm taking you down with me."

For the third time in one day, Naruto kicked the ground with aggravation, pacing and cursing with hands stuffed in his pockets. His black dress pants annoyed him but not as much as the white button down silk shirt that tickled his skin with each movement. Why did he have to dress up? Dress up was for girls, not for gorgeous young men like himself. He smiled at the self-appointed compliment but the nervousness that held his stomach in knots shoved his happiness back into the frown he had worn for the past hour.

Not only were the guys kicked out of the large apartment and at Kankuro's place to dress but now, he had to wait for his date to arrive. And he had been forbidden to go and get her since it was anxiety that seemed to trample over rational thought.

He had been inside for most of the time, pacing and scowling at anyone that made fun of him. But Kiba had gotten annoyed with him and kicked him out onto the street. Kiba, a boy that seemed to find any reason to yell at him. Ever since this morning's argument, their tempers were flaring in each other's direction. The boy's hatred had only increased as the day went on and now he was being completely ignored.

Well, fine. If Kiba wanted to be a jerk, he could be a jerk right back.

The other males in his group were exiting the house, all mumbling with themselves as they fixed their own appearances. Naruto wanted to scream to them that the girls were late but Temari interrupted before he could get a word out, "They're coming. I saw them around the corner as I was walking up." Temari placed a hand on her hip, smirking as Shikamaru walked up to her. "Is this acceptable?" She mocked, referring to a conversation that they had the previous night.

"It will have to do." He sighed with a bored undertone, sticking his hands in his pockets.

She put her arm through his, "See ya!" She waved as Kankuro exited from his house.

He narrowed his gaze, "Where are you going?"

"Somewhere." She replied with a grin, winking, "Don't wait up, nii-san."

"Temari!" He growled hurrying down the steps to get after her, "You better show up!"

"Wouldn't miss it." She replied and the couple rounded the corner out of sight.

Kankuro turned cursing obscenities and glaring at the Konoha ninjas. He pointed to Naruto and the boy went wide-eyed with fear. "You better control your friend."

He waved his hands innocently, "I can't order Shikamaru around." Naruto hurried for an excuse, "He outranks me."

Akamaru ran happily from the group, tearing their attention from the hole Naruto was digging himself. The boys lined up impatiently waiting. Lee sounded, "Is that TenTen?" Neji, suffocating from immense boredom, peaked open an eye. "They got her in a dress. I can't believe they got her in a dress." He mumbled to himself.

Neji's arms tightened over his chest. He had not been prepared seeing her in such an outfit.

Lee whispered, "She's beautiful,"

He cursed her for wearing it. It was anger that shut his eyes and anger that hardened his features. He already knew his course of action tonight would be to remain passive, distant, and cold. But she really did look gorgeous. That wasn't the issue, however, it would never be an issue.

It's just being with her was no longer an option. That's the way it was. If his manner wasn't enough for her to break up with him then he would have to find the words somehow. But soon, it would be over and there would be no more hope for a future with her.

Neji strengthened his resolve. Perhaps tonight would be a good night to destroy her attachments. Along with his own.

-00-

Naruto, noticing the girls as they approached, stumbled over to Kiba, falling against him. (He completely disregarded the fact that the man hadn't been talking to him up until this point), "When…When…did Sakura…get…" he swallowed hard, "those?" He finally finished.

Shino stood next to him, "That's explains it." He stated as if the answer had been present all along. The answer as to why Kiba had missed his birthday, and several other events. It made perfect sense now.

Lee came up behind them, "You're so lucky. She's nice, healthy, and….full." He finished with a trembling high-pitched squeak.

Kiba crossed his arms with a satisfied smirk, but his eyes, if anyone took the time to notice were far from his girlfriend and resting on the shy one on the end. Hinata wore a strapless light purple dress forcing attention to the attributes she liked to hide so much. It was tight around her form and ended at the tops of her knees allowing a bit of skin to actually show. His stomach tightened almost in jealousy of Akamaru who now licked her hand and she leaned down to kiss his forehead. She gripped tight to his fur as she straightened, holding onto him like an anchor in her obvious nervousness.

The smirk that was on his lips slipped away. Her gaze was only on the man beside him. She had eyes only for Naruto and oh, how that burned him. Naruto would never appreciate her like he did. Naruto would never love her like he did. Why wouldn't she see that?

Kiba turned his sight away, knowing if she caught his gaze the emotion in them would be so easy for her to see. And her pretending not to see would only break his heart.

Naruto stumbled from the line and abruptly stalled in front of Sakura, pulling himself back so he wouldn't hit face first the very things he was so obviously staring at. Sakura sighed, her eyes to the sky and pursing her lips trying to ask Kami to give her strength not to punch him. His stutter brought her gaze back to him. He was now pointing at them, nearly poking them to see if they were real, "Where…how do you hide those?"

Sakura gripped his shirt right at the neck, his attention flying up to meet her narrowed orbs and the rage that lit inside them. "Go compliment Hinata before I beat you in the ground." She shoved him over and he tripped on himself before suddenly finding himself in front of Hinata. Sakura cursed and made her way to her chuckling boyfriend. She pointed a warning finger and he quickly snapped straight.

Naruto's cheeks flushed the moment he caught her eyes and he scratched the back of his head. "Umm.. Hi."

"Aa." She replied lowering her gaze quickly, her embarrassment spreading to the rest of her face.

"You're not…going to pass out…right?" He questioned softly.

"Aa." She replied.

He bit his lip turning to Sakura who raised a readied fist. "Kuso." He murmured. He took a deep breath and straightened, "Hinata." She looked up. "You look nice."

She bit her lip, "You too."

He beamed, "I know. They made me wear these clothes. I don't like them though. White really isn't my color."

Sakura smacked her forehead, a sound that interrupted Kiba from a conversation with the other boys. She shook her head, clasping his hand in hers, trying to keep his attention away from the couple the best she could. She bit her lip, nearly regretting what she had made Naruto do. She hadn't thought about Kiba when she had told the boy to take out Hinata. Now the guilt was as bright as the desert sun and just as harsh.

Having a party was not something the Konoha shinobi's were used to. The eight ninjas sat up against the wall, watching the festivities going on before them. It was just plain awkward.

Sakura nudged Kiba and pointed, then doing the same to Ino who sat beside her. They gazed across the way to the front. Gaara sat in his chair, arms folded over his chest and stared into nothingness while little three and four year old children climbed all over him. Sakura hid her laugh behind her gloved hand, wondering briefly how he put up with it. It was entirely too cute. She remembered briefly how at one time in his young life he had been too scarred by the world to care for anyone around him. Now here he was with children pulling at his robes and laughing, poking his face trying to get any emotion to emerge. Nevertheless, Sakura knew he did not mind it. Whenever a parent tried to yell at the kids, he held up his hand to stop them. Not only did that happen on occasion but also his sand was swirling around him, protectively watching the little ones and when a child was about to fall or trip, his sand caught them, carefully setting them back on their feet.

Her gaze switched over to Naruto, who was sitting right next to Gaara with the same problem as him, but he was nowhere near as passive. He was screaming, kicking, biting, and cursing trying to get the rugrats off him. No parent cared if he was upset, or yelled at his or her child for running amuck. Sakura couldn't help her giggle. Hinata sat beside him, gazing with an awkward expression, cheeks reddened with embarrassment or love, Sakura couldn't tell.

"Well, come on, we might as well have fun." Kiba stood with his hand out and she happily took it, putting her wine glass down quickly and grabbed Ino's hand and Ino quickly grabbed Choji's, his food splattering the floor. He gazed behind him apologetically, longing to return but knew better then to say so to the blonde-haired woman that held his hand.

"I'm getting a drink." Shino announced and Lee jumped up to go with him.

TenTen cursed him for leaving. She glanced lightly to her right. Neji sat impassively with his arms and ankles crossed like a gentleman. She had not wanted to be left alone with him. It would just stand out in her mind that he rarely talks to her anymore let alone look at her and now it was an awkward silence between them. She was sure he was mindless of it, which only bothered her more. She slouched more pronounced, her kunai twirling in her hand.

Neji's lavender eyes lowered to the left of his eye socket only for a moment but quickly straightened. Did she have to sit like that? Sure, she was wearing a very long dress but her legs were open, completely unladylike. He couldn't stop himself from voicing it. "Please, sit up, TenTen."

TenTen lowered her gaze to the floor, her kunai held tight into her palm. She had gotten a reaction like she had planned. If two months of silence had not been present, his words would have only caused a smile since it was his typical response. But the silence was deafening. She shifted, a stupid and child-like idea striking her without the proper thought put behind it. She sat up straight, her chest becoming more prominent and crossed her legs, her right leg to be precise to expose the long slit that went well up her thigh. "Is this better?" She whispered, biting her lip.

He glanced to her, narrowing his gaze when he saw the high slit revealing more then he thought was necessary. If one looked hard enough, they would be able to see the side of her tanned ass. He shifted, hating how even now, after putting as much distance as he could between them, she still had an effect on him. He shook his head, disgusted with her for wearing such a revealing outfit and disgusted with himself for desiring her still. He turned away not giving any response.

TenTen sighed. It had been stupid, she chided herself. Even a normal response would not have been a good one. She was setting herself up for failure because she knew a lost cause when she felt one. Even if she didn't want to admit it, she was losing him. She switched her crossed legs so her slit was no longer exposed. Depression was slowly eating away at her as she kept her glances at him to a minimum. She wished for an answer to his quietness, to his distance that he pretended wasn't there. But he knew what he was doing. Which only caused her to question. What if he didn't want to be with her anymore?

TenTen shook her head. She was sure if he didn't want her, he'd tell her. She strengthened her resolve. She was not going to pine over this. That would be an 'Ino' thing to do and she was not stooping that low. She stood, not allowing herself to continue in the self-pity routine she's been going through the last few days. She went over to where Lee and Shino talked amongst themselves at the beverage table and poured herself a glass of wine. She wasn't a drinker but if she was ever going to get through this night, it was necessary.

That was until Lee stumbled in his hurry to grasp the cup out of her hand, nearly spilling it all of her if she hadn't been aware and stepped out of the way. "Lee." She whispered annoyed. "Now what?"

"Wine is not good for the body. We must keep our system healthy as Konoha Ninjas."

"One glass is not going to hurt me."

"It always starts with one." He replied sharply.

She couldn't deal with this. With Neji's neglect and Lee's sudden over protectiveness, it was just too much. She ignored his calls as she went to the exit, brushing past Shikamaru who just entered with Temari at his side, "Be careful, Lee's alcohol police." She bit bitterly.

Shikamaru eyed after her with humor on his lips and glanced over to Lee seeing him pour out the glass. "This is boring, can we go?" He was quick to question, yawning dramatically.

Temari rolled her eyes, folding her arms over her chest, "Be nice." She warned, "I'm going to see Gaara. If I found out you left, you'll regret it."

He sighed heavily searching the walls for his teammates, only to happen upon them actually dancing in the middle of the floor. He weaved through people, a smirk played on his lips, trying not to laugh as his best friend tried his hardest to dance a way Ino would accept. He slapped his forehead, "What are you doing, Choji?"

"Shikamaru." He turned, smiling.

"Aa, dancing with Ino no less."

The blonde rolled her eyes, "You jealous?" She smiled impishly, swinging her hips and snapping her fingers to the beat.

"Oh, highly." He responded with weak enthusiasm. "I thought we could train tomorrow afternoon."

She stalled her movements, "You want to train?" She outraged, her hand resting on his forehead, "Does he feel warm to you Choji?" Shikamaru swatted her hand away, quickly glaring at Choji, daring him to move but the man only smiled.

"We haven't trained in a few days." He mumbled, tucking his hands into his pockets. "I figured we could get the whole team to go. It's been awhile since we've done something like that."

"Been awhile?" Sakura interrupted, laughing against Kiba, his arms wrapped around her waist, hers wrapped around his neck. "More like three years!" Ino made a hand sign indicating Sakura had been drinking, Shikamaru and Choji chuckled silently only to snap their lips back to their stoic expression when Sakura's voice sounded again. "You got something to say?" She provoked the blonde, daringly.

Shikamaru reached for Ino's fighting form, while Kiba swung Sakura away, chuckling into her ear. "I think you've had too much to drink."

"Oh, what's your problem? You're getting laid tonight so it shouldn't matter." His cheeks reddened but he could only laugh.

"Sorry, you want some more?" She smiled brightly, shaking her head.

"What's up?" Naruto voice cut through the group, his hand clasped in Hinata's whose head was bowed and cheeks bright red.

Sakura glanced to Kiba, his smile slowly fading as he stared at their joined hands. Their movement stopping completely. Sakura sobered, detaching herself from him, breaking him out of his trans. "We're talking about training tomorrow."

"I'm in. It'll have to be in the afternoon though, remember you promised to go see Sasuke with me everyday."

"Ahh, don't remind me, Naruto." Sakura dismissed quickly, waving a hand in front of her. She glanced to the others, "So I guess training sounds good."

"Training?" Temari's voice questioned and she leaned an elbow upon Shikamaru's shoulder. Though she was three inches shorter, she didn't let that hinder her. "You asked them, alright? Awesome, can't wait to beat you all." She confidently smiled. "Oi, where'd TenTen go, I really want to fight her, she's the only one that looked promising back then." Shikamaru glanced back to the door she exited but thought better then to go after her. He had seen Neji sitting on the wall and grasped Temari's hand to take her there.

Ino stared after them, her heart pounding heavy and slow in her chest. She sighed, deterring her eyes and stepped up beside Sakura who was speaking with Naruto. "My imagination, huh?" She whispered softly before slipping away, ignoring the soft call of her name.

Neji waited until Shikamaru and Temari left his presence before standing and walking over to the Kage and bowing respectfully. He exited after that, unable to deal with this party any longer. Without TenTen there he found himself without the necessary patience to deal with Lee's over obsessive health regime. Lee, a man that was by far pushing against his already thinning walls of control. He had thought he destroyed Lee's developing feelings for TenTen a while back but from the way the man was obsessing over her recently was enough to cause disruption among the formidable Team Gai.

He shook his head. If Lee wished to go after TenTen now, he shouldn't care. He should have stopped caring by now and yet…

Neji took in a deep breath upon going through the double doors; the sandy air filled his lungs but calmed his nerves, as he wanted it to do. The wind blew heavily in this area and he shield his eyes protectively until it died down. He looked out across the foreign land briefly wondering when they were going to go home again. At least at home he was capable of separating himself from his female teammate.

It was laughter, that he knew all too well, that caught his attention. He circled the building, turning the corner only to stall in his footsteps.

He wasn't a jealous man. Well, let's rephrase that. Jealousy was not an emotion he ever considered no matter how obvious it was. Jealousy would mean that he cared and he would never admit to that.

TenTen stood beside a male, at least ten years older then her. Her smile was vibrant, more so then ever. He was forced to think of the last time he had seen her smile. It was discouraging to realizing he couldn't quite remember. They were brushing shoulders, sitting on a bench. TenTen's legs were cross almost too womanly. The leg slit was partially covered but the man was capable of seeing her thigh only his eyes should ever see.

She caught his eye and he was about to turn his back on her, to prove to her that he wasn't jealous, that he didn't care but she swung her eyes away before he could respond.

Why did that affect him as much as it did?

Neji didn't dare think of an answer. He straightened his spine with the single thought that it would be better this way. If she could find someone else then everything would be easier on the both of them. However, as his hands fisted at his sides and he swiftly spun on his heal; walking away, he was forced to realize just how much he wanted to kill that man.

Ino leaned far over the rail, watching the people walk below. They looked like tiny ants from this far up; it was amusing for the moment, taking her away from her recent thoughts. She knew coming here had been a mistake but no one ever listens to her. Temari's and Shikamaru's relationship had escalated and it could only continue up from here. The bitter sickness she felt was drowning her and she wondered briefly what it would be like to jump over the railing. She bet it was exhilarating before the crash. Cynically, she imagined no one would care.

"What are you doing?"

A smile approached her lips upon hearing his voice. Her stomach queasy just from that little question. A question he asked as if he cared. But her smile drifted as she reminded herself he cared only because she was a teammate. Never anything else. "What does it look like?" She bit back annoyed.

"Sorry I asked." He replied, turning on his heal.

"Wait." She sighed, facing him, resting her elbows back on the rail. "Sorry." He nodded as he walked up to her and leaned over the railing beside her. "Party's getting too crowded."

"You looked like you were having a good time." He mumbled, stifling a yawn.

She rolled her eyes, "Choji's not the best dance partner."

"I noticed."

"Where's Temari?"

He shrugged. "Talking with one of her brothers."

"Must be intimidating." He raised a brow in question, "Dating a girl with two powerful siblings." The statement was made as a way to get information and when he nodded her chest contracted in anguish. They were officially a couple now. It was sign that he was moving on while she was still stuck in a past that would never be the future.

He chuckled, "You have no idea." It was silent, and he looked over to her wondering what she could possibly be thinking. He had never been good at reading her emotions or maybe she was really good at hiding them. But that thought made him smile. She was rarely good at anything. When her eyes landed on him questioningly, he dropped his gaze away, a bit of blush coloring the tops of his cheeks. "You should wear your hair like that more often."

"Oh yeah?" She smiled brightly, giggling as she played with the blonde strains, biting her lip flirtatiously and winking at him.

He rolled his eyes, "Try and give you a compliment and this is what I get. Mendokuse Onna." He breathed with annoyance.

Ino bit her lip, gripping the side railing trying to keep her legs from shaking. Her heart beat wildly in her chest, that airy comment rushed blood to her cheeks and made her feel numb from the neck up. It was pride that shook her out of it and snapped her lips into a fine line, "Well, excuse me, not really use to it since the last compliment you ever gave me was three years ago." She stiffened, her eyes widen at the shock of the words that came from her mouth. Oh, how stupid can she possibly be! She kept her gaze from meeting his suddenly interested eyes.

"You remember that, huh?"

(Think of something quick) She screamed silently in her mind. She couldn't speak about this! Too much would be known and he would be bound to laugh in her face, or throw her some pathetic comment. Calmly she shrugged, "How could I forget? It was the worst night of my life." She turned her head away; her eyes squeezed shut in self-loathing. It had been too mean she knew, too harsh. Ino bit her lip, tears were pushing against her lids but she swallowed them, taking a deep breath as she turned back to him. Her eyes widened when he wasn't there. His footsteps sounded behind and she quickly turned.

He turned his head to the side as he continued for the door, "Mine too. At least we know better now." He half smiled, turning his head away.

Ino watched him leave, "Yeah." She whispered hanging her head to hide her tears.

Man, all my relationships are really screwed up, huh? Next Chapter, Neji finally tells TenTen the truth. And Kiba confronts Sasuke while Naruto faces- Hell everybody faces everybody next chapter. Should be up in a week or two.