Chapter Six

Sunlight trickled in like golden water, its brilliant rays peeking through the pale curtains, filling the room as a tide might. The light splashed over Neji's eyes, stirring him into consciousness. He had trained himself years ago to become fully alert the second he was awake, but somehow that particular ability was hindered this morning. He frowned when he shifted; immense pain seared through his shoulder and then ignited his entire body with a throbbing that made his insides shudder. He then recalled the reason as to why he was in such a pathetic state and instantly felt the familiar tug of hatred.

It was all because of her.

Because of her, he was forced to stay in bed all day, powerless and vulnerable. He was unable to train—or rather, he wasn't permitted to do so due to Tsunade's orders. Furthermore, Tenten had somehow convinced Hiashi into letting her treat him until he was fully recovered. She had yet again pulled the strings she seemed to have on the clan head; she simply had to say something along the lines of feeling responsible for the damage she had caused and of course, the leader of the Hyuuga clan would instantly be in agreement. "Why yes, my Tenten, that is a fantastic idea," he had said, completely ecstatic. Neji had been there too. His mouth had hung open slightly due to the shock, and it only widened when Hiashi smiled warmly at Tenten, treating her as if she was his own daughter. And she had grinned back, tilting her head childishly before helping Neji back into his room. She hadn't even bowed before leaving the room, which was very impolite especially because she was an outsider, but Hiashi hadn't seemed to care. It was like she already belonged to the family.

Family. It suddenly occurred to him that Tenten didn't have any. She was an orphan. Her parents had left her when she was just a child, abandoning her in the middle of nowhere. She cried a lot that night. She cried herself to sleep because she knew deep down her parents' comfort would never come. Thinking about her past now made Neji feel an unexplainable feeling that took over his heart; he had never experienced it before. Pity, perhaps?

Or maybe it was the feeling of sympathy, because he, too, knew what it was like to have no parents. He didn't know what was worse: for one to lose one's parents and learn the bitter truth behind their deaths or to forget everything altogether. Was it better to accept reality for what it was or to be given false hope? Moreover, was it better to have an identity and hate it or to have none at all?

A knock at his door made the prodigy tense, and the feeling of annoyance swelled within him. He hated having people in his room. He usually did everything himself but the fact that he was bedridden gave him no choice. He reluctantly asked, "Who is it?"

"You have the Byakuugan for a reason," a deep voice drawled. "I'm coming in."

The door slid open to reveal a tall Hyuuga, slightly older and burlier than Neji yet still similar in features. "Wow, so it is true. You've been beaten badly, and by a girl no less."

"What do you want, Hayato?"

"Don't be so ill-mannered, Neji. We did, after all, train together as kids." He smiled at his old sparring partner, a fellow branch member of the illustrious Hyuuga clan. "I came to see your room because I finally have the opportunity. There's no ogre to stop me."

Even though Hayato was a decent fighter and one of the only somewhat tolerable members of the clan, Neji was still irked. Even more so now that he was tired, drained, and in pain. "Leave when you're done."

"Wow. That girl got you good, didn't she? Where's the fight in you buddy?"

"Hayato..."

"Alright, alright. In all seriousness, I came to say bye."

At this, Neji looked up questioningly.

"A mission, to the Land of Snow. Yukigakure to be exact. I don't know how long I'm going to stay there."

"What kind of mission?"

"A simple escort, but Noriko lives there. Her father's weak and wants her to stay with him. The clan doesn't have any objections because it's not like I'm needed here anyway, being a branch member and all. But," he added when he was met with silence, "I'm going to come back for the wedding. I'll be eighteen in a few months."

"Is that all you have to say?"

"Cold as always," Hayato chuckled. "I just wanted to tell you that it's okay. I heard you were rebelling against the engagement but it's not really so bad. I've grown to be quite fond of Noriko, actually. The clan does a good job at choosing good women for us. Of course, you'll be given the cream of the crop since you're our prodigy."

"I bear no interest."

"It might not be much coming from me, but I'm part of the branch family too. You don't have to be bitter about it all the time."

"Is that all?"

Hayato sighed, shaking his head. "I suppose. It's a wonder how that girl is still here. Tenten's her name, right?"

"She's not a candidate."

"You say that about everybody. Open up your mind, will you?"

With that, Hayato left, leaving Neji to indulge in the solace that silence provided. However, it seemed that even his own thoughts wouldn't leave him alone, and in his state he couldn't do what he normally would: train until exhaustion rendered his entire mind numb. Instead, he was bound to his bed with an active mind that seemed to linger on the topic of his "peer tutor".

He wouldn't have remembered Tenten's words so clearly if she hadn't mentioned a boy. She recalled the memories of a boy—a boy with moonlight eyes, to be precise—that had held her in his arms. The boy she had found gone the next day, but still was determined to find. Inevitable guilt washed over him as he realised that she still wanted to meet this mysterious boy again. She probably thought that this boy was going to bring salvation to her world of black and white; Neji knew she longed for the day she could finally live freely, when she could have someone by her side. But he knew that that day wouldn't come.

Because he was the person she had been searching for.

He was the one to whom she had confessed everything seven years ago, much like how she had done so in the hospital. He was the one that had comforted her all those years ago and let her cry in spite of the wet spot she was creating on his clothing with her hot tears. He was the one that had fed her a glimpse of hope.

He had been assigned on a mission that day. They were told to infiltrate the area surrounding Konoha, as there had been reports of attacking ninjas scattered about. It was a B-ranked mission so it was odd that such a dangerous and life-risking type of task had been assigned to a young nine-year-old, especially because Neji was still in the academy then and had yet to be experienced. But with the insistence of Hyuuga Hiashi, the Hokage had given in. The mission appeared to be pointless the first night; after failing to find any attackers, the team decided to split up to cover more area.

Neji found her on cold ground, her face buried in her arms as she was crying. Never had he seen such a frail figure, someone who appeared to be so young and innocent yet tormented and torn apart. Why was a child such as herself lying on the ground? He hesitated before he approached her, afraid that she was a clone or a trap of some sort. But determination surfaced in his pools of ivory as he decided against that theory. He gently lifted her chin, meeting her brown eyes. They were red and puffy from her constant sobbing. Her breathing was hitched and ragged as choked hiccups escaped her throat. She too, was apprehensive but then she began telling him things. She told him everything—everything from her fears to her wonders of the world. At the end she collapsed into his arms and began sleeping soundly, her soft breathing finally even and steady. Neji couldn't move then; all of her weight was on him as he sat against a tree. So he did nothing but simply gain his rest for the night as well, planning to leave the next day.

The memories were crystal clear.

Neji's eyebrows furrowed when he couldn't find a reason to explain why he had stayed there with her. He could have easily pushed her off and left, so why had he decided to stay? Perhaps it was because he only held a grudge towards the main household and not any outsiders, or maybe it was because he had deemed her forlorn enough to earn his pity. But Neji was positive about one thing: he would have left her alone if he had known that he would be crossing paths with her again. He knew that denying his memories in front of her was the right thing to do. There was no use in forging unwanted relationships and memories. It would only pain her to realise that he was the boy she admired anyway. He had grown into a different person. Years of reckless training and a life of hardship had further polished the shield that kept and would keep everyone away from him.

Including her.

"Father, how do you know Tenten is actually a good person?"

Hyuuga Hiashi glanced down at his youngest daughter, whom he had decided to bring out for a walk. With a kind, gentle smile, he bent down to her eye level. "I don't."

That was the most honest answer he could give Hanabi, perhaps the most mistrustful child he had ever known. He knew about her suspicions and theories about Tenten, and although they were quite exaggerated, they were also very plausible. There had been various intruders in the clan and while the Hyuugas had always been able to protect themselves, there was always the possibility of the clan's ultimate downfall.

When Hiashi had found out about Neji's injuries, he didn't know what to think. All at once, he was worried about Neji's condition, shocked by the fact that Neji had gotten hurt at all, concerned by Tenten's possible underlying intentions, but still happy that Neji had decided to fight Tenten in the first place.

"Then why let her live here, Father? She almost killed Neji."

"She didn't."

"You're too trusting, Father."

Hiashi chuckled. "I've done all that I could to make sure she's not an enemy. I've done a background check and even asked around town to see if she has helped others before."

"I don't like her."

"I l-like her," Hinata finally piped up, from the other side of the clan head. "She looks like someone who can get through to Neji-nii-san."

"Your cousin is very stubborn," Hiashi agreed. "I chose Tenten because she goes against everything Neji believes in."

"How?" Hanabi asked, mildly curious.

"Neji's perspective was shaped by the confinement of the Hyuuga clan, so it's only natural that his hatred, too, is directed towards it. He rejects what we say because he's angry, not necessarily at us but at the fact that he's bound to the clan in which we are privileged. Not that I don't understand where he's coming from." A slight frown settled on his lips. "He feels trapped, he feels unjustly treated because he is undoubtedly one of our strongest fighters."

"Neji-nii-san t-thinks it's fate," Hinata concluded softly.

"Our line of work doesn't help, either. Every day we see even the most heroic ninjas fall. It is one thing to serve our country, yes, but it is also another to lose a loved one because of said duty. Neji appears to accept the inevitability of this truth more than anyone else because he experienced it as a young child. However, he is also more bitter because he didn't have to suffer such a loss. He's hurt."

"Hizashi-sama..." Hinata said sadly. In truth, she only had vague memories of her uncle but the ones she did have were all pleasant.

"Uncle did the right thing," Hanabi stated. "It was his duty."

"Was it really fate then?" Hiashi mused, eyes distant.

The youngest Hyuuga tugged on her father's sleeve. "So how does Tenten fit into all this?"

"She's like him in many ways. She's an orphan and has been taking care of herself for most of her life."

"She h-has?" Hinata wouldn't have deduced that by talking to the seemingly carefree, family-oriented brunette.

"She is a ninja too, so she can help Neji improve. She can't be half bad if she was able to injure Neji," Hiashi added with a slight smile. "Most of all, despite her living conditions she is a happy person. She fights to live, and that vigour is something we often lack as privileged people. Even though we are ninjas, we don't truly appreciate every day that we are alive."

"I see," the older Hyuuga heiress murmured. "She's like an optimistic version of Neji-nii-san."

"I still don't like her," Hanabi muttered.

Hiashi smiled at his youngest daughter, whose disposition wasn't far off from that of Neji. "It can take a while to warm up to someone."

Tenten hesitated. Should she go in?

She was standing in front of the entrance to Neji's room, only a mere piece of wood separating her from the boy who seemed to hate her guts. She had her hand raised to knock, but it was paralysed midair. She wasn't sure if he would allow her to simply barge in like that, and even if she did do so, he probably wouldn't acknowledge her presence anyway. Hinata had also told her that nobody invaded his privacy. But he was injured, and had been letting a couple of maids in...

Tenten took a deep breath, gulping as she searched for the right words to say. She finally mustered all the courage she could possibly find and declared, "Neji, I brought you medicine."

There was no response. Not that she expected one, especially from him, but it was strangely quiet. Almost eerily quiet. Tenten didn't know whether he was being his usual reserved self or if he had left his room. But he couldn't have left, she knew that much—Hiashi had given strict orders to ensure that. Tenten bit her lower lip as she thought of the remaining possibilities. Surely he hadn't fallen unconscious, right? But if his serious wounds really had reopened and from the major blood loss, he could have…

Panic instantly washed over the sixteen-year-old. The rational part of her mind urged herself to slide open the door, no matter how much of a silent treatment she would later receive from him because saving a life was far more important. If she ignored the chance to save someone's life, she would never be able to move on with something like that on her shoulders. She lowered her hand to the handle. Gripping it tightly, she began sliding it.

Before it could open any more than an inch, however, a cold voice stopped her.

"Don't you dare come in," Neji's voice warned dangerously.

Each word was curt and bitter, but Tenten wasn't one to give up. "But I brought you medicine. It's going to make you feel better," she said lightly.

"Neji," she admonished when he didn't reply, her voice suddenly solemn and serious. "If you don't drink this medicine"—she stopped, lowered her voice considerably, pausing for a dramatic interval—"then I'm going to cut your hair."

Tenten laughed; she found her threat rather funny, but was actually laughing out of sheer awkwardness more than anything else. Whoever passed by began looking at her strangely, and those who were bolder gave her a disgusted look, but there was still no reaction whatsoever on Neji's part. She sighed. This wasn't going to work.

"Fine, I'm going out to get more medicinal herbs," she announced cheerfully, seemingly not bothered at all by his lack of interest. "You better drink it then, Hyuuga Neji."

Her soft and pleasant humming filled Neji's ears as she walked away. When he was sure she was gone, he suddenly released the breath he never knew he had been holding. He had been so tense before, each muscled tightened and flexed as if he had been bracing for an attack.

Neji mentally scolded himself for acting this way. He should only feel this tense when preparing to fight a strong opponent. But this girl, who was obviously weaker than he was, hadn't even entered his room.

What kind of effect did she have on him?

Tenten wandered through the busy streets of Konoha, occasionally bumping into a person or two. Frowning as a large sea of people flooded the street before her, she hastily stepped into a random store to compose herself. Her brown eyes lit up. She wasn't at her designated place, but the shop she had walked into seemed delightful enough to earn a second glance. The bell above her head rung twice at her presence, and off went an automatic greeter. "Welcome to Yamanaka's Flowers!"

The flower shop was almost cloyingly fragrant, but not quite so; if anything, it was the sight of all the flowers that overwhelmed Tenten. The countless rows of differently coloured flowers—from soft-rose peonies to stunningly burnt orange Cosmos—made her feel as if she was in a different world.

"Hi there," said a strikingly pretty girl behind the counter. She was about Tenten's age, and wore her long blond hair in a ponytail. She appeared to be an ordinary teenager but something about her cerulean eyes indicated otherwise.

"Hi," Tenten replied. She smiled guiltily. "Sorry, I'm not actually looking for flowers. I came in cause there are too many people outside."

"No worries, I totally get it. When all the tourists come to Konoha they always shop around this area. So where are you from? I haven't seen you before."

"I'm actually from here; I live just a little outside Konoha in the south."

"Oh, so what do you do there? Aren't there a lot of forests?"

Tenten smiled. "Yeah, but I train a lot there so it's perfect for me. I'm a ninja."

"No way! Me too! Which year are you in?"

"Actually, I'm self-trained. I never registered for the Academy."

The blond-haired girl didn't have a chance to reply because a couple had entered the shop. The thought of leaving didn't even cross Tenten's mind because by the time she was done admiring the vast amount of flowers and the lights, which were tiny bulbs suspended in the air to look like stars, her new friend had already wrapped a bouquet and rung up the customers' purchase. "Self-trained, huh?" she asked as she made her way back to the brunette. "What kind of fighting style do you have? How do you get your weapons?"

At this, Tenten beamed proudly. "I can summon as many as I want."

"That's not fair! So weapons are your thing?"

"Yeah, I guess you could say that. And if I needed something I would probably buy it with the money I earn from tiny missions—you know, grocery shopping for the elderly, that sort of thing."

"Wow, I'm impressed, um—" The blonde laughed and extended her hand. "How could I have forgotten to introduce myself? I'm Yamanaka Ino."

Tenten smiled and shook Ino's hand. "Nice to meet you, Ino. I'm Tenten."

"So Tenten, what brings you here?"

The brunette recalled what Hiashi had called her job, but then thought of what it actually entailed and grimaced. "I'm err, peer tutoring someone."

"Like training?"

"More like reforming. Although it's not working at all."

"And who is your pupil?"

"His name is Hyuuga Neji—you probably know him, right?"

"Do I know him?" Ino laughed. "So you're the girl everybody is talking about!"

Tenten blinked a couple of times, incredulous and flabbergasted. She knew she had been the main topic of gossip in the Hyuuga compound, but she had never expected this from the town as well. "What?"

"Oh, so you haven't heard? Hiashi-sama had been around town, casually talking with people, and I guess the topic of you and Neji just slipped out. And I usually know most of the village's gossip, so I was quick to hear about you. Let me tell you, there are so many girls that are jealous." Ino placed a slender finger her chin thoughtfully, but then leaned in close, a mischievous twinkle sparkling in her set of cerulean eyes. "So?"

"What do you mean, 'so'?"

"As in, what's he like? Does he have a soft side? Is he really that hot? I mean, tell me about him! I see him all the time at the hospital and during missions and all but he's still so mysterious. No one really knows anything about him. It's surprising that Hiashi-sama has been talking about him at all! Well, talking about his personal life, I mean."

Quickly reflecting back on her time spent with Neji, Tenten frowned before answering, "He can be difficult, but I've been managing. I think."

"Oh, there must be more to it. Come on, spill the juicy details!"

Tenten cast a sideways glance at her. "Why so interested?"

"Hyuuga Neji. Only sixteen years old, but is the first to have achieved the title of a Jounin in his age group. He has already developed his own techniques without anyone's teaching him. He was the top rookie in his academy years, favoured by all instructors, and even by other parents. He's the prodigy of his own clan, and his strength might even exceed Hiashi-sama's in a few years. Everyone's interested in him."

The only thing Tenten could manage to blurt out was, "But Neji's seriously not that great."

"Oh? Do tell!"

"Well, he's really cold and he doesn't listen to anybody outside the clan—or inside for that matter. Even Hiashi-sama has a hard time telling him what to do. For example, he won't take his medicine just because I brought it to him."

"That's pretty irrational of him. Strange. Wait, why is he taking medicine?"

"Cause I kind of injured him in battle."

"What?" Ino shrieked. "But how?"

"Yeah, it was nothing spectacular. He was already worn out and I took advantage of the fact that he had no chakra left."

"Still impressive. But hey!" Ino punched Tenten in the arm, and the latter was surprised by the weight behind the supposedly friendly gesture. "It means that he decided to fight you! He doesn't waste his time, so he must think that you're worth it!"

Tenten shook her head as she was driven back into her problems. "No it doesn't," she sighed miserably. "He only fought me because if he had won, he would have gotten the best reward: three days free of me. And now that I injured him, he hates me all the more."

"Aw, don't be discouraged. Neji is used to being alone so he's not used to the company. He's always depended on himself. It's what made him so strong in the first place."

"Can't you be strong and still be nice? Anyway." Tenten sighed, shoulders slumped. "I should get going. I have to get some herbs for Neji."

"I should get working on the new promotion poster," Ino said, gesturing towards the blank canvas paper behind the counter. "So I'll guess I'll see you around? With Neji?"

"Hopefully," Tenten replied with a smile. "It was nice meeting you, Ino."

"Wait, I have an idea!" Ino dipped her hand into the pocket of her orange apron, fished out a slightly crumpled sheet of paper and thrust it into Tenten's face. "This is the perfect solution for all your woes. Go to the Cherry Blossom Festival this weekend and bring Neji there. Walking isn't too strenuous for the injured and the environment is perfect for casual talk. And it's only the beginning of the week, so you'll have plenty of time to find the right moment to ask. You're welcome!"

Approximately an hour later, Tenten found herself standing in front of a store known for its variety of medicinal herbs. Behind the counter stood an old man. He was fairly short in height, his white silver hair was barely thick enough to cover his pale scalp and his skin creased as he squinted to scrutinise Tenten. He looked kind and harmless nonetheless, as a smile graced his wrinkly features when she regarded him with a question. "Hi kind sir, would you happen to have"—Tenten peered down to read a piece of paper—"Achillea millefolium?"

The old man paused as he began stroking his chin, appearing to be deep in thought. Then he shook his head. "Oh, I'm very sorry, young lady. Yarrow is very rare in Japan, and even if it is common, it doesn't grow at this time of year. Perhaps you would like to try another place? I recommend the one down the corner."

Tenten quickly thanked the old man for his time and headed for the exit. She sighed, feeling hopeless. This was the sixth place she had hoped would have the medicinal herb.

Sensing her sudden disappointment, the old man racked his mind for ideas. "Wait," he called out. Tenten turned around. "The plant commonly flowers from May through June. Even though that was some time ago, there may be some still living. The common yarrow is usually found in grasslands and open forests—there is a forest just a few miles north from here. Maybe you should try scouting that area."

Tenten's face instantly brightened. "Really? Oh, thank you, thank you so much!" She thanked the old man once more before leaving, eager to find this medicinal herb. The old man watched Tenten as she left the place.

"Whomever this medicine is for," he murmured softly, to no one in particular, "must mean a lot to her."

Tenten wandered through the forest aimlessly, in hopes of stumbling upon a yarrow plant soon. She had wandered farther than she had intended to. Yet the never-ending rows of trees seemed to never stop surrounding her whenever she tried to find a way out. In a desperate attempt to clear her mind, she lifted her gaze towards the sky.

Her eyes fixed upon the cliff above, frowning as she watched the thunderstorm located just a little over the horizon. She flinched as lightning splintered across the sky, which was quickly followed by a deafening rumbling that echoed throughout the forest. The wind picked up slowly but surely as she continued running, the murky clouds completely swallowing the stars and the moon. The sky, completely dark, made it difficult to see anything.

Then, as if her senses were not hindered enough, a flashback came to Tenten. This night resembled the night she had first come into Konoha, seven years ago; she had been a cold, lost and terrified nine-year-old. Why had she been there, all alone? What had happened? Why had her parents left her?

Tenten finally stopped running to catch her breath. This was pointless. Everywhere she went, she was met with darkness. The shadows of the trees were black, ominous and only broke up to reveal the sky that was a mere shade lighter. The storm continued to rage on, and Tenten had to cover her ears to muffle the crashing noises.

She knew that she had to head indoors if she didn't want to catch a cold. She knew perfectly well that it was dangerous to be alone in unfamiliar territory. She also knew that she should have chosen a better set of shoes, as her pair right now was completely soaked with wet mud yet somehow seemed to be getting dirtier with every step. But she continued running nonetheless, taking wobbly steps as the mud pulled her back and the rain began to fall in vicious sheets. Within moments she was drenched. Her head felt light and she felt her stomach begin to hurt from hunger, but she didn't stop—she couldn't. She had to find this herb.

And later on that night, when she finally made her way back to the Hyuuga mansion, she found herself wondering why she had gone the extra mile for the coldest person she knew.

He stood by the doorway and watched her. He couldn't help but scrutinise her in fascination.

Her exposed, porcelain-coloured skin glowed under the pale moonlight. Her lips were pressed into a thin line, as if she was rebelling silently against something. He wondered if she was thinking about her future, something she was afraid that she wouldn't have. Her silky brown hair was set loose, locks of dark chocolate cascading in waves that went beyond her shoulders, creating a brilliant contrast against the pale nightgown. The soft rays the moon emitted acted like a protective shield and landed haphazardly on her dress, giving her a heavenly appearance.

That rare beauty and serenity she possessed when asleep caused him to feel very unsettled. Maybe it was the lack of femininity she usually exuded that had created such a distinct contrast. There was something refreshingly new being emanated, yet he knew she was still the same girl he had met years ago. There was something in that comforting, soothing aura she emitted that made her presence so amiable, something that represented tranquillity yet temerity at the same time. The way her soft bangs flirted with the brisk late-summer breeze and swayed along the sides of her cheeks and forehead enthralled him.

Only in the presence of his private thoughts would Neji admit that she looked like a goddess.

He recalled his memories from just an hour ago, when Tenten had returned a little after midnight. Neji was still awake then, due to the unusual sleeping patterns he had grown accustomed to after years of long training hours. He was looking over some scrolls when he heard trembling, shaky steps. Frowning, he activated his Byakuugan to watch her as she made her way to her room. The mud that covered her sandals made it that much harder to walk and she almost fell when she took a large step. She was barely able to stand by the time she came back to clean the dirty floor, which was completely unnecessary because the clan had hired maids for a reason. He could have told her that, but he didn't; he didn't bother to make his presence known.

The one thing that especially drew his attention was the plant she had been holding the entire time. The grip she had on it was so tight it was as if it would disappear into thin air if she were to let go. It looked completely ordinary and was something one would expect to find a store, but the way she held onto it made him wonder if it was really that important to her.

When he was sure she had fallen into a deep slumber, he managed to enter her room without opening his wounds again. By now his legs were completely fine; only his shoulder had been badly injured. In fact, today he had taken advantage of Tenten's absence and had gone out for a stroll in the garden to ensure that his mobility was unhindered. It had only been one full day since their fight but he was already determined to get back on his feet. He knew his body could handle it. He had always been resilient, which was why he had no need for pathetic medicine or support from anybody. If anything, the gifts and wishes he had been receiving all day annoyed him.

It was quite overt that Hyuuga Neji refused to receive any help, yet, as blunt and direct he was about being unwilling to cooperate, this girl wouldn't give up. He was leaning comfortably by the door frame, his arms crossed as he gazed at the sleeping girl. He had no idea why Tenten was so stubborn. Somehow, he couldn't bring himself to believe that she was doing it for her job anymore, even though it was the most reasonable and logical explanation. Maybe she truly wanted to be acquainted with him? He mentally asked himself a question, the one-worded question that he seemed to be asking himself repetitively these days...

Why?

Neji didn't exactly hate her. She was the person who had put him in his current state, but he had agreed to fight her in the first place. In a way, she wasn't at fault. He wouldn't go as far as saying he didn't mind her, but he had to admit that he was making her job more difficult than it needed to be.

Why was he being so difficult, anyway? She wasn't truly an enemy whom he hated. In fact, he didn't hold a grudge against anyone outside of the clan, unless they had done something particularly unforgivable to make him feel otherwise. That was the simple reason as to why he had comforted her at her time of need; he actually didn't mind being around some people and even held a small amount of respect towards them as long as they deserved it. Yet something about Tenten repelled him; it was most likely the fact that she had been sent as a means to coax him into serving the clan. He knew that by accepting her, he would be following the clan's request, thereby showing a sign of weakness, reinforcing his lack of power, not to mention freedom...

He had vowed to himself long ago that he would not resort to dying at the hands of the main household, not until he found his freedom at least. He wanted to walk down a path that was different from that of his father. His father had been honourable and strong, but he had died at an early age because of fate. Fate had decided his father's destiny from the moment he was born.

Neji, realising that he had dropped his eyes to the floor, lifted his gaze back to the sleeping girl that lay before his eyes. Then he said something even he didn't know he was capable of.

"Sorry," he murmured, his eyes not focusing on her. His voice was neither gentle nor quiet. The word was spoken curtly, intoned through his harsh, cold voice. He didn't know why he had said that, but it just felt like the reasonable thing to do. He then turned his back to her, pausing for a moment before returning back into his room. Tenten was asleep, he knew that, but somehow, he was unsure as to whether he wanted her to hear that or not.

He shook his head in disapproval when he found himself pondering over such a trivial matter. The word "pathetic" was an understatement of what he had become. His eyes narrowed as he realised that he was softening. Showing weakness after twelve years of training wasn't something he had planned. Closing his eyes, a new goal formulated in his mind. It was to get rid of his weakness, but that inevitably meant getting rid of her.

Could he bring himself to do that?

A/N: Hm… What to say about this chapter? Firstly, pretty much everyone knew it was Neji who comforted Tenten at her time of need... I mean, it's what I would call fate. (Remind you of a little someone? Three guesses who.)

Many thanks to all the reviews, I am so very grateful. :3

Much love,
Chigiri Sasaki

Posted June 2007, edited August 2013.