Disclaimer/Note: I don't own anything of Naruto. This chapter is dedicated to machineface, simply for being a totally awesome supporter :) .

And much thanks to Philyra for beta-ing my story! :)

Destined to Love
By: Chigiri Sasaki

Summary: He was a prodigy, with a damaged past and no future. She was a commoner, with a hidden secret. Strung together by fate, it was only a matter of time before she changed his life forever. AU, NejiTen

Chapter Eight

Tenten is persistent.

Neji drew out the obvious conclusion as he gazed upon his reflection in the hot liquid.

It was the weekend and early in the morning, his favourite time of day; it was the most suitable time for training as well, seeing that the air was not as polluted. Training was the only time where he could find a quiet sanctuary of his own, but lately, Neji found himself helpless in his room. His mind reminded him once more of the reason why he was here and not outside training. He was told to rest for two weeks to fully restore his health and reduce the chance of his wounds reopening again. But although he had reasoned with his uncle Hiashi, Tenten had insisted for him to follow Tsunade's orders.

Feeling slightly uncomfortable and irritated about his predicament right now, the only thing he could do was stare back at his reflection and listen to Tenten babbling away about the least interesting things by his door. Her dreams, wishes and many things that he didn't want to hear about.

And it was odd, because while he was bothered by the uninteresting thoughts she was sharing with him, she acted as if the world couldn't get any better. Even without looking at her, he could tell that the cheerful grin was perpetually attached to her face. She laughed as if oblivious to his constant ignorance, and smiled as if she finally found her long lost parents. But either way, he listened quietly while he silent prayed for her to leave him alone for good.

"It was really different to hear a kunoichi's talents being recognised by Konoha. Ever since then, I've always wanted to become like Tsunade-sama. I wanted to prove myself, you know? Of course, you would understand the feeling since you train everyday… I would love to train with you. I need to become stronger! And hopefully I would be able to beat you too! Then I would finally be acknowledged as the strong kunoichi that earned her fame from hard work. And by then, maybe, maybe I would be with my parents, living happily. But…" Her body subconsciously began to tremble.

"But what's the point?" Tenten finally demanded, her voice cracking. "I don't even know who my parents even are, I don't know where they are… then why…? Why can't I just give up?!"

Neji's eyes instinctively narrowed when he felt the sudden tension between the two. Through the white canvas he noticed the shadow of her hand as she raised it and rested her fingertips on his door handle.

"It would be so much easier," Tenten continued quietly. "I hate always having that one strand of hope to keep me going everyday. But at the same time, I just want to believe in hope even though it's not reality, because… because my desire is that strong and it would kill me if I didn't try my hardest. But then I would find myself thinking, 'what if I still won't be happy'? Then I would think maybe everything I'm doing really isn't worth it. Maybe me staying with the Hyuugas for money to survive is really just something to temporarily fill in the empty void in my heart." She paused. "I always thought that, and went on with whatever I was doing because I didn't want to think about it. I… I guess I never wanted to believe that I was alone in this world."

A long period of silence followed as her wistful words resounded in the air.

"Did you ever feel alone, Neji?"

The sudden inquiry caused Neji to blink a few times. Another moment of silence followed as he pondered over whether he should answer the question or not.

But to tell one the truth, he really didn't know what to answer her. He was always alone. Throughout his life, he had acted bitter towards everyone ever since his father's death—it had always seemed like the right solution to prevent himself from getting hurt again. Shutting everybody out of his life avoided any interaction and it averted any betrayal that could have been made. In his eyes, silence was a more preferable companion than sounds of meaningless words that supposedly provided comfort and reassurance. It offered the truth.

Neji accepted long ago that what life offered him was enough. He didn't dare to dream high or for the impossible; it was better to keep his personal thoughts realistic, for there was no point in disappointing himself time after another. He couldn't possibly depend on anyone, or become too emotionally attached to others. Everybody had a different path that they ought to follow, a dream they desired more than anything, and a destiny that was decided before their first breath was taken. That, he knew, was how life went. It didn't matter if he was alone or not.

Neji opened his mouth, but nothing came out. Instead, he watched as his door slid open ever so slightly, but it was a gap that was too small and too subtle to be accounted as a difference. "Is that why you're so cold? Because you had no friends?" Tenten inquired softly.

His eyes remained fixed upon the gap between the wall and his door. "No." You don't know anything about me.

In a moment her whole figure came into view. It didn't take another second for Neji to realise that Tenten had entered the room, knowing that he clearly did not give her his consent. His eyebrows furrowed as he glared at her expectantly, his grip on his tray tightening by the moment while waiting for her to give an explanation.

"Tray and cup," she murmured blatantly in a tone that acted as if it explained everything. Without another word she bent over to take it the tray from his grasp.

Neji kept quiet. His penetrating gaze was fixed on Tenten's back as she headed towards the exit, knowing his glares caused extreme discomfort. Neji smirked when Tenten instantly quickened her pace and slid the door close.

Tenten released her breath when she exited. She had almost forgotten to breathe when she felt the intense tension lingering in the air. His stare alone was frightening enough; it was so focused that she was sent into a panicking state from the amount of attention she was receiving. At that moment, even a simple friendly hand gesture from him would light up her face, but he kept his cold, deadly silence, scrutinising her in a way that made her feel like he was searching through her soul itself. It was becoming quite frustrating, actually. Just a bit.

Tenten kept her eyes on the wooden floor as she walked back towards the kitchen. A series of footsteps that unquestionably belonged to a female then resounded in the hallway; she frowned as she lifted her gaze. The way the female's heels clicked was unfamiliar, but she could already picture the stranger's personality already—rich, disrespectful and unbelievably stuck-up.

Tenten came eye to eye with a black-haired girl that seemed to be around her age. The stranger had an oval shaped visage, skin pale as white and completely flawless. Long, silky, black hair that tumbled down her shoulders swayed to the late summer breeze, creating an interesting contrast to her colourless skin. Her dark eyes flashed dangerously upon meeting Tenten and her perfectly shaped eyebrows furrowed. Her pale pink lips pressed into a thin line as as she attempted to find a justification as to why a seemingly poor commoner was wandering through the corridors of the rich Hyuuga manor.

"I'm Mikya Sato, the daughter of a very rich feudal lord from the Bird country," she said proudly, forgoing all greetings and manners.

"Hi?"

There was no need in saluting someone that clearly did not possess the Hyuuga blood. "What are you? A maid? God knows why they let filthy peasants in for cleaning."

Tenten felt her jaw drop. "I'm Neji's peer tutor, Tenten," she replied hotly, ignoring the fact that Mikya grimaced at the word 'tutor' and sniffed disdainfully. "I'm staying here for another six weeks to spend time with Neji. I'm assuming that you're not a Hyuuga either, so what brings you here?"

Mikya instantly lit up, as if she was waiting for the moment to announce something. She cleared her throat.

"I am Neji's fiancée," she answered haughtily with conceitedness that would put Neji's pride to shame. After noticing Tenten's reaction of shock and confusion, a smug expression crossed her face.

"Now move. I need to go unpack. And wasn't it so nice and reasonable of Hiashi to place me in the room next to my future fiancé? You better not get in my way." Mikya's already dark eyes darkened with hatred towards Tenten when she stepped aside. She lifted her chin high and began walking in a ladylike fashion, but she suddenly stopped when her shoulders aligned with Tenten's.

"Now heed my words," Mikya said gravely, her voice suddenly completely different and uncharacteristic. "Do not meddle with family issues."

The brunette was left to only gape after Mikya's figure as it retreated into her new room beside Neji's. Tenten had a deep gut feeling that there was more to Mikya's words… What did she mean by 'family issues'?

But Tenten found herself quickly thinking about something else though; her thoughts had drifted back to the engagement that would be arranged in the near future. Neji and Mikya, a couple? When Mikya first informed her, Tenten nearly choked at the incredulity of it. But Neji was going to be engaged at the age of sixteen? And to her, out of all people?

Tenten quickly composed herself and continued her task to return the tray back to the kitchen. It certainly didn't matter to her. Neji was mean, Mikya was mean, she reminded herself. They were perfect for each other. It wasn't like she cared. She had a job to do and she was determined to complete it; a relationship between Neji and Mikya during her ten weeks left here wouldn't bother her at all.

Right?

Tenten shook her head in an attempt to clear her mind; she had strangely allowed her mind to dwell on it, although she was unsure as to why. She was here to tutor Neji, not to be concerned about family issues. Hiashi should have told her about that before she initiated her job though; a major factor such as that should not go by uninformed! She knew almost everything about the clan, from the customs they had to their techniques they used. But Neji's engagement? Now that was something she didn't know about!

She also didn't know why it bothered her so much.


Mikya stopped for a moment after entering her room, carrying her heavy luggage with ease. She placed them down carefully and looked at the room she was going to sleep in everyday until she earned the clan's trust. Lavender-coloured curtains hung loosely to block most of the sun's brilliant rays, the cloth that draped over the canopy bed being the same shade. She sighed contentedly as she found the place a satisfactory one to live in for the next two weeks.

Two weeks.

Two weeks was the exact amount of time the Raikage gave her to complete her mission.

Mikya had been recently asked to figure out the secret of the Byakugan. Her father, the Raikage, had been after it ever since the Hyuuga heiress's third birthday, where he had sent the lightning village's head ninja to obtain the secret by kidnapping Hinata. But the ninja had failed to do so and ended up getting killed. The Raikage, satisfied with the outcome, knew that it was the perfect opportunity to demand for the assassin's dead body, since they were able to claim that Konoha had broken their pact. After a long time of discussing and debating, Konoha agreed to their deal—a life for a life. Much to his pleasure, the person that killed their ninja was the head of the clan, Hyuuga Hiashi.

They had finally gotten their chance to reveal the secret that the Hyuugas have been protecting for all these years. But something was wrong. They couldn't find any traces of the Byakugan in the dead body of Hyuuga Hiashi, someone who clearly possessed the bloodline limit. This clearly meant their plan had failed.

It was only now that they discovered the truth behind the replica; a group of ninjas from their village had visited Konoha a few years ago. The clan head was spotted alive and well training with another Hyuuga. After the sight was reported, the Raikage was completely outraged. From that point on, they were seeking revenge.

And their opportunity recently came. When they heard that a certain Mikya Sato was going to be sent to Konoha to wed Hyuuga Neji, the Raikage jumped at the chance. With his mind driven by nothing but the desire for revenge, the Raikage had immediately sent the most elite Jounin in the village to the Bird country to kill Mikya the day before she departed. The kunoichi easily fulfilled the Raikage's wish.

The feudal lord was completely devastated at his beloved daughter's death. He was so overwhelmed the reason why she was killed and who her murderer was escaped his mind. He didn't even notice the fact that the messenger bird he had sent to the Hyuugas to inform them of the news didn't return.

So the young lady who stood amongst the room was not actually Mikya Sato. She was actually Akira Suzuki, an elite seventeen year old Jounin who was simply disguised as Mikya. Akira was told to keep her disguise at all times. Performing the transformation jutsu constantly without a single flaw was difficult, but Akira had enough skills and chakra to maintain it with ease. Blessed with the most talent in her clan, the Raikage himself personally sent her to be the impersonation of Mikya and to be the assassinator of the bird country's feudal lord's daughter as well.

"The mission is to study their techniques and discover their weaknesses. Revealing the secret of the Byakugan is a must," Akira murmured to herself, so softly that it was barely audible, repeating the order she was given word per word. Her father had strictly forbidden her to lose focus or to leave any evidence that would reveal her true identity. She would have to do whatever it takes to complete her mission, even if it meant killing another person. "Get rid of any obstacles, and remember to flee before they discover your true intention. In order to complete the task, become Neji's chosen candidate that is suitable enough to be his wife. It is the only way to earn his and the clan's trust. After finding out their secrets from Hyuuga Neji…"

Only her mind finished what was left unsaid.

Kill him.

The end of the day came quickly. The darkness of the cool night had already spread throughout Konoha, soft moonlight peeking through the rare openings of the murky clouds. Despite the torches placed in the corridors, the air was chilly in the Hyuuga compound, sapped of heat by the rising moon and the building thunderstorm located just a little over the horizon. Tenten found it odd that there was no rain pouring.

The place was strangely quiet. Not that it was usually noisy, but as she was walking each step she took echoed eerily, almost as if she was walking through a cave alone instead of the incredibly clean and rich Hyuuga estate. Tenten's mouth formed the word 'oh' as realisation dawned on her; Hinata had told her earlier that day that all members of the main household were supposed to attend a meeting at ten o'clock, hence the strange and eerie silence.

She was walking towards Neji's room, deciding to let him drink a dose of the medicine before going to bed. A frown found its way to her lips as she thought about the day's events. The day was unquestionably unpleasant, considering the fact that Mikya continuously followed Neji, and the fact that Neji didn't do anything about it. And it certainly didn't help that Mikya treated her like dirt.

Tenten shook her head fervently and did not allow her mind to dwell on it. She was here to complete her job; she was here to change a cold-hearted jerk as well as earn some money, because she needed to survive and she needed to live her life. Tenten sighed. She just wished that she didn't have to remind herself so many times, because each time she did, the words sounded more and more hollow.

Tenten sighed jadedly as she stood outside of Neji's room, because she had never felt this tired in her life. Her weariness must have affected her senses too, because she didn't notice a person appear behind her. Before Tenten even had the chance to turn around, she felt a strong hand push her forward from behind and she was sent sprawling across the floor. The clatter of the mug shattering resounded in the air.

"It's ten o'clock yet a certain poor someone is here, in front of Neji's room, knowing that she shouldn't be out in the hallways at such a time." That someone behind Tenten spoke in a sickeningly sweet voice. "Why is that?"

Tenten turned around slowly to meet the egotistical candidate Mikya with hard eyes. She instantly got to her feet, leaving the mess untouched. "I'm here because he needs to have his medicine," she hissed angrily, "and what is wrong with you? It took me half an hour to brew that with the rare herb—"

"Medicine?" Mikya stared at Tenten with scepticism. "Why did you say medicine? Why on earth would my Hyuuga Neji need medicine?"

Mikya's fathomless eyes were as dark as ebony, the contrast between her pools of black and her pale skin giving her a ghostly appearance. And they only darkened when she drew out the conclusion. "You," she cried, pointing a finger accusingly at her, "you hurt him, didn't you?"

Tenten winced slightly. "It was an accident, really, I hurt him during a fight and—"

"I can't believe you hurt Neji!" Mikya exclaimed, rudely cutting her off.

"I told you, it was an accide—"

"I don't care what it was—you still hurt him!" It seemed that even Mikya knew she was being unladylike, because the next thing she did was inhale deeply. "But you know what?" she said after a moment of silence. "You've done enough, so just leave—now. I couldn't care less of what would happen to you, but I'm warning you now. Stay away from Neji."

Tenten's eyes widened. "What?"

"Did I stutter? Or are you deaf?" Mikya glowered and advanced towards the brown-haired kunoichi. "I said, stay away from Neji. You've had your chance when I wasn't here. But since I am now, I'm going to be his wife, not you. Got that?"

"Look, I'm just his tutor, nothing else. I'm here to train with him to make him stronger and—"

"I know what you're doing, you fool," Mikya seethed, her eyes gleaming with anger. "But I've been talking to Hiashi, and he said that Neji's changing because of you. I'm supposed to be the one to do that because I'm his future wife. And what are you?" She paused to sniff disdainfully. "A commoner. A poor, pathetic loser. It's almost pitiful, really."

"I respect your wishes, Mikya," Tenten said through gritted teeth, "and I know that it is common to feel that way if you feel that your position is jeopardised. But I can assure you this. I am nothing more than a tutor to Neji's eyes."

Mikya scoffed. "I don't need you to assure me, you fool. I know you're not a threat, because, after all, it is me," she said haughtily as she smoothed out her long silky hair. "Why they let someone filthier than a dog in is beyond me. Why was I ever worried?"

That was the last straw.

"Excuse me?" Tenten cried angrily. "Who do you think you are? You have no right to tell me what I should and shouldn't do, and especially who I am, you filthy bitc—"

It seemed that Mikya had a tendency to interpose because she made Tenten stop again. With a glare that seemed perpetually attached to her face, Mikya took another step closer until their noses were almost touching. "I think I am the daughter of a very respectable and rich feudal lord and the chosen candidate to become Neji's wife. I'm going to do whatever it takes… So unless you want to get hurt, stay away from Neji. Am I making myself clear?"

Mikya didn't bother to wait for a response; with that being said, she shoved Tenten and she fell again, face down on the hard surface of the wooden floor. Tenten mentally cursed; the movement was so sudden and abrupt that her mind didn't have the time to process what was happening.

With her pride hurt and her whole body aching, Tenten used her arms as support to push her body up. Her head was lifted and she was left to watch Mikya as she walked away, but her gaze then dropped to the smashed cup and spilled drink. Sighing out of hopelessness, she decided to use the rest of the medicine that remained in the pot, but she did not want to do anything for the moment. She simply sat there, hugging her knees as she buried her head into her arms, trying to find an escape from this misery.

Tenten was always unknown, but now, she would much rather be invisible than being noticed and despised. She suddenly thought of her lonely home, where only a few knew about and went there without the intent of insulting her. But here she was, a stranger temporarily living in the huge Hyuuga manor tutoring a cold-hearted jerk who hated her. She never felt so unwanted in her life—she wanted to quit and leave, but the fact that she needed the money held her back, preventing herself from doing something that she knew that she would regret later on. But it hurt. It hurt her to endure this every day. To feel useless, unwanted, disliked all the time, with no escape from this all…

Angry pent-up tears threatened to fall out of her large hazel eyes as she punched the wall, everything done in hopes of letting out all the frustration that was building inside of her. "What did I possibly do to deserve this?" Tenten asked miserably, her voice bitter. "What did I do?"

Hyuuga Neji hated feeling weak.

He hated to feel vulnerable, unable to train even though he was perfectly able to walk. All missions that were assigned and offered to him recently were rejected by the clan head, the reason being that Neji was unprepared and not ready for hand-to-hand combat fighting. It irked him to no end to know that each day he'd have to wait helplessly until medicine was brought to him by…

His eyes narrowed. He hated being nurtured by that girl—the useless girl who had caused the current predicament he was in. He was determined to beat that girl if they ever decided to commence another match. His eyelids then felt unusually heavy and his eyes eventually closed.

Although she gave the impression of an innocent commoner who didn't possess any ability to fight, Tenten was actually quite the opponent. Her specialty in weapons was proven to be useful against taijutsu. Maybe it would be helpful if she was his opponent during his training sessions.

Yet there was the problem with Mikya. She, being the daughter of a rich family, was encouraged to be his fiancée. But Neji didn't see anything different with her; all she did was stand in front of his door for hours, talking about the least interesting things. Neji didn't like or hate Mikya, but he was certain that she wasn't going to be his wife, especially after hearing the riot she just caused outside. Although it was annoying, he was not bothered enough to go outside.

His thoughts came to an end as the door slid open soundlessly. A frown made its way to his lips when he felt the atmosphere suddenly turn warm. And that scent of hers—a light, fruity aroma that filled his senses. He growled. It was his tutor.

His eyes snapped open to discover that a tray was placed on his lap. His gaze drifted upwards, seeing Tenten standing by his bed rather stiffly, her head hung low so her bangs would create a shadow that covered her eyes. She was oddly silent, completely forgoing her usual greeting and salutations.

But Neji ignored the sudden change in Tenten's behaviour, deciding that it was better when she didn't talk. His gaze returned to contents that the mug held. Just as he raised the cup to his lips, a faint scent of a bitter, almond-like odour filled his senses. Neji's eyes instantly narrowed in realisation and he set the cup back onto the tray.

"So this was your plan all along," he said coldly, faint anger lacing his words.

He glanced over at her when she didn't reply. It was quite odd, seeing that she was usually talkative and optimistic towards his words, no matter how cruel and ruthless his remarks were. He knew she heard him, so why wasn't she saying anything?

His eyes flashed dangerously. "Don't act so innocent," he seethed, "it disgusts me."

She inhaled sharply.

He abruptly jerked from her gentle touch, pushing her away as well as causing the mug in his hands to fall. It instantly crashed to the floor and shattered into pieces with a deafening shriek.

His pale eyes followed her as she wordlessly crouched down to her knees to pick each scattered piece up without hesitation. She was strangely quiet—she made no move to respond. Without another word she swerved around and headed for the exit.

"You are trying to kill me," he called out, making Tenten's movements finally come to a stop. His pools of ivory practically glowed with rage and hatred blazed in his eyes. "I had never thought that you would do something as low as this. I thought I finally saw some decency in you, but… I was clearly wrong. It seems that your true intentions hinder everything else. You're despicable."

His gaze remained focused on her back, eyes darting back and forth expertly to search for any signs of denial. And to his surprise, there were none.

"The medicine. It's poisoned with hydrogen cyanide, is it not?" Neji muttered crossly as his grip on his bed sheets tightened. His eyes hardened. "You thought I wouldn't notice, didn't you?"

Tenten finally spun around. "What are you talking about?"

"You know exactly what I'm talking about."

"Are you serious? You think I tried to kill you?" She stared at him in complete, utter disbelief. "You're kidding me."

She nearly choked when she saw that there was nothing but seriousness in his eyes. Was this a plan? Was this all a plan that he and Mikya and the rest of the clan cooked up to get rid of her? She looked at Neji, who stayed completely motionless in his bed. This was all a joke to him, wasn't it?

"I honestly don't believe it," she exclaimed, incredulous. "You're just going to blame everything on me just because you think that I would do such a thing?"

"I don't think, I know," Neji heartlessly countered. "Nothing like this has ever happened to me previously, and Sato was always outside my door or in her room. You're the only one left. Is that not enough evidence?"

"Neji, anybody could have poisoned the pot where I made medicine!"

"Evidently, you made it."

"So? I was watching the entire time, but then I left the pot unattended when I went to you! Anyone could have inserted something then! And I only used the remaining stuff because your—your fiancée pushed me down! You heard it—I know you did! Neji, I swear I didn't—!" Her voice dropped to a whisper. "Why won't you believe me?"

Neji felt a touch of shame looking in her eyes but he was unsure as to why. He didn't know why he felt strange accusing her and trying to chase her away. He didn't know why he wanted to trust her. He—

Weak.

The word suddenly echoed in his mind, and then all his years of training to become strong and independent suddenly asserted themselves. His eyes suddenly turned stony. "There is no reason to believe you. Why Hiashi-sama tolerates you like he does is beyond me," he seethed through gritted teeth.

"Neji, you don't know me very well, and I'm sure you're not that fond of me. But I never imagined that you would think so lowly of me. What have I ever done to you?"

"Why wouldn't I think lowly of you? You are a disappointment, a failure—nothing more than a pathetic wench who has to beg others for money."

Tenten stiffened. Why was everyone putting her down like this? She didn't deserve this—

"The truth hurts, doesn't it?" Neji continued bitterly. "You need to realise that your efforts are pointless—this job is pointless. Just like the search of yours for that boy. Are you delusional? Do you really think that he would remember?"

"What you're saying… it's not true." Her voice was barely audible. "I-I just didn't find him yet, but that d-doesn't mean—"

"Open your eyes," Neji exclaimed scornfully, his eyes sinister. "Misery is reality… You cannot defy fate. It has been predetermined before you took your first breath, and it will not change." Bitterness made its way towards his pale features and his voice hardened. "So forget about that boy… forget about your dreams."

The moment the words left his lips, Neji instantly regretted it.

The atmosphere went completely cold. He heard her breathing hitch and her clenched fists began shaking with emotion. She showed no intention of retorting back anymore, not even to defend her dreams now; she simply stood there, Neji unable to see the expression she had even though it was apparent that she had broken down to tears.

"Crying, are you?" he asked harshly, smirking. "Are you crying from what I've said? I always knew you were slow. Maybe something finally went through that fantasy-filled head of yours, you pathetic—"

"Shut up!" Tenten shouted, her voice wrought with emotion. She hated this. She hated living here, and all of the Hyuuga clan, her job—she hated acting cheerful when she was actually dying inside. It hurt her more than anything to endure this every day. To feel useless, unwanted, disliked all the time, with no escape from this all—

"Just stop it!" she cried, unbridled anger withering her voice. "I can't take this anymore! I just can't! I've done nothing wrong to you or your clan, yet I'm always being treated like dirt! Around the streets people point fingers at me, I can't find my parents nor become stronger because I'm always taking care of you! But you never care, because you're the most ignorant, obnoxious cold-hearted jerk I've ever met! Have you ever wondered why I can never do this job right? Hanabi always pulls pranks on me, Mikya hates my guts, you want me gone yet Hiashi is still depending on me!"

She was breathing hard and her eyes were filled with angry pent-up tears. "Is this what you wanted?" she finally asked, her voice deathly quiet. "Isn't this what you always wanted? To drive me out of Konoha? To make me miserable?"

She laughed through her tears and started clapping. "Well, guess what, Hyuuga Neji? You succeeded! Congratulations!"

Every word dripped with bitterness and without waiting for his response, she left his room, slamming the door shut. She then broke into a brisk run, not caring the slightest bit of the objects she might collide into. She did not hesitate to whiz past confused maids, causing them to drop the objects they were previously holding. She ran.

Neji was right, Tenten thought, smiling bitterly. He was right all along.

She now knew that her coming here in hopes of changing him was all a mistake. Although she tried hard, there was no way that he would change for her—not after years and years of training and a life of hardship. To him, she knew that she was nothing but a nuisance. And she couldn't blame him; she had done nothing but hurt him and the injury prevented him from training. She should have gone home the first time Neji told her to leave. But now she knew better.

She finally gave in to the urges of going back home...

She finally gave up.

-

-

-

-

A/N: Eh heh, the (not-so-great) Chigiri has finally updated! Err, what to think of this chapter? There's actually another version I wrote earlier, but waaay too dramatic, (like my editor said). But good news - after the next few chapters, we shall finally see a change in the icecube! Yay for that :) . Also another yay for reviewers! Thanks a lot! People who support this story (by reading too) are all too awesome, really.

I would like to hear all comments, please! (Whether they're good or bad.)

Much love,
Chigiri Sasaki