Hey readers! Hope you enjoyed last chapter! I'm still so happy and blown away by all of your reviews! You make me smile! I just appreciate everyone and all the support you've given me. Please continue to review! I absolutely love hearing all the great things you have to say! This is a long and weighty chapter, so get your reading glasses and ice cream :)
Chapter 17- * The Sakura Festival
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"So what did Hiashi have to say?" Sasuke asked as he sat next to Tenten on the bed of their hotel room. Sasuke knew that they couldn't stay at either of their homes due to her stalker. So after grabbing clothes and food, they headed over to the hotel with haste.
Tenten looked at Sasuke and sighed. She really wasn't sure of if she should tell him or not. She didn't want him to hey upset. Bit Sasuke already knew the history between her and Neji, so she decided not to keep it from him. "Well, he told me Naruto have one hell of a speech." Tenten started as she began taking down her hair. "Then..." She paused as her hair fell around her. "He gave me something that Neji planned to give to me."
Sasuke watched her in admiration. He absolutely loved it when she took her hair down. Whenever Tenten mentioned Neji, yes it stung a bit. And Sasuke could tell that whatever it was must've weighed heavy on Tenten. "And what was it?" He asked, draping an arm around her. Tenten sighed and leaned into him.
"An engagement ring." She said as she looked up at him. She could see it in his face that it troubled him a bit, but she was surprised by a soft kiss on her forehead.
"It's okay, Tenten." He said quietly as his lips stayed close to her skin. He knew that she was probably experiencing some pain as the memories of the past resurfaced, so he took it upon himself to make sure she was alright and pulled her into a hug.
"Thank you, Sasuke. I gave the ring to Naruto for Hinata, I just couldn't keep it." Tenten said, relieved that Sasuke was being such a comfort to her at this time.
"That was very kind of you." Sasuke whispered as he gently stroked her hair. "It's okay if you miss him, Tenten."
"Sasuke." Tenten said, pushing away from him in order to look him in the eye.
"Hm?" Sasuke replied, a bit confused.
"I do miss him, but not like you think I do. Because of you, I am beginning to understand what love really looks like, and I never truly had that with Neji like I do with you." Tenten explained with wide eyes. Immediately, Sasuke pulled her back into his arms.
"I'm sorry, Tenten. It was a stupid question for me to ask." Sasuke whispered. Pinned against his face, Tenten managed to mumble.
"No it wasn't, silly." came her muffled voice as she squeezed him.
"Come here." Sasuke growled as he pulled Tenten up over his lap then to the middle of the bed and pinned her there as he hovered over her. Tenten squeaked and blushed as she looked up at him. He looked magnificent, almost like a wolf who was about to devour his prey. He always managed to get Tenten's heart beating fast. Tenten reached up and gently touched his face and brushed some of his ebony hair away.
"You have cute ears." Tenten whispered.
Sasuke blushed a little at her statement. It was random and unexpected. Sasuke then smirked and decided to play along. "Well you have a cute nose." He said in a sultry tone a he gently kissed her nose. "And lips." He said, kissing her lips. "And face, and neck." He said placing a soft kiss upon her neck, causing her to shiver and blush quite brightly. She then grabbed onto his shirt and yanked him over to her. Sasuke then straddled her while continuing to kiss her neck gently up and down.
Slightly unsteady hands ran underneath Sasuke's shirt and touched his bare stomach and chest until her hands were on his shoulders until Sasuke sat up, pulled his shirt off and threw it to the ground. Tenten's hands found themselves back onto his bare chest, and her eyes found themselves admiring his pale skin and finely toned muscles. She knew exactly how much training it took to get a body like his, and it only made her desire him more.
Sasuke gave Tenten a soft smile as he rested his hands on her hips along the hem of her shirt. Tenten bit her lip and nodded a little and Sasuke pulled her shirt up and over her head, then throwing it to the ground next to his own. Tenten gave Sasuke a shy smile and Sasuke placed another soft kiss on her forehead and gently began running his hands up and down her sides causing goosebumps to appear all over her skin. Tenten, although nervous, felt as though she needed to show Sasuke just how much she cared for him. She then aggressively placed her lips against his and wrapped her legs around his waist and dug her nails into his back. Sasuke lifted her up a bit and pulled her upper body close to his and let out a quiet moan as his lips rested against hers.
Tenten frantically pulled at his hair and then scratched his back while biting his lower lip. Sasuke smiled against her lips and reached around her back and unhooked her bra with ease. "I love you." He whispered before laying her back down on the bed softly. Tenten then released the grip on Sasuke's waist with her legs and looked up at him with wide and sparking eyes.
"I love you too, Sasuke." She whispered back.
Sasuke smiled down at her and took in of her beauty. "Hmm." He said as he gently touched her cheek. "We should get some sleep." He said quietly.
Tenten pouted a bit but decided he was probably right and she gave him a nod. Kindly, Sasuke hooked her bra back on and rolled off of her, plopping himself by her side. Although Sauke wanted and disired Tenten, something was telling him that she just wasn't ready. And it was quite possible that he wasn't, but most importantly he wanted her to know he respected her and her body. Tenten turned and smiled over at him and turned to her side. She then put an arm around him and rested her head on his bare chest.
Sasuke let out a happy sigh and closed his eyes, and soon after, the two fell asleep.
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The next day, Tenten woke up quite early, around five AM, in hopes of sneaking out and going shopping. Today was the Sakura festival, in which most of the women, including Konoichi, wore traditional Yakutas. She also knew the vendors set up extra early so there was a good chance she could beg them to let her shop early too. She definitely wanted to impress Sasuke, and make sure that it was a great day for Sasuke. Sasuke seemed to cherish the memories that he had with Itachi at the festival, so she wanted to recreate them together. Quietly, and carefully Tenten snuck out of the bed as Sasuke slept peacefully. Her feet gently touched the floor and she grabbed her things and slowly walked toward the bathroom, and as she did, the loudest creaking sound came from the floor and Tenten turned quickly to look at Sasuke to see if he woke.
"Hm?" Sasuke moaned.
"Im just gonna get a shower." She whispered, praying Sasuke wouldn't question it.
"Mmhmm.." He mumbled sleepily as he turned to his side and snuggled into the blankets. Tenten let out a huge and silent sigh of relief and rushed into the bathroom closing and locking the door behind her. Quickly she opened the bathroom window and peered out, it wasn't too far from the ground, she knew she could make it down with ease.
A large smile spread across her face and she quickly dressed. Tenten then created a clone of herself, placed it I'm the shower and started the water. "Be good." She whispered. Alright here we go. Tenten then hopped out the window and headed toward the main strip of shops in the middle of Konoha. When she reached the vendors, she smiled. She nailed it, they were all setting up for the big day. Tenten walked up to the first awning she saw and stopped. "Excuse me." Tenten said kindly to the elderly woman who was unpacking her merchandise.
"Hi!" The woman explained. "I'm really not open for business right now. Check back later."
"Well, I.. I was hoping you could sell me a Yakuta." Tenten plead with big brown eyes. "I'm willing to pay extra."
The woman looked at Tenten an hesitated for a moment. "Ah, alright." She said with a hearty laugh. "I've go the perfect one for you." She said, digging through her boxes until he pulled out a magnificent white Yakuta with black swirls with a black obi. Tenten's eyes lit up at the sight. Sasuke will love it, she thought with a smille. "It's just your size." The woman said n
"How much?" Came a voice from behind Tenten. Tenten turned to look at the speaker and gasped. There behind her stood none other than Kabuto, Only he looked a bit different. He was dressed up in a white buttpn up shirt an black dress pants and his glasses were gone. His hair was much shorter and parted to the side and slicked back in a 50's style. Instantly, Tenten's heart started pounding and she was flooded with fear. She wasn't sure why he frightened her so much, and it didn't help that her chakra was lessened about 25 percent due to her clone back in the shower. Slowly, Tenten began to back away, the Yakuta didn't matter anymore.
"Ah, is this your special someone?" The elderly woman asked Tenten.
Before Tenten cloud answer the woman, Kabuto put an arm around Tenten's waist and pulled her to him. "Yes." He said with a devilish smile.
"That'll be $150, please." Said the woman. Kabuto then dug into his pocket and lay the money down, along with a few extra bills. Tenten pushed away from him angrily, But Kabuto merely swept her into his arms along with the Yakuta.
"Thank you!" The woman shouted as the two walked away.
"Have a wonderful day, ma'am!" Kabuto shouted back.
"Put me down!" Tenten Growled.
"I don't think so, Tenten." Kabuto said as he began walking outside of Konoha, with Tenten in his arms. Tenten then cocked her elbow back and slammed it hard into his chest, knocking the wind out of him and causing him to stumble back and drop her. Seconds after that, several shurrikken flew from out of no where toward Kabuto, one lodging itself into his shoulder. "I'll be back for you." Kabuto groaned in pain before promptly disappearing, leaving Tenten and her Yakuta on the ground.
Quickly, Tenten stood and grabbed her dress. Those shurrikken were not Sasuke's. Tenten thought as she looked in the direction they flew from. As she looked, Tenten saw what looked to be an Anbu black ops with an owl mask hide behind a tree. Tenten walked briskly toward the tree and peaked around it, but no one was there.
"Go home." Came a voice from the branches of the tree.
Tenten pouted, annoyed that the Anbu had hidden them self, although she knew it was their job to keep their identities hidden. "Well..thank you!" She exclaimed before rushing back to the hotel. She knew she couldn't keep Sasuke waiting much longer.
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"So you mean to tell me, you've taken over captain Yamato's place in protecting Tenten?" Tsunade asked the mysterious Anbu who stood before her in her office.
"Yes." The Anbu with the black and red owl mask answered back firmly.
"And just who are you Tsunade asked, annoyed. It seemed to her that this man was beating around the bush or hiding something, but them he did the unthinkable. The Anbu removed his mask and threw it onto her desk. "Dear God." She exclaimedupon seeing his face.
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Tenten quickly snuck back into her hotel room bathroom and closed the window behind her. As soon as she was in, she heard Sasuke knocking on the door.
"Tenten, are you okay?" He asked, concerned. "You've been in there a while."
Tenten quickly hid her Yakuta under the sink cabinet. "Y..yes I'm fine." She said, frantically undressing and jumping in the shower with her clone. Her clone promptly disappeared and Tenten began washing her hair and body as quickly as she could.
"Okay." Sasuke replied, hesitantly. Something didn't se right to him. He had been knocking for a while and Tenten hadn't answered until now. He didn't want to push her, but he also wanted to find out what was up. Sasuke let out a sigh and made his way back to the bed and lay down.
A few moments later, Tenten emerged in a towel and gave Sasuke a nervous smile. She desperately wanted to tell Sasuke what happened, but she wanted to keep the Yakuta a secret. She felt a bit guilty because she left without Sasuke and his approval, and she knew now just how dangerous it was to be without him. She was very grateful to the Anbu who came to her rescue, and she knew it wouldn't be Lon until Kabuto resurfaced. Tenten resolved to tell Sasuke about it when the festival was over, she didn't want to ruin the day.
"You alright?" Sasuke asked, sensing the unease that Tenten was feeling.
"I'm fine!" Tenten said with a forced smile as she hoped onto the bed onto her knees. Sasuke sat up and quirked an eyebrow. He knew she was lying, but he didn't want to press the matter.
"Alright." he said smiling at her. "You look lovely." He said, gesturing to her towel. Tenten blushed and pushed him lightly.
"Oh don't tease." she giggled.
"I'm not." He insisted.
Tenten smirked and grabbed onto a nearby pillow and lightly smacked him in the face with it, causing his black hair to fall wildly out of place. "Hehehe." She giggles mischievously.
Sasuke growled playfully. "Oh you're goin down." He threatened.
Tenten squeaked and stood up on the bed, afraid of his retaliation. Sasuke then hopped off the bed , grabbed her legs and pulled them out from under her, causing her to plummet to the bed softly. She blushed wildly as Sasuke crawled on top of her and gripped the top of her towel. Tenten was unsure how the situation went from a pillow fight to this, regardless she liked it. It took the unease away right away, and she no longer thought of the incident with Kabuto early. Now it was just her and Sasuke.
Sasuke didn't know how the situation turned so drastically either, but seeing Tenten look so beautiful and seductive in her small white bathroom towel. Her tan skin glistening with fresh shower water, it made him ache with desire, and this time he didn't think he could stop. Tenten smiled up at Sasuke and gave him a nod.
Sasuke then slowly opened her towel and planted a soft kiss on her lips. .
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The time for the Sakura festival had finally arrived, Tenten and Sasuke had been promptly interrupted once more by housekeeping just when things began to get heated, which frustrated Sasuke, and caused Tenten to laugh. After Sasuke growled at the maid, Tenten got up from the bed and grabbed her towel. "I'm going to get ready for the festival. Wait here, okay?" She said as she gave Sasuke a quick hug.
"Alright." Sasuke sighed. He decided not to worry too much about the interruption, he knew there would be other times for them to express their passion through the physical, and it just wasn't time yet. Tenten let out a giggle and rushed into the bathroom and closed the door behind her. The incident with Kabuto was still lingering in the back of her mind, but she tried not to think about it. She wasn't as worried, knowing Sasuke was with her now. Quickly, Tenten took her Yakuta from it's hiding place and undressed. She then shook out the dress and slipped it on. How the hell am I going to tie this? Tenten thought, frustrated as she chased the obi around her waist like a puppy chasing its tail. "Ah." She grunted, continuing to struggle. Oh maybe I I tie it from the front and turn it around, if it looks bad Sasuke can fix it. She thought as she turned the obi around to the front and began to tie the large bow. Although it was tight, she managed to turn the obi around to the back and she then straightened out the rest and looked in the mirror. Woah. She thought to herself. The Yakuta was a little shorter than she anticipated, at came just above her knees and it was a bit right fitting, but she liked the way it looked. She knew Sasuke would too. Quickly she parted her hair to the side and swept it into a low ponytail on the opposite side, allowing a cascade of ringlets to fall over one shoulder, and it was complete.
Once dressed, Tenten opened the bathroom door and peaked out. Sasuke was sitting on top of the desk of the room that was across from the bathroom door. He too, had changed. He was wearing what he wore the day they met. His white open long sleeved shirt, black tight fitting pants with a black waist guard around his hips, the only difference was he no longer wore a purple rope around it. his hands were covered in his half gloves and his sword lay gracefully against the desk next to him. It was enough to make any girl drool. "Hey." He said. "Are you dressed?" He asked.
Tenten nodded with a smile and slowl emerged from the bathroom. Upon seeing her in her Yakuta, Sasuke stood promptly and stared at her wide eyed. "Holy shit, Tenten." He whispered. The sight of her took his breath away. She almost looked like a bride, it made his heart stop for a moment.
Tenten heard his whisper and blushed. "Are you ready?" She asked with excited eyes. Sasuke nodded and strapped his sword to his back.
"Shall we?" He asked, extending his arm out to her. Tenten smiled and linked arms with him and the two were off.
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Tenten and Sasuke had been wandering Konoha all day, stoping at a few vendors and enjoying each other's company. Many of the crowd stopped to stare at them, for they made such a lovely couple. Most of the girls jealous that Tenten was the lucky girl who had Sasuke's heart, and she was quite proud of it. Night was approaching and the fireworks would be happening soon. Sakura petals flew all about as the warm summer breeze blew about. Tenten and Sasuke decided to head up the trail to the great stone faces.
"Hey guys!" Natuto shouted from behind as he and Hinata ran up to meet them. Sasuke and Tenten turned around to face them. They both were dressed quite nice and seemed to be glowing with joy.
"Hey you two." Tenten smiled, greeting her friends.
"She said yes!" Natuto said proudly as he grabbed Hinata's left hand and showed off her ring.
"Congrats, dweeb. Hinata, you sure you want to marry him?" Sasuke said, teasingly.
Hinata nodded rapidly and smiled. "I can't wait." She squealed.
"Ah Hinata, I'm so happy for you both." Tenten said, wrapping her arms around her.
Sasuke and Naruto looked at each other while the girls embraced. Naruto then raised his eyebrow and whispered to Sasuke. "When you gonna ask Tenten?"
Sasuke blushed and pushed Naruto away. "Shut up, dumbass. It's none I your business."
"What are you two fighting about now?" Tenten asked, letting go of Hinata.
"Nothjng!" Naruto and Sasuke said in unison.
"Well that's not suspicious at all." Hinata teased.
"Well, well, well, look who it is!" Came Sakura's voice. Soon after, Sakura and Ino walked up to the group. Both girls wearing log and traditional Yakutas. "If it isn't the wanna be, the traitor, the slut and the socially awkward one."
"Hey!" Naruto growled. All four of them glared angrily at Sakura, Sasuke especially who had his hand on his sword.
"I can't believe you decided to show your face here, Tenten. After all, rumor has it that you're pregnant. Slut." Sakura said, placing her hands on her hips.
"What?!" Tenten yelled. "That is not true!"
"Well, that's not what the rumors say." Sakura said, turning and walking away.
Both Naruto and Sasuke growled. "Get your ass back here!"
Tenten found it quite creepy how Sasuke and Naruto happened to do that twice now. She was also very agitated with Sakura, she wanted nothing more than to send a barrage of sharp an pointy weapons her way. Sakura turned back around upon hearing Sasuke and Naruto.
"See ya!" She yelled before turning back around and running. Naruto bolted for her, but Tenten grabbed his shoulders and stopped him.
"Don't waist your energy on her." Tenten said, although she was still upset by the remark.
"You want me to punch her, Tenten?" Hinata asked, kindly as she looked down and twiddled her thumbs.
"It's okay guys, thanks." Tenten said with a smile.
Sasuke merely stood, glaring at Sakura's form shrinking into the distance, his hand still tightly clutching his sword. Familiar and intoxicating feelings of hatred began to stir in his veins as he stood there.
"Hey, Sasuke? Snap out of it man." Naruto said, poking him in the shoulder.
"Huh?" Sasuke shook his head and gasped. "Sorry." He said. He then put an arm around Tenten. "You alright?"
"Yeah." She said, nodding and smiling.
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After watching the fireworks with Hinata and Naruto, Sasuke walked with Tenten back toward their hotel, carrying her piggyback style. He had thoroughly enjoyed his time with her, dispute seeing Naruto. He chuckled to himself as he thought of the way things had played out for them all. It was certainly not what he expected. Suddenly, breaking Sasuke from his thoughts, Tenten let out a shriek as a Kunai whizzed past them.
Sasuke gently set her down and stepped in front of her. "I knew it was too damn quiet out here for there not to be any trouble." He said as he clutched his sword. Moments later, Kabuto, as promised appeared before them.
"Hello, Sasuke. Tenten." Kabuto said with a nod.
"You stay behind me Tenten." Sasuke warned. "What the hell do you want, Kabuto?!"
"Oh, don't you already know?" Kabuto hissed.
Tenten didn't want to stand by and do nothing, it aggravated her that Sasuke didn't take into account her skills also. Bravely, she stepped out from behind him and stood next to Sasuke.
"Tenten!" Sasuke said, wide eyed. Kabuto simply smirked as if this was exactly what he had planned for.
Out of nowhere, a small Senbon laced with a purple liquid, plunged itself into Tenten's shoulder and she whaled in pain.
"Dammit!" Sasuke yelled as he quickly threw a fireball at Kabutp and retracted with Tenten into the forest. Frantically, Sasuke pinned Tenten to a tree, pulled out the Senbon and pulled the yakuta down off of her shoulder. He then placed his lips to the wound an began to suck the blood and poison out. Tenten squirmed in pain, although she knew it was helping her. Sasuke continued sucking the poison as spitting out blood until he no longer saw black. When he was done, he wiped his mouth and heaved a heavy sigh.
"S..Sasuke won't that hurt you too?" Tenten whispered.
"No. Any poison he uses I am immune to." Sasuke answered before turning and scanning the area. Like clockwork, the man was back and faced Sasuke with a fightin stance.
Suddenly, by Tenten's side appeared the Anbu from before. "I will take care of her, go." The Anbu urged Sasuke.
Sasuke turned and looked at him hesitant. "Can I trust you?" Sasuke asked darkly as he pointed his sword to his throat.
"You don't have a choice." The Anbu said, pushing his sword down. Sasuke growled, realizing the black ops was right, and then he and Kabuto disappeared.
"Sasuke!" Tenten yelled as she bolted into the woods.
"No, Tenten!" The Anbu shouted. Then, she knew. Tenten stopped in her tracks an turned to face him. His voice resonates loudly in her mind, and sent shivers down her spine.
"Neji." She whispered.
