Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto

Sorry for the long update people! I've just been a bit caught up lately with trying to speed up the updating process for MV&L, so I kinda forgot and neglected Summer Job...sorry again! I know it's almost been a month since I updated so, here! New chapter. One last thank you to all my loyal reviewers, this chapter, this ending chapter is dedicated to all of you.

Chapter 10

"What do you think Hiashi-sama?" The driver bowed low and respectfully in front of the man who was sitting in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. But if you were to look closer, you would be able to see the manipulative glint in the man's lavender eyes. " About Hinata-sama asking that maid to help her with her shopping, even though the maid went out with Neji-sama just 3 days ago?" Hiashi took his time to answer.

" I think…we have another Kisa in our hands." Hiashi's eerily white lips curved upwards into a malicious, though slightly regretful smile. " I thought that boy had learned the first time…I guess I was wrong. It is rather tempting though…to do something tp teach that boy another lesson…what do you think, Kunimitsu?" Hiashi stared at his faithful driver, daring him to say the wrong thing.

The inferior man shivered and looked up to his master. " I t-think," Kunimitsu spluttered as Hiashi's ice-cold gaze landed on him, " Y-Yes! We should teach the b-boy another l-lesson! ...but what?"

Hiashi smiled again, though this time graciously. " Get Takashi in here. Now." He ordered, his whole plan already playing out in his head.

"We're going to teach that boy a lesson..." Hiashi said in a somewhat evil tone, stretching a hand out to pick up his digital camera. " Once and for all..."

Tenten's POV

Argh! Why. Won't. This. Duvet. LISTEN TO ME?! Damnit! Down, I say! DOWN. Oh, wait. That's right. Dumb, lifeless duvet covers do not speak or understand the language of English. Damn. You.

...Ahem. Time to resort to desperate measures. Well, hello?! I have to, don't I? I have to go out today, for my date? I don't know how I'm going to pull it off, but yeah. I still need to comb my hair, put on make-up and find a suitable outfit! It's all very important, you see?

So...desperate measures: I called out of the room to Hinata, who was lounging on one of the sofa's outside since I was, no IS, well, no, SUPPOSED to be cleaning up, tidying up her room (whatever you want to say). " Hey, Hinata! Um...I really don't know how to say this in a less direct way, but, seriously, what kind of stupid duvet cover do you have?!" Get down you piece of cloth! Squiiiissssh! I AM YOUR MASTER DAMNIT!

...

In about 5 seconds, Hinata was by my side laughing her beautiful laugh. "Oh, Tenten, I guess it is quite a s-stupid duvet cover...father g-got it for me, I'm s-sorry, it's new." Ah, that's why it wasn't a nice shade of lavender anymore...it's pink. So un-Hinata-ish. I guess Neji was right about Hiashi being completely clueless about his daughters and his nephew...I hate guys like that.

As Hinata helped me to flatten the duvet, she glanced up and met my eyes with a mischievous wink. " You're cleared for today." She told me, her tone happy. " I told father we would go and do some shopping. He doesn't care what we do, as long as we do something..." She said, her eyes betraying her and showing off some of it's sadness. I sighed and went around the bed to hug her.

"It's okay Hinata. And thanks for clearing me! But...don't you think he'll get suspicious?" Hiashi is not a stupid man. I know this from experience and stories. Lots and lots of scary stories. Ahem. Tenten is fearless.

"No...he shouldn't be that s-suspicious. At l-least I think not..." Hinata's uncertain face made me feel anxious inside. What happens if Hiashi actually finds out...and hurts Neji? Hurts Hinata or Hanabi for keeping the secret? Would I be able to sacrifice myself...? As much as I want to sound like a saint...I can't...maybe, maybe not. Great. I feel horrible. I am not selfless. At least, not all the time.

"Okay, then." I said, trying to keep my voice light and cheerful. " What's the plan for later?" Are we going to go with Haru this time? I don't trust that Kunimitsu guy...TRAITOR! And his frightening ice-blue eyes freak me out. I mean, Naruto and Ino have blue eyes...but they're warm, you know? Warm and happy.

"The plan is...well, Hanabi is going to go to our father to, w-well, y-you could say distract, but that's not really the case...she's going to be in his study while you and I go to the Konoha Mall. Neji-nii-san will follow us in the public bus." I can't help but laugh here. Neji. On a bus? No way. I want my camera!

" Once we arrive at the m-mall, we'll have to go in...we'll meet Neji-nii-san in V-Versace. Then you two w-will go out the b-back way, or eat lunch at the mall!" She said, sounding satisfied. I guess it does sound okay. Something smart, something sneaky...wait a second.

"Hey, where's Hiashi's study? Will he be able to see Neji getting into the bus?" I asked, my heart clenching at the thought of Neji being caught in action.

"Father's study...well, t-there's a b-big window there. About 30 feet up from my herb garden. I used to eavesdrop on his conversations when I was small...did you know I had a herb garden?" Hinata suddenly asked, looking curious.

"Nope." I shook my head, feeling torn between feeling excited about Hinata's herb garden, or feeling mad cause Neji never mentioned anything about a herb garden. " Neji never told me..." Jerk. I love herbs! Like, um, lavender and...well, you know. In general...herbs...right.

"Oh, okay. The herb g-garden is somewhere f-far, but not too far from our m-main gates." Noticing my worried expression, Hinata carried on quickly. " But that's okay too since Hanabi and I have persuaded Neji to go in disguise." I snorted. In disguise? Neji? Ha!

"What disguise? A long over-coat and sunglasses?" I thought out loud. Hinata giggled, her opal eyes dancing. " No, not that simple...you'll see later. Hanabi's working on him." Oh. Wow. Crapzoids. Neji is actually allowing Hanabi help him? That's new...

" I see." I said as we finally got the duvet to lie down properly. " Thanks Hinata, better go do the laundry now…" I said in a tone of resignation. Hinata laughed again, sitting down on her bed.

"Don't m-mind the laundry." She told me, with a big smile. " Sakuno-san I-is doing t-that job f-for today…she v-volunteered…" Okay. Whoever you are, Sakuno, thank you!

"That's great!" I exclaimed. " So, what am I going to do now?" Huh. I already finished cleaning the kitchen, and outside and Hanabi's room. Neji's was locked. Jerk! I thought he would leave it open for me…oh, wait. Maybe he's having his little 'disguising' time with Hanabi. So cute! Cousin bonding!

"Well, I-I guess you c-could…change n-now?" Hinata stared at me weirdly, her lavender eyes penetrating into me. I gulped. " Yeah, okay. Going…going…gone…" I basically ran out the door and into my room. Now. Big problem. Tenten doesn't know what to wear.

I mean, this is a big date right? I don't do big dates. I didn't even do personal before Neji came along. I have no idea what to wear or what to do. Sheesh. I should have gotten Hinata to pick an outfit for me.

Sighing, I threw myself onto my green bed. Ah. Such a nice change from pink and black. I spread my arms and legs out and waved them around, making a bed angel…I'm just wasting time here! God. Pull yourself together! Okay!

…

It's been 5 dresses, 4 jeans, 10 T-shirts and 3 capris, and I still haven't found the perfect outfit. This sucks. Seriously.

"God…" I muttered as I pulled out another pair of black jeans out of the closet. " How many jeans do I have?! I don't feel like wearing jeans today, Damnit!" Ahem. Yes. No jeans. Crap.

I pulled out a floaty white top and threw it on the bed. " Nope…not white…not today…" I need something bright and colourful! Like…aha!

I pulled out a dress. A sky blue dress with spaghetti straps. " Okay, so I don't usually wear dresses…but this is a special day." Am I trying to convince myself? Hmpf. Yeah, right!

I stripped myself of my worker clothes and pulled on the dress. Wow. My waist suddenly looked very slim…and my eyes. Wow. Blue and brown actually look kinda good together now that I think about it. The bottom of the dress just reached my knees, brushing on them occasionally.

I slipped on my white ballet flats and slicked my hair back with a comb. I'll just leave it up in its two buns…I hastily clasped a silver necklace with a small four-leaf clover dangling off it on my neck. Now…just the bag. Ah. A Jimmy Choo dark blue suede. Okay. It's a bit on the big side, but whatever. Big bags are stylish nowadays, no? Yes.

I check myself one last time in the mirror. I looked…pretty. The dress made it look like I had extra long legs, the shoes made my feet look smaller than they actually were and the necklace glinting off my neck gave me an elegant look. Oh, and the bag! Fashionable is the word.

I stepped out into the hallway and rushed into Hinata's room without even knocking. I saw her at her desk, tying her long hair up into a high ponytail. As usual, Hinata looked beautiful. Her outfit was flawless. Dark blue jeans and a long white top with small little flowers sewn onto the bottom, all different colours. A sparkling (diamond?) bracelet was on her wrist and she had a black choker around her neck, a blood red rose on it. She scooped up her pure white Versace bag and grinned at me. "You r-ready?" She asked, eyes shining.

I nodded, smiling back at her. "Yup, lets go!"

…

As we walked down the stairs together, there was silence, but it was the comfortable kind.

"You look r-really nice T-Tenten." Hinata suddenly said, looking sideways at me. "Blue suits y-you very w-well…"

I shook my head. " Nah. But you do. As always." I lifted a hand up consciously to touch my necklace. It was a present from Sakura and Ino…seems like such a long time ago now. In reality, it was only 4 years ago. Birthday. "Thanks, though." I added. What? I don't want to seem rude…

"Oh, by the way, who's driving us to the mall?" I asked Hinata, curious. If it's that cold ice-y bastard traitor…

"K-Kunimitsu-san." GASP. You're kidding me…he's on Hiashi's side! Hinata noticed my outraged/worried expression. " Don't look so angry T-Tenten…we c-can trick h-him! Anyways, h-he's not that s-smart…" She reassured me, patting my back. I flashed a small smile at her.

But…still…on the inside…I don't think anyone's dense enough to realize when a helper, a maid, a nobody, is having an affair with one of her charges, a handsome guy, a rich guy, her boss. I mean, it's all very cliché.

Before I know it, Hinata and I are sitting in the limo, looking out the clear, clean windows. I saw no Neji when we left. I know he's going to be okay though…I mean, it's Neji. He can't be not okay.

Suddenly- " So, Tenten, w-we'll be going to Gucci first. You're g-going to carry all my bags…isn't that right?" Hinata's voice was spiteful, mean, cold. I looked at her in surprise. Why…? Then I saw it. The laughter and apologetic look in her eyes. It was an act for the bastard.

"Oh…y-yes…" I said back quietly, ducking my head. Am I good or what? " Of course Hinata-sama…" Wow. It sure feels weird calling Hinata with the added 'sama'.

"Your clothes t-too…couldn't y-you wear s-something better?!" Hinata sounded disapproving now. She could really make a good actress… " That bag does not g-go with your d-dress! G-God!" Is that the first time I heard Hinata sad 'God'? Wow.

"I'm sorry Hinata-sama…I didn't mean to embarrass you." I said in a cowardly, timid voice. I feel stupid. I feel like a mouse. But then…if this is going to protect Neji, Hinata and Hanabi…I'll go through with it. This is all for them…

"Huh. Didn't 'm-mean' to? What does t-that have to do w-with you a-actually doing i-it?" Holy shit. Why is 'actress' Hinata so much more intimidating than 'normal, nice and sweet' Hinata? Pft.

"Nothing Hinata-sama." I replied, clasping my hands together on my lap. I can see the Kunimitsu guy staring at us from the rear-mirror, looking half suspicious, half satisfied. I can barely hold in my giggle. So maybe this guy IS dumb…

"Konoha Mall, Hinata-sama." He said, stopping in front of the huge building. I ducked my head again, opened the door and waited next to it for Hinata to come out. When she did, she flashed me a this-is-infantile look. I did a slight nod in response.

"Hinata-sama, what time would you like me to come and escort you back to the Compound?" Kunimitsu sticks his ugly head out the window. Do not gag…

Hinata replied easily, " At five…or s-six, maybe. I might send T-Tenten home f-first, but d-don't bother w-with driving h-her." Her eyes gleamed hard in the sun and she smiled.

Kunimitsu smiled, nodded and drove off without a word. Once he was around the corner, Hinata gave out a huge gasp and cracked her shoulder and neck muscles. "Being s-so mean makes my s-shoulder and n-neck ache…it's a-all so tense!" She exclaimed, still cracking her neck as we made our way into the mall.

"Well, if it's any consolation, you were amazing back there." I said, grinning like a maniac. Well, she was! And she said she might send me home first…so I would be cleared right? Unless somebody says they didn't see me…that would be bad. Terrible! …Wait a second…did I just call the Hyuuga Compound home? No way. I'm getting too attached…

"Thanks T-Tenten, you were pretty g-good as w-well!" She told me, swinging her handbag in one hand.

"Meh," I waved my hand as a blast of air-con hit me. " Any idea when Neji's bus is coming in?" Okay, Neji's bus just sounds wrong. Neji's limo, Neji's mansion, Neji's ten thousand dollars, Neji's beautiful eyes...now those sound right. Bus? Nah. No way. Naruto's bus...ah, that's good!

"Come o-on, let's g-go and wait on t-that bench..." Hinata said, already walking towards a bench which is situated under a fake palm tree. I nodded, following her. " Yeah, okay! We have a clear view of the door from here anyways." I said as I sat down next to her. Hinata smiled angelically.

After ten minutes of waiting and chatting, the doors of the mall finally opened...and in walked a guy with a huge straw hat and huge maroon over-coat and huge green-framed superstar sun-glasses. OhmiGod. Is that...Neji?! I have to choke back my laughter when I see him advancing towards us. I could even see his I-am-going-to-kill-myself expression in her eyes even though he was wearing the sun-glasses. Next to me, Hinata has clamped her mouth shut with a hand, but her eyes gave away her laughter.

Neji scowled at us, whipping off the over-coat, sun-glasses and straw hat all in one go. Then he literally ran to the closest rubbish bin and threw them all in, wrapped up in a pile. I gasped while Hinata remained unfazed. But...hey, Neji! That's WASTING! And the sun-glasses were pretty cool! Hmpf.

I watched him as he wiped his hands on his black jeans. He doesn't look like a freak anymore, though, I guess. More like someone who's going to stand out in the crowd because his looks are too...inhuman. He's wearing black jeans (like I said before, probably Versace), and a deep blue navy turtleneck. His hair was bunched up in the hat before, but now it's spilling down his back in glossy waves. Damn. Why can't I have hair like that?

Suddenly, Neji seemed to take in how I looked as well. His eyes scanned over my blue dress, big bag and necklace. He smiled, and I thought, for just a second, I saw his eyes widening. Me, I just blushed like an idiot. Sighs...and I had thought I had gotten over the blushing. I had it under control! Damn.

"Neji nii-san." Hinata got up and bowed her head a bit, still smiling sweetly. Neji nodded back and then he turned his attention to me. " Hey Neji! Cool disguise!" I couldn't help but add that...heehee, he looks ready to kill me now.

"Tenten." He said through gritted teeth. I grinned and waved. Lets just provoke him a little now, kay kay? Yeah, okay!

"So...where we going now Neji? I'm hungry!" I exclaimed, jumping up and clamping myself onto his arm. He looked down at me, mortified. OhmiGod, that expression is priceless! Where's a camera when you need it? Hmpf.

"Okay, then. Bye Tenten, Neji-nii-san!" Hinata said lightly as she stood up, walking off in an opposite direction and going up the escalators. Neji stared after her, glaring at her in a don't-leave-me-with-her-while-she's-like-this look. I stepped on his foot. Hard. Ah. Now I have his attention. Good.

"C'mon Neji, then! Lets go to a nice place to eat." I said, dragging Neji along with me to the escalators. Going up...ah, c'mon Neji! Fasten up your pace you snail!

"I'm coming, why don't you slow down a bit? You're not supposed to walk on the escalators...you see, that's why they move..." Neji said as he stepped up next to me. I glared at him. " Ah, ha. So funny." I said to him in a sarcastic tone. " So what are we going to do now?" I asked as we land on the second floor.

Neji slipped his hand into mine and smiled. Yeah, he smiled his blinding smile of white-ness! " Lets have fun."

Two hours later...

Oh my God! I can't believe I'm having so much fun! It's like I'm on a train ride, getting off and getting back on, but all the stops have something fun and great and amazing to do! First stop was Versace, like duh. My favourite designer brand! Neji bought me this seriously cool off-the-shoulder, but on one shoulder with a strap brown, glistening dress which pools around my feet. He got the matching suit, ha! You may think brown would look like crap on Neji, but it doesn't!

The suit, his suit has this snow-white shirt, a warm, oak brown jacket and a slighter darker shade of brown for pants. The tie is a gorgeous shade of green. He even bought me the matching leather brown shoes! I mean, come on! Neji must have spent...well, I don't know, should I make an estimate...OKAY! He must have spent at least more than one hundred thousand yen...but I loved twirling in that dress! And now I own it! I'm carrying it in this huge, white Versace bag and I feel so proud! It's like, whenever I pass these random women I shoot them a look saying: Ha, I have a rich boyfriend who'll buy anything for me! And I mean, EVERYTHING.

Second stop was Ben & Jerrys'. Okay, fine, so I forced Neji to go there, but sheesh! You have just gotta love the creamy feeling of ice cream on your tongue (sweet tooth, mmm)! I got Chocolate Therapy and Neji...well, I kinda chose Strawberry Cheesecake for him. I mean, don't you just think it's all really, really cute (the names, and the flavours)? And, in the end, he finished the whole thing, so...I think he was kinda surprised with how good it tasted. His eyes widened and...well, it was a nice experience for him. Commoner's dessert...

Third stop was...da da da dum! LUNCH! I asked Neji whether we could eat pizza (I don't know, I suddenly felt all Italian-y). And guess what. Neji took me to this billion dollar Italian place on the top floor of the mall. I had just meant a random pizza place, but I wasn't about to say no. The size of that place! And the marble tiling and glass ceilings and soft, red carpets and dry, blood-red wine...the food tasted like heaven! We ordered pizza (YUM!) and I got roasted goose liver which I completely LOVED. And then there was a whole page of dessert to choose from and I had no idea what to choose! The gelatto, or the Italian cheese cake or the special...but you know what? Neji just said, " The whole page. We want all of them." That simple! And he didn't mind one bit! ...at least, I think he didn't. Hehe.

Fourth stop, was, well...we went back to the park. Good thing I was wearing flats huh? But, God! It wasn't like last time. Last time the park was deserted, empty, rid of any offending, loud, noisy people with children and picnic baskets and...well, you know what I mean. But I had, no, I have a feeling...it started when we were eating ice cream in Ben & Jerrys'...the feeling of someone following us, looking at us...and I kinda saw a bright flash back in the Italian restaurant, but I thought it was just a trick of light...probably nothing...right?

"Tenten?" Neji pulled at my hand, a smile tugging at his lips. I grinned and shook off my previous worries. We're still at the park, by the way. This has to be one of my favourite places in the world, if not my favourite. I just love running on the grass and stroking the tree trunks...oh since we're on the subject of plants, you know, Neji actually knows Hinata has a herb garden?! I know I just found out this morning when she told me, but I never expected Neji to know. It all happened when I was staring at the basil during lunch...well, Neji's going to bring me to the garden once we get back hom-to the Hyuuga Compound. Damnit...

But, right now we're (Neji&me) walking through the shade of the trees. It's nice, makes me feel relaxed and calm. Suddenly, a leaf came twirling down through the air. I reached out a hand to grab it, saying, " Hey, Neji! You know it's lucky to catch a falling leaf right?" Oh. Damn. Missed it. Another one came swirling down. This time, I yanked my hand out of Neji's grasp and lunged out for it.

What would I wish for, you might ask...I would wish for a boyfriend I wouldn't have to keep secret, I would wish for all families to be equal, nice, I would wish for never having to live in fear all your life just because you have finally found love...those are the things I would wish for.

But, once again, the emerald green leaf dipped, swooped and swirled away from me. I leaned back onto Neji, sighing...why are all the things I want just always out of reach?

...

"A,B,C,D,E,F,G!" I sang in a happy tone, skipping down the street, " H,I,J,K,L,M,N,O,P! Sing with me Neji!" I laughed at I held his hand, as he just looked down to me with his eyes...I gasped. His eyes...so full of emotion...love? I never thought I would have something like this. Ever.

Suddenly, something caught my eye in a hedge. I turned quickly, just seeing a flash of white, lavender...something like the shade of any Hyuuga's eyes. My heart was beating fast now, I need a new subject. But before I can open my mouth, Neji speaks, staring up at the cloudy sky. " Tenten, we should go home, it looks like it's about to rain..." I nodded and fastened my pace. Oh. I know my new topic...

"Hey, Neji...you know, after it rains and the sun comes back out...there's a rainbow right? What do you think of rainbows...?" I asked him, my eyes directing upwards. Neji pulled me along. " Rainbows are just a symbol of a past storm, now hurry up." Mental sweatdrop...that is so a Neji answer...symbol of a past storm...sigh.

"I think, I think there's more to them that that you know...I think rainbows' are, like, the 'Gateway to Heaven', the path that leads you up there when you die...you know?" Neji stopped dead in his tracks, silent. Shit. Did I say something?

"Tenten." Neji's voice was serious and low in tone. " If...If you get any lead whatsoever of Hiashi knowing about you and me...I want you to do one thing for me." I swallowed. " W-What Neji?" Shit! I'm stuttering?! That's Hinata's thing!

"Run." I swallowed again, nodding. " Okay...Neji..." Suddenly, something hits my nose. Something wet and cool. Oh. Rain! It's raining! Go, go, go!

Neji was running full out now, dragging me like a doll behind him. Thank you God for telling me to wear the flats...hehe, I'm practically all dry though, using my huge Versace bag as cover. It's okay, the dress is covered in a plastic bag and the shoes have this box thingy...so, yeah. Poor Neji wasn't so fortunate; he didn't know he could use the bag as a shield. He's wet...wow, look at those abs! ...AhEm!

Somewhere else...

Normal POV

"Ack! Sakura, it's raining! C'mon lets go under the bus-stop!" Ino whined, protecting her hand bag with her body. Sakura shivered, nodding and running after Ino.

"Ugh, this brings back primary days where Tenten forced us to run through the rain for exercise!" Ino said, brushing some teardrops of her jacket. The mention of Tenten's name made Sakura smile sadly. " I'm worried about her Ino...Tenten looked so...lost the last we saw her, you know?"

Ino fell silent. " Yeah...what are those Hyuugas' doing to her?"

"Isn't she just the helper?" Sakura asked, guilty she didn't know more about Tenten's job.

"I don't know...Tenten never told us anything and we never asked. All I know is that she's working for some hottie Hyuuga or something..." Ino fell silent again, her usually sparkling ocean eyes downcast.

Sakura said, " Okay then...we'll see whether we can meet up with her sometime soon...but for now let's just wait under here. Wait until the rain stops." Ino nodded, wrapping her arms around herself. Sakura followed her example, her expression worried and anxious.

"Tenten..."

Tenten's POV

Phew! Back in the Hyuuga Compound! And it's only a light shower now...well, okay not SOlight, but you know...lighter than before. Neji is soaked. I'm perfectly dry compared to him..ha! Oh, oh! Hinata's herb garden! Neji said he'd bring me!

Neji was about to open the door to the house when I tugged on his sleeve. " Hey, Neji! I'll meet you in Hinata's herb garden okay?! You go get changed first, I'm dry!" And, before he can object, I'm skipping off in the direction...well, some random direction. Shit. "Go left!" Neji called out behind me, then I heard the door 'click'.

Yay! I get to see some herbs (that Hinata grew)! Fun, Fun, Fun!

Neji's POV

I wonder...did Tenten feel it too? The feeling...of someone following us, stalking us, watching us.

But that's impossible. Nobody knows.

As the closed behind me, I dumped the shopping that I did with Tenten today onto the floor...

Then I looked up and forward, my heart skipping a beat at the sight I saw coming down the stairs in a rush; Hinata and Hanabi, their eyes wide open and petrified. I knew at once what was going on.

"Neji-nii-san, Tenten, where is she?!" Hanabi asked me in an urgent whisper, running over. Hinata was shaking all over, white, scared.

"Ha. My nephew has come home...Neji, come, come.." A low, deep, rumbling voice suddenly came out of the blue. A voice that has been rid of in my memory for a long time now...

The voice of Hiashi.

Tenten's POV

Hey...cool! I have found my way to the herb garden. All by myself. You know, that is a very big accomplishment for me...

Right now, I'm taking in the earthy smell of the newly wetted soil. The lavender swayed in the breeze, giving off it's sweet scent. I smiled, swinging my Versace bag in my right hand. Oh. Crap. I'm still carrying it?! I should have asked Neji to bring it in...damn. I don't want my dress to get spoilt and dirty! Ahem!

NEJI BETTER GET HIS BUTT BACK, RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW!

Hiashi's Study...

Normal POV

"So...Neji, I thought you had learned the first time...guess I was wrong." Hiashi smiled and placed his hands in front of him on the table.

"What do you mean?" Neji said, his eyes feigning innocence. Hiashi sighed deeply. "Don't get me wrong nephew, you're a good actor...but, you see, I was prepared for this...I even have evidence." Neji was nervous; he just wasn't going to show it. Not in front of the bastard.

"What evidence?" Neji said, narrowing his eyes. " You have no evidence."

"I do..." Hiashi smirked once before sliding his drawer open and getting out a brown paper bag. " I have pictures."

Neji scoffed. " Yeah, probably photo-shopped." For a moment, Hiashi pondered over what 'photo-shopped' meant. He shook it off. " No...pictures of your date with Tenten-san this afternoon." Shit.

"Yes. A mistake wasn't it...and I had expected better from you...you couldn't even see that I had sent someone after you." Hiashi's eyes had an evident look of victory in them.

" Who did you send?" Neji asked through gritted teeth. I am going to kill the-Takashi?!

Takashi, the same Takashi who had shown Tenten to where she worked before, the same Takashi that was always nice and helpful to Neji and his cousins. walked into the room with an ashamed/guilty look on his face...

"Now, now. Don't look so upset Takashi. You want that extra money for your sick brother...don't you?" Takashi hung his head low while Hiashi kept on talking. So that's how he's doing it...bribery...bastard!

"Ah. We seemed to have reached the climax! Picture time!" Hiashi said in an exuberant voice as he took out a whole pile of pictures from the paper bag. Neji's eyes widened when he saw them. Pictures of him and Tenten in the mall, eating ice cream, some with them eating their lunch in the Italian restaurant, in the park...walking back home...how? He even felt someone following them and he hadn't...

No. Now was not the same to sink in self-pity...or blame one's self.

"See? Evidence!" Kunimitsu who was standing next to Hiashi smiled gleefully. Neji cursed under his breath. Tenten...he had better not hurt her...

Suddenly, a light breeze flew into the room and snatched up one of the pictures, flying it out the window. Hiashi frowned. " Kunimitsu, go shut that window. Now." No! Tenten!

"Master! The girl is down there!" Hiashi's opal eyes widened before he uttered two words that made Neji's heart stop, two words that he was dreading to hear right from the beginning... "Get her."

Tenten's POV (a few minutes before)

Neji...where the hell are you...?!

Wait. What was that? Voices...voices from up there...and you know what? One voice sounded oddly like Neji's...oh my God.

"Father's study...well, t-there's a b-big window there. About 30 feet up from my herb garden. I used to eavesdrop on his conversations when I was small..."

Hinata's words from this morning...no. It can only mean one thing, right?! He found out, he found out! No. It can't be. I'm not sure. I can't just take off- OUCHIE! MY HEAD! POINTY!

I bent down, scooping up the small, white rectangular piece of...wait a second. Oh. My. God. It's a picture...a picture of Neji and me walking down the streets from just...just half an hour ago. When we were happy...I knew it. Someone WAS following us...but this...it confirms...oh no...

"Master! The girl is down there!" HOLY SHIT. Neji's words come flooding back into my mind, jolting me back to reality and how much danger I was actually in right now.

"Tenten." Neji's voice was serious and low in tone. " If...If you get any lead whatsoever of Hiashi knowing about you and me...I want you to do one thing for me."

"Run."

Run, run, run, run, RUN! Before I can register what's even happening, I'm flying. Flying down the path and out of the Hyuuga Compound, down the roads and onto many of the random streets of Japan. I already know where I'm going to go. I'm going to go to the bus stop and then go to Sakura's house. They won't be able to get me there...shit. I'm still holding my Versace? Drop it...I can't drop it. No way. It's my VERSACE!

So, I'm running...in a blue dress, with a big bag and another huge bag in my other hand...BUS STOP! It's stopped raining! I think God is on my side! Yes! RUN, DAMNIT! FASTER! Should I take off the flats...? No. I would be more prone to slipping if I did...

Suddenly, I heard the growl of an engine. A car. Shit! They're desperate enough to chase me with a car?! Crap, crap, crap! Why?! Just to teach Neji a lesson? To show him who's boss?! He already knows! They already took one happiness away from him! But...if I run away...what'll they do to Hinata? Hanabi?

SHIT! C'mon! I have no time! I have to run! Hinata and Hanabi would want me safe. I know this as a fact, they're almost like sisters to me now, like Saks and Ino...I need to see them! C'mon, c'mon! And to think I'm on the track team is just stupid right now...well, I'm not wearing sport shoes or my usual shorts, but- WAIT AM I THINKING OF. MY LIFE, NEJI'S LIFE! THEY'RE AT STAKE HERE AND I'M THINKING ABOUT THE TRACK TEAM?!

I'm almost there...I recognize the streets...and, oh! Lookie! There's the lamp post I walked into before! With one quick motion, I look behind my shoulder. Crap. I was right. They are desperate enough to send a car after me...shit. You know, I felt like this was all a game before...but now I see it. And it's real and right in front of me...or, behind me in this term..but you know what I mean! Oh my God...

Nearly there, nearly there...just have to turn the corner...shit. Just realized something...the bus stop is on the other side of the road. But it's a chance, you know. If the bus is there, I get on straight away, and if not...well, I'll just have to keep running...if I can last that long. My heart is beating, madly, hard...images, memories of me and Neji and all the experiences I had at the Hyuuga Compoound are coming back to me.

Tears are suddenly leaking out of my eyes. I'm crying...because I love them so much...all of them...Neji, Hinata, Hanabi...

Before I know, or see what's going to happen, I ran across the road... a big mistake.

A squeal of brakes.

The gritty sound of tires slowing down real fast on the road.

A scream.

My scream.

Darkness...

At the Bus Stop...

Normal POV

Sakura and Ino linked arms, just about to walk away from the shelter of the bus stop, when, suddenly, they heard a shrill sound pierce the air. A scream that sounded oddly familiar. They both turned at the same time, their eyes widening at the sight of what happened. But, at first, they had just thought some random lady had been run over.

"OH MY GOD!" Ino screamed, running towards the girl on the road. Then...as she got closer, the buns gave it away. " TENTEN?! OH MY GOD! SAKURA! IT'S.." The car had already gone, zooming away down the road.

Sakura's emerald eyes were filled with tears, but she she shook them off. Tenten...she looked as if she were sleeping peacefully, her dress fanned out under her in soft, blue waves. " Call an ambulance." Her voice was hard and choked with emotion. When Ino didn't respond, Sakura thumped her fist on the ground. " Now! Ino! CALL THE FUCKIN HOSPITAL!"

Nodding frantically, Ino fumbled in her handbag, drawing out her mobile phone. She rambled out what had happened, where they were...it was all too real. Sakura was stroking Tenten's hand, it was getting colder by the second. Ino whipped off her deep purple jumper and flung it onto her unconcious friend. " Tenten..you're strong...you're going to make it! You have to!"

On one side, Ino held Tenten's right hand...on the left, Sakura held the other.

Hyuuga Compound

Neji had finally gotten free from Hiashi and his evil minions. He ran downstairs where Hinata and Hanabi were, sitting with frightened looks on their faces. "Where's Tenten?!" Neji asked them, tone urgent.

Hinata shook her head. " W-We don't know..." She whispered, voice quivering.

"Well, come on then! We have to go look for her!" Hanabi got up quickly and ran out the door, not wanting the others to see her, Hanabi who usually looked so strong and carefree, cry. Neji followed her outside and Hinata got up slowly, already thinking something bad had happened...she felt something...in her heart...

Outside, in the gardens, they were calling out her name over annd over again. "Tenten! Tenten! Come on Tenten!" Hanabi's voice was pleading, worried, Hinata's the same and Neji was plain out frustrated. " Come on! Tenten! Where are you?!"

Suddenly, someone was heard walking up the path. Neji whipped around. " Tenten!" His voice was full of relief. Hinata and Hanabi turned too.

"No, but close!" Kunimitsu smiled, his ice blue eyes glinting maliciously. Hinata shivered and, noticing this, Hanabi placed an reassuring hand on her big sister's back.

"What do you mean?" Neji asked, his face pale and drawn.

" I...well, put simply and proudly, ran over you girlfriend."

And the whole world came crashing down.

Neji didn't even have the strength to go beat the guy to pulp. Hinata was crying, sobbing, hugging her sister for support...Hanabi refused to cry even though her eyes were already wet with unshed tears; they had thought the worst. Not many survive car crashes.

Up in the sky, a beam of sunlight came through, shining onto Neji and making him look upwards. With a start, Neji saw seven colours in the sky. A rainbow...the rain had stopped huh? When? He hadn't realized...Tenten's previous words suddenly echoed themselves in his mind. Hearing her happy, cheerful voice in his mind was too painful; One, single, clear tear rolled itself down Neji's alabaster cheek.

"I think, I think there's more to them that that you know...I think rainbows' are, like, the 'Gateway to Heaven', the path that leads you up there when you die...you know?"

XxX

And, in a hospital, somewhere in the ICU, a monitor's line went flat.

..End..

Okay, guys, this is the end. Don't worry, the sequel is going to come out really soon...it's going to based on the story in my poll, the most popular one. 'Better Left Forgotten'...but there's going to be a slight twist. You'll figure it out. :P (ICU is Intensive Care Unit)

Hope you enjoyed this story!

Please read and review! :)