My Façade.

Chapter 7.

50 years had gone by…

It was the Rokudaime's 38th year as the hokage and he declared a day off, for both shinobi's and fellow villagers. In a breathing moment, he announced a lavish party that night at the Hyuuga mansion, to the horror and amusement of his wife, the head of the Hyuuga household, Hinata. She was used to his sudden burst of ideas but to plan a celebration in just a few hours, would take a lot of effort as the whole of Konoha would be expected to be there for the joyous occasion.

The Rokudaime brushed off her worries, telling her to just serve ramen as it was the most luscious and palatable food that have ever been created by mankind. She shook her head in doubt but had to agree with him since there was not much time left. However, she did manage to ask the chefs to conjure up some other delectable foods and desserts. Sake and tea was also served. Finally, the ballroom, which was large enough to accommodate such a big crowd was extensively decorated, colourful lights were strewn across the ceiling and fresh flowers were placed in strategic places, to create a calming and romantic atmosphere.

It was about 7 in the evening when the guests started showing. Everyone congratulated Hinata-sama on a job well done. Naruto-sama would boast on his wife's achievement, telling them that a successful man will always have a supportive woman by the side. Hinata could only blush deeply. The party was a success, laughter could be heard and not a single frown could be seen.

However, in another part of the mansion. A girl stood in the vacant hallway, away from the excitement of the night. She was intrigued by the vastness of the house and decided to explore the grounds. She got lost however. But as she decided to call out for help, she saw a painting that forever captivated her attention. A familiar feeling of grief washed over her that she could not comprehend. She placed her hand over her heart and with that hand she placed it on the painting, outlining the rose that was forgotten.

" What are you doing here?" a voice in the shadows could be heard. She turned around startled, cursing herself for not being able to feel the presence. She was a ninja after all. She peered into the darkness and relief washed over her as he stepped out into the faint light of the hallway. He glared at her slightly, his sliver eyes gazing into her deep amber eyes. She grinned brightly as she recognised the robust and muscular figure of her comrade.

" Hyuuga Tori… You scared me," she exclaimed adding a hint of false anger in her voice. Secretly, she was happy that he was there, no more was she left in the darkness. She had seen him from far, practicing his kaiten, or his taijutsu skills. He is the year's prodigy after all.

She only sees him when they are assigned on missions together. The Rokudaime, repeatingly telling them that with her accuracy and his defense, that they would be invincible, that they should train together. She would nod her head in agreement after all he was the hokage but she would always wonder why he had that distant look in his eye whenever he saw Tori and herself together.

" What are you doing here, Hikaru Ten?" He said his voice low, a glint of amusement in his clear eyes. He knew that she would get easily annoyed at him mimicking her. He didn't dislike her. She was bearable to be around. Her laughter, her smile was infectious. He had a sense of serenity when he was around her. In addition, she wasn't like any of his squealing and annoying fan girls. He was satisfied with her as she wasn't weak, her weapons skilled could never be rivaled so far. That was why he never had any objections when he was paired with her during missions, she performed the missions flawlessly.

She sighed. " I got lost but then I saw this…" She pointed a slim finger towards the painting and she found herself drawn to the image yet again. He watched her closely, her porcelain face seemed angelic in the light, her eyes full of concentration and sorrow. He turned to the painting and gazed at it in silence, pondering on a matter. Never has he met a person who was drawn to this image with such intensity like he was. He would pause shortly in the hallway whenever he would pass by the painting for a while to look at it's fleeting beauty.

" What do you see, Tori?" Ten asked after a few moments of silence, eyes still focused on the image.

" I see a rose," he said in monotone, his face oblivious of any emotion. He saw her nod, satisfied with his reply. " What do you see?" Wanting to know her point of view as well.

She turned to face him, a small smile on her face. " You'll find out one day," she said teasingly but with a slight sadness to her voice. He felt a tug on his heart and slowly cupped his hand on her cheek. She looked up at him in surprise, voiceless when he slowly devoured her lips. Eyes closed, both of them savoured the soft touch of warmth. They withdrew a minute later, breathless. An uncomfortable silence enveloped the two of them, Ten blushing prettily while Tori averting his gaze elsewhere.

" I see a tragedy…" Ten said eventually, after much silence, her head bowed down to the floor. He looked at her again, and slowly lifted her chin up so that she faced him.

" I doubt that it would end that way…' he says, taking her dainty hand into his own. And they heard a whisper…so soft like a murmur….

The flower withers, the seed remains….. and the flower blooms again.

In the end, for those who love,

Time is eternity…

Owari

Hope I didn't dissapoint you guys with the ending.. I really tried I did..But happy endings is just not my thing…lol…oh well if I get flames I'll totally understand.. Anyway, sorry for the late update..soo busy and I wanted to make the two chapters at least to my liking.

Cries…this is my last chapter, the last time I'll write My Façade. Thanks for all your support, everyone for reading it from chapter one till chapter 7. That was really awesome. Thanks again.

If you don't know how to review just click the bottom button, you don't have to be a member to review too you know. Non members review are allowed too.

Thanks you again for your support.. And if you do want to read more of my works. I have another fic coming up called For Redemption. Please read it if it interests you..

naash