I know...I know...I'm so damn slow...but school is in like...3 days so for the past week or so I was enjoying what i have left of summer as much as I can...I actually wanted to finish this the story before school stared but...hah! that went down the drain didn't it? I still have soo much more left. But I've decided I'll make it up to you guys in the next or one of the upcoming chapters. If you know what I mean...Anyways, enjoy my sufficiently long enough chapter.

I taste death in every kiss we share

and every sundown seems to be the last we have

your breathe on my skin has the scent of our end

and i'm drunk of your tears baby, can't you see its hurting?

disclaimer: I don't own this stuff...obviously.

Love Like Winter

"You know…I've always wondered…since Americans throw rice at their weddings…do we throw hamburgers at ours?" Ino questioned as she filed her nails.

"…What kind of question is that Ino…?"

"You find a way to kill time billboard brow." Sakura grunted in agitation before throwing the volley ball in her hands hard towards Ino, "Ouch! You broke my nail you asshole!"

"Ugh…when is practice going to start?" Sakura drawled out lying down on the same bench Ino had fallen off.

"No clue…" Tenten quickly spoke as she passed the volley ball back to Hinata standing a small distance away from her. It was already four p.m. and they had better things to do than spend their entire day in the school's gym.

"…Say I never asked you guys…why do you think Kabuto stole those cards from Sasuke's wallet…?" Sakura asked.

"…Bomb the taverns we go to?" Ino suggested sarcastically.

"Seriously Ino…"

"…He might try stalking us…" Hinata offered quietly.

"It's possible...though he'd be having a pretty hard time…we have backup waiting for us in all the taverns…Kabuto isn't that bold to just waltz in, watch us do our thing then follow us out."

"…Well I'm almost sure we'll be able to stop him if he does try something funny." Tenten spoke catching the ball from Hinata. They did realize there were other girls in the gym, but they were pretty far away. They stopped talking once the Volley ball coach came in through the doors. What they did had to be kept a secret, or else…

--

The walk home for Tenten was never pleasant. She preferred walking over riding her motor bike. It was the evening and the weather was lovely, slightly chilly though. Tenten loved autumn, she thought it was beautiful, breathe taking. She was walking down the sidewalk, watching the Sakura blossoms to her right gracefully fall to the ground.

Her favorite season would have to be winter. Many people would have preferred spring or something else but she saw the true beauty of winter. How the snowflakes gently fell from the sky, how the kids would build snowmen in their front yard. Despite that it was still cold and frosty; winter had a dark side, that's just want Tenten loved about it.

Everything had a dark side, she thought but everything did have a bright side, everything. She found herself lost in her thoughts as she continued walking down the empty streets. She adjusted her school bag, sighing to herself. Nothings been going as planned, that little incident with Sasuke had her pondering, Kabuto's pretty bright, and she didn't like it one bit. Her last rendezvous with Neji had her thinking too, he was on her mind and that wasn't a good sign.

She let out a ragged breathe as she reached the gates of her destination. She lightly placed one hand on the steel gate pushing it more open. The smell of death filled her nostrils and she felt her stomach sink into the ground. She scrunched up her nose in dislike as she walked in. Visiting the cemetery seemed like the closest she could get to the one she loved.

She walked across the large area, the place looked haunted but it eventually grew on her. She finally reached the desired gravestone. She crouched down to get a better look at it, lightly touching the stone surface of the gravestone. The cold texture had shivers running down her spine; she closed her eyes for a brief minute.

"Hi mom…sorry I'm a bit late today…" She opened her eyes again, they were so dry, she didn't have any more tears to cry, "…I wish I could ask you how you are but…" Tenten's lips cracked into a small grin, "…it doesn't seem like I'm getting an answer anytime soon…" Tenten's small grin soon faded, "…I miss you mom."

Tenten sat down right on the spot, hugging her legs close to her chest. Sometimes she wondered what life would be like if her mother was still alive. Her mother passed away when she was six and she soon got thrown into an orphanage. By the time Tenten became twelve she received a letter from her dead mother, in it was a check, with more money than she could imagine, her mother had been saving up for her. A month before she turned twelve she had received another letter from Lee who got adopted by a man in a green jumpsuit a while ago. He told her where he was and how he was, and that's when she decided to run away from Mist and off to Leaf.

The escape went well, and though the walk was long and everything was hasty, she still made it, she found Lee, and a new life. A good half an hour passed as Tenten just sat there, watching her mother's grave as if it was the latest TV show. It was getting late and she was thinking whether to leave or not. She got up, dusting off her school skirt.

She stopped slowly when she heard the gates creep open. She turned around to see who it was. The fog and the dim lighting made it hard to see. She usually didn't find anyone visiting, at least not at this time, but she was a bit late today. She could see a figure moving from afar; it had long hair and a pretty nice physic.

She took a few steps closer to the figure moving towards her. Wait hold on, long black silky hair, good physic? No way. Tenten shook her head lightly and hid behind a tree, looking around it to keep an eye on the person moving closer to her. She took one last peek and her suspicion was clear.

Neji Hyuuga.

What the hell is he doing there? Was he stalking her? Was he that desperate? No…he could have any girl he wanted, he wouldn't go as far as following her to a freaking graveyard. She leaned against the tree bark, slightly turning her head to the side. She could hear his footsteps come to a halt; she wanted to stay for a bit, she was dying to know what he was doing here.

She leaned harder against the tree, her body turned to the side so that she could hear everything, "…Hey dad…" Oh snap, "I know I'm a bit early today…It's just that I want to be home before Hiashi arrives," Tenten's eyebrows scrunched up, why and what? "He hasn't improved much…" Neji shoved his hands into his jean pockets and Tenten was still beyond confused, "…He hasn't been treating Hinata or Hanabi that well lately…"

Tenten began putting the pieces together, he couldn't mean… "I don't know what to do anymore father…" His voice sounded strained and hurt now and it somehow hit Tenten's sensitive spot, "…I can't do anything but watch!" Tenten closed her eyes tightly, lightly scratching the bark with her nails, "…but watch them…get beaten…hurt…mistreated…right in front of my eyes." Tenten shook her head, this was wrong, these were his personal problems, and she shouldn't be eavesdropping.

"..I'm going crazy pops…I don't know what to do…." Tenten began moving backwards, trying to find a way to maybe exit the graveyard without alerting Neji, "…I wish you were here to help me, maybe this all wouldn't have happened." Tenten stepped back slowly, making sure not to make a single sound…

Snap

"…shit." Tenten whispered to herself, hoping Neji didn't hear that either, she moved around the tree a bit more in hope of getting away without being noticed. She stared down at the ground as she kept tiptoeing over the dead leaves. It wasn't working considering when she looked up, Neji was right in her face. He didn't look happy…or mad. He looked…confused?

"…What are you…doing…here?" Tenten's eyes were wide open, staring into his confused white orbs. He had one hand on the tree bark next to hers and his face was only a good ten to fifteen centimeters away from hers. Tenten tried to talk, but the words wouldn't seem to come out.

"…I…" He nodded his head for her to keep going but she just shook her head slowly.

"…Were you...eavesdropping on me?" He questioned, a pinch of anger was hinted in his voice. She tried talking again, but now it seemed impossible for her. She simply shook her head again and sighed.

"…No…I…" He stood up straight, the questioning look still not leaving his face.

"…You what, Tenten?" He spoke impatiently, annoyance dropped from each word.

"…I didn't mean to." Where had he heard that before? She stood up straight, looking up at him. His eyes softened at her innocent face.

"…What did you hear…?" He whispered gently, looking away.

"…Everything." Her voice was barely audible. He sighed leaning the side of his body against the tree. She looked up at him, and he couldn't help the small smile tugging at his lips. She looked so innocent and fragile. Tenten was anything but innocent and fragile in all realities.

"…I won't tell anyone Neji." She whispered again, and he smiled to himself. He stood back up again and looked around, it looked late but…he still had time to kill. He looked at his watch then back at Tenten. He studied her for a minute before talking.

"…Um…you wanna go get some ice cream or something…?" Tenten smiled. Well, that's something out of the ordinary...and very...random.

--

"That'll be 2.99 please." Tenten never thought she'd see the day the Neji Hyuuga would buy her ice cream.

"Thanks." Neji handed the man in the booth the money and turned around to Tenten who gave her chocolate ice cream a good lick. He lightly smiled before he began walking again, Tenten right beside him. She looked up at him.

"Thanks Neji."

"No problem…" He looked at her again as she gave her ice cream another good flick. He felt a little blood rise to his face, or somewhere else, he couldn't tell. He lightly cleared his throat and looked away.

"Hmm, you want a bite?" Tenten gestured the ice cream towards him. He simply shook his head.

"No thanks, I'm not a fan of chocolate."

"Ever give it a try…?"

"No, but…it doesn't look inviting." Tenten grinned lightly and stopped in front of Neji. Not inviting, huh? In one swift movement she leaned up to him catching his lips in a tasty, chocolaty kiss. He didn't think fast enough to realize he was kissing her back. His hands were shoved into his pockets and hers were at her sides, one still holding the ice cream.

Her tongue darted into his mouth letting him taste every ounce of chocolate, and judging by the quick reaction, he liked it. He leaned in a bit more, aggressively taking her mouth in his. Perhaps they forgot there were people everywhere, walking on the side walk, in a café…but this is a free country!

She slowly backed away from him, watching him as he stayed in his position; eyes closed and lips slightly agape, "Still uninviting?" Tenten lightly bit on her lower lip, mischief written all over her innocent face.

"…Unless… you're the one offering it." Neji ran his tongue across his lips, savoring the taste as he reopened his eyes. Their eyes got caught in what seemed like forever to come. Tenten quickly shook it off and began walking again, completely forgetting what she had started, again.

"Let's keep going." But he still remembered. It was killing him, how this was becoming something he hadn't expected. It was going as planned…just not the way he thought.

--

The walk seemed so long. Tenten's apartment building was so far away, and unluckily Neji decided not to bring his bike today. They both walked a safe distance away from each other, looking separate ways. Tenten lightly rubbed her hand, the ice cream and the breezy weather didn't fit in well together. Winter was in about a good two months or so.

The streets were anything but crowded. It seemed deserted now. The sky was gray and dark. The silence between them had been going on for long now and you could almost feel the tension in the air. Tenten was the first to break the silence.

"…Neji…" He turned to her expectedly, "about what you said a while ago…" He gave her a questioning look, "…about Hiashi." Neji stopped in his tracks and looked away from her, Tenten stopped a distance in front of him, "Is it true?" He sighed and closed his eyes.

"…Of course it is Tenten…why would I brother with lying to a dead body?" His words sounded vain and hurt, Tenten nodded her head when Neji began walking again.

"Why do you bother talking to it then?"

"…It's better than talking to yourself."

"Isn't talking to somebody who is dead like talking to yourself?"

"…Somehow…I feel like that person is listening…" Tenten smiled lightly.

"…You know…" She inched a bit closer to him, her hand grazing his lightly, "…I'm willing to listen," she lightly traced her fingers across his hand and his heart froze for a minute...simple gestures like this weren't supposed to affect him, "If you're willing to talk." In that mere second thunder struck. Neji's eyes widened as he peered up at the sky. Tenten felt tiny droplets fall onto her hand. She looked at her hand, the droplets felt nice against her skin.

"You've got to be kidding me." The rain slowly got heavier, both of them doing nothing but standing there and watching the rain fall, getting heavier and heavier. The thunder struck again and Tenten turned around to face Neji. He didn't look too happy with the situation but she thought otherwise. She giggled lightly and grinned.

"I'll race you to the apartment building."

"What...?!" Neji looked at her in bewilderment. Was she insane?

"Oh c'mon, I thought you were the top of the track team." She began jogging lightly as he stood there raising his hands in question.

"Yeah but…it's different…ugh...wait!" He began lightly running as well as to not slip and break his neck on the wet concrete but she was way ahead, she didn't seem to have much of a problem. He sped up a bit in effort to catch up, he hated playing in the rain, but the sight of her in front of him, with her cloths clinging to her tight body gave him a good energy boost.

No matter how far they got he was still behind her. The rain didn't seem like it was getting lighter anytime soon and every now and then one of the two would lightly slip but regain balance. They must have passed half a dozen buildings or houses by now, both being top of the track team, running at this speed and this far, was a breeze for them.

He lightly grinned when he saw her look back at him and giggle. He knew the building wasn't far now. Even if she stopped, he'd still be chasing her, he enjoyed chasing her. No matter how long they've been running, something kept 'em both going. His smile got wider when he inched even closer to her, they were both laughing by now, at the sheer stupidity of it. The whole world seemed slower, and the only thing moving fast was them.

Their cloths were heavy and their hair was wet and damp. Tenten's legs finally gave up on her as she neared the building. She felt herself slip but soon got bumped by something hard and fast. Tenten hit the ground unexpectedly but felt something cradle her head from touching the floor.

Neji was on top of her in an awkward position; a smile was plastered on both their faces before they cracked up again. He watched her as she laughed uncontrollably, he took a liking to it, he'd have to make her laugh more often. Her laughter came to a slow stop, her eyes softening. Both their smiles soon faded as they peered at each other. Ten seconds seemed like a thousand. He was sick of staring at her, always staring. He wanted to do more.

He, without thinking of the consequences, leaned into her face catching her soft wet lips in one desperate move. She replied with as much desperation, deep down inside of her…she was yearning to be touched, to be wanted, to be loved. She wrapped her arms around his neck bringing him closer, his body heat warming her cold figure.

Did they forget they were lying down on the sidewalk? Did he forget he had to be somewhere to be? Did she forget she wasn't supposed to be doing this? He wrapped her legs around his waist as she bit on his lip. Her wet skirt was rising up more than it should have and it had his blood circulating where it shouldn't be at the moment. His strong hands roamed the sides of her body, going underneath her wet shirt, feeling the texture of her soft tanned skin. It shot electricity through is warm body, but he had to stop…before he gets too far. He gave her one last aggressive kiss before backing away from her slowly. The expression on her face alone had his hormones jumping all over the place.

He knew he could have her, right now, just by doing her in her own apartment but no. He knew there was more to it; this was much harder than he thought. She wouldn't be just another lousy fuck. Tenten trailed her hands down his chest as he got off her, holding her hands to pull her up. He slipped back a bit and pulled her into him again. The close proximity had them both feeling a bit funny. It shouldn't have.

They seemed to struggle with walking away from each other. The wet floor was finally having an effect on them. Tenten looked up at him, her breathing slightly hard, they just stared at each other for what seemed like forever, that was probably the most awkward situation they have been in so far. They weren't in a private room this time or in a dry place. Just makes it all the funner.

"…You want to come inside and call a cab or something…?"

An Invitation. Splendid.

--

"Alright, thanks."

Neji put the phone down, looking around the apartment. It was cozy enough, nothing too special. A kitchen, a tiny living room and a bedroom, but he seemed to take a liking to it. He lightly placed his hand on the coach's armrest, studying the small place.

"You call the cab yet?" Neji quickly looked over at Tenten who was clad in a small tight black tank top and a pair of dry short shorts. She had a few cloths in her arms. Neji looked at her for a bit then shook it off.

"Yeah, he should be here in a few." She nodded back and walked over to him handing him the dry cloths. She made her way to the window to look at the weather outside. The rain was still heavy.

"You can use those for now." She looked back at him to find him staring at the cloths oddly. Baggy ripped jeans that were way too big for her, and a huge white hoodie. Tomboy. He inspected the cloths a bit longer before looking at her. He was a bit dry by now but his cloths were still wet and his hair was still damp.

"Thanks." Tenten lightly blushed when she found him taking off his shirt right there on the spot. She turned her head a bit to the side only to look back again and get a good glimpse of his god like body. He was wet and shirtless, and this was the second time she had seen him without a top and damn it. She might as well take a picture, it'll last longer. She turned around fully when he kept going.

She gave him a good minute or so to put on the pants before turning back around. Deep down inside of her, she liked the way he looked like wearing her cloths. He lifted up the sleeves before walking to her. He stood in front of her as she leaned back against the big window.

"I should've been home by now." He moved a bit to the side and peered out the window.

"Well it's too late to regret it now." She crossed her arms over her chest.

"Yeah you're right...but who said I regret it?" Tenten looked at him sourly. She might've been lustful, but not stupid.

"…Do you ever give up?" He kept on looking outside the window, watching the rain fall, ignoring her completely. He used to think trying with her was bullshit but it was true this time…he didn't regret it, it was worth it. Soon enough he saw a cab arrive in front of the building. His ride was here. He looked back at her.

"No…" He gave her a lip smacking kiss on the side of her neck; his cold lips had her feeling warm again, "Bye…" The words came out a whisper as he quickly made his way outside the room snatching his wet cloths along the way. She stood in her place even after hearing the door shut close. She turned around to look outside the window again. She found him walking quickly to the car. He opened the door and looked back up at her one last time. His eyes were sharp and breathe taking. She stared back. His gaze was always cold though, always. She shivered slightly. His face was blank when he entered the car. Cold. everything about him was like Winter.

She sighed in frustration banging the wall with her fist before walking out of the living room. This was becoming something much more than she could've imagined and a part of her knew...she had to help him.

--

Neji stepped out of the cab, pulling the hood of the jacket on top of his head as he walked away from the iy and through the gates of the mansion. He lightly jogged across the porch, taking off the hood as he opened the door to the house. He closed the door gently and looked around. It was way too quite. Something wasn't right.

"…Shit." He quickly ran ahead, running up the stairs as quickly and swiftly as possible. He knew he should've come home earlier; maybe do something about the situation at hand this time. He hurried across the empty hall, the sound of voices becoming louder and clearer now.

He ran to the open door across the hall in hope to stop what was going on. This was the first time he ever tried, the first time. He reached the door, busting in, his face held a scarred expression as the sound of a good smack echoed throughout the small room. Neji didn't move from his spot.

Hinata stood in front of her enraged and wasted father, her face turned the whole way around, her body not moving a single bit. She moved her head back, fumbled with her mouth before spiting a bit of blood out. The funny thing was, she didn't look scared or worried, she looked like she had gone through this before, as if she was fed up with it. She lightly rubbed her jaw as her father stumbled to his left. Neji walked hurriedly to him; there was only solution to this.

BAM

To knock him out. Neji quickly caught Hiashi before he could hit the floor, gently dropping him to the cold wooden ground. He looked up to Hinata, she held a saddened expression on her face. She quickly walked across the room entering the bathroom. Neji followed her in.

Hinata stared at the mirror dully, Neji standing right behind her. She opened the cabinet to fetch herself a cotton bud, "I'm sorry." Hinata stopped her actions and turned her head to the side.

"For what Neji-san?" Neji always thought that one day, Hinata would give up the friendly act and get a little mad, but it didn't look like it was happening anytime soon. Neji looked at the small bruises on Hinata's arm then back at her red cheek.

"I could've been here earlier- She closed the cabinet loud silencing him.

"I'm fine Neji." Neji's face looked hurt for a minute before he tried extending his arm to lightly pat her shoulder.

"Neji please…" He stopped, "I need some alone time…" He brought his hand back. She seemed to be struggling with her words. Her hand was lightly shaking; he just looked away before nodding and walking away. He dragged Hiashi by his foot out of the room and dropped him off outside the door before closing it.

He let out a sigh before continuing down the hall. He slammed his door open before roughly closing it shut. The slam echoed throughout the house. Neji leaned against the door, sliding down as he put his hand up to cover his face. He hated this. Everything wasn't going right, up till the extent where is was becoming scary. His left hand moved to sensitive spot on his right one. He roughly rubbed the bandaged spot, the need becoming almost unbearable. He needed to escape, to go to another world. To escape this nightmare.

He quickly got up and removed the hoodie Tenten had let him borrow unaware that Hinata had recognized it as well. He threw it on the coach as he quickly walked to the cabinet near his bed. He sat himself down as he opened it, rummaging through the content in search for his exit. He grinned to himself when he finally found it; quickly grabbed it and lifting it up to his face.

He gave the needle a good two taps, smiling cheekily at it. Perfect. Who was gonna help him? Get rid of his love to this addiction.

Yay, I'm done. Lets celebrate. Or not. Anyways in case any of you are wondering why some characters are MIA its cause...all of them have specific roles...they'll have their time in the spot light, trust me. Yes all characters. Anyways school is in 3 days for me...(the uniform sucks this year! It looks even gayer than last year) thats off topic...the point is when school arrives I might update even slower...or faster cause during the weekends I'll have my creative mood swings but yeah. Btw the chapter's name is an alright song by AFI. Imma go now.

Later sweethearts.

You've read now review. Please and thank you.