Another Night On The Boardwalk

Hello! I'm still on vacation. :P But, I managed to type this in my spare time. I had practically no internet connection (because our dial-up was the slowest thing ever :P High-speed is my life), so I couldn't post this for awhile. So sorry for the wait! :) Please enjoy this chapter, and don't forget to review! ;)

In case you were wondering, it's been two days since my fight with Ino, and I have not said a single word to her. In fact, I really haven't said anything to anyone…excluding Sasuke and Neji; both for the obvious reasons that they present themselves with. So when Sasuke asked me to meet him, to discuss something important about the wedding details, I had to practically drag myself to go see him. I mean, I really did not feel like talking to anyone at the moment. Besides! He has yet to apologize for letting the booze get the better of him; making him spill the beans about our current relationship. But, of course, being Sasuke, AND my fiancé, he got his way.

I managed to get there on time (twelve minutes early this time), and let myself into his place. He was sitting down on the sofa, with his feet on the coffee table while watching TV. Once he saw me enter, he stood up right away, and greeted me with his usual 'Hey'.

"Hi, Sasuke!" I greeted, as I ripped off my bag and draped it on a nearby chair. "I wasn't keeping you waiting, right?"

He shook his head. "No, not really. Just got out of the shower." Sasuke ran a hand through his inky duck-butt hair. "I have a meeting to attend."

I let my eyes roam around on his body. He was dressed quite nicely, in a black suit and tie, with a red dress shirt underneath. "That would probably explain the outfit." I chuckled. "If you have somewhere you need to be, we can always do this later…"

"No, no, don't say that. It shouldn't take long. I just need to tell you something." Sasuke replied.

What? Have you even heard of a cell phone? I sighed. Why not just call me, rather than making me drive a half hour just so you can talk…for once! Jeez, there's only so much a woman can do! I pushed the thoughts out of my head, as he grabbed my hands, and sat me down on the couch. "What is it?" I asked, once he was also sitting.

He looked at me with a serious look on his face. "I got a promotion."

"…WHAT!" I exclaimed. I wrapped my arms around him, and gave him a tight hug. "That's great! Congrats!"

"Thanks." He replied, with a soft smile on his face. I raised a brow at that. Sasuke looked so serious, when obviously, this was great news. There must be something he's not telling me. I decided to call him out on it.

"What's wrong?" I asked. "Aren't you happy?" Any man that felt sad after getting a promotion, obviously knew more than they were letting on. But then again, this IS Sasuke we're talking about…

"Oh, yeah, for sure. I've been waiting for this position for such a long time. It's just…" His voice trailed off, as he picked up a random candle off of his coffee table, and started playing with it. He then turned to look at me again. "I have to go away with all of the big-boys for a massive business trip."

"So?" I asked. "That's awesome! What could possibly be wrong with that!" Sounded like a good idea to me. I mean, aside from the business bit, it should be pretty fun. I've never really had the opportunity to go on vacations and such, but judging on what I've heard from friends, there's certainly nothing wrong with them.

Sasuke sighed. "Well, we're going to Australia, and the trip should last for a good five months at the very least, so…"

"Oh." I said. I finally knew where he was going with this. Our wedding's supposed to be in six months, and with him going on a trip for five months means that we'd only have a month to plan out a wedding. There's certainly not enough time to do so. "So…" I continued. "You called me here to tell me that…you think that I should plan the wedding without you…right?" When he nodded, I sighed. "I'm sorry Sasuke, but that would be physically impossible for me. I can only do so much…"

Sasuke nodded. "I know. My secretary and I talked about that, and she pointed me to a wedding planner. Said that this girl's real good at doing these things; planned hers apparently. I thought it was a good idea, so I set an appointment for this afternoon. Can you make it?"

I was resisting the urge to swear at this point. Why? Well, I had plans. The reunion was tonight, and I for sure, was not going to miss it. I didn't get 'feminized' yesterday for nothing! Besides, he could've at least told me a little sooner that he did all of this! I hate not being included in the details, especially when the details are surrounding MY wedding.

I completely ignored my wants, and forced a smile. "Maybe. What time did you book us in for? I'm going to the reunion this evening, and don't want to miss it."

He smirked. "I know. I made sure that it wasn't then. The appointment's in an hour. Hope you can make it."

"Yeah, I'll try." I replied.

He then wrote down the address to the place on a post-it note, and put it in my bag. "I have to go now. They'll be mad if I'm late. I'll call you with the details, alright?"

I didn't know why, but suddenly, I became very pissed off at him. And no, it was not caused by my hormones. I mean, marriage is a symbolism of two people who have chosen each other to share an eternity with 'till death does them apart', not until the groom runs off, 'leaving everything for the bride because she obviously has no life'! Don't get me wrong, I am a proud feminist, but this was just too much!

Sasuke must've sensed my sudden mood shift, because he sighed, and wrapped his arms around me in a bear hug. "I'm sorry." He pulled back and looked at me. "If you want, you can bring the girls along for the appointment. You might feel more comfortable."

I didn't exactly feel like telling him that we girls weren't speaking to each other, so I just nodded. "Yeah, sure. I'll bring the girls…"

"I don't know whether to feel happy that you asked me, or offended…" Neji said bluntly.

I laughed. "Maybe a bit of both…?"

We were driving over to where the appointment was supposed to be, and Neji was a little bit curious as to why I asked him of all people to come with me. To be honest, I don't know why I did. Maybe because I wasn't talking to the girls…? I dunno. I mean, when I got home, he was lazing around watching TV, so I thought, 'what the hell', and asked him. At that moment, he seemed fine with it, but now in the car, he was starting to question my ability to make any judgments.

"You know how on TV, the girl's gay friend always follows the girl around and tells what to wear and all that crap? Yeah, I feel like that right now." Neji continued. "I really should cut my hair…It seems to be giving people the wrong impression…"

I couldn't help but to laugh. He was being so dramatic about everything. "Neji, I did not ask you to come because of your hair! I asked you because I trust your ability to make wise decisions, and so you can aide myself to do the same." I turned to him. "But you know, a hair cut would be nice…"

"Oh, shut up…" Neji replied, as he turned into the parking lot of the place. The building looked very small, compared to what I had imagined. I expected something big and fancy, seeing as it's Sasuke we're talking about, but no! It was a cute little cottage-like thing. "Reminds you of the cottage at the academy, right?" He asked, catching me off guard.

"Yeah, kinda." I said. "The only thing it's missing is the boardwalk. Damn, I miss that place."

Neji smiled softly. "Yeah, same…Feels like it's been forever since I've last been there…"

I smiled softly. I really wish that I was saying the same thing, but I obviously couldn't. I've gone there everyday for the past five years, after all. I was not about to tell him this, so I nodded along with him.

"Ready to go in?" Neji asked, as he unbuckled his seat belt. I kept on nodding, so he smirked. "Then let's go and get this over with."

"Yeah. Get it over with."

"Oh! Hello, hello! Welcome to the Wedding Wish, where we make your wedding wishes come true! Do you have an appointment, or do you wish to schedule one?"

I politely smiled at the man. Sure, he was a bit creepy, but you certainly couldn't fault his enthusiasm. "Um, yes. I have an appointment."

"Oh, yes, of course!" He said, clapping his hands dramatically. However, his happiness soon faded, the minute he saw Neji. "Who's he? The groom?"

"No, no, we're nothing like that…" I started. My voice trailed off, as I watched his face return to its happy state.

"Well, what is he! Your driver? Your chaperone?"

My jaw dropped. I think I just died of embarrassment. Neji…my chaperone! There are so many things wrong with that! I don't even know where to begin! First of all: I'm a grown woman. I don't need a babysitter, especially when I'm about to get married. Secondly: We have proven to each other in the past that we are equals…you know, excluding our height difference. And finally: I'm older than Neji! Sure, it's only a few months, but still!

I looked over at Neji, who was practically choking because of his laughter. He probably was thinking about how contradicting that was. Or he was being an ass, and just wanted to make me feel horrible about myself…Yeah, that sounds Nejish.

"No, you've got it all wrong. I'm a friend. The groom is working." Neji clarified, once the laughter faded. "This is just a friend giving another friend a hand."

"Oh, I'm glad you said that. Because you see, I have a friend that could also use a hand, if you know what I mean." The creepy man said, while wagering his brows. "Maybe you could help…?"

Neji shrugged. "I guess. If it's within my abilities."

"Oh, yes, I'm sure it's within your…abilities. They just need someone to soothe the ache they bare." He continued.

Neji pushed up his sleeves. "What, like a bad back? I'm not a doctor yet, so I can't prescribe anything to your friend…"

I sighed. If you'd just listen, Hyuuga, you'd realize that he's NOT talking about his or anyone else's health. Obviously, this is some sexual assault targeted towards you. God, Neji is stupid. "Sorry to disappoint you, but he's gay. No girl that you know would ever end up with him." Man, you owe me…

"Silly girl! I'm talking about me!" The pervert exclaimed. He grabbed Neji's arm. "Oh, if we're both gay, we might have a chance! What do you say!"

"Tenten!" Neji hissed.

I covered my mouth with my hand. Looks like I'm the one who misunderstood this time… "Oh, shit…sorry…!"

Neji growled. After that, I burst out laughing. I knew that it was completely wrong to do so, but I mean…this moment was priceless! Gotta enjoy it, right?

"Sir, please try to understand! I'm not gay! I just…" Neji exclaimed. "Tenten! Please…!"

I wiped the tears that were pouring out of my eyes. I could not stop laughing. Just imagine your ex-boyfriend being fondled by some creepy dude right in front of your eyes! Spastastic indeed!

But, Neji's a friend…a friend I hold very close to my heart (cheesy…), so I knew that I couldn't let him suffer for too much longer.

"Sir, my friend is taken." I explained. "So sorry. Perhaps we could skip all of this…stuff, and jump right into business…?"

"Right! So sorry! These hormones just drive me insane!" He forced a moan, causing Neji and I to cringe. "What name is your appointment under!"

I giggled. What a piece of work this guy was. "Try Uchiha."

The man groaned. "Oh, how I'd love to try Uchiha. He's so sexy. Makes my senses tingle!"

"…Uh, right…"

I am officially creeped out.

"Sorry to keep you waiting…"

Neji and I stood up immediately when we heard my wedding planner's voice. We had been sitting in her office for awhile now, and were rather anxious to stand up, get to work, or do something. But when I saw her walk through the door, I knew right away that I wanted to go home. Why? Well, I knew her.

She gasped when she saw me. "Neji…? Oh, shit! TENTEN!"

"Karin." I greeted. There was a very awkward…tension in the room. Now, you know me, and how much I hate these awkward situations that I always get myself into. You also know how I always like to lighten the mood when I get placed in such situations. So, of course, I did that. And I had to say the dorkiest thing…. "Nice weather, huh?" I could hear the two other people in the room chuckle, as I scratched the back of my neck. I guess it worked, and lightened the mood, but still, I would've preferred to use a less stupid way of doing it. But of course, I never listen to myself, and I had to keep pressing on about it… "So…uh…sunny!"

Neji smirked. "Yes, indeed."

Karin started biting her lip. "Right." The awkward tension kept on looming through the room. "So, uh…my name is Karin, and I'll be your wedding planner for the big event. Are you two the lucky couple?"

I couldn't help but to laugh. "Cut the crap Karin! Let's just do this, okay?"

She chuckled. "Yeah, okay. So…" All three of us sat down; Karin behind the desk and Neji and I sitting on the other side. "Tell me a bit about your relationship…"

"Oh, no…it's not…" My voice trailed off. I kinda felt…sad for denying us as a couple. I couldn't help it! Blame my obsession, okay?

Karin raised an eyebrow. "Really? You mean you two aren't…?" Neji and I shook our heads, making Karin sigh. "Well then, who is!"

"Um, I am. To…Sasuke…" I said, making Karin gasp.

"Goodness! You've got all of them wrapped around your finger, don't you?" Karin replied, smirking. Normally, I would've spazzed out at that, but I decided to let it go. No use in bringing up the past. Time to move on.

But still, even though I kept telling myself this, I couldn't. I absolutely could not let go of the past and forget everything that's happened to me. I mean, it was something that I held dear to me, even though it wasn't the greatest. But even then, one thing was for sure: I was not comfortable having this bitch plan my wedding. Not at all.

We kept talking about the wedding plans, budget, place, and all that jazz. After a while, we started talking about life, and the reunion that was supposed to take place tonight…which made me think about why I did not want Karin planning my wedding even more. I can plainly see that she has changed, and can also notice how much more clothes she was wearing, but the fact still remained that I did not feel comfortable.

"I'll see you tonight, I guess?" Karin asked when our meeting had finished. We were just about to leave her office.

"Yeah, for sure. See you there." I replied. Neji and I both waved to her, and walked back towards the car.

"Neji, I really don't feel comfortable." I said bluntly once we were both seating in the car.

He gave me a weird look. "Take off those goofy looking shoes then. Maybe then your feet can breathe."

"Oh, not physically! I'm talking about having that home wrecking bitch plan MY wedding. Too awkward!" I exclaimed. I looked over at him. He was nodding. "Advice, please?" I asked.

Neji sighed. "Well, just give it a few more days. I'm sure you'll get more opened up towards her. If you still feel that way, then ask someone else to plan it."

I sighed, and leaned back into my seat. "I guess you're right…God! Why is he making me do everything! So he's going to Australia! Why not just change the date for the wedding!" I started rubbing my temple. I had a terrible headache, and it was all Sasuke's fault…kinda. "I swear, he is so stubborn! He refuses to get married if the wedding does not take place in six months. I mean, what is so special about March anyways?" I knew that Neji was probably sick of hearing my whining and rambling, but he listened patiently, and kept nodding.

"It's your birthday." Neji replied. He started looking at and fiddling with his thumbs. "Your birthday is in March."

I stared at him. I really did not expect him to remember such a tiny detail. "Yeah…it is."

"Twenty-four." Neji said. He looked back at my face. "Hard to believe."

"Yeah…really…" I nodded. I laughed softly. "How do we do it?" Neji raised a brow, making me smile softly. "How have we managed to stay friends for so long? We met when we were infants, actually became to know each other when we were eight, became best-friends when we were seventeen…" I laughed again. "How have we been friends for this long! Twenty-three years later?"

Neji looked at his thumbs once again. "We really haven't been friends for that long. Not one bit."

I didn't even have to question what he meant. I knew what he was talking about…because I felt the exact same way. We've never shared a friendship. It's always been something more…

Love.

Done!~ Hope you enjoyed it!

This chapter came out much longer than I expected :P But, I absolutely loved writing it! Especially the part with the creepy guy :P Could not help laughing at the 'Try Uchiha' thing :P Oh, how I love writing pervy-funniness :P

Now, I know that I said that this chapter would be the reunion, but I guess I lied :P Not really lied…but forgot that I had this one to post first…And I didn't want to rush into it :P Besides, all of my references for that chapter are on my desktop back at home :P I'm about 35 hours away from my 'office' as everyone likes to call it :p

But! I promise you that the nest chapter will be the reunion! It may not be for awhile though :P Sorry if there's a bit of a gap until my next post. I should be back at my 'office' in 2 weeks :)

In the mean time, PLEASE REVIEW!~ They make me write :)

I'll try to update again next week! :)

-nikijoshilove