A/N: Ahaha…this is a bit overdue…3

Chapter 10: Burn

Long after Neji leaves, I stay in the dark alcove thinking over his words.

He said we are bonded. Temari was just telling me about these bonds, but I have no idea what it entails.

More time passes before my resolve finally comes.

I need information and I have a feeling I know exactly who can give it to me.

"It's called a blood bond"

I'm sitting at a bar on the second floor of Jasmine Rocks the next day, as Itachi pours me a drink behind the bar.

It's afternoon and the club is vacant besides the two of us. Itachi is the only person I can think of that will give me the full story.

He slides the glass to me as I raise my brows. "Can we even get drunk?"

"Actually, yes." He lifts his glass to me as he leans over the bar. "Just takes a little bit longer for it to hit the system."

He clinks his glass with mine before continuing, "The blood bond is a physical and mental connection formed between mates. It allows you to feel one another's emotions as you become connected to each other's inner chakra."

"Okay, so how does it work?" I asked, taking a sip of the liquor.

"The connection is made when a special ritual is done and the vampires drink from each other," he explains. "You become emotionally attached to that person and your abilities enhance as you continue to drink their blood."

I absorb the information thoughtfully as I swirl my glass around the counter. "Okay but that doesn't explain how Neji and I became bonded. We've drunk from each other, but he has been acting weird around me for weeks now and I just turned a few days ago. We also just met."

Itachi finishes the rest of his drink gracefully and turns slightly away from me. "Well now, that's not entirely true. You've met before, you just don't remember."

Alright. Now I'm confused. "What do you mean?"

Itachi ignores me as he reaches under the bar for a bottle of vodka. He sets it on the counter with an unreadable emotion in his eyes. "Are you familiar with arranged marriages?" I nod my head as he grabs my half full glass. "I already said that these bonds strengthen your abilities. As you'd imagine, those couples with strong abilities before the bond are very powerful after the bond. Arranging marriages are effective ways to ensure power; and in the same way, so is arranging a bond."

He tops off my glass as I lean closer over the bar. "Temari told me that, but what does that have to do with me and Neji?"

"Your memory was wiped when you turned human, but you and Neji have met before," he pours another glass for himself as he looks at me seriously. "The Hyugas and Uchihas have plenty of history given our status as two of Konoha's pureblood clans and as such, it made sense to strengthen relations by an arranged bond. Before your second birthdays, you and Neji took part in the sealing ritual to bond you two together."

My head spins as Itachi's words hit me. Suddenly grateful for the drink, I down it in a clean swig as I refocus on him. "You're kidding me."

Itachi shakes his head lightly, "I have no reason to joke. Honestly, it is surprising that the bond stayed intact as you gained humanity. It only proves that you two have strong blood and will become even stronger."

"How do you know all of this anyway?" I ask.

Itachi moves from behind the bar to join me on a stool. "I am the current head of the Uchiha clan. I have access to all the historical data of our clan that was not stolen during the massacre. After your parents were killed and we discovered you were still alive as a human, I pulled your birth records and information."

I nod my head slowly. "So this bond is the reason why I am so attracted to him."

Itachi smirks at this, "Well Neji is a relatively handsome man without the bond, but yes; the bond makes you more attracted to his looks, and acutely aware of his scent."

I remind myself how easy it was to recognize his scent even when I was a human. I turn back to Itachi, "What about his blood. Does it enhance the taste too?"

Itachi nods, moving off his stool. "Blood, no matter who it belongs to, will always taste good; but the blood of your mate is the sweetest and most addicting substance you'll ever have."

"Of course it is," I mutter as I follow Itachi to the balcony of the club. No wonder I had been enjoying the blood so much during my transition.

I lean over the rail taking in the club's appearance; the space looks completely different during the day. The white marbling on the walls hold an air of class you would find in the president's home. It's hard to believe that this eloquent space will be the host of raunchy club goers and bar fights later in the evening.

"So your saying to me that basically because of some ritual our parents forced us to complete while we were kids, Neji and I are forced to like each other."

"Yes."

"And there's no way to break this bond."

Itachi looks at me with a wry smile, "Short of one of you dying? No, and even then you would still be connected to him."

"So there's nothing we can do about it then."

"No."

"Well okay then." No punishment there. Neji is smart, strong, and attractive; what more could you look for in a mate? Neji, however, doesn't seem to return the sentiment.

"So if Neji knows all of this, why is he trying to fight against it. Does he not like me that much?" I make eye contact with Itachi as his face becomes passive.

"It has nothing to do with you; it's more so his own hatred of not having control. Neji does not like being forced to do anything, even if it's good for him."

I remain silent as Itachi walks towards the stairs. "Cheer up Tenten, the game he is playing won't last long. The seal is active now that you have turned, and it will only continue to draw you two to each other until he caves."

He stops on the first step to look back at me. "Besides, It's only a matter of time until his body can't take it anymore. He can drink all the blood he wants from others, but his thirst will not cease until he tastes from you."

"You went to my brother?" Sasuke is at his desk when I pay a visit to him.

I throw myself onto his bed – earning a glare from him- as I sigh exceptionally loud. "Yes, I did. I needed answers, and you guys were not going to give them to me."

"You never asked," he challenges, but soon he sighs too. "But your right. Neji said he wanted to handle this on his own."

I stick my tongue out at him as I roll over our family crest. "Well, I guess I should just take Itachi's advice and wait for him to come to me."

"Neji is strong willed. He will fight it for as long as possible."

I sit up with a sigh, about to grumble more, when a loud bang on the door interrupts us.

I perk up curiously as Sasuke sighs. A second later, I am greeted by an overexcited Ino.

"There you are Tenten! I've been looking for you all day!" She marches across the room grabbing my arm. "We have a dress fitting today, and HoCo is next fricken week!"

She continues to babble as she drags me through the door. "Honestly, I don't know why I let you guys stall this for so long; if my dream dress is not in stock, I will murder all of you."

We're about to pass through the door when she suddenly comes to a halt. "Sasuke, did you go to your tux fitting today?" she looks at him expectantly as he glares back.

"Unlike you, some people actually have real work to do," he says, gesturing to the papers on his desk. "I don't have time for stupid tuxedo shopping."

At this, Ino remains silent as she raises a challenging eyebrow at the Uchiha.

A few minutes later, I find myself packed into a large SUV flanked by Temari and an agitated Sasuke. Across from us, Ino grins triumphantly as she engages Shikamaru and Sai in conversation.

"So what were you saying about stupid tuxedo shopping?"

"Shut up Tenten."

We arrive at the Konoha shopping center soon after; Ino practically jumping out of the car. As we walk through the main doors she turns to us, checking her watch.

"Okay people, we have two hours to find the perfect outfits before the boutiques close. The others are already here for the earlier appointments." She pauses to glare at Sasuke before continuing, "Boys, when you are done, you can come take a peek at our dresses!"

She winks at Sai as she pushes me and Temari towards the dress shop.

Once inside we are taken to the back of the shop where Hinata and Sakura are already trying on dresses.

"Tenten you're here," calls Sakura as hurries over to us. She twirls around in a dazzling grey gown as Ino appraises her appearance. "What do you think?"

"Hmm, I don't know. I'm just not feeling the color," says Ino.

I shrug, "I think it's pretty Sakura, but I guess it's not your most flattering."

She smiles at me sweetly, "Thanks Ten! I have another dress that I'm actually leaning more towards honestly; I'll show you guys."

She disappears behind a curtain, so I take a look around the room. "Where's Hinata?"

"R-right here." The curtain behind Temari and I, opens up to reveal a bashful Hinata in a floor length white gown. The design is a modest long sleeve but the back of the dress is a soft mesh that accentuates Hinata's full figure.

"Hot damn Hinata! That dress is perfect!" Ino claps her hands and turns. "Come on Tenten, it's your turn!"

I sigh and Temari laughs as we follow after Ino through the boutique. She shuffles through the racks, throwing dresses into my arms as I stare blankly. I think dresses are pretty and all, but I much rather wear pants any day.

"Ooh Ten how about this one?" She holds up a sparkly blue dress and I cringe.

"Ah, not really my style Ino." She pouts but shrugs.

"No biggie, we have time!"

And as that time passes I'm still looking. Temari finds a dark blue strapless gown, with a long slit up her thigh.

"Thank fuck, I'm done," She collapses in the dressing room chair and smirks at me as I sigh.

Ino has long since given up on trying to find me a dress in favor of looking for her own.

"Honestly Tenten just pick anything, and Ino will leave you alone."

Sakura, who decided on a dark pink mermaid gown nods her head. "Yeah, She's too consumed with her own outfit to worry about yours."

"I can hear you people you know," we laugh as Ino comes out from the dressing room sporting a purple two-piece dress. If you can even call it that. The cropped top tapers just over her belly button and is covered in crystals. "Ladies, this is the one!"

She spins around the room in love as I trudge back to the front of the store.

"There's just nothing my style here," I mumble, scratching the back of my neck.

"W-what about t-this Tenten?"

I turn around to see Hinata holding up a bright red dress. It is a sleeveless Qipao with high slits on the sides and a dragon embroidery.

I beam as I take the dress from Hinata. "Hinata this is beautiful, thank you!"

She blushes as she follows me back into the dressing room. "I hope you like it!"

I put on the dress and show it to the others. Sakura claps in approval as Temari gives me a thumbs up.

"Ten, you look perfect! Please buy that!" Ino appraises me and nods. "Alright, let's go to the shoe section to find some to match our dresses!"

As we walk she checks her watch. "Ah, the boys should be joining us soon as well!"

We scatter around the store for shoes, as the boys eventually join us.

"Wow you guys look great!" Naruto shouts from the middle of the store. He continues is loud exclamations until he sees Hinata. His jaw drops and he is suddenly at a loss of words.

"H-Hinata, you look…wow" He mumbles off the rest and Hinata blushes an impossible shade of crimson.

I laugh as I move to a wall with suede heels. I find a red pair of heeled sandals and sigh in relief that they are in my size. I take them down and turn to leave but freeze as that familiar scent fills my nose.

I look to the store entrance as Neji glides in with his usual grace. He is dressed casually as he carries his tuxedo in a garment bag over his shoulder. My first thought is to go to him but as I step forward, I remember what Itachi said and stop.

Neji isn't against me, he's against losing control. He is on the other side of the boutique conversing with Hinata now as I watch from afar. I sigh to myself as I clutch the red shoes.

I walk to a nearby clothing rack to busy myself, passing an industrial fan. I watch as he stiffens; my scent obviously hitting him strong. He gains his composer quickly and continues his conversation.

Alright then, if that's how it's going to be then I'll wait. It's all I can do anyway.

I perk with confidence as I walk straight past Neji and Hinata to the register. As I pay for my dress and shoes I feel his eyes on me. I ignore the sensation and smile sweetly at the cashier as I take the garment bag and shoebox from her. I turn around and meet immediately connect eyes with him.

Itachi was right. As we look at each other, I can feel all of Neji's emotions. There's desire, but also restraint.

Well I hope he can feel my resolve as I walk away from him.

I shuffle past him quickly, completely prepared to feel his satisfaction.

As I reach the door however, the only emotion I can feel from him is regret.

It's been a few days since our dress fittings and I have finally returned to school and practice. I'm surprised to find out that the effects of changing into a vampire are not just physical. My comprehension has improved and my memory is just short of photographic. School is going to be a breeze from now on.

I am also not the only one aware of my change. As I walk through the halls people stare much more openly than before. They used to look at me because of who I was with. Now, they are looking at me because of me.

Finally, cheer is much easier too. It takes a lot longer for fatigue to set in and now I have to worry about using too much strength instead of being weak.

All in all, school is great now. Now my only worries are Orochimaru, and Neji; who has avoided me like the plague.

At dusk, I walk over with Sakura and Ino to the Cellar. I have not begun classes since I just transitioned, but I have been accompanying them for observance.

"Come on, Ten!" shouts Ino as we descend the flight of stairs. "I wanna hang in the pit before class."

I frown at her as we walk into the atrium. "The pit?"

Sakura smiles, "You haven't really seen much of the Cellar beyond the atrium and training rooms. We also have a library and a large lounge we call the pit."

"Why is it called the pit?"

"You'll see," says Ino with a flip of her hair.

We walk through the busy opening and it is as if the sea is parting. Other vampires in our way move quickly to make a path for us as they bow and stare openly.

This behavior is not something new to me as it has always happened in school. Down here, however, the air is different. It's not just making way for populars, who think they run the world. Here it is reverence to the royal bloodlines of the vampires. It's no wonder Sasuke and Neji carry themselves with such arrogance. They demand attention with their grace, and make the true ideals of princes.

Then of course there is Sakura and Ino; they glisten with confidence and move with intention. They are the perfect models of what a princess should look like. Next to them, I look out of place in this realm.

We continue through an unfamiliar hallway on the first floor, before it opens up into another large room. Instead another atrium, the room is circular and tapers down flights of stairs to where hundreds of tables and booths sit.

"Wow, this place is bigger than I expected," I mumble.

"This is why we call it the pit," starts Ino. "You have to walk down all these stairs just to get down to the lounge itself!"

Sakura laughs, "Or we could jump down."

I turn to her, "What do you mean jump?"

"Like this!" we watch as Ino leaps down the steep edges, and jumps again to land at the bottom.

When we finally catch up to her, she is leaning against a chair casually. "You'll learn how to use your body weight for that later Ten!"

We walk to the booths where Sasuke, Shikamaru, and Sai sit. "Hey boys!" calls Ino, as she snuggles into Sai.

"What's up," calls Shikamaru lazily.

"Just showing Ten more of the Cellar. This is her first time down here," she answers.

I shake my head in wonder. "The architecture of this place is amazing."

"Yes well, it's been around for hundreds of years. It was built by the best," says Sai with a smile.

We fall into conversation about the upcoming exams and the homecoming game. Along the way, Kiba, Temari, Hinata, and Naruto join us.

"We have a change in lineup because Suna's team got suspended," says Sasuke. "Gai said we will know who we're playing by next week."

I frown. "Why did Suna get suspended?"

Temari rolls her eyes as she speaks. "They got into a brawl with Kirigakure's team after their game. Over something stupid I'm sure."

I nod as Kiba throws his head back, "Ugh this bites though. We've been watching film of Suna all week, and now we don't even know who we're going up against."

"Doesn't matter who it is," says Naruto, "We'll kick their asses anyway!"

"Alright!" Naruto and Kiba high five as Shikamaru rolls his eyes.

"Regardless, I'm going to need Neji to get his shit together because I don't want to play center next week," he says with a sigh.

I perk up at this, "What's going on with Neji?"

Everyone turns to me with a knowing look.

"What?"

Sasuke sighs. "He's not feeding properly and it's getting to him."

Oh.

"Now that you have turned, you need to drink from each other regularly. Other blood is just filler; it does nothing for the thirst," says Sai.

I cross my arms. "He's the one that's avoiding me, not the other way around."

Hinata puts a hand on my arm. "M-maybe if y-you approach h-him, he will d-drink."

I frown at this but sigh. I've tried…Neji is stubborn.

I sigh again, but stand. "Alright fine. Is he here?"

Shikamaru shakes his head. "Pretty sure he's in his room. That's where he's been since you returned to school anyway."

So that's where he's been.

"I'll see you guys later," I say, and take off towards Scarlet.

When I open the door I find him on his bed facing the wall. He turns to look at me with a glare before turning away.

"Go away Tenten."

I roll my eyes and put my hands on my hips. "No."

He grunts in dissent as I walk up to where he lays. Upon closer inspection I can see his body is shuddering and his normal composure is slipping before me.

"Neji, I know all about the bond and I get it. You don't need to do this to yourself. Who skips school to avoid a girl?" I watch him struggle to keep his craving in check and just when I think he's going to cave; he spits more venom.

"That doesn't change anything between us." I frown at this, but keep a strong face.

"No. It doesn't." I climb on the bed over him, pushing him on to his back. He sits up with the intention of pushing me off, but I slap his hand away, before pushing his chest to the headboard. "You may not want me, but you do need my blood."

I move to straddle him as I graze my wrist with a fang. Blood trickles out of the cut and I shove it in his face. "Drink."

He remains silent as we partake in a glaring contest. He doesn't let up and I roll my eyes again. "Damn it Neji, stop fighting me."

"Why are you okay with this, Tenten."

I stare at him for a second before dropping my hand in exasperation. "Because Neji! I'm not as strong willed as you. Yes, I am a bothered by the circumstances, but we. Can't. Change. Them. You're stuck with me Hyuga, so why not make the best of it? Just suck it up- Er, literally and figuratively."

He continues to just look at me, but when I am about to give up, he takes my wrist in his hand.

His eyes don't leave mine as he lifts it to his mouth; licking up the dripping blood. I swallow hard as he begins to suck the puncture softly. There's something erotic about the way he looks at me as he takes my blood- I can't stop the shudder of pleasure that ripples through my body in response.

Neji groans as he drops my hand, in favor of grabbing my hips to pull me closer. I gasp as his lips latch onto my neck; sucking and nibbling from below my ear down. Without warning, his fangs sink into my neck with familiarity, but the sensation is nothing like the first time. I brace my arms on his shoulders as Neji satisfies his craving.

He slowly withdraws and I believe him to be done with me, when he roughly rolls us so that he is hovering over me with ease.

His eyes are filled with amusement as I watch the glow return to his face. "Don't think for a moment that I don't want you. It's so hard to stay away from you."

He leans down to nuzzle my neck as he breaths in my scent deeply before exhaling. Slowly, he runs a finger down my neck and around the curve of my cleavage until it is hooked under my low cut tank top. "When you open yourself to me like this, I can't help myself."

The words are empowering as I take in their meaning.

I have power over Neji fucking Hyuga.

I lift my hand to take hold of his brown locks. Meeting his gaze, my words barely come out as a whisper. "I'm all yours."

With that, I pull his lips down to mine; he takes me in greedily and I reciprocate with my own pent up frustration.

Neji's emotions are hitting me hard again, and all I feel coming off him is burning lust.

Blood Again Tomorrow...

A/N: Review? :D

PS. Too all the random anons who decided to all review on the same day (are you a cult 0.o) and blow up my email...Thank you :) Ya'll lit a fire under my ass to make me fnish writing this chapter.