NejiTen "The Fortuneteller" Chapter Six
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, blooming_cosmo!
I was going to sing you "Happy Birthday" over the phone, but decided you probably didn't want to be traumatized that way. ♥ Instead, I'm posting another chapter so that you can have your PROTECTIVE!Neji moment for the day. Love ya, hunny.
Title: The Fortuneteller - Chapter Six
Series: Naruto
Pairing/Character: NejiTen, SasuSaku, Naruto, Orochimaru
Word Count: 2,627
Rated: PG-13
Chapters: I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII
Notes: Some warm, fuzzy moments for you, since you've all been so good.
Then hope could make these promises come true,
beyond what I could say or love could do.
- “One Day” Trading Yesterday
THE FORTUNETELLER
Chapter Six
The first thing Tenten noticed was that she was warm. She remembered being hot, so full of heat she was sure she was on fire, but this was a calm, comfortable warmth that made all the tension leak from her bones, made her body languid and at ease.
Then she felt hands on her, a light, careful touch that moved something cool and refreshing over face and neck. Struggling against her weighted eyelids, Tenten opened her eyes a little, curious but not overly alarmed when she was greeted by a smiling face framed by petal-pink hair.
“Sakura,” she croaked, and watched as the other girl jumped even as she reached for a canteen of water, tilting Tenten’s head up slightly so she could take a drink. When her throat was no longer so dry, Sakura capped the water and set it aside, looking into Tenten’s face with a mixture of confusion and apprehension.
“How did you know my name?”
Tenten closed her eyes for a moment, still exhausted, and then opened them again. “I saw you coming.”
“You…” Sakura trailed off, looking even more puzzled. “You saw me?”
“It was not for certain,” she murmured, “I was not very sure about Naruto, but it looks like he made that bet after all.” Sakura was looking rather alarmed and Tenten tried to smile but ending up turning her head to cough. The medic took over, pushing past Sakura’s fears and doubts.
“You’ve been very sick,” Sakura said, her face firm and focused. “How do you feel? Can you see clearly?”
“I think so,” Tenten answered, blinking blearily at the ceiling. She moved her hands and feet experimentally and found that she was wearing a new shift and that her hair had been neatly combed, her body wrapped in the old, dusty blanket. She looked over at Sakura who smiled. “I feel sore but everything moves.”
“Good. How’s your stomach?”
The water she had taken was actually starting to make her feel a little sick. She said as much and Sakura nodded. “We probably need to get a little dry food down you. Do you think you could handle a few bites of bread?” She didn’t wait for a reply, but leaned over and drew a small loaf from her pack, unwrapping it enough to break off a few pieces. She helped Tenten sit up shakily, keeping one hand on the Fortuneteller’s back as Tenten ate, chewing slow enough that her stomach did not rebel. When she’d had enough, Sakura helped her lay down again, making sure she was comfortable.
Tenten reached out and touched Sakura’s wrist. “Is Neji alright?”
The medic looked mildly surprised. “He’ll need some sleep, but otherwise he seems in perfect health. He’s waiting outside with Naruto. Would you like to see him?”
Tenten said nothing for a moment, a memory of Neji holding her in a vise-like grip as she writhed uncontrollably in his arms flashing before her eyes. She swallowed, for once not knowing what to do. Sakura’s voice came to her softly.
“What’s the matter?”
She looked up into kind green eyes and reached for the other girl’s hand weakly, feeling Sakura squeeze her fingers. “It’s just… I’ve put him through so much recently,” she said quietly. “I don’t know what to say to him.”
“You know, when Naruto and I arrived here,” Sakura replied slowly, a wry look on her face, “your Neji threatened to run Naruto through with an iron poker.” Tenten’s eyes widened and Sakura gave her an amused look. “He was so serious and when he finally agreed to let me see you, I could barely get him to leave the room.” She touched Tenten’s shoulder gently. “I don’t think he would do all that if he hated you.” She squeezed Tenten’s hand once more and rose, headed towards the door. “I’ll let you two have a minute. I’ll be downstairs if you need me.”
Tenten heard her open the door and speak quietly to the men outside. Then there were footsteps, the sound of the door closing again, and Neji was there, kneeling by her side, his pearl-gray eyes searching her face with an unusual amount of anxiety.
“Are you alright?” he asked immediately, leaning forward to feel her forehead. It was such a familiar motion that she couldn’t help but smile, reaching up to circle his wrist loosely.
“I’m alright,” she told him, feeling his fingers thread through hers. “Thank you.”
He frowned lightly. “I didn’t do much. Sakura-“
“It was you,” she affirmed, and her eyes clouded. “I’m sorry you had to-“
It was his turn to interrupt. “Don’t be,” he said roughly and she blinked at the intensity of his gaze. “It was you who was in pain. Don’t apologize.”
She reached up with her free hand, trailed her fingers down the side of his face. “Neji,” she said softly, and leaned up even as he pulled her to him. She wrapped her arms around his neck weakly, pressing her face into his shoulder.
“Thank you,” she repeated into his shirt. He tsked near her ear.
“You’re still as stubborn as when we were children,” he murmured, but there was a warm tone in his voice that made her feel cherished, even… even loved. The embrace lasted only a moment longer and then Neji forced her to lie down again, pausing only when she wouldn’t release his hand.
“You need to sleep, too,” she said worriedly, seeing the weariness around his eyes. “Naruto and Sakura aren’t going anywhere. They want to speak to you about something.” She gathered her courage. “Rest with me for a little while?”
He looked at her for a long moment and she wondered if she had made a mistake, but then he lifted her blanket and moved in beside her, stretching out on his back. He raised one arm, lifting an eyebrow at her, and she carefully fit herself against him, using his shoulder as a pillow. His arm came down to rest on her back.
“Only for a little while,” he said quietly. “Sakura’s alright, but I don’t trust that Naruto. He talks too much.”
She laughed lightly, surprising herself and him. The arm he had around her tightened a little. “Maybe you should sleep a little longer then,” she advised, closing her eyes. “He’s got quite a bit more to say when you get up.”
He exhaled, almost a sigh, and turned his head to rest against hers.
“Maybe you’re right.”
“We’re looking for someone,” Sakura explained, four hours later. Night was falling again outside and the old office was completely dark except for a few odd candles Neji had managed to find. They had not lit a fire, seeing as how Tenten was feeling much better and it would have been too hot for the rest of them.
The Fortuneteller was back in her elaborate dress, sitting on her knees, her eyes clear and thoughtful as she listened. Neji had tucked away the gold circlet for now, but he knew there might come a time when they would need what it signified. Until then, he was more than happy to keep it out of sight.
Sitting next to Tenten, Neji listened just as intently but with a natural reserve. He was grateful for Sakura and Naruto’s help, but he couldn’t help but feel that there was something big going on with those two and he rather thought he had enough to deal with. His priority was keeping Tenten safe and he had the sinking feeling that Sakura and Naruto were anything but ‘safe’.
“He is a… friend of ours,” Sakura continued, and Neji noted the slight hesitation but wasn’t sure what it meant. “We grew up together in the Leaf and there were rumors that he had come here looking for something.”
“Looking for what?” Neji asked evenly. Sakura’s face was solemn and it was Naruto who answered.
“Power,” he said, with a certain amount of disgust in his voice. “That bastard has always been obsessed with getting stronger ever since his brother killed-“
“NARUTO!” Sakura’s fist came flying out of nowhere and Naruto hunched over, holding his head.
“OW!”
Sakura did not look repentant. Instead, she cleared her throat and glanced at Tenten. “I’m sorry, but Sasuke would not want us to talk about…” She trailed off, seeing the peculiar look on Tenten’s face and the stiff one on Neji’s. “What?” she asked faintly.
“Sasuke?” Neji questioned. “Uchiha Sasuke?”
Sakura leaned forward, eyes bright. “Yes! Do you know him? Where is he?”
Neji’s mouth made a flat line. Tenten answered for him. “He is at the temple,” she said quietly.
“The temple?” Naruto’s voice held a note of skepticism. “Didn’t something happen there? When we entered the city, the guards wouldn’t let us in until some crazy horn music stopped. They said they were following orders from the temple.”
Neji and Tenten exchanged looks. “What do you see?” Neji asked her, ignoring the strange look Naruto was giving them. Sakura perked up, watching them closely.
“We can trust them,” Tenten said instantly, “I brought us here because I knew we would meet.” She smiled at Sakura. “If we can help them, we must.”
Neji felt his expression harden. “I won’t take you back there.”
“I know you won’t,” she said softly, and he might have been reassured if he hadn’t heard the slight emphasis on ‘you’. Sakura spoke though before he could question it.
“When you talk about ‘seeing’,” she said, “are you talking about seeing what will happen?” She flushed a little as Naruto gave her an incredulous look. “Earlier, you said you had seen that I would come here, and you knew my name even though we’d never spoken.”
Tenten nodded. “It’s something I’ve been able to do since childhood. It’s…difficult to describe, but I can… see how the future will unfold should you make certain decisions. It’s not always precise because people change their minds or they get sidetracked or someone else’s fate gets in the way. For instance, I was not entirely sure we would meet. It depended on whether Naruto came with you which further depended on a bet he had made. If he won it or if you had stopped him from betting, neither of you would be here. If he made the bet and lost, I knew you would both come, but I was not completely certain how it would turn out. I could only hope that you would find us.”
Neji shifted, glancing at Tenten. “Last night you told me not to go outside while you were ill. Did that concern them as well?”
“If you had gone outside, you would have missed Naruto and Sakura and they would have found me alone.” She hesitated suddenly, eyeing the other two. Tenten had never liked speaking of futures that no longer mattered. “They would have taken me to the temple for healing.”
Neji tensed, realizing just how close they had come catastrophe. Tenten touched his arm briefly.
The exchange was lost on Naruto. “Why would that have been wrong? They could have fixed ya there, right?”
“In a way,” Tenten replied, “but…”
“But they would also have made her a slave for the rest of her life,” Neji finished coldly. He still was not quite over the fact that such a simple action, like leaving a building for a few minutes, could have changed their entire future.
Silence fell.
Sakura was the one to break it. “So, it was you then. The reason the guards had orders to keep anyone else from entering the city.” Her voice was measured, precise. There was no judgment in her eyes as she looked at Tenten. “Can I ask what happened?”
“For the last five years I have been forced to predict the future for the War Lord of the Sound. I was being kept in the temple.” Her eyes flickered over to Neji, warm amber. “Neji rescued me.”
“Wait,” Naruto suddenly said, “this is the temple where that bastard Sasuke is, right?”
Tenten blinked. “Yes.”
Sakura looked worried. “What is he…?”
“He is the heir of the War Lord,” Neji responded flatly, “Orochimaru’s own apprentice.”
Sakura gasped, her face draining of color while Naruto’s filled with anger.
“WHAT?”
“Sasuke did let us escape, however,” Tenten added, obviously concerned about their reactions. “He killed a man who might have stopped us. And I had a foretelling about him, one that could put him on opposite sides with Orochimaru.”
“Could?” Sakura whispered. She still seemed stunned. Naruto was fairly growling under his breath.
The look Tenten gave them was apologetic. “There are three pathways that lead from the vision I saw. He has not yet made a choice so I can’t tell how it will end.”
There was another silence, this one uneasy. Sakura turned her head towards Naruto, catching his eye. “We have to go to him.”
“Of course we do,” Naruto shouted, “That bastard needs a beating he’ll never forget! What is he thinking, playing second best to that slimy guy?”
Despite himself, Neji found Naruto rather likeable in that moment. He could have done without the loud, shrieking voice, but there was something to be said for the other man’s determination.
“Can you help us get inside?” Sakura was abruptly looking at Neji and Tenten, her green eyes pleading with them. “I’m not asking you to go back, but your knowledge would be helpful to us. If you got out, surely there is a way for us to get in.”
Instead of answering, Tenten looked at him, letting it be his decision. Nothing in her face revealed her opinion, but he already knew what she wanted to do. Sasuke had helped them, albeit for his own purposes, and she had already said they should help Sakura and Naruto anyway they could. Neji was not so convinced. Involving themselves would put them within Orochimaru’s field of vision again and Neji had more to lose this time. He had no problem with Sasuke, he’d never really had any dealings with the man. It was the heir’s ties to the War Lord that worried him.
But looking into Tenten’s honest face, he already knew what his answer was.
“I will help you,” he said slowly. “I will even go with you to the temple if I must, but Tenten cannot be involved. Should Orochimaru learn she is still nearby…” He didn’t have to finish. They all knew what would happen.
Sakura half-bowed from her position on the floor. “Of course, and thank you, Neji.”
Neji nodded, accepting her gratitude seriously. “Before we begin, I must find a safe place for Tenten, and we will need supplies.” Naruto and Sakura had shared the food they had brought, but there was no more to be had and Neji didn’t like the openness of the warehouse anyway. There was too much space to defend and he did not feel comfortable with leaving Tenten there alone. He needed someone who could watch over her, someone who would be sympathetic to their plight and wouldn’t go running to Orochimaru.
Unfortunately, there was only one person Neji could think of who fit that description.
“There is a man,” Neji said unwillingly, “I saved his son’s life once, and he has always been a great patron of soldiers.” He glanced at Tenten, looking for her reaction. “He would shelter us if I asked. His loyalty, like his son’s, is with the army.”
“Sounds great! Who is he?” Naruto asked, interested.
Neji sighed. “His name is Maito Gai.”
TO BE CONTINUED.
The guy I met at Wal-Mart did try and call me today but I was out at dinner with a friend and missed it. Now I'm so stuffed I doubt I'll go out even if he does call back. (I'm not entirely sure it was him who called as he didn't leave a message, but it was a number I didn't recognize so I'm assuming that's who it was.) I still have major, major doubts about going on a date with a complete stranger that no one knows, but I'm trying to be brave. I'll keep you posted with the juicy details.
For now, I'm going to slug my way to the couch and collapse like the stuffed Berry I am.
I was going to sing you "Happy Birthday" over the phone, but decided you probably didn't want to be traumatized that way. ♥ Instead, I'm posting another chapter so that you can have your PROTECTIVE!Neji moment for the day. Love ya, hunny.
Title: The Fortuneteller - Chapter Six
Series: Naruto
Pairing/Character: NejiTen, SasuSaku, Naruto, Orochimaru
Word Count: 2,627
Rated: PG-13
Chapters: I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII
Notes: Some warm, fuzzy moments for you, since you've all been so good.
Then hope could make these promises come true,
beyond what I could say or love could do.
- “One Day” Trading Yesterday
THE FORTUNETELLER
Chapter Six
The first thing Tenten noticed was that she was warm. She remembered being hot, so full of heat she was sure she was on fire, but this was a calm, comfortable warmth that made all the tension leak from her bones, made her body languid and at ease.
Then she felt hands on her, a light, careful touch that moved something cool and refreshing over face and neck. Struggling against her weighted eyelids, Tenten opened her eyes a little, curious but not overly alarmed when she was greeted by a smiling face framed by petal-pink hair.
“Sakura,” she croaked, and watched as the other girl jumped even as she reached for a canteen of water, tilting Tenten’s head up slightly so she could take a drink. When her throat was no longer so dry, Sakura capped the water and set it aside, looking into Tenten’s face with a mixture of confusion and apprehension.
“How did you know my name?”
Tenten closed her eyes for a moment, still exhausted, and then opened them again. “I saw you coming.”
“You…” Sakura trailed off, looking even more puzzled. “You saw me?”
“It was not for certain,” she murmured, “I was not very sure about Naruto, but it looks like he made that bet after all.” Sakura was looking rather alarmed and Tenten tried to smile but ending up turning her head to cough. The medic took over, pushing past Sakura’s fears and doubts.
“You’ve been very sick,” Sakura said, her face firm and focused. “How do you feel? Can you see clearly?”
“I think so,” Tenten answered, blinking blearily at the ceiling. She moved her hands and feet experimentally and found that she was wearing a new shift and that her hair had been neatly combed, her body wrapped in the old, dusty blanket. She looked over at Sakura who smiled. “I feel sore but everything moves.”
“Good. How’s your stomach?”
The water she had taken was actually starting to make her feel a little sick. She said as much and Sakura nodded. “We probably need to get a little dry food down you. Do you think you could handle a few bites of bread?” She didn’t wait for a reply, but leaned over and drew a small loaf from her pack, unwrapping it enough to break off a few pieces. She helped Tenten sit up shakily, keeping one hand on the Fortuneteller’s back as Tenten ate, chewing slow enough that her stomach did not rebel. When she’d had enough, Sakura helped her lay down again, making sure she was comfortable.
Tenten reached out and touched Sakura’s wrist. “Is Neji alright?”
The medic looked mildly surprised. “He’ll need some sleep, but otherwise he seems in perfect health. He’s waiting outside with Naruto. Would you like to see him?”
Tenten said nothing for a moment, a memory of Neji holding her in a vise-like grip as she writhed uncontrollably in his arms flashing before her eyes. She swallowed, for once not knowing what to do. Sakura’s voice came to her softly.
“What’s the matter?”
She looked up into kind green eyes and reached for the other girl’s hand weakly, feeling Sakura squeeze her fingers. “It’s just… I’ve put him through so much recently,” she said quietly. “I don’t know what to say to him.”
“You know, when Naruto and I arrived here,” Sakura replied slowly, a wry look on her face, “your Neji threatened to run Naruto through with an iron poker.” Tenten’s eyes widened and Sakura gave her an amused look. “He was so serious and when he finally agreed to let me see you, I could barely get him to leave the room.” She touched Tenten’s shoulder gently. “I don’t think he would do all that if he hated you.” She squeezed Tenten’s hand once more and rose, headed towards the door. “I’ll let you two have a minute. I’ll be downstairs if you need me.”
Tenten heard her open the door and speak quietly to the men outside. Then there were footsteps, the sound of the door closing again, and Neji was there, kneeling by her side, his pearl-gray eyes searching her face with an unusual amount of anxiety.
“Are you alright?” he asked immediately, leaning forward to feel her forehead. It was such a familiar motion that she couldn’t help but smile, reaching up to circle his wrist loosely.
“I’m alright,” she told him, feeling his fingers thread through hers. “Thank you.”
He frowned lightly. “I didn’t do much. Sakura-“
“It was you,” she affirmed, and her eyes clouded. “I’m sorry you had to-“
It was his turn to interrupt. “Don’t be,” he said roughly and she blinked at the intensity of his gaze. “It was you who was in pain. Don’t apologize.”
She reached up with her free hand, trailed her fingers down the side of his face. “Neji,” she said softly, and leaned up even as he pulled her to him. She wrapped her arms around his neck weakly, pressing her face into his shoulder.
“Thank you,” she repeated into his shirt. He tsked near her ear.
“You’re still as stubborn as when we were children,” he murmured, but there was a warm tone in his voice that made her feel cherished, even… even loved. The embrace lasted only a moment longer and then Neji forced her to lie down again, pausing only when she wouldn’t release his hand.
“You need to sleep, too,” she said worriedly, seeing the weariness around his eyes. “Naruto and Sakura aren’t going anywhere. They want to speak to you about something.” She gathered her courage. “Rest with me for a little while?”
He looked at her for a long moment and she wondered if she had made a mistake, but then he lifted her blanket and moved in beside her, stretching out on his back. He raised one arm, lifting an eyebrow at her, and she carefully fit herself against him, using his shoulder as a pillow. His arm came down to rest on her back.
“Only for a little while,” he said quietly. “Sakura’s alright, but I don’t trust that Naruto. He talks too much.”
She laughed lightly, surprising herself and him. The arm he had around her tightened a little. “Maybe you should sleep a little longer then,” she advised, closing her eyes. “He’s got quite a bit more to say when you get up.”
He exhaled, almost a sigh, and turned his head to rest against hers.
“Maybe you’re right.”
“We’re looking for someone,” Sakura explained, four hours later. Night was falling again outside and the old office was completely dark except for a few odd candles Neji had managed to find. They had not lit a fire, seeing as how Tenten was feeling much better and it would have been too hot for the rest of them.
The Fortuneteller was back in her elaborate dress, sitting on her knees, her eyes clear and thoughtful as she listened. Neji had tucked away the gold circlet for now, but he knew there might come a time when they would need what it signified. Until then, he was more than happy to keep it out of sight.
Sitting next to Tenten, Neji listened just as intently but with a natural reserve. He was grateful for Sakura and Naruto’s help, but he couldn’t help but feel that there was something big going on with those two and he rather thought he had enough to deal with. His priority was keeping Tenten safe and he had the sinking feeling that Sakura and Naruto were anything but ‘safe’.
“He is a… friend of ours,” Sakura continued, and Neji noted the slight hesitation but wasn’t sure what it meant. “We grew up together in the Leaf and there were rumors that he had come here looking for something.”
“Looking for what?” Neji asked evenly. Sakura’s face was solemn and it was Naruto who answered.
“Power,” he said, with a certain amount of disgust in his voice. “That bastard has always been obsessed with getting stronger ever since his brother killed-“
“NARUTO!” Sakura’s fist came flying out of nowhere and Naruto hunched over, holding his head.
“OW!”
Sakura did not look repentant. Instead, she cleared her throat and glanced at Tenten. “I’m sorry, but Sasuke would not want us to talk about…” She trailed off, seeing the peculiar look on Tenten’s face and the stiff one on Neji’s. “What?” she asked faintly.
“Sasuke?” Neji questioned. “Uchiha Sasuke?”
Sakura leaned forward, eyes bright. “Yes! Do you know him? Where is he?”
Neji’s mouth made a flat line. Tenten answered for him. “He is at the temple,” she said quietly.
“The temple?” Naruto’s voice held a note of skepticism. “Didn’t something happen there? When we entered the city, the guards wouldn’t let us in until some crazy horn music stopped. They said they were following orders from the temple.”
Neji and Tenten exchanged looks. “What do you see?” Neji asked her, ignoring the strange look Naruto was giving them. Sakura perked up, watching them closely.
“We can trust them,” Tenten said instantly, “I brought us here because I knew we would meet.” She smiled at Sakura. “If we can help them, we must.”
Neji felt his expression harden. “I won’t take you back there.”
“I know you won’t,” she said softly, and he might have been reassured if he hadn’t heard the slight emphasis on ‘you’. Sakura spoke though before he could question it.
“When you talk about ‘seeing’,” she said, “are you talking about seeing what will happen?” She flushed a little as Naruto gave her an incredulous look. “Earlier, you said you had seen that I would come here, and you knew my name even though we’d never spoken.”
Tenten nodded. “It’s something I’ve been able to do since childhood. It’s…difficult to describe, but I can… see how the future will unfold should you make certain decisions. It’s not always precise because people change their minds or they get sidetracked or someone else’s fate gets in the way. For instance, I was not entirely sure we would meet. It depended on whether Naruto came with you which further depended on a bet he had made. If he won it or if you had stopped him from betting, neither of you would be here. If he made the bet and lost, I knew you would both come, but I was not completely certain how it would turn out. I could only hope that you would find us.”
Neji shifted, glancing at Tenten. “Last night you told me not to go outside while you were ill. Did that concern them as well?”
“If you had gone outside, you would have missed Naruto and Sakura and they would have found me alone.” She hesitated suddenly, eyeing the other two. Tenten had never liked speaking of futures that no longer mattered. “They would have taken me to the temple for healing.”
Neji tensed, realizing just how close they had come catastrophe. Tenten touched his arm briefly.
The exchange was lost on Naruto. “Why would that have been wrong? They could have fixed ya there, right?”
“In a way,” Tenten replied, “but…”
“But they would also have made her a slave for the rest of her life,” Neji finished coldly. He still was not quite over the fact that such a simple action, like leaving a building for a few minutes, could have changed their entire future.
Silence fell.
Sakura was the one to break it. “So, it was you then. The reason the guards had orders to keep anyone else from entering the city.” Her voice was measured, precise. There was no judgment in her eyes as she looked at Tenten. “Can I ask what happened?”
“For the last five years I have been forced to predict the future for the War Lord of the Sound. I was being kept in the temple.” Her eyes flickered over to Neji, warm amber. “Neji rescued me.”
“Wait,” Naruto suddenly said, “this is the temple where that bastard Sasuke is, right?”
Tenten blinked. “Yes.”
Sakura looked worried. “What is he…?”
“He is the heir of the War Lord,” Neji responded flatly, “Orochimaru’s own apprentice.”
Sakura gasped, her face draining of color while Naruto’s filled with anger.
“WHAT?”
“Sasuke did let us escape, however,” Tenten added, obviously concerned about their reactions. “He killed a man who might have stopped us. And I had a foretelling about him, one that could put him on opposite sides with Orochimaru.”
“Could?” Sakura whispered. She still seemed stunned. Naruto was fairly growling under his breath.
The look Tenten gave them was apologetic. “There are three pathways that lead from the vision I saw. He has not yet made a choice so I can’t tell how it will end.”
There was another silence, this one uneasy. Sakura turned her head towards Naruto, catching his eye. “We have to go to him.”
“Of course we do,” Naruto shouted, “That bastard needs a beating he’ll never forget! What is he thinking, playing second best to that slimy guy?”
Despite himself, Neji found Naruto rather likeable in that moment. He could have done without the loud, shrieking voice, but there was something to be said for the other man’s determination.
“Can you help us get inside?” Sakura was abruptly looking at Neji and Tenten, her green eyes pleading with them. “I’m not asking you to go back, but your knowledge would be helpful to us. If you got out, surely there is a way for us to get in.”
Instead of answering, Tenten looked at him, letting it be his decision. Nothing in her face revealed her opinion, but he already knew what she wanted to do. Sasuke had helped them, albeit for his own purposes, and she had already said they should help Sakura and Naruto anyway they could. Neji was not so convinced. Involving themselves would put them within Orochimaru’s field of vision again and Neji had more to lose this time. He had no problem with Sasuke, he’d never really had any dealings with the man. It was the heir’s ties to the War Lord that worried him.
But looking into Tenten’s honest face, he already knew what his answer was.
“I will help you,” he said slowly. “I will even go with you to the temple if I must, but Tenten cannot be involved. Should Orochimaru learn she is still nearby…” He didn’t have to finish. They all knew what would happen.
Sakura half-bowed from her position on the floor. “Of course, and thank you, Neji.”
Neji nodded, accepting her gratitude seriously. “Before we begin, I must find a safe place for Tenten, and we will need supplies.” Naruto and Sakura had shared the food they had brought, but there was no more to be had and Neji didn’t like the openness of the warehouse anyway. There was too much space to defend and he did not feel comfortable with leaving Tenten there alone. He needed someone who could watch over her, someone who would be sympathetic to their plight and wouldn’t go running to Orochimaru.
Unfortunately, there was only one person Neji could think of who fit that description.
“There is a man,” Neji said unwillingly, “I saved his son’s life once, and he has always been a great patron of soldiers.” He glanced at Tenten, looking for her reaction. “He would shelter us if I asked. His loyalty, like his son’s, is with the army.”
“Sounds great! Who is he?” Naruto asked, interested.
Neji sighed. “His name is Maito Gai.”
TO BE CONTINUED.
The guy I met at Wal-Mart did try and call me today but I was out at dinner with a friend and missed it. Now I'm so stuffed I doubt I'll go out even if he does call back. (I'm not entirely sure it was him who called as he didn't leave a message, but it was a number I didn't recognize so I'm assuming that's who it was.) I still have major, major doubts about going on a date with a complete stranger that no one knows, but I'm trying to be brave. I'll keep you posted with the juicy details.
For now, I'm going to slug my way to the couch and collapse like the stuffed Berry I am.