Naruto 1. Chapter 1

**A/N: Hey, everyone. This is a repost. I deleted the original story because of how much hate it got. But I found it on my laptop and I really like it. It was my first story and I find it hilarious. Sorry, you guys won't bully me into deleting my stories again**

**Don't like, don't read, and definitely don't review. ~ LilacBlossom**

**For this story, disregard the Pein Arc and everything after that. Let's just say things have been peaceful for a more extended period of time. Thank you!**

**Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its characters. Even the plot to this story is pretty overused and not original.**

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Among the buzzing streets of Konoha, Ino Yamanaka slowly trekked towards her best friend's apartment. The slender, 18 year old blonde had a downcast look about her but still tried hopelessly to keep her lips slightly curved into a less than half-hearted smile.

'_Stupid, stupid, stupid….how could this be happening to me?' _ The blonde halted in her step for a few seconds before looking up towards her friend's apartment. "Well, I guess it's now or never" Ino confidently whispered to herself.

**You, Me, Her, and It **

**Chapter One: Stop Lying, Ino-Pig!**

**xXxXxXxXx**

Sakura never got days off from the hospital, ever. So when she heard someone knocking on her front door, quietly at first before turning into an obnoxious booming, she was livid. The pinkette rose from her sofa, confused at first as to why she was laying there but then remembering she hadn't made it to her bed last night. With a load groan, Sakura swung her door open and then…

"WHAT THE HELL DO Y-" the pinkette blinked twice in confusion before suddenly resuming her angry outburst. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!? This is your shift right now, isn't it? Actually, I know it is! So why are you-"

Ino sheepishly grinned at her friend, trying hard to keep a happy façade, "Yes, yes, it is but-"

"-here? If you're here to ask me to cover your shift, just-"

"I'm actually here beca-"

"go away now!" Sakura fumed for about thirty more seconds before resigning to an overbearing glare. "Well, what is it?"

Ino opened her mouth to speak but then shut it immediately and gave her friend an incredulous look. "So you're just not going to invite me in?" Ino stared at her superior for another thirty seconds or so before smiling as Sakura turned her back to walk away, leaving her front door open. _'Okay, Ino. This is it!'_

Ino took approximately three steps forward before closing the door behind her then four more steps into Sakura's sitting room before calling out to the girl in the small kitchen.

"Sakura, I'm pregnant." _Clack, ting, boom, "ack!"_ was heard from inside the kitchen before Sakura rushed out with a disbelieving look on her face.

"Um," an unidentified emotion passed across Sakura's profile before the green-eyed girl began clutching her stomach and…laughing? "Ino-Pig, you're a _virgin,_" a look of disdain creeped onto Ino's face at the amazing emphasis put on the word 'virgin', "I know because you would have rushed to tell me about it if you did lie on your back for someone!" An even deeper look of disdain appeared on Ino's face at her _best_ _friend's _choice of words.

Ino quickly shook her head to clear her thoughts of wanting to argue with the rude girl, who, by the way, was now leaning against the kitchen doorframe to support herself as her bout of laughter continued.

"Sakura, stop." Sakura briefly made eye contact with the girl before pressing her hand against her lips to stifle her giggles, though Ino believed she purposely wasn't trying very hard to give her the respect she was obviously requesting. "If you don't believe me, check it out yourself. Maybe I was wrong, even though a traditional pregnancy test also confirmed my self-examination."

Sakura incoherently mumbled something about pee sticks and her stove being on before bringing her hands to Ino's abdomen and concentrating her chakra. "You worry too mu-" A gasp escaped Sakura's lips as she slowly lowered her hands and gaped at her blonde friend. "Ino…you're pregnant."

Ino brought her clenched fist up in front of her as she slightly raised her voice, "Okay, Sakura, now that you've so kindly decided to listen up, do you think maybe you can offer me some friendly support?" Ino's voice cracked towards the end of her question, her big blue eyes leaving Sakura's face to stare at floor. _'Wow, does Sakura even sweep around here?'_

The blonde's attempt at distracting her own mind was interrupted as her friend perked up, "You already know I'm here for you!" a small smile graced Sakura's lips. "Wow, a baby huh?" that small smile dropped in favor of a more pensive look. "So, who's the father?"

**Elsewhere…**

Rock Lee flew through the air before slamming face first into an inconveniently placed training post. "Neji, my rival! I am so ashamed of my quick defeat that I did not even bother to catch my fall! It was my punishment for allowing the beautiful Tenten to distract me from our battle with her feminine woes!" the young man proclaimed.

"Uh…Lee, all I did was walk over to pick up my pack," the chocolate haired, 19 year old girl calmly mentioned to her teammate, "So unless you were staring at my ass when I bent over, I don't see how-"

"That's enough!" the third member of Team Gai suddenly interjected, his pale eyes shut in obvious annoyance, "I don't care what caused your distraction, just don't speak of my girlfriend's feminine woes in front of me." The male finally opened his eyes, revealing a menacing glare.

Lee suddenly turned his back to his teammates as he stood stiffly with what suspiciously looked like tears in his eyes. "Forgive me! It is my own fault I am like this. I must respect my teammates' relationship which is way I must tell you!"

The boy quickly jerked his body around to reveal his deepest darkest secret, only to see the retreating forms of his teammates a good thirty feet away. "….I must tell you…." Rock Lee's voice was lost among the inconvenient breeze that blew past.

Konoha's self-proclaimed weapons mistress cocked her head towards her boyfriend to see his face still held agitation. Tenten then blushed and giggled to herself, _'He's so cute when he gets into his little moods.' _The girl quietly snuck another look at him before her face flushed once again. _'I wonder where he's taking me…or am I taking him somewhere? Damn it, I can't figure out which one of us is leading this walk!'_

Neji, ever the observant Byakugan user, noticed Tenten's body language shift into a more submissive behavior pattern. This made him stop his stride and turned towards his girlfriend. "Are you waiting for me to walk you home?" he then asked.

Tenten's face immediately changed to one of slight confusion, "What? Um, no. I don't want to go home," a brief pause, "Besides, I'm too independent for that! I don't need you to walk me home," another brief pause and then a cough that sounded noticeably forced, "But I would like you to walk me to _your_ home." The girl finally finished up.

The Hyuuga immediately caught on to the many other messages present in her words. _"Are you trying to get rid of me?" "I obviously don't want to go home, Neji!" "Do you want to spend some private time with me?" _The prodigy stared at the humble girl before tilting his head to the left and smirking at her.

"Why can't we ever go to your house, Tenten?" Her teammate was teasing her because he obviously already knew the answer; she still lived with her overbearing and hovering father.

"Because, my dear Neji, don't you think it's a little more…._fun_ at the Hyuuga compound? The walls literally have eyes so things are a lot more _exciting _than they ever could be at my house." Tenten decided to entertain his playful banter and even used a few hand motions for dramatic effect.

Neji's face immediately returned to its emotionless expression as he plainly declared, "I'm busy today….and tonight," the latter part of his statement having been added as an afterthought.

"Neji, really?" Tenten's eyebrow twitched, "I'm trying to actually be romantic here."

The girl's eyes slightly dulled when she received no reply. However, she then immediately picked back up her cheerful face, not wanting to be subjected to his creepily accurate body readings.

"Well, okay then. It's only noon and since I really didn't do much at our morning training I'm going to head back over there. You know where to find me." With one last smile, Tenten was on her way.

Neji waited a few moments before taking his leave and heading into town, his destination being a certain flower shop. _'What could Yamanaka possibly want? I can't believe she actually left a message for me with the Hyuuga guards. This has gone too far, which is ridiculous seeing how I severed any possible connections with her.'_

A long sigh escaped the Hyuuga's lips as he let his thoughts drift to his on-off girlfriend of two years. True, he was very happy with Tenten, that is when they are actually on good terms. Her desire to be a 'strong-willed independent woman' and his perpetually cold personality didn't make for a very good combination. And on top of all this, sometimes she got…boring. Neji mentally scolded himself for his thoughts. _'I'm still trying to find a way to blame her for my actions,'_ he realized as he continued his walk at a much faster pace.

**Back with our heroine**

Sakura sipped her heavily caffeinated tea as she stared at the blonde sprawled across her sofa. Sakura herself was sitting in her favorite arm chair close to said sofa, giving the whole situation a therapist type feel.

Forehead girl cleared her throat, "Okay, Ino. Let's start from the beginning. Tell me _everything._"

**10 Months Ago**

December 27th. It was a cold winter's night in Konohagakure. It was also Hinata Hyuuga's 17th birthday. Hinata had always been the youngest out of the group of friends. So within a couple months, some of her peers will turn 18, and even 19 in the case of Team Guy, while she is still unfortunately, 17.

Kiba Inuzuka swung his arm around his comrade's shoulder, "Oi, Hinata, why are you looking so down? You're supposed to be the life of this party! I know, how bout I fill in for you then, eh?" Kiba then promptly broke out into a loud rendition of 'Who Let the Dogs Out' while the goofier members of the Konoha 11 provided the adequate barking to go along.

"K-Kiba-kun! Please! The rest of the compound can hear you!" Hinata pleaded with her friend. Whose big idea was it to have this shindig in the home of Konoha's stiffest clan anyway? "Kiba-kun!"

Hinata reached out to grab her friend's shoulder right as Naruto decided dog piling him would make the song much more dramatic, effectively crashing into Hinata who in turn crashed into the bowl of punch on the table.

Time had stopped as everyone in the room gazed at the scene, half-expecting the girl to break out in hysterics and need the rest of the night to calm down. However, Hinata simply stood up, hair soaked with red punch (and whatever else it had been spiked with, not that Kiba would let her in on that little detail), and walked out of the room.

A few more moments passed before Ino walked to follow her friend to her room. '_Poor Hinata, this would happen on her birthday. If I can just get her looking presentable again, maybe the night can be saved,' _the blonde thought to herself as she called out to the pale-eyed beauty to wait for her.

Ino sat leaning against Hinata's bedroom wall, waiting for the girl to shower and change clothes before she fixed her hair up. Lost in thought about how the punch had a bitter taste anyway, Ino hadn't noticed Hinata's cousin, Neji, step into the room.

The young man cleared his throat to get the blonde's attention, "I've come to take care of Hinata-sama," the Hyuuga began, "you may go ahead and rejoin the rest of the guests. They are in the courtyard watching Naruto and the Inuzuka play a crude game of rock-paper-scissors, in which the loser must suffer a punch from Haruno-san."

Ino couldn't help but giggle evilly at his last statement, "Serves them right, the idiots. But um, I think I'd rather wait for Hinata," the girl concluded.

Neji let out a low grunt as he sat on the floor next to Yamanaka. '_Girls can be so stubborn. No wonder Nara constantly calls her troublesome, it isn't a term of endearment.' _The boy's thoughts continued to wander, '_Why couldn't it have been Tenten who followed her? Maybe then this wait wouldn't have been so bad.' _Neji smirked to himself at the thought of his girlfriend of little over a year. They had gone through a rough patch recently, something about he hurt her pride by catching her bridal style on a mission when she would rather have slammed into the ground like a 'true shinobi' or some crap. However, after some _making up_, their relationship was now as passionate as it was in the first few months.

Seeing the somewhat perverted look on Neji's face, Ino decided to have some fun with the boy to pass time. "Just what are you thinking about over there, hm, mister?" Neji turned to face Ino as she continued, "Do you always get this turned on sitting outside your cousin's bathroom while she showers?" Neji's eyes darkened, "Or is it…me?" the Hyuuga's eyes widened for a fraction of a second before narrowing.

"Yamanaka-san, is this some pathetic way of hitting on me?" it was Ino's turn to narrow her eyes, "You of all people should know I love my current partner, seeing as you're constantly concerned with the lives of others more than your own." Ino blushed to herself as she wondered if Tenten had told the boy about her constant prying into the couple's sex life, "But in case you truly do not know, then I have no problem telling you", Neji leaned slightly closer as he finished off his statement, "I have no interest in you or any other female on this planet besides Tenten".

Ino faced forward with her arms crossed, eyes shut and forehead wrinkled, '_Man, can't this guy take a joke? Who cares about Tenten anyway? If I had gotten to him first, I bet there would be no Tenten.'_ Ino's eyes snapped open with a mischievous glint in them as she turned her head to face the jounin once again, "Is that a challenge maybe?"

Don't get her wrong, Tenten was a friend of hers, albeit not as close as Sakura…or Hinata…or that chick she ate lunch with on her breaks…or even the girl who regularly came into the flower shop to gossip with the blonde…but a friend nonetheless. So Ino couldn't help but feel a little bad the moment the words left her mouth.

Neji, on the other hand, was completely shocked but managed to control his composure as he answered his younger peer's question, "If you like to take on impossible challenges, then take my words as you must."

Ino's eyes immediately widened but before she could continue the conversation, which felt like borderline sexual harassment, the door to the bathroom slid open as the other Hyuuga stepped out wearing a bath robe.

Hinata's eyes looked down to meet both of the shinobi on the floor before she quickly averted her gaze and blushed, "Ano…did I keep both of you waiting long?" The girl's eyes came back to them with a slightly fearful look in them.

The blonde jumped up and spoke as she opened up the bureau, "Of course not, Hinata, but let's focus on finding you something cute to wear, okay?"

At the mention of cute clothes, Neji also stood up then bowed before excusing himself. Yamanaka had everything under control here.

**Present Day**

"No offense, Ino, but what the hell does that have to do with you being pregnant now?" Doctor Sakura, psychologist extraordinaire, looked at her 'patient' through half-lidded eyes.

Said patient then sprung up from her relaxed position before verbally attacking her best friend, "Well you're the one who asked to hear _everything_ so I decided I should tell you about the conversation that started it all!" Ino huffed then laid back down on her back with her head on the armrest of the sofa, "Now, do you want to hear the rest, or do you want me to just skip to the part where we had sex a month and a half ago?"

Sakura looked up at the pink clock on her wall and sighed, "Well I have all day, don't I?" the pinkette picked up her teacup and took a sip, "Go ahead."

**8 Months Ago**

It had been two months since the initial conversation between Neji and Ino. It was now mid-February in Konoha and it also happened to be Valentine's Day. Love was in the air as every couple in the village spent their day in the company of their….

_ACHOO! _

Tenten blew her nose on what could've been the three-hundredth tissue she used that day. Eyes watering from the irritation, the chuunin had caught a cold from one of her clients about three days ago. The man had sneezed in her face after she delivered him medicine he requested from some shop on the outskirts of town, since apparently, Konoha's medical facilities aren't good enough for him.

"That's the last time I do a mission like that! A genin team could have easily taken that job," the girl complained to her boyfriend before blowing her nose once again, wondering why the desk even assigned her that pathetic excuse for a C-rank mission.

Ever the cleanly adult he is, Neji discreetly scooted a little farther along the bed from Tenten. "Are you sure you don't want me to bring you some soup? I can find a way to make it…romantic," Neji hesitantly looked towards the girl, observing as she rolled her eyes then feverishly shook her head and started babbling about him needing to go.

"You shouldn't even be here. You know how my dad gets," the brunette girl scoffed, "I bet he's on his way here now with some dumb tramp he picked up at a sleazy bar."

Neji chose to remain silent while the kunoichi expressed her displeasure. _Fathers _was never a topic he enjoyed getting into. Tenten complained about hers to no end, understandably, but Neji didn't have a mother nor a father to complain about.

After some silence, Neji promptly stood from his position on the bed, gave Tenten a quick kiss on the forehead and took his leave. _'Well, I can't really say I'm disappointed. This holiday is ridiculous anyway.'_

**Sakura's Apartment**

Ino sat in her best friend's bed, watching the girl iron her clothes and become increasingly frustrated.

"Why won't this damn thing stay hot!" Sakura gave the item in her hand a death glare before leaving to place it back on the stove. It was three o'clock on a Saturday afternoon and Ino was watching her friend get ready for a date.

Ino suddenly jumped up to follow the pinkette into the kitchen.

"Sakura," Ino began, the pleading look in her eye already noticeable, "You don't have to go. I'm sure Lee will understand. I mean, it's not even a _date_ date, right?"

Sakura looked at her friend, then the pink clock on her wall, then back at her friend and sighed. "Why do you always make me feel bad? It's not my fault you don't have a date!" Sakura then put a smug look on her face as she leaned forward with her hands on her hips, "Poor little Ino couldn't get a date now she wants to ruin mine. Not gonna happen!"

Ino looked on as the medic-nin broke out into an obnoxious laugh of self-victory. Yes, her and Sakura weren't nearly as competitive anymore, but sometimes the former rivals-in-love still enjoyed tearing each other down.

The blonde decided to jab right back at her friend, "Don't be so proud, forehead. You practically cheated this year because you said yes to the guy who's had a crush on you for years! Not much of an accomplishment." Ino smirked as Sakura's eyebrow twitched.

Sakura hurriedly grabbed her iron off the stove, briefly contemplating throwing it at the blue-eyed broad in front of her, and stomped back to her room, slamming the door shut behind her.

"I love you too, Sakura!"

Laughing to herself, Ino stole an apple off of the table and left the apartment. What should she do now? Go keep her dad company? No, he's probably harboring Shikaku like a fugitive to wait out the storm that was Yoshino on Valentine's Day.

'_Speaking of those two, I wonder where their bum of a son is,' _the thought immediately cleared itself up as Ino remembered Shikamaru would be keeping Chouji company as he did every year. She decided not to invite herself to their man date. _'If Temari was in town, then I could be the one keeping Chouji company since I have NOTHING else to do!'_

Groaning in frustration, Ino quickly ran through all of her friends in her head before finally figuring out a plan.

"I can go help Hinata get ready for her date with Naruto!" the blonde proclaimed to absolutely no one before heading in the direction of the Hyuuga compound. That's right, Hinata had finally bagged the famous jinchuriki. After the incident at her birthday party, Naruto decided to make it up to the girl and the two ended up becoming inseparable.

Thinking of Hinata's luck in romance caused Ino to neglect her surroundings just long enough for a giant cart to head straight for her. By the time she looked up after hearing someone shout a warning, she had already been pulled out of the way by someone else.

"Th-Thank you, I have no idea wh-" the girl suddenly stopped as she looked up at her savior. It was Hyuuga Neji.

His cold eyes bore into hers, "Hn," was all he said as he continued on his way. Two minutes later, with the blonde still behind him, he turned to look at her, "Are you following me, Yamanaka-san?"

"Oh, I don't know, _Hyuuga_-san," Ino made sure to put extra emphasis on his surname, why was he so formal with her anyway? "Do pretty girls follow you all the time?"

Neji didn't look the least bit perturbed by her statement and instead smirked, "Yamanaka, it's been what, about six or seven weeks since we last spoke? And you are _still_ horrible at flirting."

The girl looked away from him and continued to walk forward. After about five steps, she glanced back at him, "Who says I'm flirting? You wouldn't know flirting even if I read pick-up lines to you straight out of Icha Icha." Ino knew she shouldn't continue baiting the boy, but he made it so damn easy.

Neji caught back up with the still walking girl and was silent for a moment, _'I guess it wouldn't hurt to engage in conversation with her until I reach the compound. I wonder where she's heading anyway.' _After another silent minute or two, Neji decided to continue their rather inappropriate conversation.

"It's sad that you know you need Icha Icha to have any hope of properly hitting on me," he gave her another blunt smirk upon seeing her face, "Why are you looking at me like that, Yamanaka?"

"Because that's not what I said," Ino crossed her arms and tried her hardest to look stern, though on the inside she was secretly happy that he dropped the –san from her name, "I'm perfectly capable of flirting, but you, on the other hand, don't know a thing about it." Unbeknownst to Ino, she had just provoked a conversation that would change everything between them.

"You know, Yamanaka, your eyes are probably the most beautiful shade of blue I've ever seen."

Ino snorted, "Corny."

"Your eyelashes really accentuate them well."

"Um…no," Did he just compliment her…eyelashes?

"Remember that time in the Forest of Death during our first Chuunin Exam and yo-"

Ino suddenly halted and turned bright red, "Are you really going to go there?" she still remembers that moment clear as day, he was the first boy to ever resist her advances, "I was like 12, okay?" The blonde found herself getting redder as he turned his gaze to her.

"I was going to say that I actually did find you attractive that day," Neji bluntly told her before continuing down the road.

As Ino watched him walk away, her face was still red. However, it was no longer red out of embarrassment, but because of the timid blush he had left on her face. With a smile, she caught back up with him, _'I wonder if he really thought that.'_

Contrary to popular belief, Yamanaka Ino did not have every boy in the village eating out of the palm of her hand. She had some admirers, but none she actually took seriously. So now, hearing the shinobi onside of her say such things about her, it made Ino feel….good. She wanted more of it.

"Okay, Hyuuga. I'll give you some credit. However, that's still beginners' work," Ino hoped that he would continue to entertain her, "I hope Tenten didn't fall for such cheap lines."

After taking a second to think, Neji decided there was no harm in continuing their still inappropriate conversation.

"Your body has changed a lot since then. You are curvier than most girls in the village."

A small giggle was the only response he got from that line.

"Yamanaka, you work with flowers, correct?" a small nod prompted him to continue, "I'm sure no flower I have ever seen can compare to your beauty." Neji held his head a little higher, impressed by his own ability to spew sweet nothings.

The pair stopped a few feet away from the entrance to the Hyuuga Compound. When Neji noticed she also made a move towards the entrance, he spared her a confused look.

"Have I really won you over so easily that now you wish to follow me home?" Neji couldn't help but smirk when the girl noticeably struggled to fight down a blush.

Ino regained her composure and began to explain herself, "I'm actually here to see your cousin off for her date," after a moment Ino turned to him inquisitively, "Why aren't you with Tenten anyway?"

Neji turned and began leading them both into his home. After clearing earshot of the nosey branch members on guard duty, he spoke to her, "She is ill. Valentine's Day isn't a big deal anyway. Even if she wasn't sick, I would've expected her to insist on training instead of going on a date."

"Not the romantic type?" Ino inquired.

"Neither of us are."

The two walked in silence for a while longer before Neji began to change his direction towards the branch residence. He was stopped, however, by a familiar loud voice.

"Yo, Neji! Where ya going, 'ttebayo?" Uzumaki Naruto appeared from the other side of a sliding door with a blushing Hinata behind him. Hinata was quietly saying something about waking other clan members from their early evening nap.

Neji carefully walked towards the noisy blond, his cousin, and the other blonde who…

"Ino-chan! Hey, what are you doing here?" Naruto looked at the girl in front of him with genuine curiosity, "Did you come here to take a nap? A lot of people do that I think".

As if on cue, a middle aged Hyuuga grumpily opened one of the doors and turned to walk to another area of the living space. He briefly stopped in front Hinata and bowed "Hinata-_sama,_" causing the young heiress to flinch. His emphasis on her suffix clearing saying _'You are the future clan head, control your guests.'_

The foursome awkwardly looked at the retreating man before making an unspoken agreement to leave the compound.

"Geez, what was that guy's problem?" Naruto questioned with his arms folded behind his head as the group walked down the street.

Said group each gave him an answer using only their eyes, _'Gee, I don't know?' 'Naruto-kun, please don't worry about it,' 'I could've gotten my seal activated if you were my guest, you dumbass.'_

Choosing to end the silent conversation there, Naruto took Hinata's hand and looked at the other two, "Well guys, we have reservations at that real fancy restaurant on the other side of town, so we really gotta go."The blond waved as him and his date (girlfriend?) began to walk away, "See ya!"

A half-awkward, half-annoyed silence passed over Ino and Neji before Neji finally decided to break it.

"Well, Yamanaka, what will you do now?"

Ino looked at him then looked down with saddened eyes, "I have nothing to do," she spoke slowly. She hadn't expected Hinata to leave so early so now she had no one left to help prepare for any plans they may have.

Neji spared her an almost pitiful look before he suddenly grabbed her hand, "Well, I'm definitely not going back there for awhile," He began to pull her with him in the opposite direction the other two had just went, "so how about you and I take a walk or something."

**Present Day**

"Oh! It all makes sense now!" Sakura suddenly leaned forward in her chair, "Me and Lee did see you two walk by together from the dango shop that day!"

"….Dango shop? I thought you said Lee brought you to the five star restaurant close to the market before you guys headed to the firework show?" Ino gave her friend an incredulous look as she realized the girl fibbed a bit about her _magical_ first date with Lee.

Sakura coughed twice then quickly looked away from the blonde before pushing up her glasses and fumbling with papers in her lap. Wait, since when did Sakura wear glasses? And was she….taking notes?

Ino chose to ignore these details, instead silently thanking the girl for taking time out of her day for this therapeutic 'session,' "Well anyway, we spent the rest of the day just hanging out. We got a bite to eat at that café not far from here, then we watched about half of the firework show before he surprised me with a box of chocolates he bought from one of the vendors out there.

"Then, we went to training ground eight since it was the closest and the chocolates ended up being used for aerial target practice," Ino let out a genuine laugh at the memory. "He ended up teasing me about not having a good aim like Tenten so I told him I can do a lot of other things better than Tenten. And then…." Ino trailed off.

Sakura was looking at Ino with a dreamy smile on her face, as if this was the most romantic story she'd ever heard. Noticing the girl didn't plan on finishing her sentence, Sakura snapped at her, "Well?" the other girl still didn't speak, "Ino! Don't leave me hanging like this! I have to know everything so I can…properly gauge the situation, ya know?" Sakura was giving her a weird look now, hoping the blond would buy her excuse and finish giving her the juicy details.

Ino decided to cut right to the chase, "We ended up kissing," a small, excited squeal was heard from Sakura. Shouldn't she be scolding her for kissing another kunoichi's man? Wow, Tenten should really work on finding more loyal female friends.

"The first kiss wasn't very long, I don't even remember who kissed who first. But afterwards, I kept giving him little pecks on the lips and he didn't seem to mind so I started making out with him." Ino felt a little strange saying what she did out loud, "We didn't see each other for a long time after that."

Sakura closed her eyes in deep thought for a few minutes before looking at her best friend with a big smile on her face, "You pig, I can't believe you didn't tell me!" Sakura playfully balled up one of her pieces of paper before throwing it at Ino.

Ino, grateful for the change of mood, threw the paper ball back at her, "You don't have to know everything, forehead girl!"

The green-eyed girl laughed a bit more before looking back at Ino, "So, when did things turn…um," Sakura hesitated on how to ask her question.

"When did we have sex?"

"Y-yea…that," Sakura blushed a bit at the new topic. Should a virgin really hear such things?

"In early July, the night of his birthday," Ino paused a bit before continuing, "Tenten was away on a mission and Kiba was teasing Neji about not being able to get what he really wants on his birthday. After a while, I thought about it and was like 'what the hell' and I went ahead and whispered to him that I could replace Tenten for the night. And I did"

Sakura did some math in her head before opening her mouth the speak, "But you're only about a month or so along, so were you two doing this….frequently?" she asked her friend.

"Not really. Well, we randomly spent time together every now and then. Flirting and just doing simple things together whenever we were both free…not much sex though." Ino looked at her friend's face which had a look that said _'Yea, sure' _before continuing, "The last time was on my birthday, in September, and that was actually after we broke it off. We stopped hanging out, even as friends. Him and Tenten were on-and-off a lot during that time but suddenly they were like super lovebirds. We only did it then because he wanted to…return that first favor I guess."

"Birthdays really are something special around here, ne, Ino-pig?" Sakura was still giving her friend a look through half-lidded eyes.

"Yes, Sakura. Yes they are." Ino briefly contemplated telling her best friend the worst part of all but she decided against it. It didn't mean anything now. It's just…

She had actually began falling for the Hyuuga as more than just a friend with benefits.

**Elsewhere**

Neji walked out of the Yamanaka Flower Shop, Inoichi had to inform the male that his daughter was out at the moment. _'Why isn't she here? That girl enjoys playing games with me, doesn't she?' _The Hyuuga's thoughts wandered into how he even ended up in this situation of looking for the blonde.

Yes he and the Yamanaka spent some days and even nights together. Her company wasn't all that bad, truthfully. Tenten's fiery personality pushed him a way many times but Yamanaka was always rather sweet and playful. It was almost as if…

'_No, that's not possible.' _The male shook his head of all thoughts regarding that.

Neji hadn't meant to spend Valentine's Day with another female while his girlfriend was sick, it had just happened that way. He may not believe strongly in destiny anymore, but damn was fate on his side that day.

**xXxXxXxXx**

**It'sss backkkk! But seriously, guys, if you don't like the story then you really don't have to read it. Feel free to share WHY you don't like it but don't flame me like "OMG THIS WOULD NEVER HAPPEN THOSE TWO NEVER TALK IN CANON THIS IS STUPID NEJITEN 4EVAH"**

**But anyways, as the story goes on more will be revealed concerning all the characters and past interactions. Stick around.**

**Patiently waiting for everyone's reviews **** ~ LilacBlossom**


	2. Chapter 2

**Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its characters**

**xXxXxXxXx**

Rock Lee was not stupid, nor was he dense, and he definitely was not gullible. Some may say he is one of the more observant members of the Konoha 11, always taking time out to learn everything he can about each person he meets. You never know when you may need to pull from that knowledge to solve a problem. And right now, Rock Lee was definitely facing a problem.

After Tenten came back and told him Neji had to leave because he was _busy, _Lee automatically jumped to the worst. Could Neji be cheating on the beautiful Tenten once again? No, that couldn't be it. Lee noticed a few weeks ago that Neji and his _mistress _were done with each other, even becoming slightly hostile when the other was around. No one noticed though, of course they didn't notice, because no one else knew. Actually, that's wrong. There is one other person who knew.

Hinata Hyuuga cared very dearly for her nii-san, she would never reveal his secret to anyone, not even to her friend, Tenten. It was definitely messed up, and Lee hoped Tenten would never find out about her friend's betrayal. Anyway, Tenten has other female friends who would tell her if they found out, right? Maybe.

It was a complete accident that Lee discovered he had one other person shouldering this burden with him. It was during Ino's birthday party, he saw Neji whisper something into the blonde's ear that made her blush and nod her head at him. After the party was over, everyone went their separate ways. Neji had left the blonde's house before the party was over because he was 'tired', but Lee had a very deep set feeling that he was actually in the girl's bedroom waiting for her. Yea, that sounds about right.

Lee ended up walking Tenten home that night until Tenten suddenly remembered her money baggie was in Neji's pocket. So the two changed directions and headed to the Hyuuga compound. Lee panicked, he knew Neji would not be there. He needed a plan and a plan fast to cover his best friend and save his other best friend from a broken heart he knew would come once she started asking questions.

The guards let the two shinobi in after explaining their situation, and after confirming their identities. Lee was beginning to sweat as they neared Neji's empty bedroom only to be stopped by….

Hinata?

"Lee-san, Tenten-san, I'm sorry but Neji is not feeling well right now. He had trouble falling asleep so I would really appreciate it if you could possibly not wake him?" the girl pleaded with them. Lee can still vividly remember the look on her face; it was the same look that frequented his own face whenever he was in the company of both his teammates.

Naturally, the two turned to leave. Lee hoped Hinata would spill the beans, but she didn't. It was very unfortunate that the only people who knew such a horrible secret turned out to be the very two people who could never reveal such a thing, the best friend and the cousin of the perpetrator.

"Best friend, huh…?" Lee mumbled to himself as he silently pondered his situation.

"Did you say something, Lee?" the brunette was in the middle of laying out her scrolls to summon some weapons. Lee looked at her thoughtfully. "Stop being weird! You always get like this whenever Neji has to leave," Tenten then resorted to ignoring the green clad ninja.

'_Neji and Tenten are both my friends, but I have no right to tell her something like that. It is over anyway! Youthful Hinata already confirmed that for me,' _Lee then cleared his head of any misgivings as he 'stopped acting weird' at his teammate's request. She would have to learn his deep, dark secret another day.

**You, Me, Her, and It **

**Chapter Two: Shinobi Shouldn't 'Hang Out'**

**xXxXxXxXx**

Ino and Sakura decided to trade the pink-haired girl's stuffy apartment in favor of the fresh air in the streets of Konoha. There was a good bit of people hanging around, but not too many that the two felt they couldn't talk freely. They hadn't yet reached the main part of the village, so they continued their conversation. Ino had already decided she would wait to tell any of her other friends, even though Sakura was pestering her to at least inform the Hokage so she wouldn't be sent on any strenuous missions.

"I'm not going to retire, Sakura," The blonde told her friend as they continued to stroll, "I'm not going to change my workload either. I will continue missions, my shifts at the hospital, and my training with my father. You know it's been my dream to take over my father's position in intelligence after he retires."

"And a baby will fit into this how?" the doubtful girl questioned.

"I never said I was keeping it"

Sakura halted in her steps. "You mean…you're getting rid of it?" Sakura isn't one to judge but a topic like that was very controversial in Konoha. Abortions had only recently become an option under Tsunade's leadership. Probably because she was the only medic-nin who knew how to do it. That stuff isn't in most textbooks.

The blonde turned to her friend, "What? No!" Ino turned and began to walk again, "I meant like, adoption or whatever."

Finding a couple willing to adopt wasn't hard in the Leaf village. Retired kunoichi often were barren from their line of work and would opt take any child they could get. Unfortunately, there were never enough bouncing babies to go around. Ino could have her child, help out a desperate couple by completing their family, and still get to see the boy/girl around town, indirectly witnessing him/her grow up. Sounds good, right?

Sakura, being the realist of the two, made a very good point that Ino herself had overlooked, "The baby will have the Byakugan. I don't know if giving that bloodline to any old family would be a good idea," the girl carefully searched for any change in her friend's behavior.

"Well, _I_ can give the baby to anyone I want. It's not like I'll be giving away some sacred Hyuuga, my child will be a Yamanaka," Ino gave her friend a smile, "any other trait it is born with will just be a plus."

The pair stopped talking as they found themselves entering into larger pedestrian traffic on their way to the ramen stand. Once reaching their destination, Sakura peered in and let out a breath after realizing a familiar orange ninja was nowhere to be found.

After the two seated themselves and placed their orders, Sakura ordering miso and Ino ordering a weird concoction of ingredients that made Ayame turn green, Sakura decided to ask one last question.

"When are you going to tell him?" the pinkette questioned.

"…..oh shit." Ino turned white.

"What?"

"I told him to come over at noon and I completely forgot!" the blonde tilted her head upward, only to remember they weren't in Sakura's apartment so her familiar pink clock was nowhere to be found, "I hope he won't be too upset. We aren't exactly on good terms as it is."

Ino stared at the bowl placed in front of her as she remembered the last time she was in the company of her former lover. It was about two weeks ago and Team Ten decided to join Team Gai when they noticed them in the Korean BBQ restaurant. Needless to say, Ino avoided eye contact. But for some strange reason, Lee kept giving the girl a weird look throughout the entire meal. Even talking over her the moment she opened her mouth. How strange.

"Yamanaka."

Hearing her last name in that familiar cold voice, Ino inwardly cringed before turning in her stool to face her worst fear at the moment. Hyuuga Neji.

"….Hey," the girl lamely let out. Instantly cursing herself for suddenly becoming timid.

"A word?" the Hyuuga's tone of voice instantly translated that question into a demand, as he walked away expecting the blonde to follow.

Said blonde spared her companion an apologetic look before standing to make her exit.

"Ino, if anything bad happens, just make the signal! You know, the one from when we were kids," Sakura urged.

"Even if he were about to kill me, I would never do that!" Ino thought about the many secret codes the girls had and mentally slapped her younger self, "But….I'll do something, okay?"

Sakura nodded and continued her meal, at a slower rate than before, as Ino caught up to the Jounin who was now sitting on a bench a few meters away.

"Hi, hi!" Ino beamed at the desolate male.

"What?"

"Oh, straight to the point I see?"

Neji, not in the mood for her banter, gave her a death glare that clearly said, _'hurry up.'_

Ino's cheerful façade slowly crumbled as she turned to face forward and bluntly whispered, "I'm pregnant."

There was a calm quiet between the two that lasted for about four minutes. Ino began to watch the clouds above her, wondering if the cloud that looked suspiciously like a skull and crossbones should bother her or not. Neji, on the other hand, was looking to his right at a group of birds that were viciously fighting over some jerky.

Bored with the small creatures, Neji looked to his left at the girl next to him, "Have you decided anything yet?"

"Adoption."

"Hn."

Another two minutes or so had passed before Ino realized he was done with the conversation. _'He could at least act a little more….interested! He's probably going to just leave and forget about it until I actually start showing, then he would be constantly reminded.' _Ino did not expect her unplanned pregnancy to lead to some crappy love story, but hell, if she had to suffer and endure a pregnancy, he was going to suffer too!

Ino shifted on the bench so her whole upper body was facing him, "So…what are you going to do?"

Neji looked at her as if that was the stupidest question he ever heard in his life, "What are you asking, Yamanaka? There's nothing I _can_ do," he began to stand up, "you're the one preg-"

Ino suddenly latched onto Neji's arm and pulled him back to the bench.

"You self-centered jerk! This isn't just _my_ problem!" she let go of him as she continued, "_You _have to dedicate some of your resources to make sure me and this baby come out of this as healthy as possible!" Oh yes, she would definitely make him suffer. "And by resources, I mean your time. Someone is going to have to make sure I can get through my daily living without straining myself. It's bad for the baby." Neji gave her another one of his patented _'are you stupid?' _looks as she inwardly smirked to herself.

"_Also, _by resources, I mean money!" Ino couldn't help but grin in self-triumph at his reaction. It was somewhere between shock, disbelief, and fear. Maybe a bit of hatred as well. "As you know, I won't be able to continue working as a shinobi soon, so I've lost my only means to support myself," Ino knew her dad would help her out on a whim, but that wasn't important, "it's your job to see to it I'm well taken care of. It's good for the baby."

"You're not serious," Neji looked at the girl beside him with no particular expression, "I know you. This isn't you. So whatever scheme you're brewing up, it will fail, Yamanaka."

Uncharacteristically apathetic, Ino replied, "You definitely _don't _know me. At least, not anymore. The baby comes first here."

Neji bore deep into here eyes. The Yamanaka was surprisingly very hard to read once she put on a professional face, he figured it had something to do with her clan's specializations. The Hyuuga was not a cold-hearted person. Had the situation been different, he would've had no problem helping the girl throughout the pregnancy and seeing the infant off to it's new home. But, things were not different, he had something to think about.

Tenten.

How would she react? Angry probably. He would have to tell her when she is unarmed. Should he tell her at all?

The look in Neji's eyes changed to something less hostile as he voiced his concerns to the blonde, "Tenten. What do you expect me to do about Tenten?"

"Nothing," the look of disgust on Neji's caused her to quickly elaborate, "I-I mean that you don't have to like, break up with her or anything! Trust me, I don't want you," Ino's expression shifted to one of prideful superiority.

Neji looked away from the girl briefly then returned his hard gaze, "She will probably break up with me. She will probably blame you and you will gain a new enemy," he looked thoughtful for a moment, "You may gain several enemies. What you did may make you lose respect with the other kunoichi."

'_Yea, I thought the same," _the blonde mused to herself, remembering how nonchalant Sakura had been even after learning Ino broke the kunoichi code of sisterhood. Maybe if Tenten spent less time with the dudes and more with the dudettes the other girl would care more.

"What are you thinking about?" Neji asked, somewhat forcefully.

"Nothing at all," a small laugh on Ino's part, "Don't worry about your precious girlfriend. I'm already thinking up a plan that could possibly save your relationship," Ino continued, "Not that you even still deserve her."

Neji found her last statement rather appalling. It takes two to have an affair. In that case, Ino is just as bad as him for acting like best friends with Tenten despite everything. He gave the girl an incredulous look before speaking his mind.

"Yamanaka, you are a horrible person. I will pray to my ancestors that our child does not come out even half as screwed up as you are," Neji hoped his words would sting the girl even if only a bit.

'_I'm screwed up and yet you're the one praying to dead people. Must be a Hyuuga thing,' _the thought of the Hyuugas caused Ino's eyes to widen in remembrance, "Your family, what would they do if the baby has the Byakugan?" Ino inquired.

"…..I hadn't actually thought of that. I will have to tell our clan head the situation, keeping it a secret is not an option seeing as the child could possibly be used against us if someone-"

"They are not putting that freaky seal thing on my baby!" Ino almost yelled in a state of panic.

"They're not going to put it on your _baby_," Ino let out a sigh of relief before Neji continued, "The seal isn't placed until the child is of an appropriate age and-"

Neji was never able to finish his statement as Ino suddenly kicked him off the bench. The attack wasn't that painful, but it was the thought that counts. He then watched on in confusion as the Yamanaka stood on top of the bench and suddenly let out a loud noise….

Like a barking seal?

Before Neji could plan his escape from the very embarrassing scene, Haruno Sakura appeared out of nowhere and gave him a head start on his escape…by punching him a good 50 feet away.

Ino could only grin as her friend blew on her knuckles, "Hyuuga prodigy, huh?" Sakura turned to her friend, "Not even he could get out of the way of one of my sucker punches! CHAAA!"

"I didn't say to abuse him, forehead girl," Ino spoke through her laughter, "you were only supposed to come grab me and leave."

Sakura gave her friend a puppy dog pout, "Well that's no fun. You could've just walked away! When you called me, I assumed the worst." The pinkette began leading the way as the pair left the scene with many inquisitive stares behind them. By nightfall, the whole village would know Sakura punched someone who wasn't Naruto.

"So, what's the plan?" Sakura asked her friend, hoping the girl would give her as many details as possible.

"I'm actually not sure. The whole conversation led to nowhere," Ino began to ask herself if she accomplished anything at all just now, "But one thing's for sure, Neji now knows he's going to be a daddy!"

Sakura smiled at her friend's good mood, "Who else knows beside me and him?"

"No one."

Too bad that wasn't true. Ino spent a lot of time with her childhood teammates, there was hardly ever a secret between them. Ino's behavior lately was enough of a clue to tip off the two closest males in her life.

**xXxXxXxXx**

**Interlude: I Know a Secret**

**(One Week Ago)**

Team 10 was on their way back to the village from a quick mission to deliver supplies to one of the security posts on the border of the Fire Country. Not one to exert too much energy unless necessary, their team leader decided to take a break. Again.

"Choji, Ino," Shikamaru called to the two walking in front of him, "We're taking a break. Walking for so long is troublesome." The young man plopped down next to a large tree root and rested against it.

"This is the second time we've stopped in an hour!" Choji protested, "The sooner we get back to Konoha, the sooner I can eat!" Choji had been craving BBQ for a while now. Friend or not, no one stood in the way of him and his calories.

Shikamaru willfully ignored him, knowing he would get over it in about thirty seconds, and directed his glance towards Ino, wondering why she hadn't started her argument as soon as Choji finished. The girl looked uneasy but he didn't pay much attention to it. _'Troublesome,' _was his only thought as he pulled out a cigarette and lit it.

The moment the foul smelling smoke reached Ino's nose, she immediately became nauseated and jumped up from where she had been sitting, earning odd looks from her teammates at her abruptness, "What? I'm going pee, okay?" Ino informed the other two before leaving the trail and disappearing behind some trees.

Ten minutes had gone by and still no sign of Ino's return. With a sigh, Shikamaru rose unto his feet, "Why do women take so long to do everything?" looking towards his comrade only earned him a shrug and a look of _'you tell me.'_

"I guess I'll go this time," Shikamaru dutifully headed into the forest in the direction his teammate had left.

Shikamaru wasn't really expecting much as he approached his female teammate. Maybe an annoying rant about how she can take care of herself or a smack for stumbling upon her while she was still taking care of 'business', but he definitely was not expecting this.

Ino was in the process of retching, her figure bent over with one hand pressed against a tree. Nothing was coming out though, so it was safe to assume she had been vomiting for a while.

"Ino," he watched as the girl swung around and wiped her mouth, "What are you doing?" His bored expression never changed but he was actually very concerned for the girl.

"I must have eaten something weird. Maybe the jerky I found in my pack was bad after all," the girl let out a small laugh, "Let's go, no more breaks, okay?"

Shikamaru nodded his head as the two walked to rejoin Choji and headed in the direction of the village. The scene he witnessed never left Shikamaru's mind, however.

'_I haven't noticed any real change in her recently, but she had been abnormally tired this morning,' _the gears in the genius's head were already turning, _'I can tell she wasn't lying to me back there, she truly believes it was something she ate. Could she be pregnant and not know it?'_

Shikamaru never jumped to conclusions, so he carefully ran through everything he remembers about his teammate from the last couple days, he let out a sigh as he realized it probably was true. _'If she doesn't know, I'm not going to tell her. How troublesome.' _However, one thing was for sure:

Shikamaru knew a secret.

**(Later that Day)**

Team 10 was together once again as they decided to grant Choji's wish of BBQ. Ino was starving, so she packed much more on her plate than the two boys had ever seen her consume in one sitting.

"Why do we always get barbeque?" the blonde was ungraciously talking with her mouth full, "I mean, would fried food hurt every once in a while? I really want something fried." Ino's face suddenly brightened as a brilliant idea came to her mind, "You guys, let's go to that confectionary place a few blocks from here! They deep fry chocolate nougat bars!" She finished happily.

Shikamaru choked on his beef for a few seconds and Choji immediately put his chopsticks down, deep in thought. _'Ino would never suggest that. What's going on? The only people who would eat something that unusual is a preg-' _Choji's jaw immediately dropped at his realization. One look at his best friend confirmed his suspicions. He knew too.

Choji and Shikamaru knew a secret.

**xXxXxXxXx**

Tenten had heard a very odd rumor this morning. Apparently, it was going around the village that Haruno Sakura had physically assaulted her boyfriend. This rumor was confirmed the moment Neji showed up later on with a slightly swollen cheek. She probably wouldn't have even noticed the difference if she hadn't been searching for it.

"Are you okay?" Tenten asked the boy out of concern, but her question was clearly also asking for an explanation of just why Haruno found the need to knock him out. Or at least attempt to. No one knocked out the Hyuuga prodigy.

Neji gave her a look of feigned nonchalance, "I'm sure you know what happened already. I honestly don't know how Naruto can take so many of those, I know he heals fast but this is ridiculous," Neji looked at his girlfriend to see she was a little confused, "The punch, I mean. It was very….uncalled for."

"But why?"

Neji was silent for a moment, thankful that the girl was used to him not answering questions right away so she didn't notice his hesitation. "Tenten, there's something I need to tell you," the Hyuuga stated matter-of-factly.

"Okay. Go ahead," the brunette was now smiling with exaggerated 'cuteness', anticipating whatever he had to tell her. Neji couldn't bear to see that smile falter so he did the natural thing to do…

"I love you." Yep, he postponed the conversation.

Tenten beamed up at him, "I love you too, Neji! This isn't like you…" Tenten blushed as she looked down, _'Maybe he's finally becoming more open emotionally,' _she thought to herself. Neji never showed affection unnecessarily.

The girl continued, "Is it maybe because I've been, you know, _trying_ in the whole romance department?"

"Hm," Neji didn't even think about his response, "if this is about you the way you screeched at me and wanted to break up because I asked if you desired to hold hands, then no. I just wanted to remind you that I do indeed love you, Tenten."

"Wow…this really isn't like you," the chuunin looked somewhat confused. Even more confused because her lover didn't even spare her a glance as he said any of that.

The jounin mustered up a smile for the girl, "I know. There are a lot of things you wouldn't believe to be like me."

The girl chose to ignore his cryptic message as their other teammate approached them running on his hands.

**xXxXxXxXx**

A week had gone by with no noticeable difference in the life of Yamanaka Ino. It was as if her current situation was nonexistent. She didn't know how long she was going to keep everything a secret, but so far she didn't care much about it. Her morning sickness was now far in between, so she had no reminder of any of the recent events that took place.

Ino looked up as the bell above the shop's door rang out.

"Good afternoon, Ino." Fuu Yamanaka walked behind the cash register and pulled out an apron. Ino's distant cousin never took shifts at the shop, so it was kind of…awkward. Would he even be on the payroll? "No need to give me that look, I worked here a lot when I was about your age. I just need a break and this is perfect."

Ino didn't know much about her distant cousin, there were rumors he was a member of the ANBU branch Root, but whatever, all Ino knew was that she now had the day off.

The blonde quickly untied her apron and bid the auburn haired male farewell, "Okay, Fuu-san. See you later," Or not.

Ino already had an idea of what she wanted to do today, and that was to bother a certain Hyuuga.

'_I hope he didn't already tell Tenten. I should have taken care of her sooner,' _Ino sympathetically thought about the older girl. She didn't want to ruin Neji's relationship, she knew very well how much he loved her. Which is why she came up with the plan to tell Tenten it was a drunken one-night stand and that she was horribly guilt stricken.

Ino didn't _want _to lie but she

"Ino-chan!" the Yamanaka looked to her left and noticed Hinata waving to her from in front of the village bakery, "Don't you have shop duty today? It is Wednesday I believe." Of course her other best friend would know her work schedule. Ino decided to postpone harassing the other Hyuuga for the day.

"Yes, but, someone relieved me so now I have nothing to do," Ino cheerfully informed the other kunoichi.

"I see you have not noticed me," Ino looked to the left and realized Shino was also present, and addressing her in a rather creepy way, "It is because we are not close friends like you and Hinata," yea, creepy, "This is because no one notices when I am around."

"Um, sorry?" Ino wondered if that was what he wanted to hear.

Hinata giggled in front of her, "Don't let Shino-kun bother you, he's like this with everyone."

The threesome then entered the bakery; Hinata apparently had a taste for cinnamon rolls so she and Shino decided to stop here after they finished up a short mission. The blended aromas of the pastries hit Ino with incredible force but unlike her teammate's second hand smoke, it didn't make her want to retch. It actually made her mouth water in an unnatural way. The blonde decided to purchase some random cupcake and the small group of shinobi then sat at a nearby picnic table to enjoy the delicacies. Ino was rather surprised that Shino was actually still here, not taking him as the type to 'hang out'.

"So then, N-Naruto-kun ended up having to help wash dishes since he couldn't pay for our meal. He refused to let me take up the tab," Hinata had finished her story of yet another date gone wrong with her boyfriend.

Ino couldn't help but let out a small laugh at the story while Shino simply nodded his head in acknowledgement that he had heard it.

It was at that moment that Hinata looked over the blonde's shoulder and noticed her cousin along with his girlfriend walking, heading dangerously close to their location. Hinata knew her cousin's affair was over, he made it obvious by the way he acted in the Yamanaka's presence. They weren't intimate anymore. However, Hinata still didn't feel very comfortable in both of their presence.

"-and I was like 'Hey! Those flowers aren't free!' and chased the man-" Ino stopped in the middle of her sentence when she noticed the far off look in the other female's eyes, "Are you even listening?"

Hinata immediately jumped in her seat while Shino nodded one time in acknowledgment that he had heard her. At least someone was listening. Ino decided to start her story from the beginning.

**xXxXxXxXx**

Tenten noticed the threesome at the picnic table and alerted her boyfriend, "Hey, look who it is! We should go say hi," the brunette said cheerfully. Tenten enjoyed socializing whenever she wasn't training. She was a tomboy, but that female trait was still very much present in her.

Neji inwardly groaned at her suggestion. He had long seen them and was praying to his ancestors that Tenten would not. They never answered his prayers, probably because he was a branch member. Damn you, destiny.

"Tenten, we're only here because you ripped your summoning scroll. Let's just go to the supply shop so we can finish training." Neji retained his calm, knowing his lover usually complied with him whenever training was involved.

"We deserve a break, don't you think?" Tenten turned to her other teammate, "Right, Lee?"

Rock Lee felt helpless at the situation he was thrust into. Why did this always happen? Perhaps if he prayed to the Hyuuga ancestors as his teammate always did, his life would be as easy as Neji's. Maybe he should kick it up a notch and pray to the Sage of the Six Paths himself. But instead, he decided to not tip Tenten off to any suspiciousness so he simply replied…

"Okay."

Neji gave him a glare riddled with so much killing intent that a part of Lee died on the spot.

"Alright then!" Tenten sped ahead and left the two to follow.

"Neji," the green-clad shinobi addressed his friend, "I believe I have just lost a few years from my springtime of youth," he finished solemnly. Neji was very confused on what the hell he was talking about.

**xXxXxXxXx**

Shino's eyes twitched slightly behind his glasses, "I have a feeling something very bad is about to happen," the Aburame stood up, "I will now take my leave.

"Sh-Shino-kun! Please stay! I ca-, I don-, I-I…" the flustered teenager gave her friend a pleading look and he lowered himself back into his seat. For some reason, Hinata needed him here so he would stay.

Before Ino could ask Hinata what was wrong, Tenten suddenly plopped down next to her, "Yo!"

Ino gave the girl a blank look before grinning widely, "Hey, Ten! It's weird to see you not training till nightfall," the blonde was subtly asking the girl why was she here.

"Well, this guy," Tenten pointed at Neji, who took a seat on Hinata's right. Shino was on Hinata's left with Lee sitting across from him, "made me rip a scroll so I couldn't practice my technique anymore."

Ino looked at Neji, who was diagonal from her, and smiled, "That's unfortunate."

"I can't be mad at him, though," Tenten shrugged her shoulders, "His little mishap is what gave us this nice break."

Ino was still smiling as she continued to look at the male, "Yea. Go, Neji."

Tenten giggled next to her. Was she really the only one here who didn't feel….uncomfortable? Well, excluding Ino of course. She still refused to allow the situation to negatively effect her life. But even Shino felt the weird vibes coming off the remaining three occupants of the table.

Before Ino's comments towards Neji could become anymore…awkward, Lee and Hinata joined forces to prevent the inevitable.

"So, Hinata-chan," Lee was back to his exuberant self, "How are things with you and Naruto?"

Hinata immediately blushed, "Are we really going to discuss such things?" the girl then decided to flip the conversation, "Why don't you tell us about you and Sakura?"

The young man immediately began to sulk, much to the displeasure of his teammates, "There has been no progress with my courtship of Sakura-chan. However, I will not give up!" Lee proudly declared.

"You haven't even really been trying lately!" Tenten pointed out.

"Well, I've learned that some females like cold and distant men so maybe my 'backing off' will work in my favor," Lee nonchalantly said, not sounding very convincing at all.

"I think that's good, Lee-kun," the younger Hyuuga admired his determination. Throughout their conversation, Ino and Neji had been holding a silent one.

Ino gave him an expectant look, _'Are you going to say something?'_

Neji replied with a low cough and a pointed look, _'No.'_

The two could carry a conversation with only facial expressions for a very extended period of time. This subtle way of communication was often used to discuss secret rendezvouses whenever they were at a group event.

Ino shot him a frustrated look with her brows furrowed, _'Why?'_

Neji's eyes darted towards Tenten then back at Ino as he frowned slightly, _'Because of her, obviously.'_

Nope, Yamanaka Ino was not about to kill his relationship today, not if he had anything to say about it.

Well, actually…

Ino suddenly sat up straight up in her seat, "I have an announcement to make," everyone at the table gave her an inquisitive look, "I…"

Seeing the look Ino gave his friend before she began to speak, Lee took action. He let out a loud gasp and pretended to choke, thrusting his body to the right and knocking Ino out of her seat.

"What the hell, bushy brows!" Ino shrieked at the older male.

Hinata ran around the table to Lee and began giving him the Heimlich maneuver. Ino couldn't believe what she was seeing, did Hinata honestly believe Lee was choking? Any idiot can see through his horrible acting.

It was at that moment that Neji realized something. The two of them knew. It all made sense now. Hinata telling Tenten little white lies that eventually got back to him, Lee always acting weird and randomly telling Tenten how attractive she was and that any boy would be lucky to have her even though he knew it would piss Neji off. He immediately felt horrible and decided enough was enough.

Shino's eye twitched again. Something was definitely about to happen.

With Lee and his cousin now on the ground and Ino standing above them screaming profanities, Neji turned to his girlfriend and looked her in the eye.

"I have been unloyal to you."

Tenten's amused face instantly fell, "Wh-What?"

Shino, being the only one hearing the conversation, immediately regretted his decision to stay.

"I had an affair with Yamanaka and now she is with child," underneath his cold demeanor, Neji was very upset.

Hearing her name, Ino looked up at the table. She was now on the ground too because Lee had swung his legs in an attempt to get up and 'accidently' knocked her legs from under her.

'_Oh no….he's ruining my plan!' _Ino was at Tenten side in a second, on her knees in front of the brunette. "I am soooo sorry!" Ino's eyes began to water, "He was drunk and I came on to him. It only happened once but I feel like I could die!"

Hinata had to pinch Lee, who was now faking a seizure, to get him to pay attention to the exchange.

Tenten was utterly speechless. She didn't even know Neji drank! But now that she thought about it, he did stay home from training once about two months ago, claiming exhaustion. He must've had a hangover and didn't want her to know.

"….I'm not mad at you," Tenten spoke quietly. The two behind her could only face plant in disbelief. She then turned her gaze to Neji, "I don't want you to ever hide anything like this from me again, okay?" her voice now held hints of anger, "People do stupid things when they're drunk…I mean, Lee tries to kiss me every time he takes even a sip of sake! And even my father has–" the girl suddenly cut herself short. No use bringing more drama into this situation.

Lee was about to get up after having fallen again, but decided to just give up and laid back down after he heard her words, _'I am being used an example of why to excuse an affair….I am washing my hands of this situation.'_

Tenten would never cry in front of someone, it was just against everything she stood for. Crying in public would only increase the notion of kunoichi being weak and frail. Unbeknownst to her, however, Hinata was behind her silently shedding tears for her friend.

"I have to go. I'll see you guys tomorrow," Tenten stood and began walking in the direction of her home, not sparing a single look back.

Neji observed the scene in front of him. Tenten's retreating form, Ino now sitting in her seat with her chin in the palm of her hand, Lee sprawled on his back on the ground, Hinata with her hands clasped in front of her silently crying, and Shino nodding his head in acknowledgement of what he had just witnessed.

'_How did things come to this?' _Even though he told his girlfriend his secret, Yamanaka just had to open her mouth and _lie_ so now he feels even more horrible.

Shikamaru and Choji noticed the group and began walking their way, however, they ended up turning on their heels and retreating the moment they felt the tense atmosphere.

'_Well, those two are smart enough to avoid trouble. Why is it that trouble is so hard for me to avoid?' _Neji wanted nothing more than to turn on his heels at the situation he was in and walk back into easier times. When it was just he and Tenten. No Yamanaka and definitely no _it._

Yamanaka.

It.

They were real, and very much a part of his life forever now.

"Ino," Neji stared at the blonde in front of him.

"Yes?" Ino couldn't help but sound a bit hesitant. Neji _never_ called her by her first name in public. That was reserved for more intimate times.

"You didn't really talk to her about _it_. I don't think she fully absorbed what I said."

"Oh yea, huh," Ino rose from her seat at the table, "No use overwhelming the girl. Wait a few days and then ask her if she caught that part."

Neji frowned at how uncaringly Ino spoke about the pregnancy, almost as if _she_ hasn't fully absorbed the situation either. She also didn't seem too disheartened that she had in fact still lied to the other female. Sure, it was for a good cause but Neji would've preferred to just get it all out. He will tell Tenten the truth. One day.

Ino looked down at Neji, causing him to immediately stand up. No one looked down at Neji Hyuuga.

"I'm sorry," she managed to mumble out. The other three shinobi gazed at her in slight surprise, her sudden apologetic attitude a stark contrast to just a minute ago. The apology was sincere. What came next was even more surprising.

The blonde girl practically threw herself into Neji and grasped him in a very odd hug.

"I just want you to be happy," the girl whispered into his ear. Even after getting over the initial shock, he still didn't return her hug. Just stood there extremely stiff until she eventually backed away and looked at him for a few moments.

After a few seconds with no response from the boy, Ino walked away.

Neji only stood there as his teammate, cousin, and person number three came to him. There was a heavy silence that lasted at least one full minute.

"I very much enjoyed this outing. Thank you for you camaraderie," Shino said sternly.

**xXxXxXxXx**

Tenten was very upset. Very. It was at this moment that the girl realized she had no female friend she could go to and cry freely. So she went to the next best thing.

Her sensei.

Might Gai was very confused when his former student showed up at the Jounin Standby Station's lounge in tears. Kakashi had been the one to inform him of the girl's presence, asking "Gai, did your student maybe lose a pet today?" to get his attention.

Gai awkwardly held the girl. It must be very serious if the girl was actually displaying such emotion in public. Growing tired of the incompetent male's ability to calm a crying female, Anko and Yugao decided to relieve him of his situation.

Bringing the girl to the little kunoichi's room, the two began to comfort her. Tenten looked at the older females and began to cry harder, feeling ashamed that so many people had to see her like this.

Seeing the girl crying even harder than before, Anko was about to go retrieve Gai once more before Tenten's soft voice stopped her, "I don't think anything you say will comfort me. I should have never come here. I apologize." Tenten dutifully bowed her head.

"Well, you can still tell us what's got you down, girlie," Anko.

Tenten relaxed a bit and leaned against one of the grimy face bowls in the room, "Relationship issues."

"Oh…well I can't help you there. None of my relationships lasted beyond a one-night stand," Anko stated. The term 'one-night stand' caused Tenten to cringe just a little.

Yugao's expression softened, a remarkable feat for a woman hardened by service in the ANBU, as she spoke quietly to the girl, "I lost the man I loved a long time ago," she got a faraway look in her eye as she began to think about Hayate.

Tenten looked back and forth between the two women in front of her. She suddenly didn't feel as upset. Her situation could be much, much worse. She felt silly for confiding in the two purple-haired women. One has never been in a relationship and the other was pretty much a widow. Tenten had it good compared to them. She never doubted that Neji loved her, and she loves him very much as well.

The brunette wiped away her tears, bowed to her two superiors, and gave them a sincere thank you before leaving the room.

The two women looked at each other.

"Well, that was easy. I should become a counselor or something," Anko joked before her and the other female exited the bathroom.

Yugao simply returned to what she had been doing, "Indeed, Mitarashi."

**xXxXxXxXx**

Ino ran through the day's events in her head for the 50th time that night. She was in front of her vanity brushing her hair. After fighting with a knot for a few seconds, the girl got frustrated and threw her brush down.

'_I hate feeling like this. Things went better than expected in all actuality but I feel like shit because Tenten looked me in the eye and said she wasn't mad at me!' _Ino felt like hiring someone to come beat her up so she can at least feel like she got what she deserved. She wondered to herself if that would be a D-rank mission if she did hire someone. It wasn't worth the money if it was ranked anything more.

Ino exhaled and laid her head on her arms. She reached for an object on the right side of the surface and brought it to her. It was a hair tie. Neji's hair tie.

The blonde groaned then threw herself onto her bed, playing with the small object between her fingers. Was what she did worth it?

Her thoughts began to wander to her time spent in the Hyuuga's presence. She rolled onto her side and ran her hand against her soft comforter on her queen size bed. Neji didn't even have a bed, it was a mat on the floor. His sheet was so thin that Ino can vividly remember freezing her butt off under them. Things were much better in her room. Plus she didn't have to worry about random family members being extremely nosey. The stereotype was true, walls in the Hyuuga compound really _did _have eyes.

Ino groaned again and tossed the small object away from her. Damn Neji for plaguing her thoughts. Damn Tenten for not slitting her throat with a kunai. Damn Hinata, Lee, and Shino for just sitting back and enjoying the show, they may as well have had some popcorn to go along with their gaping!

'_I wonder if the whole village will know by tomorrow. I doubt Tenten would tell anyone and the other three aren't the gossiping types so maybe my reputation won't go down the drain just yet.' _Ino found comfort in that one little detail as she drifted off into sleep.

**xXxXxXxXx**

**A/N: There's chapter two. Naturally, I'm nervous about posting this.**

**Oh yea, someone said my writing style is "distracting" but didn't elaborate u.u I'm not a fanfiction veteran so I'll need a less vague description on how to improve my writing**

**Read and review please ~ LilacBlossom**


	3. Chapter 3

**Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its characters.**

**xXxXxXxXx**

Tenten awoke from her slumber at the sound of light tapping on her bedroom window. After a short investigation, the brunette realized it was her boyfriend. The events from that afternoon all came rushing back to her as she climbed out of the comfort of her bedroom to join the Hyuuga on the roof.

"Tenten." The young man bluntly said.

"….Hi." Tenten didn't care much for cheesy romantic dramas, but this definitely was nowhere near as romantic and emotional as it could, rather should, be. "I already told you I'm fine. I don't see why this couldn't wait until morning."

Neji actually knew that she was, in fact, not fine. His former sensei had found him releasing frustration on a training post and questioned him on why Tenten was crying. The man was very disturbed, he had never seen the girl like that before. After he told his sensei that he would take care of it, the man gave him two thumbs up and quickly vanished.

"I just wanted to make sure you were fine," he was telling truth, "We will have to deal with the situation sooner or later, so I chose sooner." Seeing the confused look on her face, he continued slowly, "About the baby."

Tenten's eyes immediately widened. How could she have forgotten that part? She looked down at her slippers before speaking, "What…will you do, Neji?"

"I plan to request an audience with Hiashi-sama. I will explain the situation to him, give him time to fully analyze our position, and then we will probably have another audience. The second time being with him, you, Yamanaka, the Hyuuga council, and myself." He finished his explanation professionally, no visible emotion on his face.

"Why do I have to be there?"

"I just want to make it clear to them that I love you and will not marry Yamanaka."

Tenten felt a pang in her heart at his words. She couldn't bare the thought of him being forced to marry another woman.

After a brief pause, the girl decided to speak, "Well, okay."

Neji stood from where he had been sitting, "The meeting with you will be a week and a half or so from now. The elders like to deliberate things very slowly," he then jumped off of the rooftop and disappeared into the night.

"I love you too, Neji," Tenten hugged her knees close to her and decided to stargaze a bit before returning to her bedroom.

**xXxXxXxXx**

**You, Me, Her, and It**

**Chapter Three: Hizashi, Are You There? It's Me, Ino.**

A week has gone by since the events that took place at the picnic table. How many weeks are in a pregnancy again? Ino really didn't care at this point. The blonde got out of bed on a cool Thursday morning and got ready to start her day.

Ino would be training with her father until about three o'clock and from there would probably go to the missions desk in the academy and request work. They would probably tell her, as usual, that there were no missions for a chuunin such as herself at the moment. The only time Ino ever saw any action was when she and her former teammates would team up again, usually because Shikamaru requested them. Other than that, Ino did have the occasional B or A-rank mission, filling in for the role of a healer. There were several other medic-nins people would choose before her though.

Heading downstairs, Ino greeted her father and was rather shocked to also see Shikaku and Choza present.

"Ino, my beautiful daughter," Inoichi walked over to the fellow blonde and gently urged her to take a seat at the kitchen table, "I have some spectacular news for you," the man was beaming from ear to ear.

Looking around, Ino also noticed the smiles on the other males faces, "Okay, what is it?" she was a bit anxious but figured it couldn't be anything too bad.

"Ino, Ibiki has requested to take you on as an apprentice," the man smiled even more as his daughters jaw dropped, "Aside from training with me to perfect our clan's jutsu, you will also have training with him three days a week to learn how to extract information from someone without needing to go into their mind."

The girl didn't know what to say, so she just nodded as her father continued.

"From this day on, consider yourself now a Tokubetsu Jounin, specializing in intelligence gathering and interrogation." The man looked his daughter over as she began to shake with excitement. She was a Tokubetsu Jounin. A Special Jounin. Not skilled enough to be considered an elite shinobi, but her abilities got her recognized as a specialist in a certain area.

"You have no idea how happy I am. This is my dream," Ino still couldn't believe it. She didn't think she deserved it. The girl had been slacking on her ninjutsu training lately.

"One more thing, tomorrow morning, report to the Godaime. She will officially notify you of your promotion and you will also be required to take a physical."

Ino's whole world had just shattered.

"Ph-Physical?"

"Nothing too extravagant, just the usual. Don't fret, you know you are perfectly healthy."

Define healthy, dad.

"Take the day off, darling," the man looked his daughter over again, "you don't look well."

Shikaku and Choza each gave their congratulations as the trio left. Shikamaru was already a jounin and Choji was a Tokubetsu jounin just like her. She felt proud of herself, but….

'_Sakura was right, where _does_ a baby fit into this?'_

Ino's pity party was interrupted by someone opening her front door and closing it behind them. She looked up to see it was the devil himself.

"Have you ever heard of knocking?" the blonde tried to act angry but gave up after a few seconds.

"Haven't you two learned by now not to leave your house key under a flowerpot?" Neji took a seat next to her, "It's predictable."

"What?" Ino deadpanned at him.

"Monday morning, I am expecting you at the Hyuuga compound no later than ten. Understood? And wear something…" the boy looked her over a few times, scrunching his nose at her orange shirt with the kanji for 'boar' on it, "other than that. Or that purple top. It's hideous."

He left immediately after that, Ino not even caring what the hell he wants her there for. All she wants is to be happy. She wants the same for him too. And Tenten. And the it. Or itette, whichever one it turned out to be. Whatever the Hyuugas wanted to discuss, she'll make sure it leads to happiness for everyone, even if she has to sacrifice her own.

"I don't even know what would make me happy," Ino admitted to absolutely no one as she headed back to her bedroom. Actually, she did have an idea of what would make her happy. Unfortunately, it's entirely impossible. It's _always_ been impossible.

**Five Months Ago**

"Neji, I have a question," the blonde chuunin had a serene look on her face as she sat in the middle of a cosmos field on the outskirts of Konoha, her companion's head resting on her lap.

"What?" the older male sounded slightly annoyed. He had been enjoying the quiet.

Ino giggled at his usual attitude, "You and Tenten broke up again, right?" a grunt of displeasure was her confirmation, "Have you decided if you're gonna ask her out again?"

"Probably," he should've put more effort into that response but whatever.

"You don't ever think you'll date anyone _besides_ Tenten? I mean, you're only 19 so…"

"No, Yamanaka." Neji sat up and rubbed his neck, "No."

Silence overtook the duo. Ino was never silent. This observation didn't go unnoted by the genius. However, he chose not to inquire about her thoughts. He knew what she was hinting at.

"If you say so," Ino huffed, "Now put your head back so I can braid some flowers in your hair!"

The jounin obliged. He couldn't give her what she wanted so the least he could do was let her entertain herself.

**End Flashback**

That day in the cosmos field was one of her last pleasant memories with the male. So back to the point, her idea of happiness was impossible and will always be impossible.

The cold-hearted Hyuuga prodigy will never be her boyfriend.

**xXxXxXxXx**

Hiashi had a headache. The news his nephew came to him with two days ago was downright outrageous. And now here he was, dealing with the stuck up pricks that made up the Hyuuga council. He decided to cut right to the chase.

"Honorable council, elders, brethren, main house and also branch, I have gathered you here to discuss an important turn of events." Hiashi looked around to make sure he had everyone's attention, "As you know, we had recently come to an agreement that Hyuuga Neji of the branch house would be my successor, as my humble eldest daughter has denounced her status."

A murmur was heard in the room. It was very scandalous when Hinata came in front of them only recently to declare she did not wish to be a Hyuuga any longer, and that she wished to change her surname whenever she married. Her boyfriend was anther scandalous matter, but many fellow brethren vouched for the boy, claiming he will most likely be Rokudaime so Hinata would not disgrace their name by marrying him.

By that point, no one even objected because the whole heir situation was a long standing matter that everyone wished to just be over with. And so, it was decided that on his 20th birthday, the council would officially inform Neji of his new status.

That was until this.

"My new successor has come to me with an issue. He is expecting a child." Hiashi braced himself for the backlash.

"What?"

"Since when did he marry?"

"Is it too late to be terminated?"

"Hizashi would be proud!"

"He's only 19!"

Hiashi raised his hand for silence, "That is not all. The girl carrying his child is not his…girlfriend," the word was very uncomfortable for the older man to use, "but it is someone else."

A silence engulfed the room.

Hotaru, one of the female elders, spoke up, "Excuse me, Hiashi-sama, but we are confused."

Hiashi couldn't think of anyway to say it without sounding scandalous, so he just resigned to throwing himself to the dogs, "Neji is expecting a child for a female who is not his lover, but someone else completely."

The room was in an uproar.

"He must marry her at once!"

"Dispose of the seedless one."

"How could he?"

"Shame!"

"He is not fit to be heir"

"Fail."

Hiashi raised his hand once more, "We have until Monday to reach a conclusion. That is seven days from now. Please try to be as open as you can." Hiashi stood, "Meeting adjourned."

**Day One**

Hiashi stood with two pictures in front of him. He raised his left arm, "This is Tenten, Neji's lover," he then raised his right hand, "This is Ino, his….mistress," Hiashi lowered the photos, "Discuss."

Hotaru spoke first, "The blonde one is unacceptable. Just look at that photo!" Indeed, Ino's newest ninja registration picture was…questionable. It featured her with both of her hands over her breasts and giving the camera a seductive look. His messenger should have chosen a photo from a different year.

Natsu of the branch house spoke next, "We cannot judge by appearance, sister. The brunette also looks unpresentable in her photo." Tenten's picture looked as if she had ran to the studio straight after training to take it, hair out of place and face gleaming with sweat.

Hitomi, a rather romantic middle-aged woman, gave her opinion, "If Neji-san wishes to marry his lover, why are we having this debate?"

Heero, the eldest of the males, spoke up, "We must select him to marry the one who can best represent our clan as head lady. Unfortunately, there is no room for love in this situation. Unless the situation is dire, he should most definitely marry the one he has impregnated."

"I'd say this situation is indeed dire," Hotaru spoke again. The blonde girl in that picture looked nothing like what a Hyuuga should be.

Hiashi cleared his throat, "I think it is fair to say that by this judging, Neji should definitely be engaged to his brown-haired lover. Even if she is not the mother, Neji having a child without being a married man is much worse."

The council agreed. Meeting adjourned.

**Day 3**

"Will the messenger please come forward." a young man came stepped out from the shadows.

"Recite everything you have learned about these two young women," Hiashi spoke firmly.

The man nodded before raising the photo in his left hand.

"Yamanaka Ino. 18. A Tokubetsu jounin. Hails from the Yamanaka clan, a clan that specializes in mind techniques. Under direct tutelage of the current clan head and is expected to begin special training with Morino Ibiki. The Yamanaka clan has close ties to the Akimichi clan, one of the four noble clans of Konoha. Is described as being particularly vain but also very confident. She is an incredibly capable medical ninja and-"

"That's enough," Hiashi found no need for the man to continue since the council was lively with approving murmurs and nods. "The next girl." The messenger lowered his left hand and raised the picture in his right.

"Tenten, no surname reported. 19. Hails from no particular clan. Her only living relative, her father, is a civilian. Former member of Neji's genin team. Currently a Chuunin but is said to be up for promotion. Reported to be the best handler of ninja weapons in Konoha. Is described as being a modest girl, slight tomboyish and um….um…" it was obvious the man had nothing else to read from the back of her photo.

The occupants of the room talked amongst themselves quietly but the result of this judging was obvious.

Stature wise, the Yamanaka was much better qualified. Meeting adjourned.

**Day Five**

"The child must be branded! If the Yamanaka is not married to Neji, his rights as a father are nonexistent and the child will be sheltered by the Yamanaka name!" the eldest elder Heero had veins popping around his eyes.

"But if Neji is declared clan head, his child will be main house and therefore will not be branded either way!" the romantic Hyuuga Hitomi retorted.

This debate had been going on for a while and the council was polarized.

The group on the left supported Yamanaka and the group on the right supported Tenten. Who gave them permission to change their seating arrangement anyway?

Hiashi rubbed his temples. This is literally the most exciting topic the Hyuuga council has ever discussed. They were like the audience watching a trashy tv show, rooting for the person they liked and insulting the person they didn't.

What did Hiashi himself want? He wanted whatever Neji wanted, truthfully. The boy had been adamant about his choice so this discussion wouldn't change anything. If forced to do anything against his will, the boy would probably remove himself from the clan and skip town. Then, they would be heirless and stuck trying to convince the extremely rebellious Hanabi to shape back up into the perfect heir candidate she once was.

Hiashi raised his hand for silence, "Either way this goes, the child will have to be in our care. We cannot afford to have an unbranded Hyuuga running freely about. Adoption is not an option and the Yamanaka will not be raising the baby on her own." He stood to his feet, "Meeting adjourned."

No real results came from the hour-long argument, so the current score still held the girls as tied.

The next time the clan would meet, the two girls would be in front of them.

**xXxXxXxXx**

On the day of the audience, Tenten decided to trade her two buns for a more elegant, single bun. Neji told her to wear something 'nice.' Tenten was so nervous about her wardrobe, she almost considered not going for a second. But that was not an option.

As she left her home, Tenten walked slowly in an attempt to get used to the feminine sandals she was wearing. Her unsure waddle drew a lot of attention and she had barely gotten a few blocks before hearing someone call her name.

"Hey, Ten! It's weird to see you not training till nightfall," Haruno Sakura was the owner of the voice. Her phrase sounded oddly familiar, as if someone had said the exact same thing to her recently.

A certain blonde's face flashed in Tenten's head before the brunette decided to answer the pink-haired girl, "I'm on my way to the Hyuuga compound," she spoke surely.

Sakura's face changed into one of realization, "Oh! That meeting is today, huh?" the pinkette looked like she wanted to say something but didn't, "That…sucks."

Tenten suddenly remembered something as she walked with the medic-nin.

"Um, Sakura," Tenten turned to the girl, "Why did you punch Neji that day?" Tenten watched as her friend's mouth opened at the unexpected question, "It had something to do with Ino, didn't it?"

"Hmm…yea. Ino was telling him about her _situation_ and he started being a jerk," Sakura still didn't know why exactly Ino made the call, but she didn't want to sound like she punched the boy for no reason.

'_A jerk, huh? I don't even know Neji anymore,' _the girl admitted to herself.

"Her pregnancy….was he planning to be a deadbeat dad or something?" Tenten hated deadbeat dads. All she had growing up was her father and to be honest, he was pretty much a deadbeat even though he did take care of her after her mother passed. She vividly remembered many nights he would come home at 3 in the morning, ignoring the little girl telling him she was hungry. No child deserved that.

"Uhh…well, he seemed a bit uncaring but-"

Tenten suddenly stopped her waddle, "I will NOT allow Neji to do that to his child! Even if I had to help him take care of it….myself," the girl was shocked by her own words. Sakura started to feel very uncomfortable but decided to attempt to help the girl out of her funk.

"Well, they're putting the baby up for adoption anyway!" Sakura hesitated after seeing Tenten's face turn even more sullen.

"Oh…" Tenten couldn't help but worry about the possibility of the baby ending up in a bad home.

"Did you want the baby or something?" Sakura attempted to joke.

"…."

'_Okay, this is the last time I try to cheer anyone up.'_

"A baby, huh" the brunette mumbled to herself, "A baby…Neji's baby." Tenten was unsure who her boyfriend planned to pawn his baby off to but she now had an indescribable feeling deep inside her. The baby was innocent. It deserves love.

The two girls bid farewell as they went their separate ways. Sakura was very confused about what had just transpired.

**xXxXxXxXx**

Ino had arrived at the Hyuuga compound rather early. The blonde nodded to the guards as she walked in, they were probably notified she would be arriving and told her to go wait outside of the grande sitting room. Not one to sit on her knees until a door slid open, Ino took her time strolling through the compound until she noticed Hinata on the other side of one of the open breeze ways, sitting on a swinging bench hanging from a tree.

She approached the girl and sat next to her, "….Hey."

"Hello, Ino-chan," Hinata smiled at her the same way she always did. Never judging or scrutinizing her.

Ino immediately felt herself breaking down, she didn't deserve for anyone to treat her nicely! Hinata noticed the girl's pained expression and watering eyes and quickly took action.

"Wh-What's wrong?" Lavender eyes met blue ones.

"I'm a horrible person! Everyone knows it," Ino didn't care as tears began falling from her eyes, "What can I do to fix this? How can I change what has been done?" the blonde's voiced cracked several times.

Ino thought back on her past week. She managed to get out of her physical, citing that being a medic-nin meant she should handle her own health. But the girl knew she couldn't hide her pregnancy forever. This just wasn't supposed to happen.

Hinata looked thoughtful for a moment, "There is something us Hyuugas do whenever there are questions we can not answer for ourselves," with an unwavering voice, the girl motioned for her friend to follow her.

Ino didn't pay much attention as Hinata opened a gate surrounding one of the gardens and walked a little ways down a path. The two stopped at a shrine.

"All of our clan ancestors are immortalized here," the Hyuuga led the way inside, "We pray to them whenever we need guidance and they offer us a way."

Ino took in everything around her, there were figurines and statues everywhere and there was a wall with several names engraved on it.

"If there is a specific ancestor you wish to speak to, you light an incense and slide it into the small opening below their name," Hinata looked over to check if the girl was listening, "Our clan is derived from the Elder Son of the Sage of the Six Paths. He is an ancestor we share with the Uchihas, although I w-wouldn't suggest praying to any of th-them"

Ino smiled at the slightly younger girl's attempt to humor her.

"We pray to our ancestors because they will pass our prayers on to the Elder Son, which from there, they will go on to the Sage himself," Hinata looked at the blonde, "I know it's silly, b-but it's still something," the girl offered her a freshly lit incense.

The Yamanaka took the object into her hands with caution before looking back to Hinata, "Which one does Neji pray too?"

Hinata pointed at finger towards a set of names that were still relatively fresh looking, not having suffered the wear and tear of other parts of the marble wall, "Hyuuga Hizashi."

Ino approached the wall, slid the incense in, and then clapped her hands together. A few minutes went by without the two girls saying anything and Hinata was using this time to sweep up fallen ashes. Something must have the clan very worked up for there to be such an amount on the floor.

Ino opened her eyes and turned to her friend, "How will I know if…he heard me?"

"He will hear you. Our ancestors are always listening," Hinata tilted her head to the side and gave another sweet smile that made the other girl want to cry once more.

**xXxXxXxXx**

Within the next few minutes, Ino found herself sitting in front of the door, on her knees with Tenten next to her. There was no tension, as the older girl still believed it had happened only once, after all.

'_I need to remember to tell her the truth,' _Ino made a point to herself.

"Ino," Tenten whispered to the girl next to her, "are you really going to put the baby up for adoption?"

The blonde never turned her head to fully address her senior, "Yes, I decided that a long time ago." If the blonde did decide to glance over, she would have noticed the obvious pained expression on the older girl's face.

The door opened to reveal an elderly man who then directed them to the middle of the room, each girl sitting on either side of Neji.

Neji looked over at his girlfriend and gave her a small smile, leaving something to be desired by the other girl.

Hyuuga Hiashi stood and introduced every single person in the room. One look at Tenten and Ino immediately knew all those names flew straight over her head as well.

"Let us begin," the man sat down, "Start by telling me what it is each of you want."

"I, Hyuuga Neji, wish for permission to continue my relationship with Tenten-san and would be fully willing, and honored to marry her." No mention of the it.

Tenten looked at the bowing boy next to her and hesitated, "….I, Tenten, wish for you to allow me to make Hyuuga Neji happy in anyway possible." No mention of the it.

Ino felt a great deal of pity for the couple. She took a long glance around the entire room, becoming painfully aware of every set of white eyes on her, all waiting for her to speak. Even Neji had turned his head in her direction while still bowing with his face to the ground.

'_Screw it,' _the blonde then shocked everyone by standing up before bowing, "I, Yamanaka Ino, wish to forever be out of the lives of both Hyuuga Neji and Tenten," the blonde's voice was strong, betraying every emotion she was currently feeling, "I relinquish all claims to this child," her voice was now growing loudly, "the child is already slated for adoption," Ino straightened her back out and looked directly into the clan leader's eyes, "I am nothing more than a surrogate mother for a much more deserving couple."

The room was quiet. When she put it that way, did it matter who Neji married at all? Heero, the eldest elder, made his voice heard, "The girl does not matter but the child will be raised by Hyuugas. Perhaps one of our older couples will be willing…"

The man's voice was lost as Neji's suddenly boomed over his. Now standing as well, the young man proclaimed, "I, Hyuuga Neji, wish to retain my paternal rights to this child."

Now things were getting complicated.

In order for Neji to be acknowledged at the child's father, he must be a married man. A bachelor had no stature to be a single, unwed parent. It would be scandalous. Hiashi spoke this time, "That is very noble of you, however-"

What happened next was something no one had anticipated.

"I, Tenten, volunteer to pick up Yamanaka Ino's maternal rights and raise her child, alongside Hyuuga Neji, as my own." The brunette had also stood up proudly and grabbed her boyfriend's hand.

Neji began sputtering out incoherent protests while the council was flabbergasted. Neji knew what caused his own change of heart. He didn't want any Hyuuga raising his child. The clan was noble but also very callous. The jounin's own childhood had been one marked by uncaring caretakers and a cold atmosphere. It was obvious why he decided to want to raise the child. But why would Tenten…

Ino was speechless. The blonde's jaw hung low, "Wh-what?" dozens of hard eyes began to stare the blonde down for speaking out of turn, "I-I mean, I, Yamanaka Ino, says whaaat?"

Facepalms flew across the room. This girl…

"I, Hyuuga Neji, would like to reinforce Yamanaka Ino's question and request to know exactly what does this mean for us now?"

When no member of the council spoke, Hiashi made his decision.

"Hyuuga Neji, you are now engaged." Everyone was holding his or her breath. "Yamanaka Ino, documents will be drawn up to officially name you surrogate mother to the couple."

Some people were shocked, others were satisfied, and the three youngest people in the room all had the same thing going through their heads.

'_Oh, shit….'_

**xXxXxXxXx**

After the whole ordeal, Ino was thankful to be able to relax in the flower shop. Fuu was right, this place was perfect whenever you needed a break. A break from life. A break from signing your life away to a ghost-praying clan. A break from helping an underground organization destroy Konoha from the inside out. To each his own.

When Ino heard the bell to the shop ring as the door opened, she didn't even look up from her magazine.

"Yamanaka," there goes that familiar voice.

"Hey….you" Ino barely looked at him.

"I trust your flower arranging skills are up to par, would you mind helping me fix a bouquet?" the Hyuuga asked her in an indifferent tone.

Ino looked at him fully as she stood and walked around to meet him by their wall full of flowers of every shape, color, and size.

"Number, type, colors." She spoke just as indifferently as he.

"12, cosmos, white, pink and….purple."

The girl took four of each color and arranged them in different ways until the boy was satisfied. Neji took this time to inform her that he and Tenten's wedding was set for three months from now. Ino then bound the flower arrangement together and walked back over to the cash register.

After he paid her the total, he asked for a pen to write out a personalized card.

"Let me know if she likes them," Ino wasn't upset or anything. She had just been through a lot that day and didn't feel like coming up with anything snazzy to say.

"Okay," the Hyuuga then held out the bouquet to her, "Do you like them?"

Time could have stopped for all Ino knew but she somehow pulled herself together and accepted the flowers. She smiled up at him, "Friends?"

Neji gave her a contemplative look before smiling and saying, "Only if you know what the word platonic means," and then he was gone.

Ino stared at the door for a while. She then turned her attention to the card and read it to herself, _'You're not as screwed up as you seem – Neji'_

The Yamanaka smiled at the hidden compliment and mumbled to herself, "I give you credit, Hyuuga. You aren't a beginner anymore."

**End Chapter 3**

**Okay, I guess I should tell you guys my inspiration for this situation. The Taiwanese drama **_**Fated to Love You **_**is about a guy who impregnates a random chick and he and his girlfriend decide to wait for the girl to have the baby so they can raise it themselves. It's a really good series, check it out.**


	4. Chapter 4

**A/N: Enjoy. Be sure to review **** also, I love how so many of you are analyzing the complexity of the story. I hope you guys stick around as more unfolds.**

**Disclaimer: Don't own Naruto.**

Three weeks had gone by since the meeting and Ino was beginning to…show. Well, it was probably only noticeable to her. Actually, she wasn't showing at all. It was literally all in her head. Despite this, Ino was becoming very paranoid that others somehow knew. Well, others besides every Hyuuga, Tenten, Sakura, Shino, and Lee. At least, those were the people she was sure about, as there could be others. Her secret wasn't very secret but it was still a secret.

Secret or not, Ino was still very paranoid. It was as if all week people kept throwing hints at her about the _it_.

**Seven days ago**

"Yo, Ino!" the voice belonged to Kiba, "I'm having a party. Wear something tight!" the Inuzuka gave her a wink.

"What do you mean something tight? What are you trying to say? Are you trying to be funny and say I have a gut or something?" the blonde questioned him with a paranoid look on her face.

Kiba gave her a very strange look, "I was joking. Just come….I don't really care what you wear." He then ran off to further promote his social event.

Ino let out a sigh of relief.

**Six Days Ago**

Ino was on her way to the hospital when Sai suddenly appeared in front of her.

"Hello, beautiful," Sai was oblivious as Ino frowned at his nickname for her, "I see you are not showing your abdomen today. Have you realized that anorexia is not attractive? I read it in a book once."

"What are you trying to say? I didn't gain weight or anything! I'm still very anorexic!"

Ino yelled at the male in front of her, earning her very strange looks. Great, now the whole village will think she has an eating disorder.

"Okay." Sai then walked away.

Ino let out a sigh of relief.

**Four Days Ago**

"You are hiding something," Morino Ibiki was giving the girl across from him a penetrating look.

"Wh-What are you trying to say? I have nothing to hide," the blonde was becoming very uncomfortable in her sensei's presence.

A long silence engulfed his office before he smirked at her.

"I see we have much to work on," Ibiki slightly shook his head at the girl, "If you are ever caught by the enemy, extracting top secret information from you will be very easy. Never get nervous when asked a question," he then offered her a smile, "I almost believed you _do _have a deep dark secret."

The hardened man's laugh was so twisted sounding, Ino couldn't even bring herself to let out a sigh of relief.

**Yesterday**

"Hey, Ino-chan," Naruto Uzumaki had just ordered his meal and was now looking at the girl, "have you ever craved really _weird_ stuff in your ramen?"

"What are you trying to say? I only eat ramen like normal people!" Ino was about to ask for ketchup to be added to her bowl, but quickly changed her mind.

Naruto faltered a bit at her abrupt tone but continued, "Well, sometimes I do, but nothing too weird. I'm totally normal too, dattebayo!"

Ino let out a sigh of relief. However, later that night, Sakura chastised her for her words, citing that Naruto was very sensitive about being _normal_. The blonde had forgotten about the whole…demon vessel thing.

**Present Day**

Ino continued to muse about her paranoid encounters before a white-eyed male appeared in front of her, shoved a small scroll into her hands, and began to speak.

"Yamanaka-san, this is a schedule for you to follow pertaining to events that will soon take place"

"….What are you talking about? I do have a life, you know," Ino felt her eyebrow twitch as she eyed the Hyuuga crest on the item in her hand.

"I am only a messenger. Please read carefully," and with that he was gone.

Ino unraveled the scroll as she continued to walk but then stopped once again.

"ETIQUETTE LESSONS?"

**xXxXxXxXx**

**You, Me, Her, and It**

**Chapter Four: Charm School**

Tenten was sitting with her team in front of some training posts when her boyfriend told her something very disturbing.

"Neji, what are you talking about?"

The Hyuuga looked at her oddly before speaking, "Didn't you get a scroll yesterday morning? It should have informed you that you have etiquette lessons with my great aunt, Hitomi, today at noon. That is why we are cutting our practice short."

"I didn't get anything! What's the point anyway?" Tenten hadn't really thought about the recent events that had taken place, but mention of a Hyuuga council member soon made everything rush back to her.

"I honestly do not know," Neji turned away from the girl, "I'm only a branch member so I do not see why it matters if you have class or not."

Tenten felt mildly offended at his words. She does have class!

"Look, Tenten," Neji stood then helped the girl to her feet, "Please just go. Do it for me," he gave her a warm smile.

Tenten only nodded her head. The third member of their team stood to join them.

"Think of it as training!" Lee gave her a thumbs up, mention of training of any kind was enough to get the green beast pumped. "Perhaps if I am lucky, Neji will help me with my etiquette as well!"

"I'm leaving." The jounin turned to make his leave.

Lee's face faltered before he took off behind him. "Wait, my rival! This is just one more thing you are better at than I! That is why you will not teach me!"

Tenten could no longer hear their words as she was the only one still standing in the same spot, "Goodbye to you guys too." The girl then made her way to the Hyuuga compound. Should she go clean herself up or something first? Nah.

**xXxXxXxXx**

Ino felt very…unwanted. As soon as she walked into the Hyuuga compound, some elderly lady told her,

"You were not the one summoned!"

Ino was not one to turn down a challenge.

"Well, someone must have wanted me here because I surely was summoned!" Ino gave the older lady a smug look, "I'm not leaving."

A slightly younger woman then came forth and spoke, "The more, the merrier. I have no problem taking her on as well," the lady smiled at Ino and introduced herself as Hitomi. She also learned the elder's name to be Hotaru.

"Let us proceed," Hitomi escorted Ino into a medium size room and directed her to a table. Ino took a seat next to someone who looked like a mini, female Hiashi.

"This is Hanabi. She will be joining us today," the instructor had a very annoyed look on her face, "She will be taking advantage of this course as well since she seems to have forgotten how to be a lady."

Hanabi gave the woman a bored look and….flipped her off? What the hell?

Hitomi sat across from the two. "Child, child. They say this is just a phase but Hiashi is not pleased."

Hanabi was thirteen years old and very rebellious.

"Hitomi-sama, Lady Tenten has arrived." The Hyuuga messenger announced as the brunette walked in.

'_Lady Tenten? I wasn't even addressed as anything!' _Ino gave the girl an envious look which Tenten interpreted as a look of displeasure.

"Ino…hey," Tenten said uneasily.

Before Ino could reply, Hitomi decided to begin the lesson, "I see we need to work on greetings as well, I will add that to the list."The white-eyed woman pulled out a scroll that already had a bajillion things written on it. "I will now grade you young ladies on your presentation, please stand and introduce yourself."

Hanabi went first. "My name is Hyuuga Hanabi, it is a pleasure meet you all." The instructor gave the young girl an approving nod, "Actually, I lied. I [BEEP]ing hate all of you," Hanabi sat down.

Tenten and Hitomi's jaws were practically on the floor. Ino only stood up and began her turn, "I like you, kid! Ahem, my name is Ino and-"

"You must always give your surname as well!"

Ino gave the lady a stiff look before sitting down. Tenten was next to stand.

"My name is….Tenten."

"Surname!"

Ino watched as Tenten fumbled something to the lady, _'This is going to be fun.'_

**xXxXx**

"Appearances are everything for a woman of high stature," Hitomi was circling the table as she lectured, "Tenten, please put in more effort towards making yourself presentable."

"But I'm a kunoi-"

"SILENCE!" Hitomi bellowed out so forcefully that even Tobirama Senju would be afraid of his favorite word, "Never interrupt someone as they speak. I have noticed you have a habit of always looking as if you had been working out for hours."

Tenten looked up at the lady, having to swing her head around at the appropriate time since the woman was still circling them. "I spend most of my time training! You have to get a little dirty if you are a shinobi."

Hitomi gestured towards Hanabi and Ino. Ino was wearing her orange shirt with white capris but not a speck of dirt was on them. Hanabi was wearing a purple mesh shirt and black pants that looked as if they had just been ironed five minutes ago, a crease still visible. Tenten chose not to argue with the woman about her appearance.

"Also, if you are going to wear your hair like that, you should always take the time to make sure there is no hair out of place," Hitomi stopped briefly to peer down at the top of Tenten's head. "Even a few strands not pulled tightly into the bun can make you look slouchy."

The lady turned and began circling in the opposite direction. "Ino, though you are more conservatively dressed today than normal, you must remember that it is frowned upon to show your abdomen in public. No skin should be visible except below the elbow and below the knee."

Ino gave the woman a look that said _'What year do you think this is?'_ as the lady continued, "Your hair as it is now is acceptable, however, a ponytail everyday gives you the appearance of laziness. Too lazy to take the time to do any other hairstyle. Also, a plain ponytail implies a bad hair day. Ladies do not have bad hair days."

"I take really good care of my hair! I just like it this way."

"Oh yes, and that bang! Oh, the thing is just horrible. It makes your face unsymmetrical and it is entirely too thick. Can you even see through it?"

"Yes." Ino was borderline seething. Hitomi took the hint and moved on.

"Hanabi, though I know you are only trying to send your father to an early grave, please keep in mind that piercings are very inappropriate for a girl of your age and stature," Hanabi opened her mouth to speak. "Whether they are visible or not does not matter." Oh.

"Let us move on."

**xXxXx**

"Every lady should know how to conduct a tea ceremony," Hitomi drawled out. The girls had learned so many trivial things today that it was ridiculous. Somewhere between lessons eleven and twelve, Hinata had joined them.

"Tenten, pour the tea."

Tenten picked the teacup up from the saucer and grabbed the kettle with the other hand.

"Wrong. Never lift the cup from the table and always pour the tea while the cup is on a flat surface. Ino, pour the tea."

Tenten had to bite her tongue as she set the items back on the table. Ino picked up the kettle and began to pour the tea, having to lean over the table and stretch her arm to do so.

"Wrong. It should be very obvious why that was wrong," Hitomi didn't even bother explaining. The blonde one never retained any information anyway.

"Hanabi, po-" the younger girl anxiously grabbed the kettle but Hitomi immediately grabbed her hand, "Never mind, I do not trust you," Hanabi laughed to herself at the memory of pouring tea directly into the older woman's lap.

Hitomi looked towards the corner of the room pleadingly, "Hinata-sama, will you please come demonstrate?"

Hinata walked across the room and picked up the tray with the kettle and teacup. She then walked around the table, stood on Hitomi's right side, and placed both items down on the surface. She poured the tea into the cup in front of the woman, bowed, and returned the kettle to the table.

"Perfect!"

"Are you friggin' kidding me?" Ino stood from the table, the book she had on top her head fell to the floor. "You guys care about so many details that are so stupid! When will we ever use this?"

Hitomi looked at the blonde and, surprisingly, laughed, "You are right. However, you will be using these skills very soon. The engagement dinner is two weeks from today. _Very _important people from each of the hidden villages will be attending."

Tenten's face immediately drained, "Wh-Why are you doing all this? Neji is only a branch member, what warrants such an occasion?"

The older one looked pensive for a moment before deciding to speak, "Well, though he does not know it, Neji is the clan's successor." Ino and Tenten looked shocked beyond belief, Hinata only smiled as she hugged the silver tea tray to herself, "It is a very big event. The Hyuugas do not give such functions often, so most people always jump at the opportunity to attend."

"I am…I am not sure about marrying into such a situation," Tenten was beginning to feel slightly woozy, "This is all so much."

Hitomi decided to go ahead and give them the full story, "It is not only an engagement party, but also an induction ceremony." Now all three of the girls were confused. "As in, Neji's induction into the main house. Consider it a surprise for the lad. Most of the guests know and have RSVP'd with intense interest and excitement at the little surprise we have planned for him."

Hanabi suddenly stood, her chair falling down in the process. "Tell me, will the after party be me and my sister's sealing?" Her eyes held much resentment.

Hitomi looked caught off guard, "Don't tell me you suddenly regret your decision to deny the status of heiress?"

"My father already told me that if nee-chan took the position, he had made arrangements for me to avoid that. Do the arrangements still stand and also extend to her as well?"

The older woman laughed, "Child, these arrangements you speak of," Hitomi was now beaming, "Discarding that tradition was to be your sister's first order as clan head. That is why you would not have been sealed."

The tension in the room suddenly lifted. Hinata looked…shocked to say the least. True that was her intention, but she would need seventy-five percent of the council's approval. Could it be possible?

Tenten smiled at the younger girl. "I'm sure Neji will do that as well!"

"Shut up, [BEEP]," Hanabi looked at the girl, "I still do not accept you as his fiancé. I was hoping father would arrange for him to marry nee-chan. ("H-Hanabi!"). Don't ask why. I don't need a reason."

Tenten was appalled, Ino was stifling laughter, Hinata was embarrassed, and Hitomi didn't even bother herself to care.

Seeing Ino trying hard to compose herself, Hanabi spoke to her next, "You either. I've seen the men in your clan, they're all feminine. Hopefully Neji will decide to pass over the one in you as heir."

Ino was now appalled along with Tenten. Sure Inoichi, Fuu, Santa, and all the other Yamanaka men wore their hair in ponytails, but they were still manly men and strong shinobi!

Hitomi shooed Hanabi to the other side of the room before continuing her discussion with the three other girls. "The engagement announcement is really what you two," her eyes shifted to Tenten then to Ino, "need to be worrying about. That announcement will then follow immediately with an announcement of the new heir expecting a child. Ino, it would be unfair if you were uninvited, so you _will_ be there. However," a long dramatic pause, "the council has decided that Tenten will feign a pregnancy."

"WHAT?"

"People know I'm not pregnant!"

"H-How will they do that?"

"Oh man! This go be good!"

Hitomi decided to answer Hinata's question, "Easy. We will simply tell them she is pregnant. Don't overthink this."

"WHAT?"

"People _know _I'm not pregnant!"

"B-But, the guests from Konoha will be very confused"

"Bun-Bun is totally preggers!"

"Please, just listen," the older woman was growing impatient. "Yes, the wedding is in three months. However, the baby will arrive only a few months after that. It's smarter to just announce the pregnancy instead of it come out as a shocking scandal. Next, she addressed Hinata's question.

"Yes, there will be guests from Konoha present. However, it is limited to only a few clan heads who definitely wont go around gossiping about it." Hitomi paused to see if the girls had any interjections, "It's only for one night, Tenten. Just pretend you are the pregnant one. You won't see any of those people ever again most likely. They are outsiders."

"Will any of them attend the wedding?" Tenten inquired.

"Ah, yes. That. If you have a wedding, you will have to wear a fake baby bump obviously. But for now, we are assuming you two will opt for a private ceremony."

Tenten was torn. She _kind of_ wanted a wedding because, well, most girls just do. But if she had one, did that really mean pretending to be pregnant?

"What if the wedding is only for Konoha residents?" Tenten looked hopeful.

"My, how rude it would be to not invite any of our formal allies."

"But…okay," Tenten dropped the subject.

Hitomi looked at the girl thoughtfully, "We'll cross that bridge when we get there," Hitomi began to exit the room, "If you want to cross a bridge, you have to pay a toll. The pseudo-belly is only a small price to pay for a dream wedding."

"Wait!" Ino called out to the Hyuuga, "why can't we just tell them Neji and Tenten are adopting?"

"That, my dear, is no fun." The woman left with a mischievous look on her face.

After the older woman left, Ino spoke up again, "I cannot take this seriously. They just can't be serious," the blonde was looking at her friends with a disgusted look on her face.

"I can't even begin to fathom what is about to happen in two weeks." Tenten fell back into her chair.

"Things are very complicated," Hinata said meekly. "Although I can understand why the elders chose to have Tenten pose as the pregnant one. More than likely there was a vote and the majority was against telling the world it's an adoption. P-People will ask questions."

Ino and Tenten both stared blankly at their companion who then began to sweat under their glares.

Hanabi looked at the three girls before she burst into laughter, "Man, if I don't get a few laughs out of this!"

All three kunoichi stared at the younger girl in mild contempt. This was no joking matter! However, there was nothing any of them could do now so no one spoke.

What's done is done.

**xXxXxXxXx**

Lee and Neji were sitting on the ground of their favorite training spot. The two had just finished a rather heated sparring match. Silence prevailed until Lee chose to break it.

"My rival," the green beast was staring at the Hyuuga, "how does it feel to be engaged to the beautiful Tenten?"

Neji's expression never changed. "Great."

"How does it feel knowing you have a child on the way and you and Tenten will be youthful parents?" Youthful this time was actually meant pretty literally.

Neji gave his teammate a grimace. "What kind of a question is that?"

Lee blinked. "A normal one?"

_Sighhh _"Lee, me and Tenten have _nothing _on the way. You know Yamanaka is the pregnant one."

"Neji, the baby will be yours and Tenten's, not yours and Ino-san's," Lee had a very strange look on his face. Is he trying to prove something?

"It's half-Yamanaka."

"So you don't recognize the beautiful Tenten as the mother?"

"Of course I do."

"But you–"

"Lee…shut up." Neji stood and began to walk away. Of course, escaping someone in green spandex is never that easy.

"Do not marry Tenten just because you think it is right!"

"It _is _right."

"Well then don't marry Tenten just because it is right!"

Neji looked taken aback. Does his teammate honestly not hear how stupid he sounds right now? Whatever. The Hyuuga continued his way home.

"Do not marry Tenten if you do not truly love her," Lee whispered the words he would never dare speak to his companion. In a split second, Lee decided to call after his friend.

"Neji, my rival! Promise me you will follow your heart!" the taijutsu master yelled. Even though Neji didn't reply, it was obvious he heard him based on the way he stopped briefly before continuing his walk.

"_Gai-sensei will be proud I finally found the perfect time to use that advice," _Lee smiled triumphantly. However, even thoughts of his admired sensei could not halt the deep feeling eating him from the inside. He decided to sit down once more and think more critically about everything he's recently found out regarding his teammates.

He has always supported his teammates' relationship. He still remembers when they first broke the news to him actually.

**About Two Years Ago**

Team Gai was on a mission. A very important mission. It involved crossing multiple borders and concealing their identity as Leaf shinobi. As each respective member took their post at various sites in some random, small run-down village, Lee's concentration was broken by talking over the communicator in his ear.

"**Lee, are you in position?" **his sensei's voice boomed over the walkie talkie.

"Yes!" Lee held a finger to the object in his ear to make sure his voice was heard. This was the boy's first A-rank mission.

_**Gai-sensei, me and Neji have surveillance on the target," **_Tenten's voice was next to be heard.

"**Do not engage!...wait, are you and Neji together right now?"**

"_**Hai, sensei.**_

"**You should be on complete opposite ends of the vicinity right now. Why have you disobeyed my orders?"**

Lee suddenly felt nervous. Gai-sensei was using his very rare 'serious team captain' voice.

"_Sensei, I can explain," _Neji's cold voice penetrated the other three's ears_, "this is a very high-stakes mission so in case things turned for the worst, I wanted Tenten to know that I have feelings for her."_

Silence overtook the channel as both green beasts absorbed the information.

"Tenten," Lee once again put a finger to his ear, "since this is a high-stakes mission, I also want to tell you I have feelings for you as well!"

"_**Uhhh, Lee," **_Tenten turned to Neji only to see his eyebrow twitching, _**"what Neji, meant is that we're da–"**_

"**The target is on the move! Let's go," **Gai, completely ignoring the unfolding love drama in his ear, jumped from his hiding place and hit the target with his signature leaf hurricane.

"Ahhhh! Don't hurt me!" the 'target', a chuunin no older than 16 dropped to his knees, "I'll come home, I'll come home!"

The rest of Team Gai caught up to their sensei who was still confronting the young shinobi.

"You are a traitor to Konoha! You've wasted your springtime of youth chasing this childish dream of becoming a missing-nin," Gai chastised the boy loudly. Said boy was very confused on exactly what a 'springtime of youth' consisted of.

Tenten put her hands on her hips and leaned forward skeptically, "Seriously, _this _guy is our rouge ninja?" The boy looked mildly offended.

"Can we leave now?" Neji had his arms folded, "it will already take us over a week to make it home."

Gai turned to his student with a sly look, "Ah, Neji. Our very own genius. It will only take a week if we walk. Which is why, WE RUN!" Gai jerked the target onto his back and took off. Normally Lee would join his sensei without hesitation but instead faced his teammates.

"Tenten, I meant what I said," the green beast had a strange look on his face, prompting more eyebrow twitching from his male companion.

"Lee," Tenten sighed with her eyes closed, "I know you and Neji are rivals in everything but you don't have to say you have feelings for me just because he actually does." She began to walk away, Neji following close behind.

Lee looked at their backs for some time before mumbling to himself, "No girl I love will I ever return my feelings. How could they?" Lee looked down at his hands, as if they would hold the answer. He then looked back up to watch Neji and Tenten again.

As the pair walked together, Lee waited for them to hold hands or perhaps lock arms but…nothing happened. They were just walking. Plain walking.

It was almost as if they weren't even in a relationship.

**Present Day**

Lee was still sitting, now adding bird watching to his activity. He actually did mean what he said that day. Unfortunately, Neji beat him to the punch. He was the very last person lee ever thought would give him competition for the beautiful Tenten. But…

His window of opportunity was shut tight. He had long let go of those feelings. He couldn't love his best friend's girlfriend! Who, by the way, was now his best friend's fiancé.

"Yamanaka still had feelings for him even though Tenten was her friend," Lee mused out loud to himself.

However, Lee was not Ino. He didn't plan on directly interfering with the engagement.

What's done is done.

**xXxXxXxXx**

Ino never knew getting pregnant would lead to all of this. She needed someone to confide in. Unfortunately, Sakura was away on some wild goose chase behind Sasuke. The boy reportedly killed his older brother over a year ago and now there were rumors he was involved with Akatsuki. Akatsuki have been quiet for years now, however, so Naruto and Sakura still believed they get could the boy back to the village.

So, the girl turned to the next best thing. Her other best friends. Her teammates. She was grateful for them as she sat on Shikamaru's bed with her legs crossed talking to the boys. Shikamaru was leaning against his headboard and Choji was in a chair next to them.

"So…how's Temari?" Ino had an innocent look on her face.

"Ino," Shikamaru was giving her a bored look, "We both know you did not go to Choji's house, pull him from his dinner table, and then wake me from a nap just to talk about Temari," he stated matter-of-factly.

"I just wanted to hang with you guys!" Ino was mildly upset she needed a reason just to talk to him, "Remember when our dads would have poker nights and the three of us would come in here and tell ghost stories under your blanket? Let's do that now!"

"No."

Choji looked at his male friend who now had his eyes closed and then looked at his female friend who was pulling Shikamaru's sheet from under him.

"Get off! I need the sheet! The comforter is too thick!"

"No."

"Uh….Ino," Choji waited till he had the girl's attention, "is something wrong?"

Much to both the young men's surprise, Ino burst out crying.

"My *sniff* friends d-don't *sniff* like *sniff* me anymore!" Ino had her hands covering her eyes.

Choji immediately stood up and pushed Shikamaru off of the bed. He then threw the sheet over himself and Ino before pulling Shikamaru from the floor, under the sheet as well.

Ino looked mildly placated, "…you forgot the flashlight."

Shikamaru threw his hand from under the sheet and blindly opened his drawer, searching for the item.

"Tch…no batteries," Shikamaru went to put the thing away but immediately stopped when Ino began to weep once more, "I'll just take the ones out of my alarm clock!"

The blonde happily smiled as the three friends, somewhat uncomfortably seeing how it was only a twin size, sat on the bed together.

Choji broke the silence, "See, Ino! We do care about you! I can't think of a single other person Shikamaru would do this 'troublesome' stuff for."

It was true. The trouble avoiding male himself decided to speak, "Choji's a big softie, but I won't give in to every one of your little mood swings, okay? Pregnant or not."

"I'm not even surprised you know," Ino continued to smile, "Actually, that's kind of why I'm here."

"Go on."

"My situation is weird, so don't say anything until I finish, okay?"

Her teammates nodded and Ino decided to try and explain things the simplest way she could.

"I had sex with Neji so now I'm pregnant but Neji really really loves Tenten and Tenten really really loves Neji so I wanted to put the baby up for adoption but then the Hyuugas were all like 'no' so now Neji and Tenten are getting married so they can become the baby's legal parents and the Hyuugas want to make a big deal out of it and stuff so they're throwing a big party to tell all these important people all this stuff and they want people to think Tenten is the baby's mother so Tenten is going to pretend to be pregnant and they can't even have a real wedding and I'm really sad because it's all because of me!" Ino spat out, pulling her head from under the sheet for air after she was done.

"…."

"…."

"Troublesome."

"Woah."

Ino turned on the flashlight and held it to her face, "And then, the ghosts of Hyuugas past all congratulated themselves for creating the most messed up situation in history."

"Tch."

"Ino, don't tell me you believe in that stuff," Choji gave the girl a weird look.

Ino flipped the light onto him, "Fear will not save you."

Shikamaru let out a long breath, "I would have never guessed it was for Neji," he tilted his head the side a bit, "How did that even happen?"

"It's a long story." Ino had a blank look.

"Whatever."

"So," Choji looked at the blonde, "What will you do?"

Ino looked down, "Go along with it I guess," the girl looked back up, "Let's talk about something else!"

"Okay," Shikamaru stared at his blonde teammate, "let's talk about you and Neji. Do you have feelings for him?"

"Um," Ino blinked in surprise, "are you trying to give me dating advice or something?"

"No," the genius took a deep breath before continuing, "while I do not know the circumstances leading to the pregnancy, I can still safely assume it was consensual sex between two people. Therefore that implies those two people had a _want_ to engage in sexual activity with one another. In normal situations, that implies the two people care for one another in a greater than platonic way. So unless you spend your freetime soliciting sex, I know you two must have feelings for each other."

Choji's jaw slowly dropped as Shikamaru gave his extensive analyzation of the situation. Ino flipped her bang out of her face so her friend could see her peeved look clearly.

"Shikamaru. I am not in love with Neji."

"I never said you were," the pineapple-haired ninja smirked, "I only mentioned the possibility of feelings. Feelings could mean a simple crush."

"Okay, well, do you have feelings for Temari or are you in love with her?" Ino was twisting the flashlight in her hands.

"Feelings, love, what's the difference?"

"You literally just said there was a difference!"

Choji raised a finger. "You did, I heard you."

The jounin sighed. "You're making this harder than it has to be. Next question, how does it make you feel knowing Neji is marrying Tenten?"

Ino unconsciously squeezed the object in her hand rather tightly. "He can marry Ayame for all I care. So, for the record, I_ don't_ care."

"Ino…" Choji looked at his friend with widened eyes. "You're in love with him!" Choji felt his mind slipping away into a distant memory of certain events between his blonde teammate and the Hyuuga but quickly shook his head of it. Maybe he'll come back to that flashback another day.

"…..." The medic-nin looked back and forth between her friends, "I hate you guys."

"Love you too, Ino!"

"Yes, Ino, I'm touched by your affection."

Ino rolled her eyes before promptly jumping into a new topic. No use dwelling on the whole 'in love with Neji' thing. He was engaged to Tenten.

What's done is done.

**xXxXxXxXx**

Tenten arrived home before dark. She contemplated going to the training ground and working on a new technique she came up with but she really had no desire, a feeling very unusual for the kunoichi.

"_It's weird to see you not training till nightfall." _The phrase randomly found it's way into the brunette's mind.

"Everything about my life is weird now," Tenten huffed as she flicked on her kitchen light. Unbeknownst to her, her father had been sitting at the kitchen table. Once the light revealed him, Tenten immediately froze. "Father?"

"Are ya talkin' to yourself now?" the gruff looking man questioned his only child.

"No, father." Tenten, suddenly not so hungry, turned to walk towards her room before she decided to turn back to her dad on an impulse, "Father, I thought you should know I'm engaged now."

The man had an unidentifiable look on his face, "So you didn't bother telling me you were dating?"

"I thought you…knew," Tenten felt uncomfortable, very uncharacteristic for the girl.

"Well, tell that Lee kid I said congratulations. Someone's finally taking you off my hands."

"….." Tenten's shoulders drooped as she stared at her father, who was now looking away from her, "…Okay." No use correcting him. It's rather sad that he's seen way more of Lee than of her actual boyfriend. Problematic? Probably.

"_I wonder if he'll find out I'm pregnant," _the brunette suddenly froze, realizing what she just thought to herself. She may as well be pregnant, the damn Hyuugas want her to be. Whenever Ino pops that child out, she's gonna become a mommy. That's a good thing, right?

One thing is for sure though, this child will not have a life as screwed up as hers has been.

Tenten was at her face bowl washing away the despicable makeup she was forced to demonstrate properly applying at the request of her charm school instructor. After finishing up, she stared into the mirror in front of her, eying her chocolate colored hair wearily. What if the baby had blonde hair? Imagine how bizarre family photos will look.

With a final sigh, Tenten began to undress for bed.

What's done is done.

**End Chapter Four**

**A/N: This chapter went through so much tweaking and rewriting. I tried to give each character a chance to show their current feelings about the situation. Everyone is doing what they think is best for someone else. What will happen to our heroes next?**

**I think that was enough melodrama for now. Next few chapters will definitely be lighter.**

**Can't wait to read you guy's reviews! ~ LilacBlossom**


	5. Chapter 5

**A/N: Thank you everyone for your reviews and thoughtful input! **** I know this was a fast update but I'm just so happy people actually LIKE my story. Seriously, everyone hated it the first time back in 2013. Literally hated. I got flames from chapters 1-10. Epic flames. I had to admire their effort to tear me apart.**

**Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its characters**

* * *

Tenten was beginning to question her decision. Like, really question. With each passing day, she realized just how…weird the whole situation was. It wasn't that she regretted the engagement or the adoption, it was regret that she's allowing herself to be subjected to the Hyuuga's will. If she and Neji were really about to get married and have a family, she wanted it to be on their terms, not the Hyuugas. So as she stood here in the event room of the Hyuuga compound with _heels_ on, she was becoming increasingly bitter.

Luckily for her, Neji was also attending lessons today, so she felt slightly more relaxed and open to the crazy demands thrown at her. Ino was there as well. The brunette had very conflicted feelings toward the blonde, but never allowed it to show. She just couldn't shake the feeling that there was something…_more _to her and Neji's 'one night stand'. Shouldn't Neji hate her for coming on to him while he was drunk? It just didn't make sense.

Even though he acted very coldly towards her, Tenten could easily tell there was a connection there. The blonde enjoyed teasing him and sometimes he would even tease her back. She even saw his mouth twitch into a smile once when said blonde stuck her tongue out at him in the middle of squabble. Neji did not usually enjoy any unnecessary conversation. Maybe she was just being paranoid, the girl honestly didn't know. Now back to the situation at hand….

"Dancing will come second nature to you once we're done here!" Hitomi was unusually cheerful. The woman was probably grateful for doing something else today besides tea ceremony practice or hairdressing. Just last week during hairdressing lessons, Hanabi gave Tenten five buns, Ino did nothing more than put Hinata's hair in a ponytail before walking off, and Tenten sent all the girls running when she pulled a kunai out of her brassiere. The Hyuuga lady was at her wits end.

Charm school was all but charming.

Tenten watched as Neji and Hinata twirled around the big room with as much grace and elegance as professional dancers. She then glanced towards Hanabi and the Hyuuga messenger, whose name she finally learned to be Tokuma, who were also practicing ballroom dancing. The younger girl looked as if she were purposely stepping on the young man's feet.

Next to her, Ino wore a bored expression. She didn't need to practice dancing since she didn't plan to do so at the big event. Tenten herself was supposed to be dancing with the Hyuuga named Ko right now, but instead opted for a break to rest her feet. Her boyfriend and his cousin had been dancing for about 15 minutes straight. The violinist wasn't even playing anymore but they both had serene looks on their faces.

'_I never knew Neji to be a dance enthusiast,' _Tenten thought to herself.

'_There are lots of things you wouldn't think to be like me.'_

He had told her something along those lines before, didn't he? Tenten's thoughts were interrupted as the Hyuuga messenger yelped from across the room.

"Hanabi-sama! I know you did that on purpose!" the young man was holding his foot.

"Why would I do that, Tokuma-san?" the young girl had an innocent expression on her face, "Maybe you should take a break or something."

Ino began to chuckle from next to her as Neji and Hinata flew past them once again.

Tenten did not want to be there anymore.

"I'm done for the day," the brunette began to collect her belongings, "I'm tired and this is…degrading. I don't see why I have to learn how to do this." She exited the room before anyone could explain to her why for the fiftieth time.

Ino smacked her teeth, "Again she leaves early. These lessons are so pointless," the blonde also began to pack up.

Neji also decided to take his leave as he and Ino went to catch up with Tenten. The engagement party was only four days away so the family was becoming very wary of his fiancé's uncooperation.

"Would you like to go find Lee so we can train for the rest of the day?" Neji asked his lover.

"Yea, sure," Tenten offered him a smile, "But how about it be just me and you, okay?"

**xXxXxXxXx**

**You, Me, Her, And It**

**Chapter Five: The Reluctant Courtship of Rock Lee**

Ino took the hint to ditch the couple so she headed to the Academy to ask the mission's desk if they had anything available for her to do. She should probably be on light duty or something but they didn't know she was pregnant so the girl didn't really care.

After once again being turned away, the Yamanaka caught Lee as he finished dropping off a mission report, "Lee! What ya doin'?"

The green clad shinobi turned to face her, "Nothing for now."

"You wanna hang out with me?"

"Uh…" Lee was slightly taken aback by her suggestion, "If you want, I guess."

Ino happily skipped along next to him, "So, any luck with forehead?"

"No, Ino-san," his expression didn't change in the least.

Ino decided to test out her theory, "You don't like her anymore, do you?"

Rock Lee carefully examined the girl, trying to gauge her intentions, "I will always love Sakura-chan."

"That's what they all say," Ino walked around to the boy's other side, "Have you ever thought that was just a childish childhood crush?"

"Childhood crushes are not to be taken lightly! Just look and Naruto and Hinata, their youthful relationship blossoms even more each passing day."

"True." The girl had her eyes focused on the green-clad ninja. "I see you're heading for the training grounds. Neji and Tenten are there now."

The young man's expression shifted to something unreadable, "Oh."

"Yea."

"…."

"Why did you cover for Neji?"

'_I knew she had an ulterior motive for this," _Lee chose to just go ahead and answer her, "It would have broken my heart to see Tenten heartbroken."

"I see." Ino was quiet for a moment.

"I must admit, it is rather odd being in your presence," Lee stopped walking, "Do not get me wrong, you are a flower in the middle of your springtime of youth but I do have some bitter feelings towards you."

"Oh. At least you're honest" Ino looked forward without sparing him a glance.

"May I ask you something in return?" a nod prompted him to continue, "Why did you do it?"

The blonde looked at the shinobi, mouth agaped, before settling into a bashful blush. Ino was stumped. She was not prepared for that. Shikamaru had simply asked her if she had a crush on Neji but now Lee was asking why did she act on that crush despite the circumstances.

"I…I like him."

Lee's brows furrowed, "Like or liked, Ino-san?"

"I can't like an engaged man! Don't be silly," Ino now had her arms crossed and her professional face on.

"Just as I cannot like an engaged woman." The shinobi had said it without thinking. He once again continued walking, completely missing the way the blonde's eyes widened in realization.

'_I knew it,' _Ino bit her lip as she began to think back to something that had occurred the day before.

**xXxXxXxXx**

**One Day Ago**

Tenten had asked Ino to come over so the girls could bond…or something like that. Ino learned many things about the older girl from looking around her bedroom.

The girl had a lot of weapons. A _lot._ There were some that Ino didn't even recognize. Whenever she inquired about one of them, Tenten would give her in depth information on each of them. It made for boring conversation, but it beat silence.

Ino then looked at her nightstand, which had a photo of her and Neji at a festival. They were both smiling and a hidden person had put bunny ears behind her head. There was another photo that was facedown for some reason. Ino picked it up and realized it was a photo of the Konoha Eleven. Oh.

Tenten had an open book on her desk. Upon further investigation, Ino figured out it was a book on childcare. _'Well she's one step ahead of me.' _Ino admitted as she briefly skimmed a paragraph.

Tenten was now sitting on her bed eyeing the blonde warily. She was definitely snooping at the moment. Ino decided to take a seat next to her and strike up conversation.

"So," the blonde racked her brain for a topic, "I heard you wanted to be a medic-nin once?"

"Yea. I didn't really fit the requirements though." Tenten had been very disappointed when she was unable to follow in Tsunade's footsteps.

"It is pretty hard," Ino leaned back on her hands, "I don't see how Sakura can do half the stuff she does."

"She _is_ Tsunade's pupil."

"Yea," Ino hummed out. Tenten noticed the younger girl's smile at the mention of her best friend.

A burly looking man barged into the room, "Your boyfriend is here."

To Ino's surprise, Rock Lee stepped into the room.

Tenten scoffed, "Lee, why didn't you tell him you're not my boyfriend?"

"I enjoy being called your boyfriend!" he flashed her a grin before turning to Ino, "Am I interrupting something?"

"Nah…"

Ino wanted to respond as well but chose not to.

"Sorry for dropping by unannounced," the boy sat himself at Tenten's desk, "I just really wanted to see you. I also volunteer to do your hair for you if you want it in five buns again!"

"It's fine," Tenten laughed and gave him a smile that was surprisingly feminine for her, "you know how much I hate doing my hair. It's the only reason I wore it that way for so long. Did you like it?"

"I like anyway you wear your hair, Tenten." Another laugh from the girl.

Ino looked back and forth between the two, "I think I'm going to get going or whatever." The other two people in the room nodded.

The blonde kunoichi was very interested in what she had just noticed. Tenten was oblivious but she would bet a large sum of money that Lee liked the chick.

'_I'll find out for sure,' _Ino thought to herself. In the meantime, she would pay Sakura a quick visit to ask her if Lee has made any moves on her recently.

**xXxXxXx**

**Present Time**

Neji and Tenten had been sparring for a while but Neji could tell something was on her mind. And he had a good idea what it was.

"You don't have to do it, you know," Neji looked at the girl concerned.

"Do what?"

"Any of it."

Tenten couldn't hide her pained expression. She felt guilty for having second thoughts. The only reason she stayed with him despite everything was because she loved him. People did crazy things when they were in love. Kill someone for looking at their lover, stay in an abusive relationship, runaway from home and everything they knew, all for the sake of love. Was Tenten a victim of blind love?

"You sound like maybe you don't wanna do it, Neji," Tenten looked at him expectantly.

"I have done nothing for you to assume that." He looked away.

She looked at her boyfriend and tried to read his expression. It was completely void of any emotion.

"I never know what you're thinking. Even after all this time, you never let me in," she spoke softly.

"This is just the way I am. You know that," he retorted.

"Yea. I know." Tenten couldn't help but smile. It was his personality but it was his personality she fell in love with. A girl can't complain.

She kissed him.

And he kissed back.

**xXxXxXx**

"We're in similar dilemmas, whether you like it or not." Ino spoke matter-of-factly. The two were now sitting on a bench in front of the sweet shop. Lee had bought a popsicle and snapped it in half for the two of them to share. Ino had been badgering him for at least twenty minutes.

"It is unfortunate but unlike you, I will not hurt others to get what I want. It is against everything Gai-sensei has taught me!"

Ino was immune to his constant jabs at her, "Well geez, it's not like I'm asking you to help me break them up."

"I would not put it past you," Lee had a condescending tone.

"Is it past _you_?" Ino faltered then grinned impishly while Lee gave her a death glare, "just kidding!" Ino may have finally accepted she still likes her ex-not-ex but would never sabotage him if he's happy. That was the truth.

Lee stared at the blonde while biting the top off his popsicle. He didn't trust her. At all. Months of having to help cover up an affair would do that to a person.

Ino sighed, "Tenten doesn't want to marry him, you know."

"Such a bold statement."

"I just know these things, okay? Just like I know you love her. Which, by the way, you still haven't actually denied." Ino looked at the boy thoughtfully, "Do you think Neji wants to marry her?"

"More than he wants to marry you." Still jabbing.

"Ouch," Ino feigned a flinch, "that was cold, Lee."

Lee looked remorseful but didn't apologize to her. He would do two hundred laps around Konoha later to atone for being mean to a lady.

"Okay, I'll admit I don't really understand Tenten's feelings right now," Ino made sure she had the boy's attention before continuing, "but I can find out."

Lee looked at her with a very odd look, "How can you possibly do that?"

"We're like totally besties!" Ino said amusingly, "we'll have a girls night and tell all of our secrets and th–"

"No, seriously," Lee stared at her through half-lidded eyes, humor unappreciated, "how can you possibly find out?" Ino huffed at his sternness.

"I'm a Yamanaka. No secret is safe from me." Ino told him as if it were something obvious, "All you have to do is get her alone and I can search her mind. Then, I can erase any memory of it from her."

"That is a very cruel to use such a jutsu on a friend!"

"Well in that case, you could always get the information manually," of course the girl never planned to _actually _use that jutsu on a friend. She sucked on her popsicle as she looked at him, "Just ask her yourself."

"Impossible!" Lee was appalled. She was insane!

"I'll do it then. Lend me your body."

"No!"

"I can just take it."

At this, Lee became very amused, "You would never be able to hit me with your jutsu. I accept your challenge, however. I have never had training of this sort!" He gave her a thumbs up.

"Okay," Ino bit the top off her popsicle. Lee was already done with his. "We can just do it here. It won't take much. Let's go in the alley."

The two stood face to face. Lee had an excited look on his face and punched the air a few times as warm up.

"You are with child, Ino-san, so I'll make sure to avoid actually hurting you."

Ino held her popsicle in her mouth as she dropped into a stance, "Come at me, _bro_" she teased.

Lee suddenly got serious. He threw a punch then a kick he knew she could easily evade. The girl rolled her eyes as she dodged the simplistic blows before trying for a kick herself. Lee didn't even have to move fast to dodge her so he was in no hurry. He bent backwards in an attempt to be flashy and then came back up when suddenly…

There was a senbon in his chest.

"Wh-What?" he looked up and noticed the hole on the end of her popsicle. She had spit it through the icy treat.

"You should never underestimate me. The point of this 'training' was for you to avoid my clan's jutsu," she let the popsicle fall to the ground, it was now contaminated, "The poison will paralyze you immediately. I win." She looked entirely too smug for his liking.

His body suddenly became very hard to control. He ended up flat on his back.

"I will now administer the antidote. It will also take effect immediately but by that time, I will already be in your body."

Lee was in disbelief, "I accept my defeat. However, please do not do anything unyouthful in my body!" He felt another senbon enter him close to the other. He looked up at the clear blue sky and actually felt…fear for what the girl might do.

"Lee, all I'm doing is making sure those two aren't making a mistake," Ino put her back against the wall as she formed her clan's jutsu_ 'and making sure you get a fair chance at the woman you love'._

The feeling of being in a paralyzed body washed away within two minutes. Then Ino/Lee was on her feet.

"Now, what should I do with my body?" the girl wondered out loud. She decided to just lay herself among some trash bags, knowing she would regret it later.

"Let's get this show on the road!" Ino ran out of the alley and leaped in the air accompanied by a fist pump before taking off. No one gave the girl a second look. After all, seeing Rock Lee mucking about in an overactive manner definitely was nothing new.

**xXxXxXx**

Ino felt as if she had interrupted a tender moment as she walked up to the couple sitting together against a training post.

She waved her hand in the air in an over excited gesture, "Hey!"

Tenten looked at her/him inquisitively, "Don't you have training with Gai-sensei today?"

"Uh…no," Ino was supposed to be good at this stuff but she was still a bit nervous, "He cancelled."

"Now that's rare," Tenten pouted, "I wish he would have cancelled at least once back when we were genin!" Neji nodded in agreement.

"So," Ino plopped down in front of the couple, "what are you guys doing? Talking about the youthful wedding of youth?"

Tenten gave the boy an exasperated look, "Lee, seriously?"

"Don't let him bother you, Tenten. You know he's always like this," Neji had his eyes closed in a contemplative manner. Ino was secretly rejoicing. She had fooled the Hyuuga genius! No one fools the Hyuuga genius.

"LEE!" the green beast himself suddenly materialized in front of them.

'…_..Oh my Hyuuga.' _Ino would have to visit that shrine again to discuss recent events.

"My youthful student! You never arrived at the Hokage monument!" Gai's eyes suddenly a lit with fire, "As punishment, you must do one hundred laps around Konoha!"

Ino literally wanted to cry as the older man dragged her away.

Neji and Tenten simply stared at the scene in front of them before returning to their intimate conversation.

"Neji, now that I think about it, we never actually discuss the wedding," Tenten looked at her lover, "it's coming up fast."

"My family is arranging everything. There's nothing to talk about." Neji sounded…annoyed?

Tenten frowned, "why are you so cold, Neji? At least you have a personality around Ino!"

Neji looked at his fiancé in utter disbelief. It was the first time she ever brought up the blonde to him. Literally ever. So he did the only thing he could think of.

He kissed her.

And she kissed back.

**xXxXxXx**

Gai and "Lee" were making their way to the outskirts of the village. The older man was dead set on making her run a hundred laps right now!

"G-Gai-sensei! I have a better idea!" Ino hoped this would work, "Why don't we have a game of youthful hide and seek!"

Gai looked utterly impressed, "My student, you are always coming up with amazing new ways of training!" he took one last look at her before turning his body to a tree and closing his eyes, "Hide from me as if your life truly depended on it!"

"Trust me, it does." Ino jumped to the nearest rooftop and immediately thought of the one place he would never look. Kakashi-sensei's house. Because why would Lee hide in the home of his sensei's eternal rival? It was a dirty thing to do, and so Ino did it.

Arriving at the apartment, she slipped in through a window and sat behind a stained sofa. All she had to do was wait here for about an hour and then go find Tenten again. There was no way Gai would still be searching after an hour. Ino then tensed and immediately suppressed her chakra as someone entered the living room.

"Kakashiiii, please take off your mask! I really really wanna see!" Who the hell was that?

"Hana-san, that is the one thing I cannot do for you," the nonchalant jounin fell back onto the sofa. Hana? Kiba's sister? How old was she, again?

"Hey…Kakashi, there's a foreign scent in your house." So she comes here a lot.

"If you are referring to the jounin behind my sofa," Ino felt her heart drop about three stories, "I know."

Ino decided to just stand and take her loss, "Kakashi-sensei…I apologize for using your apartment to hide from Gai-sensei."

"I'm somewhat disappointed you would hide yourself here. You know he would never suspect you to do such a thing. However, I understand completely," he flipped a page in his orange book, "Try going to the morgue. He never looks there."

"…..Okay." Not.

Ino cautiously scaled the side of the building. This was NOT part of the plan! Maybe she should just go back to her own body. She could already feel her mental endurance was not at its peak. It must have something to do with the pregnancy sucking up her chakra. Now that she thought about it probably wasn't smart to leave her pregnant body alone in an alley.

**xXxXxXx**

When Inuzuka Kiba caught on to Ino's scent in an alleyway, he decided to go and attempt some harmless flirting. She always turned him down but it was still very entertaining. However, the girl was unconscious! Shino suggested they just leave and mind their business, having experienced enough drama with Yamanaka Ino, but Kiba insisted on bringing the girl with them as they finished up running errands.

"She's heavy for a girl," Kiba kept adjusting the girl on his back.

"We are receiving very odd looks."

"Yea, I know, okay! Let's just go buy the soldier pills then I'll bring her home or something!" that damn Shino was always complaining.

Kiba ungracefully dropped Ino's body on the floor of the ninja supply shop, much to the displeasure of the shop's current worker. He asked him to relocate her behind the counter before someone happened to see what looked suspiciously like a crime scene.

"She's fine!" Kiba urged the man, "We'll be right out anyway."

After purchasing the pills, the two shinobi, with Ino again on Kiba's back, continued on their way, planning to make a detour at the Yamanaka residence.

"I must ask you to not handle her body so carelessly," Shino said barely over a whisper, "Because, I can not tell you the exact reason. But the request still stands."

The Inuzuka immediately got annoyed with his teammate, "She's a shinobi! I don't have to carry her like a princess."

"But," Kiba rolled his eyes at the male, "You still should not, because-"

"Shut up!"

"I will not back down, because this is important." Shino was being unusually stubborn.

"Do you know something I don't?" Kiba sized up the bug user, there was _never_ a secret that he knew and Kiba did not.

"Yes."

"Tell me."

"No."

"Does Hinata know?" the Inuzuka made a sharp turn in a different direction, "I bet I can get her to tell me."

Shino, extremely agitated Kiba is elongating their trip despite the fact Ino's house is directly around the corner, stepped in front of the unruly boy, "Do not go questioning Hinata. She will not tell you."

"Then you tell me!" Kiba refused to drop the subject, "If it is a secret, I wont tell anyone." Lies.

"Fine. I will tell you," Shino pushed his glasses up, "Because, I would rather just tell you instead of continuing to tote that body around with us." Unconscious or not, the girl was a magnet for trouble.

"Yea, okay," if Kiba were sitting, he would be on the edge of his seat. If Shino had gossip, it just had to be good.

A dramatic pause, "Our classmate is in a very delicate state and needs to be handled with care."

Kiba was about to scoff since his teammate still refused to just come out and tell him, but then caught on to something. He dropped Ino from his back, causing Shino to cringe at the unceremonious way her unconscious body hit the ground, and stared at her.

"You don't mean…" Kiba didn't want to assume the worst but when he got no response from his teammate… "You can't be serious?" Still no response. "Her scent is slightly different. Hmmm,"

"Let's bring her to her home now, if you would be so kind," Shino walked around the boy and back in the direction of the Yamanaka residence.

Kiba lifted her wedding style and proceeded to follow the Aburame. This particular rumor would fly across the whole village in no time. And no one would ever suspect Shino was the one who spilled the beans.

**xXxXxXx**

After barely avoiding what could've escalated into a full-blown argument, Neji decided to take his fiancé on a mini date to show he cared. Naturally, he made sure this mini date was wedding related. What do weddings always have? Flowers. And so…

The Hyuuga genius brilliantly decided to take his lover to the Yamanaka flower shop.

Neji held the door open for Tenten, noticing her brief hesitation, "If you're worried about seeing her, there's no need. She's only here on Wednesdays."

"I think I'm actually more worried that you even know that," Tenten mumbled under her breath.

"Hm?" Neji looked at her inquisitively.

"Nothing," Tenten walked over to the nearest aisle and bent over, "these are pretty, I guess." The girl couldn't help but think to herself that she didn't actually care about the flowers.

Neji stood next to her, "Yea, I guess." It was at the moment the current shopkeeper, a middle aged woman, walked over.

"May I help you two?" the woman smiled warmly, "you seem rather lost." The woman laughed at her own joke that wasn't quite a joke. It was true, they were lost.

A stoic Hyuuga and a tomboy were shopping for wedding flowers. Yep, that's something you see everyday.

Tenten stood up straight to address the shopkeeper, "well, you see. We're getting married." Tenten stuck her thumb towards her fiancé. The lady looked between the two, expecting them to blush or clasp hands for emphasis but she was let down unfortunately.

"I see. Well, what are your theme colors?" the lady inquired. Both parties blinked at her before Neji cleared his throat to speak.

"White." He said blunty.

"White and…?"

"Just white." Neji felt Tenten's eyes burning a whole in the side of his head. She forcefully pushed him out of the way and replied herself.

"No white! Our colors are…are," she faltered before grinning, "red, black, and green!" The woman gave her a very strange look.

Neji slightly nudged Tenten out of the way, "No, no, and no. We are doing white. Maybe cream or very light lavender can be added."

"I want bold colors!"

The lady fidgeted nervously, "perhaps some pastels?"

"**NO!" **Neji and Tenten both yelled. A man who had just entered to pick up surprise flowers for his wife quickly ran back out of the shop. The shopkeeper was losing business because of these two. They better buy something!

Neji crossed his arms, "Tenten, I have been to Hyuuga weddings. There is no color present besides white."

"So just because you're a Hyuuga we have to have a Hyuuga wedding?" Tenten shot back at him.

"That is the dumbest question you have ever asked me!" Neji's byakugan was flaring on instinct.

Tenten, seeing his hostility, took it upon herself to push him and then,

Stomp on his foot.

"What the hell, Tenten," Neji hopped backwards on one leg. Tenten immediately took advantage of him being off balance and knocked his good leg from under him causing the Hyuuga to fall over and knock over an entire display of carnations.

Not done yet, Tenten picked up a ceramic flowerpot, much to the shopkeepers fearful displeasure, and stood over her fiancé, "You never compromise with me," she raised the pot over her head, "so let's see exactly just how hard your head can be!"

_**BOOM. SWOOSH.**_

Neji was dumbstruck. Tenten, Tenten for Hyuuga's sake, just broke a flowerpot over his head. On top of that, a flower pot with water and soil in it. And so, he took some of the mud off of his face and,

Threw it on her.

"What the hell, Neji," Tenten's jaw dropped, "do you wanna take this outside?"

The shopkeeper, currently ducking behind some hydrangeas for her own safety, peeked over and quipped, "Yes, can you please do that?" She didn't even care about the damages at this point. Her life was more important. She never thought a couple's spat could be so…deadly.

Neji stood up, "Just forget the flowers then, I'm leaving."

"Wh-what?" Tenten stared dumbly as he walked out, "I can't believe he left." The weapons expert's nostrils flared and she prepared to follow him. However, she was surprised when someone completely new appeared in the doorway.

Ino/Lee was ducked behind a garbage can as she watched her pursuer jumping over the rooftops above her. Her sheer stupidity allowed Gai to catch a glimpse of her coming out of a clothing store. The kunoichi had to duck and roll into the nearest alley after creating a clone for him to briefly follow. Damn, she was good at this.

The Yamanaka looked across the road and noticed she was directly across from her family's flower shop. Perfect! What reason would Gai have to search there?

Wasting no time, Ino quickly flung the door open and was rather appalled by the scene in front of her.

"WHAAAA!?" Tenten looked on confusedly as her teammate started screeching, "what on earth happened here?" Ino's eye quickly fell on the quivering shopkeeper, her oldest aunt, and ran over to help the distressed woman.

"Kai-san, what happened here?" Ino didn't even care she was currently wearing Rock Lee's body.

The shaking woman pointed an accusing finger at Tenten, "Ask her!"

Ino slowly turned and then locked eyes with her 'teammate'. Without thinking, she dropped the woman in her arms _("OW!") _and slowly walked over to the brunette. The Yamanaka remembered her current mission.

"Tenten, you're here?" Ino said inquisitively.

"Neji was being an idiot!" the girl practically yelled. Great. The conversation jumped straight to Neji.

"Tenten, if you haven't realized, Neji _is _an idiot." Ino internally sighed. She knew all too well.

Tenten stared at her teammate, "Since when do you insult people?" she asked skeptically.

"Are you kidding me?" Ino felt like someone dropped an anchor on her. So she was the only person Lee ever insulted? "Well, if you say so. But anyways, Tenten, I have a question."

"Yea?"

"Do you honestly want to mar–" Ino/Lee stopped short as she felt a familiar chakra closing in on her, "Sorry, gotta go!" Ino back flipped over until she reached a door marked 'Employees Only'. Only seconds later, her worst nightmare flung open the door to the shop.

"LEEEEE!" Might Gai practically bounced off of the walls searching every corner of the shop. By this time, the shopkeeper had retreated outside to call for help. More shinobi were terrorizing her business!

Tenten couldn't help but laugh as she watched her sensei, catching his attention.

"Ah, Tenten," the man's demeanor calmed, "I had a feeling Lee might come here. I've been told him and the beautiful Yamanaka Ino were spending time together recently."

"Oh," Tenten tilted her head and put a finger to her chin, "well I haven't seen Lee since way earlier, Gai-sensei." Teammates covered for each other.

The overly exuberant man looked close to tears, "Another false lead! I must be rusty at this game."

"Well, Gai-sensei, I guess he's surpassing you." Tenten teased.

"But I am still youthful! He cannot surpass me just yet!" Gai was already mourning at the possibility.

Tenten continued to look at him amusingly before realizing something.

'_Since when can Lee sense specific chakra?'_

**xXxXxXx**

Ino/Lee was at her limit. She couldn't hold the jutsu for much longer. Hiding from someone as persistent as Might Gai could be very tiring. If Ino wasn't a natural sensor type, he would have found her a long time ago. She narrowly avoided him in a hallway at the village hospital, and after that, he nearly found her hiding in the nose of the Third Hokage when he searched the monument.

The Yamanaka knew courting a woman by itself was a daunting task, but doing so with an insanely dedicated ninja hot on your trail made everything much more difficult, believe it or not. Even her quick lunch at Ichiraku was interrupted. The girl had to fling a bowl of ramen in the air to partially block the insane man's eyesight as she hurried away.

When her limits could stretch no further, Ino decided to take her chances and just go find Tenten again. And so, with the few minutes she had left, Ino finally made it to Tenten's house. It had been at least two and a half hours since the flower shop so the girl had to be home. And fortunately, she was.

The same burly man from yesterday opened the door, reeking of alcohol "Yea?"

"It's me, Rock Lee," Ino/Lee was so chakra exhausted, she couldn't even try to be over the top and exuberant.

"Ah." He then he allowed her inside and she made her way to Tenten's bedroom.

'_I'll just leave his body here. He better take advantage of the situation I'm about to create!' _Ino sluggishly made her way over to the brunette.

Tenten was lying on her back in bed but then promptly sat up at the sound of her bedroom door opening, "Yes?"

"Hey!" Ino gave the girl a brilliant smile.

"Hey, Lee. Are you done training? Gai-sensei asked me and Neji if we'd seen you at least fifteen times," Tenten looked slightly amused, "I cant believe you actually thought you could hide from him. Trust me, me and Neji tried that several times as genin."

Ino felt her consciousness slowly trying to remove itself, "I remember those days! But Tenten, there's something I need to ask you."

"What?"

"What if I told you there was someone else who loved you besides Neji?"

Ino was unable to hear the older girl's answer as she now found herself back in her own body. Wait, how the hell did she end up in her room? Oh well.

'_That was such a fail.' _

**xXxXxXx**

Tenten was very caught off guard by Lee's question but that was now overshadowed by the fact the young man had suddenly slumped over and was now looking around the room in…panic?

"Tenten!" His black eyes fell on her.

"Are you okay?" she was genuinely concerned.

"Yes! Never better!"

A silence passed over them before the brunette decided to speak, "So um, what do you mean?"

"Hm?" _'Oh no, what has Ino-san done?'_

"About the loving me thing," she was looking at him confusedly, "You never elaborated."

What the hell did Ino tell her! Lee never even fully confessed to liking his female teammate but the blonde just…assumed and then took his body and his good name for the use of evil! Speaking of his body, the jounin really needed to pee. Ino must've decided against doing it for him.

"Leee?" Tenten was getting impatient.

"Loving you thing? Uh…so, you know?"

"Know what? You never told me! You tried asking me something at Ino's shop too."

"I must admit, I am very confused right now."

Tenten couldn't help but to slap her forehead, "Okay, Lee. Whatever. I'm tired so if you don't mind…"

Lee was on his feet before she could finish her statement and was already out of the door. However, He didn't get very far.

"DYNAMIC ENTRY!"

Gai felt fulfilled at his assault on his student, "Lee! I told you to hide as if your life depended on it!"

Lee pulled himself off of the ground and wore an expressionless face. He promptly fell back and closed his eyes.

"Lee! Don't tell me you have forgotten your promise of one hundred laps around Konoha if you failed!" the older man was shaking the boy violently.

"G-Gai-sensei! Forgive me," Lee shook himself from his teacher's grasp and looked up at one of the street lamps, "I have been very distracted lately."

Gai looked at his student with concern, "You know, Lee," the adult was now smiling, "A flower can only bloom as much as you allow it to."

For the first time in a forever, Lee wished his sensei would speak like a normal person.

"What do you mean, sensei?"

The man pointed to the night sky, "You see the moon up there? It is never seen when the bright rays of the sun are present. But the moment that sun sets, the moon is the more brilliant one."

"….."

"The moon should take advantage of when the sun is set. It is the only time to prove it is more worthy than the sun."

"….."

"Do you know that another way you can read the kanji for Hyuuga is as 'a place in the sun'? I wonder how well they can adapt when their sunlight is gone." And with that, he vanished.

What. The. Hell.

**xXxXxXx**

"Neji-san," the Hyuuga messenger was standing in the genius's doorway.

"Tokuma," Neji acknowledged the slightly older male. The shinobi spent at least an hour in the shower after the earlier _incident._

"The Kazekage will be arriving in the village tomorrow morning. He has requested for you and your team to join him for dinner tomorrow night along with Uzumaki Naruto. He specifically indicated you all were his friends."

Now, any other person would be delighted to have a personal invitation from a Kage to join him for dinner, but as with everything that happened recently, Neji was naturally wary. However, aside from being a Kage, Gaara was also somewhat of a friend so denying him was not an option.

"Only under the condition the dinner can take place here. A public restaurant is not in our interest at the moment." Neji specified.

Tokuma nodded his head, "I will relay that message." Does this guy ever get a break from being the Hermes of the Hyuuga clan? Instead of voicing his concerns, Neji simply nodded.

Once again, things had gotten slightly more complicated. How long would it take before he, Tenten, or Yamanaka eventually cracked?

**End Chapter Five**

* * *

**A/N: I enjoyed writing this chapter very much. Of course melodrama accidently found it's way in but stories tend to write themselves. Please review if you have the time **

**Now let me tell you guys more about the first time I posted this story**

**Everyone hated Ino**

**No one wanted NejiIno, because Neji was unfaithful to Tenten for her**

**No one wanted NejiTen, because Neji was unfaithful to Tenten in the flashbacks**

**No one wanted LeeTen, because Tenten deserved to be with Neji over Ino**

**Yea, I don't get it either. I'm not sure what they wanted out of a NejiIno LeeTen fanfic**


	6. Chapter 6

**Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.**

**xXxXxXx**

The Sand Siblings and their travel party were about half an hour away from Konoha. The green scenery and fresh air was a nice breather away from Sunagakure. The Hyuuga social event was just the excuse they needed for the council to allow them to, essentially, go on vacation. Gaara had wanted to see his old friend Naruto for quite some time now and Temari was always anxious to visit her not-boyfriend.

"So, Neji and Tenten, huh?" Despite being out of the desert, Temari was still fanning herself out of habit, "I still remember when I whipped her up during our first chuunin exams. What a pathetic excuse for a kunoichi back then," Temari looked to the middle child.

"Yep," Kankuro responded to his sister, "Were the two of them dating the time they helped rescue Gaara?"

"Maybe. Whadda you say, baby brother?"

Gaara took his time to answer her, "Hn."

The blonde gave him a disappointed look for his lack of an answer, "Anyways, I think I'm going to hang out with Shikamaru tonight. If that's okay with you?" She gave him a small smile.

"Your presence is not required. You may do as you please." Gaara informed her.

"Well, I hope you two don't get into any trouble while I'm away!" Temari snapped her handheld fan shut and walked with an increased speed.

**You, Me, Her, and It**

**Chapter Six: One Misunderstanding After Another**

**xXxXxXx**

Ino had a very bad feeling when she awoke the next morning. A _very_ bad feeling. Despite this, she pulled herself together and got ready for a day of mental fortitude training with Ibiki. As she headed downstairs, she noticed her father was at the kitchen table. Usually, he would be gone by now.

"Hey, dad," Ino decided to tread slowly further into the room, "What are you still doing here?"

Inoichi looked up at his only child, "Ino…" Before she could even blink an eye, he was now in front of her lifting up her loose shirt, "….is it true?"

"…."

"I'll be going now," Inoichi made his way to the front door.

"Wait! Daddy," Ino had to hold back tears, "aren't you upset?"

Her father simply looked at her with an unreadable expression, "I haven't decided yet," he looked at her confused face, "Invite the father to dinner tonight and I'll make my decision then."

Inoichi loved his daughter and decided to give the situation a fair chance. However, he couldn't deny it was embarrassing hearing the rumor at the fish market from a trout salesman who said he heard it from his teen daughter who's dating a chuunin close to Ayame who overheard her father discussing it with a civilian girl who cleans the Aburame home every Thursday for a small compensation and overheard Aburame Shibi chastising his son for spreading rumors about pregnant Yamanakas since apparently a highly pissed Haruno Sakura cornered Inuzuka Kiba demanding to know who told him said secret before threatening to have Shino locked up for high treason. Not that any of that really mattered.

Ino stared at the now closed door with disbelief. That didn't go at all the way she expected it to. Yelling seemed more likely.

"I guess I'll go find _him_ then," Ino trotted out of the door, praying to her ex-lover's ancestors that Ibiki would not get upset if she were a few minutes late.

**xXxXxXx**

"Gaara wants to hang out with us tonight?" Lee acting as if this were the best moment of his life, "Yosh!"

Neji was trying very hard to fight off an impending headache, "I don't even think he cares about us that much. He intention is probably just to see Naruto but a Kage can't go sitting at Ichiraku as if it were nothing," Neji turned to his girlfriend, "I hope you didn't have any plans tonight."

The girl gave him a sideways glance, "Of course not, Neji, my life completely revolves around you, doesn't it?"

"You're still mad." Neji stated.

"Well aren't you a genius."

Lee looked between his teammates, "Did I miss something?"

The lone female looked over at him, "remember what I said about a certain someone yesterday in the flower shop? It still applies."

"Ah, yes," Lee immediately figured out this conversation must have taken place during his five hour 'black out', "I agree. It definitely still applies. That conversation, I mean. The one we had. Yesterday. Haha, yes, it uh, it yes…just yes."

It was now Neji's turn to look between his teammates. He read into Lee's shady behavior and became automatically suspicious. Just what happened after he left yesterday?

Before he could make any accusations, a flash of yellow caught his attention.

"Neji!" Yamanaka was standing a few yards away from them, "Come here! I need to talk to you!"

The boy didn't budge but a rather forceful push from Lee landed him soon in front of the girl, "What?"

"My dad wants to meet you. Tonight." Ino didn't bother waiting for a response before continuing, "Somehow, he found out and–"

"I can't."

Her face faltered, "What the hell do you mean? The least you can do for me is meet my father!"

'_Great, Tenten is already bitter with me and now Yamanaka is about to hate my guts as well,' _Neji had to choose his words carefully, "I have dinner tonight with Tenten, Lee-"

"I don't care! You see Tenten everyday! Just-"

"It's more complicated than that. I'm sorry, but I can't be in two places at once and right now this is my priority. Some very important peo-"

"I can not cancel this dinner! It will only enrage my father!" Ino couldn't believe he was doing this to her.

"…Ok. I'll see what I can do." Seeing her face light up lifted a weight off of his shoulders he didn't even know was there, _'Well, at least someone is happy,' _with that thought, he looked back at Tenten and racked his brain for anyway possible to make _her _happy.

"What was that about?" Lee inquired.

"Nothing." Neji turned away, "I have to go. I just need to take care of something." The duo he left behind only stared at his back curiously.

The stage has been set for what will inevitably be a disastrous night.

**xXxXxXx**

Naruto was practically bouncing off the walls of the Hyuuga compound. His best friend was in town! Well, not his bestest best friend, but his best friend all the while. And he would be here in T-Minus two hours!

The exuberant blonde was getting anxious watching his girlfriend fold napkins into overly complicated shapes, "Ne, Hina-chan, what's the point of that?"

"It's just a small gesture that can go a long way. Our guest is a Kage after all, friend or not," the lavender eyed beauty informed her boyfriend just as her cousin walked into the room, "Neji-nii-san! You should begin cleaning up for tonight."

"I know, but before that," his eyes swept around the room, "Where is Tokuma-san?"

"Um…try the main hall," the girl looked at him, possibly expecting a reason for his inquires.

"Thank you, Hinata-sama."

When Neji located his target, he wasted no time.

"I need a favor. A big one," he looked at the slightly older male pointedly.

The Hyuuga messenger was somewhat surprised but nodded for him to continue.

"I need you to go to the Yamanaka residence tonight for dinner in my place."

Oh, nice plan.

"…..May I ask why?" Tokuma was very disturbed by his request.

"You look almost exactly like me, except your hair is cut short in the back. That wont matter, however," Neji knew the boy was not taking a liking to his favor, "I know this is….not a kind thing I am doing, but I simply can not make everyone happy on my own. This is why I need your help."

"I'll do it, Neji-san." The messenger listened intently as Neji filled him in on everything he needed to know.

The dinner table has been set for what will inevitably be a disastrous night.

**xXxXxXx**

The older generation of Ino-Shika-Cho had all converged into their boar member's living room. Inoichi was giving them a briefing of their 'mission'.

"Our top priority is to divulge whether this boy is dedicated to my precious daughter or not. I was unable to uncover information on his identity, but I'm sure that will not matter. We can handle anything, right men?" Inoichi stood in front of his two best friends as they sat on the sofa.

"Hai!" the two men collectively responded.

"As backup, Shikamaru and Choji will also be in attendance to extract information that only a youth can. I trust you have raised them well?"

"Hai!"

Inoichi looked towards the ground with furrowed brows before lifting his head again, a new look of determination present in his eyes, "Will you battle alongside of me, brothers?"

"Hai!"

The other two men stood up as Inoichi thrust his hand into the middle of them.

"Ino!"

"Shika!"

"Cho!"

The shogi board has been set for what inevitably will be a disastrous night.

**xXxXxXx**

After Neji's departure, Lee and Tenten decided to cut their training short. Lee actually convinced the girl to put some effort into her appearance because of who their guests were. Strangely, she obliged.

"Um, Lee," Tenten looked at her teammate as he walked her home, "I have a question but can you promise not to tell Neji I asked?"

Lee briefly looked taken aback by her request but quickly changed his expression, "Sure! I keep any and all promises. It is against everything Gai-sensei taught me to go back on my word."

"Okay then," Tenten looked nervous, "so…you _knew, _right?"

"Knew what, Tenten?" the boy was not stupid. He knew exactly what she was referring to. However, he also knew her intent.

She was trying to manipulate Lee into confessing if it really was a one night stand or a full blown affair.

The shinobi was torn. Neji was his best friend. Tenten was his best friend. The idea of even giving her the slightest clue made him sick on the inside. However, he couldn't lie to Tenten. Not to her face. Impossible.

Luckily for Lee, he was the extremely observant type. He knew Tenten had no solid proof that he knew about the affair. She was bluffing.

"About Neji and Ino," Tenten was no longer nervous.

"I found out about the baby at the same moment you did, Tenten." It wasn't a lie.

However, the kunoichi was not going to allow him to exploit any loopholes, "I mean did you know Neji and Ino had something going on?"

Lee began to sweat. He didn't know what to do. He had to tell Tenten something that was the truth without hurting Neji. Should he really be worried about being loyal to Neji? Obviously loyalty was not something the Hyuuga cared about.

"Tenten, I have something to tell you," the green-clad shinobi led her to a nearby bench, "it's the story of how I found about Neji and Ino."

Tenten looked solemn but still extremely interested as the boy began recounting the events.

**About Eleven Months Ago**

Lee was on the outskirts of Konoha madly dashing. He vowed to complete one hundred laps around the village and he had only just started. He was currently dashing past the village's secluded cosmos field when he noticed two figures. Any other time, he would have continued his run but he just so happened to recognize his teammate! Not many men in the village possessed hair that long.

The shinobi skidded on his feet before taking to the trees. He would surprise his rival. Neji should know to be on his guard at all times!

It was only as he crept farther along did Lee recognize the other figure. It was Yamanaka Ino, the beautiful kunoichi only a year younger than himself. What youthful activities could these two be partaking in? Training? Oh no! Lee has never trained with a Yamanaka! His rival has bested him again.

"Neji," Ino was currently laughing, "come back! It only wants to play with you!" the girl was holding what looked like a giant caterpillar.

"Ino, I do not like those creatures," Neji was avoiding the girl like the plague.

Still laughing, the blonde calmly lowered the bug, "well the least you can do is help me see it off to a good home," she placed the caterpillar near the base of a tree, unknowingly only a few meters away from the tree Lee was currently hiding in.

Wait, why was he hiding? He had no reason to. But for some reason Lee felt like this was something he should not intrude upon.

Neji cautiously walked over to where the blonde was now standing, "It still amazes me you aren't afraid of bugs." He put one arm around the kunoichi. Said kunoichi happily turned to allow him to fully embrace her.

"So it amazes you that I'm amazing?" the Yamanaka was clinging to his neck. Lee was now extremely confused. What the hell kind of training is this?

"You're only amazing because I'm amazing."

"No, you're amazing because I'm amazing." Ino laughed once more but was cut off by the Hyuuga's lips. It was at this moment Lee realized what he was witnessing. His best friend was below him making out with someone who was NOT Tenten.

Ever the observant shinobi, Lee immediately began taking in every little detail of the scene. Yamanaka's signature ponytail was missing, Neji had pink and purple flowers dangling from his hair, Yamanaka currently had one foot lifted behind her as she and his teammate continued to kiss. While that particular detail was somewhat adorable, it was still wrong!

Lee continued to look on in horror as the 'couple' tumbled over into the grass. Using the blonde's loud laughter as cover up, he quickly jumped away from the area to continue his run.

It was none of his business. Neji and Tenten were currently in an off period of their on-and-off relationship so it was excused. It was none of his business. He would forget what he witnessed. It was absolutely none of his business.

Approximately six days later, he heard news that Tenten finally took Neji back after he finally apologized for whatever it was that caused the breakup in the first place. They were back together. The thing with Ino was nothing. It was none of his business.

**Present Day**

Tenten didn't look the least bit perturbed, "so that was it? He was drunk that day?" She looked to her teammate.

"…..it is possible," Lee convinced himself it wasn't a lie. He had no proof Neji _wasn't _drunk.

"Did Neji look happy?" the brunette asked next. Naturally, the question caught her companion off guard.

"Well, yes," the male looked towards the sky thoughtfully, "he did, actually."

"Hm," Tenten stood from the bench, "thanks, Lee." She promptly took her leave.

Lee wiped sweat from his brow. He managed not to lie and also managed not to completely expose the extent of the affair.

Twenty minutes since his companion departed, Lee was still sitting on the bench contemplating everything. Neji _did _look happy.

Oh, great. Now he was beginning to get ideas.

**xXxXxXx**

**Somewhere in the Hyuuga compound**

"Hiashi-sama, we have just received word that the Kazekage is severely allergic to any type of nut," Natsu of the branch house informed his clan head.

"How unfortunate, I think tonight's dessert may contain almond paste. Send the messenger to inform the kitchen staff," Hiashi waved the man away.

Natsu went into the room next door, "Have any of you seen the messenger?" the room was apparently an elder hangout spot.

Heero, the eldest of the elders, answered the man's question, "He informed me that he will be taking care of personal business tonight and seems to have left the compound.

"Tokuma is such a useless brat," Hotaru commented from next to Heero.

Natsu then went and joined them on a mat on the floor, "Well someone has to go relay a message to the kitchen. It will not be me."

"Nor me!" "Send a branch house member." "I have a bad knee." "It probably isn't even important."

Natsu decided to just conveniently forget about the message.

**xXxXxXx**

Ino decided to buy some new clothes before heading straight home. She wanted to look nice tonight for some reason. It will be embarrassing having to introduce Neji as her baby's father but not as her boyfriend. Perhaps she should have invited Tenten as well, so her father could learn the full story of what will happen to the baby.

The blonde noticed she was on the receiving end of more stares today than usual, but blamed it on her paranoia.

"Ino!" the blonde turned to see the lovable Choji walking up behind her, "Went shopping?"

"Obviously," Ino said bluntly.

Choji could tell something was eating her up, "You ready for this dinner or what?" her chubby teammate asked her, "My mom cooked so I'm heading to your place now with the dishes to set up."

Ino was very confused, "You're going to be there?"

"Well, yea. Me and Shikamaru. I guess your dad wanted the whole Ino-Shika-Cho involved 'cause our dads are going to be there as well."

'_Oh no, I only told Neji it would be my dad. He's going to be so pissed," _Ino would have pulled her hair in frustration if she weren't currently holding a shopping bag.

"Ino," Choji looked at his friend curiously, "what's up with your hair?"

"Ah," Ino smiled sheepishly, "I have it all twisted up like this so when I take it down later, it'll be wavy. It's just a simple trick I was taught recently."

"Oh," Choji rarely saw his teammate without a ponytail. He also briefly wondered how Ino found the time to learn random hair techniques.

The blonde continued to smile, "a ponytail implies a bad hair day, Choji. Ladies do not have bad hair days." The girl couldn't help but giggle at her friend's confused expression.

The two entered the Yamanaka residence and began setting up for the dinner. Her dad was nowhere to be found but she figured he couldn't have gone far.

**xXxXxXx**

Gaara, Kankuro, and Baki had arrived at the Hyuuga compound and were currently being escorted to the dining hall. Baki had made sure to inform one of them of Gaara's food allergy, though he was hesitant since the only person around was a young girl. Hopefully she would go inform the kitchen or something.

Said young girl, Hanabi Hyuuga, went to go retrieve her sister and future brother-in-law, after having told Natsu of the branch house about Gaara's condition of course.

"They're hereee!" Hanabi rang out.

Hinata immediately stood while Naruto and Lee had already rushed out of the room, "I'll go get nii-san and Tenten-san."

"Okay," Hanabi was about to turn around until she noticed the concerned look on her sister's face, "Don't worry, nee-chan, I'll behave!" The girl raised up two fingers and crossed them, "Promise."

Hinata smiled as she watched her sister's retreating form. Next, she swiftly made her way to the middle of the compound and quietly watched her cousin and his fiancé. They were sitting on a bench looking into the pond.

"Neji," Tenten addressed him without ever looking over, "I think all your fish are dead."

"Probably."

"Doesn't that make you sad? I mean, they're dead."

"We can always buy more." Neji spoke as if it were obvious.

Tenten gave him a skeptical look, "you know, Neji. Every time something in your life dies, you can't just buy a new one."

"Tenten, why do you have to somehow turn everything into an insult," the Hyuuga genius's eyebrow twitched, "it's not my fault the gardener neglects the pond. Everything doesn't have to be my fault."

"I'm not saying it is!" Tenten continued to stare at him before smiling, "well once we're married, I'll make sure this pond always has fish."

Neji's eyes widened at the suddenly happy girl next to him. Her mood swings were incredible. Thank Hyuuga she really isn't the one pregnant. He could only shiver at the thought of her emotions amplified by hormones.

"Or do you not want fish?" Tenten interpreted his silence as displeasure.

Before he could reply, his darling cousin walked up behind the couple, "the Kazekage's party is here." Hinata kindly informed them. Tenten was once again smiling. If there was anything to look forward to after this wedding, it was that she'd have someone like Hinata as a sister-in-law basically.

"I see," Neji stood, brushed nonexistent dirt off of his clothing before holding a hand out to Tenten who happily accepted it. He wasn't going to complain about her sudden forgiveness.

**xXxXxXx**

The first thing Kankuro noticed about the Hyuuga formal dining room was that it was…plain. The walls were white, the table and chairs were a gray color, the floor was wooden and there were black floor mats placed under each chair. He had a feeling the family didn't eat at actual tables very often.

"Gee," Kankuro whispered to his brother, "to say they're so rich and powerful, they sure do live simple."

"It isn't a bad thing," Gaara replied before being pulled into a giant (manly) embrace by none other than Uzumaki Naruto.

"Gaara!" Naruto squeezed him so tightly, his sand began to wedge its way between the two of them, "I missed you, buddy!"

"I have missed you as well," Gaara replied. Hiashi, currently sitting at the head of the table, observed the scene in curiosity. His daughter's boyfriend was on first name basis with a Kage. Not bad.

"Stop assaulting the Kazekage," Neji ordered as he entered the room, Tenten and Hinata right behind him. Tenten felt somewhat uncomfortable. Yes, she also helped out Gaara on more than one occasion but she didn't really feel like his _friend. _She was a commoner amongst nobles tonight.

Without further ado, Hiashi clapped his hands for the meal to begin.

**xXxXxXx**

Everyone in the Yamanaka household was anxious. Anxious to eat, anxious to interrogate, anxious for the whole ordeal to be over, whatever. When a knock came from the door, Ino immediately jumped and ran to it. Except, it wasn't Neji.

Shikamaru walked past her without a greeting with Temari right behind him, "I apologize for not informing you, but Temari would like to join us for dinner," his statement was directed at Inoichi.

"It's fine, it's fine!" Inoichi turned to ask Choji to fix another plate.

Ino stayed in the vicinity of the door, waiting for another to knock. Finally, after what felt like forever, a knock did come. She swung the door open, except, it wasn't Neji.

"M-Messenger!?" Ino began to panic, was he here to tell her that Neji planned to stand her up?

"Please, Yamanaka-san, call me Neji."

Ino immediately boiled with anger, realizing what was going on. She called for the people waiting in the living room to give her a moment before pushing the boy opposite of her out the door and shutting it behind her.

"What the hell do you mean 'call you Neji'?" she was fuming in a hushed tone.

"Neji-san asked me to be his stand-in. We look alike so it would take a keen eye to tell us apart." Tokuma was getting nervous. Neji failed to mention this girl possessed a hot temper.

"You have short hair in the back! My family is not stupid!" Everyone in the dining room pretty much was her family and she was insulted Neji thought this would work.

"Neji said that you are a very smart girl and that you can make this work," Tokuma lied.

Ino's hands began to shake but a brilliant idea popped into her head. She would get him back for this.

"Okay, Messenger-san," Ino began, "Since you're doing this for him, I have a request as well." The look on her face was pure evil.

"Of course." He dutifully nodded.

"From this moment on, you, Neji Hyuuga, are my boyfriend."

**xXxXxXx**

Halfway through the main course, Hanabi decided to go get some pepper from the kitchen. The Hyuugas liked their meals a bit too bland for her liking. The kitchen staff was currently finishing up dessert. Hanabi briefly looked at the countertop before going to the spice rack, however, something made her do a double take.

One of the pastry chefs was pouring the contents of a bottle that said 'Almond Extract' in the chocolate pudding.

'_What the hell? I told Natsu-baka he was allergic! They're totally going to blame me for this because that creepy guy told ME about the allergy!' _Hanabi was frantic. She couldn't just waltz back in the dining room and tell them because she would get blamed! She was already, like, one mistake away from being disowned! She briefly contemplated throwing away all the pudding, but that would also make her look bad, _'I have to tell nee-chan.'_

Hanabi wrote a simple message on a napkin then slipped it into her sister's lap. Hinata curiously unfolded the napkin and scanned it.

'_The Kazekage is going to die.'_

WHAT THE HELL, HANABI?

**xXxXxXx**

Ino and Tokuma walked into the dining room hand-in-hand, "Daddy, this is my boyfriend," she got on her tip-toes to land a kiss on the boy's cheek, earning herself a blush, "His name is Neji." She bit her lip and held her breath waiting for a response.

Shikamaru choked on the water he was casually sipping, giving Ino a 'wtf' look and Choji simply face palmed. They loved Ino to death but sometimes….just damn.

Shikaku was the first to speak, "You look different, Hyuuga," he gave him a scrutinizing look, "As jounin commander, I know most of my jounin like the back of my hand. Since when did you cut your hair?"

Tokuma spoke calmly, "It will grow back…probably very fast."

Him and Ino took their seats at the table. Temari was giving her partner a very confused look. Shikamaru feigned giving her a kiss and then whispered in her ear, "Please just go along with it." He owed it to Ino to back her up in her little scheme. He trusted she had a very good reason for this.

"I can't help but to ask," Inoichi turned towards the messenger, "If you are my daughter's boyfriend, why have you not come to formally introduce yourself to me sooner?"

"I am very shy."

Ino took his hand and kissed it, "Maybe father will forgive you, darling," she turned towards Inoichi, "right, daddy?"

"I don't know, Ino," the blonde patriarch furrowed his brows, "he looks like he's hiding something."

Everyone at the table gazed at the Hyuuga curiously. The young man's face was devoid of any possible emotion. It was unnerving.

"Well, um," Ino let go of her 'boyfriend's' hand and looked around nervously. If Ibiki-sensei saw her now, he would be very disappointed in her inability to keep her cool. "Sh-Shika and Choji know him! Right, guys?"

The two aforementioned males gave each other a look of understanding. Teammates had to cover for teammates.

Shikamaru cleared his throat, "Neji is a very reliable shinobi. He makes Ino happy."

Choji quickly mused over the 'reliable' part before speaking his piece, "I have seen him and Ino interact on many occasions. I believe it is…love."

"Yes," Tokuma began, "I do love her." He took hold of Ino's hand again and kissed it, causing her to giggle and blush. It almost felt real.

The Head Yamanaka couldn't help but melt at the look on his daughter's face. Sure she made a really big mistake, but her and the young man seemed to be so very much in love. That had to make up for something.

Choza noticed his teammate turning soft so he took it upon himself to continue the interrogation, "Do you believe your child will be brought into a stable home? Actually, what are your plans for the home situation, Neji-san?"

"I am expecting Ino to move in with me very soon. I wish for her to be properly taken care of for the remainder of this pregnancy."

Ino snatched her hand away and stomped on his foot, they did not agree to all of that!

Tokuma ignored the pain and continued, "I am anticipating you will inquire about marriage next, correct?" A nod, "That will be soon as well."

"W-Woah!" Ino was waving her hands frantically, "I know you really love me and all but um…you haven't even proposed! You ruined the surprise." Ino pouted for extra effect.

Neji is going to _kill_ her.

And Tenten. Oh my Hyuuga, friggin' Tenten!

Her pseudo-Neji, pseudo-boyfriend, then got out of his seat and kneeled on side of her, "Ino, my love, will you make me the happiest man in this village and marry me?"

All of the young folk in the room were horrified and all the older folk were….impressed. What an incredible young man.

Ino thrust her leg into the air and brought her foot down on Takuma's head, causing the boy to temporarily lose consciousness, "Oh my, Neji," her foot was still resting on top of his head and she let out a nervous laugh, "You sure are anxious. I'm not prepared to answer you."

Inoichi jumped out of seat, helped the boy to his feet, and then looked straight into his daughter's eyes, "Ino, men like this do not come around very often! Answer him immediately."

Ino gulped.

Well, damn.

**xXxXxXxXx**

Hinata Hyuuga was freaking out. She looked at her sister, who only nodded her head solemnly.

"Ano…" she stood up, "I apologize but I must excuse myself." She shot Hanabi a look. The napkin on her lap fell to the floor.

"Me too!" Hanabi jumped up and followed her sister.

Noticing the Kazekage's curious look, Hiashi decided to speak, "Oh, my sweet daughters. Hanabi follows everything her sister does! Hinata probably just has personal business."

"What are you talking about? Is there an assassin in the compound?" Hinata was panicking.

"I guess you could say that…but no. Gaara's allergic to nuts. Guess what we're having for dessert. Chocolate pudding with a 'secret' ingredient, aka deadly almonds!" Hanabi explained to her older sister.

Hinata put her hand over her chest and let out a breath, "Do not sc-scare me like that, Hanabi!" she turned to return to the dining room, "All we have to do is te-"

"No, nee-chan! Please!" Hanabi looked genuinely afraid. Hinata was surprised her sister dropped her bad girl façade, "I will only get in trouble! Just, trust me, please! Just don't let him eat it, okay? You're sitting right next to him!"

Hinata could not turn down her pleading sister, "I'll see what I can do. Perhaps the Kazekage doesn't even enjoy sweets."

The pair returned to dinner, Hinata, unwittingly, kicking that napkin to the other side of the table.

The empty entrée plates were currently being collected as the kitchen staff began to bring out the dessert, which surely was that killer pudding.

"Oh, man!" Kankuro exclaimed, "It's our favorite, Gaara!" Gaara nodded his head.

Well, damn.

**xXxXxXx**

Shikaku was opening up a new bottle of sake in celebration; Inoichi's daughter was getting married! The father's pride overshadowed his previous disappointment in his daughter.

As the three men exited into the living room, Choji slammed his hand on the table, "Ino, what is going on?"

Ino's hands were shaking in her lap, "I…I *sniff* don't know! Things are out of control again." She looked over at Tokuma, eyes shining with tears, "That was not part of the plan."

"You never specified how far the plan should go. I was under the impression we were in love."

"I thought it would be obvious not that far!"

"I'm always told to do my utmost best in every task I take on," Tokuma explained, "you asked me to pose as your boyfriend. However, fiancé is a step above boyfriend. I simply made sure I did my best."

"You are an idiot just like real-Neji!"

The boy looked slightly hurt as Temari spoke, "So uh….isn't tomorrow Neji's engagement party?" She shook her head and folded her arms, "I don't recall your name being on the program."

Ino looked to her best friend, "Shika, what should I do? Use that big brain of yours!"

"I'm not helping you out of this troublesome situation. It's really both of your faults," Shikamaru was referring to Neji more so than the messenger. Because, you know, you can't shoot the messenger, "He should have never sent someone else to take care of _his_ responsibility."

"I wonder how his little dinner party is going," Ino crossed her arms, "I say we go crash it."

Choji came to the girl's side, "Ino, you need a break. We all do. Just tell him about his new engagement in the morning."

Oh, yea.

Neji was now engaged to two girls, right?

**xXxXxXx**

Hinata had no idea what to do. The pudding was being placed in front on Gaara _right now_! He was picking his spoon up _right now_!

Her ninja skills kicked in, _'I just have to intercept the threat before it reaches its target!" _And so, Hyuuga Hinata leaned over and ate the pudding off of Sabaku no Gaara's spoon right as he was moving it to his mouth. The boy was very…shocked.

Hinata bit down on the spoon and took it away with her mouth, "I'm sorry, I just c-couldn't wait to taste it!"

Silence passed over the table. Naruto was blinking in heavy confusion.

"Oh, Hinata!" Hanabi spewed out, "You truly do love sweets, don't you? You should go ahead and take another bite!"

However, by this point, she had her own bowl in front of her.

"Hinata," Gaara's voice came from next to her. She was expecting a death glare, "I am in need of your spoon.

Tension in the room suddenly eased up. The Kazekage wasn't mad. That was all that mattered.

But no, that was not all that mattered. Gaara was now going for another spoonful. Hanabi was prepared to kick his leg under the table when he suddenly stopped his motion and turned the spoon to Hinata.

"Would you like some more of mine?" Wait, what?

Hinata immediately blushed, "Su-Sure," she opened her mouth and leaned in slightly. Gaara inserted the spoon into her mouth and watched her eat it.

Kankuro was stunned. Was his little brother flirting? And then with his best mate's girl? While he was sitting right there watching the whole thing!? Damn, little brother.

Neji, on the other hand, suddenly began to panic, _'Has my infidelity rubbed off on my own little cousin? Watching me has made her desensitized to the wrongness of cheating!' _Was he jumping to conclusions? Probably.

"Hinata," Uzumaki Naruto's voice was stern, "I have pudding as well you know."

"Na-Naruto-kun…of course" Hinata was beginning to realize how all of that might have looked to the outside eye.

He looked at her with an unreadable expression before suddenly grinning, "Wow, Hinata! I know I asked you to make an effort to make Gaara feel warm and stuff, but you really knocked it out of the park!" This was one time Hinata was glad her boyfriend was a dense idiot.

Hiashi suddenly stood before anymore inappropriate _things_ could occur, "It is getting late, I am sure the Kazekage is getting weary. I will personally walk you to the gates."

The Sand shinobi stood to exit. However, Baki noticed a napkin on his shoe. Picking it up, he was horrified.

'_The Kazekage is going to die.'_

"Someone is planning an attempt on the Kazekage's life! They have skillfully left this warning!"

The room went into a state of panic.

Hiashi declared that he would search the premise while several Hyuugas showed up to escort Gaara and the other two out of the compound. The Hokage will need to be notified at once. Only the young shinobi remained in the dining room.

"Well that escalated quickly." Hanabi was mildly entertained that she managed to stir up an international conflict. At this rate, she could get into the Bad Girl's Hall of Fame

"Hinata-sama, we need to talk," Neji led her out of the room while Hanabi followed to help clear up the misunderstanding. She also told Naruto to come along so he would hear as well.

And then there were two.

Rock Lee looked at the girl across from him. She hadn't spoken a word the entire meal.

"Tenten." He gulped.

"Hm?" the brunette had been daydreaming about the 'assassin' killing off a few of the Hyuuga elders as well.

"I like you. I like you very much. Actually, I love you!" The boy blushed furiously, "Please, forgive me!"

Tenten could only stare at the boy with her mouth open in shock. In lieu of a response, her reflexes naturally kicked in.

She threw her drink in his face.

Well, damn.

**xXxXxXx**

After completely disregarding Choji's advice to 'take a break', Ino still angrily left her home to head to the Hyuuga compound, Tokuma in tow.

"Yamanaka-san, please forgive me," the messenger was genuinely somewhat upset. He never fails at his tasks but apparently he did tonight.

Ino was borderline hyperventilating as she addressed the older male, "no! I won't forgive you or your stupid cousin." The blonde's breathing continued to become more and more erratic.

"Yamanaka-san, please slow down," Tokuma urged, "you don't look well." The Hyuuga could only then only watch in horror as she suddenly fell to her knees panting.

"I hate him! I hate him so much!" Ino screamed into the pavement. The last thing she remembered was that annoying guy yelling her name before she lost consciousness.

Tokuma panicked. He had no idea what to do. Naturally he picked up the kunoichi and held her in his arms bridal style. The messenger has a new task. A delivery.

He now had to decide whether to deliver her to the Hyuuga's home medics or the significantly farther Konoha hospital.

**xXxXxXx**

Lee quickly excused himself after his 'confession'. He didn't wait for an actual reply. While Tenten did have an enormous blush on her face, it wasn't nearly the spectacle that was Lee sputtering liquids out of his mouth. She didn't accept his confession but she didn't really say _no_ either. Women are so confusing.

Thus, he decided to just go home, sleep, wake up tomorrow, and go train as usual. Unfortunately for him, his life was never that simple anymore. This was further proven by the fact he just so happened to stumble upon the Hyuuga messenger currently carrying a dead looking Yamanaka.

Not fully processing the scene in front of him, Lee stared blankly as the Hyuuga addressed him.

"Lee-san, I know this looks strange but I'm currently bringing Yamanaka into the compound to rest. I believe she overexerted herself," Tokuma calmly explained, decidedly ignoring the moistness of the other man. Lee finally snapped back to reality.

"No," Lee stepped forward, "give her to me. I will take her to the hospital." The men exchanged burdens.

"Should I inform Neji-san?" the messenger inquired.

"No," Lee walked forward.

**xXxXxXx**

Ino woke up sometime later to find herself in a hospital bed. She had an IV running to her arm and even had a heart monitor attached to her. Instinctively, the blonde began to groan in frustration.

"Ino-san," the girl was startled at her name before seeing Lee in the chair next to her, "how are you feeling?"

"Like I got hit by a giant, rolling Choji," descriptive, "what time is it?"

"I think it's around 2 in the morning now," Lee stared at the girl's shocked expression.

"Whaaaaat?"

"Sakura-chan herself examined you. She advises you to, and I quote, '_stop acting so reckless and accept the fact you're three months pregnant, Ino-pig.'_"

The blonde couldn't help but laugh quietly before asking Lee another question, "so why are you here, anyway?"

"I figured you would not want anyone else knowing about this. I can tell you are very prideful," Lee explained.

Ino looked away from him sadly. He was right. However, a part of her still wishes Neji were the one here.

"Ino-san," Lee locked eyes with her, "I didn't tell him but I am sure he would have been here in a heartbeat."

"Maybe…" the girl decided to change topics, "how was that stupid dinner anyway?"

Lee blushed as he scratched his cheek, "Well, I confessed to the beautiful Tenten."

"So you told her you love her?"

"Not exactly," the taijutsu expert rushed to elaborate after seeing his companion's disappointed face, "well I did, but, then I rushed off before she could even reply! I'm afraid she may have believed it was a prank or something." He left out the detail regarding the contents of her glass ending up on him.

Ino sighed, "Y'know, maybe it's time we just accepted the fact that Neji and Tenten are getting married."

"Wh-What?" Lee looked downright appalled, "but you were so against it!"

"I know, but…look at me, Lee," Ino gestured at her body still lying in the hospital bed, "I'm in the hospital. Why am I in the hospital? Because apparently I had some type of panic attack because of what Neji did to me tonight."

"Well actually," Lee looked at her pointedly, "Sakura-chan explained it was apparent you must have been hyperventilating because your arterial blood gases were very unbalanced. Your extreme anxiety and emotions drove you to a state of respiratory alkalosis. Sakura-chan also says–"

"Leeeee, what the hell?" Ino was developing a headache. He must have badgered Sakura for a long time to make her go into such detail, "my point is, I give up on Neji."

Rock Lee stared at the dejected girl in sympathy. He understood her reasoning. Loving Neji was physically exhausting her, not to mention the emotional damage.

"Ino," Lee addressed her once more, dropping the honorific.

"Hm?" she stared at him inquisitively. The inquisitive stare turned into one of disbelief as the male shoved some random pamphlet into her face.

"While you were sleeping I read through many of these mini articles about pregnancy," he sounded extremely proud for some reason, "it will be my honor if you will allow me to deliver your baby in my home bathtub. A natural water birth!"

The blonde let out a series of strange, incoherent sounds, "L-Lee, I, uh…"

"Say no more!" the green beast tossed that pamphlet aside and pulled out another…from his jumpsuit? "It would be my honor if you allow me to cut the umbilicus immediately following birth!"

"I think you mean the umbilical cord," Ino looked highly uncomfortable, "but yea, sure. Why not?" She inwardly cringed as the male next to her rejoiced. This implies he would have to be in the delivery room. But hey, at least he won't be trying to deliver it.

"Ino, your shenanigans has put me in many odd situations but now I understand. Your reasoning isn't selfish, nor is mine. I care about Tenten's happiness and it pains me to think she may be making a mistake. Which is why I will court Tenten until she herself admits if she truly wants to marry him." Lee gave her thumbs up.

Ino's expression was priceless, "Lee…you have to realize there's a major chance she's gonna break your heart." The blonde didn't want to see him in a hospital bed next. The reckless male had grown on her.

"There are risks to everything we do every single day," Lee proclaimed, "you asked me before if I believe Neji wants to marry her. The answer is no. I've seen Neji at his happiest. That moment, however, did not involve Tenten."

The kunoichi's expression never changed. It's not like she cared anymore.

"Well, what's your plan, anyway?" she was curious.

"I shall wait." He didn't elaborate.

"Wait…for?"

"My chance. Once the sun has set. Just as Gai-sensei advised."

The mere mention of the exuberant older man caused Ino to immediately disregard trying to understand her companion. She wouldn't even bother asking what the hell that means.

"I'm going home."

**xXxXxXx**

Neji couldn't sleep. There was something eating him up from the inside. He knew what it was but wouldn't outwardly admit it. He pulled a dirty trick on Yamanaka Ino. The jounin knew it was wrong but that didn't mean he wanted to admit it.

Meeting Ino's father should have been a priority. He tried asking Tokuma how the dinner went but the male simply stiffened and said he had something in the oven before rushing off.

'_I wont be able to rest until I talk to her,' _Neji sighed before standing from his mat and throwing on his casual outfit. He would go apologize and everything would be all right. That's normally how it works.

**xXxXxXx**

Lee walked Ino to her home, albeit against her will. The duo left the hospital much to the displeasure of the night nurse. The blonde didn't even wait for discharge papers.

"I hope I'm not invited to the wedding," Ino said before stumbling over her own feet. Lee moved quickly to help her regain her balance.

"You're still weak," the boy sounded genuinely concerned, "you should have stayed the night. I would have stayed as well."

The tokubetsu jounin laughed at the thought, "thanks but I don't really want to sleep with you watching me." She laughed even more at the man's moans of displeasure.

"Since I can not care for you properly in the hospital, I will simply care for you now," he swept her up bridal style, ignoring her protests.

"Lee, what are you doing!?" she pounded his chest futilely.

"Sakura-chan said not to overexert yourself. Therefore, I will save you the effort of walking," the green beast declared proudly. After finally deciding to stop resisting, Ino rested her head and allowed silence to engulf them the rest of the way.

**xXxXxXx**

Neji stared up at the moon, realizing it must be close to 3 now. Even though it was late, he figured the girl wouldn't mind. His leisurely pace halted as he noticed two figures. Against his better judgment, he quickly put his back to a wall and eavesdropped.

It's not everyday you see Rock Lee carrying Yamanaka Ino bridal style in the wee hours of the morning.

The voices were muffled but he strained his ears to hear.

"Thanks, bud." That was Yamanaka.

"You don't have to thank me!" Lee.

The Hyuuga couldn't see but figured his ears would give him an accurate mental image. Definitely.

Ino moaned rather seductively, "Mmm, my body's still sore. You're a little rough." Neji's eyes widened.

"My apologies," Lee's voice sounded even more muffled. He must have Ino with her back against her door or something, "I could…(muffled)… you like…. (muffled)…baby."

WHAT THE HELL? Neji was in shock. Lee was calling Yamanaka 'baby' and offering to do things she likes? What is going on?

"Maybe next time. Right now I'm exhausted from everything," the clearer voice, Ino, "Tonight was definitely memorable, though." Exhausted? Memorable? What exactly happened?

Neji's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of movement and more disembodied voices.

"Yea, right there," the blonde breathily said before moaning again, "this feels really good."

That was the last straw. He heard enough. The Hyuuga male hurried on his way, ignoring the stinging pain of betrayal that shouldn't be there to begin with.

**xXxXxXx**

**Four Minutes Earlier**

Ino and Lee finally arrived at her home. He gently set her on her feet before giving a thumbs-up. Job well done in his opinion.

"Thanks, bud," Ino shared her appreciation as they stood to face to face. Yep, he had grown on her.

"You don't have to thank me!" Lee declared happily before a panicked look settled on his face in response to the blonde's current grimace.

Ino moaned in pain, "Mmm, my body's still sore. You're a little rough." She lightly criticized his carrying of her.

"My apologies. I could give you a quick shiatsu massage if you like! You'll be more relaxed which is good for you and also the baby." Lee proposed.

"Maybe next time. Right now I'm exhausted from everything," Ino sighed as she thought about recent events, "tonight was definitely memorable, though."

The blonde made a movement to reach for her spare key under a flowerpot before stumbling once more. Lee steadied her then crouched down and put a hand on one of the flowerpots.

"Yea, right there," she quickly confirmed it was the correct pot. The blonde was beginning to feel out of breath and was still in pain. She took one hand and gently massaged her own shoulder, "this feels really good."

Lee volunteered to unlock her door as the blonde continued to kneed at her shoulder. The pair then said their goodbyes before Ino made her way to her bedroom and the comfort of her own bed.

Did she really hate Neji? No. Could she forgive him? Maybe.

**xXxXxXx**

Neji could not believe what he just witnessed. Well, he didn't actually _witness_ anything but that didn't matter.

He didn't really understand why he was upset. Ino was nothing to him. Her and Lee could do whatever they want in their private time. However, he couldn't deny the mixed emotions he was cycling through. It felt painfully like jealousy.

'_Impossible. I must be falling ill. Perhaps that pudding tonight really was tainted, then.' _Neji convinced himself.

Does he love Tenten? Yes. Is it possible he may like Yamanaka more than just platonically? Maybe.

**End Chapter Six**

**A/N: Ah, yes. The plot thickens. The dynamics have shifted it would seem.**

**Thanks, everyone ~ LilacBlossom**


	7. Chapter 7

**A/N: Another day, another chapter. I hope you enjoy **

**Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its characters.**

* * *

The recent 'breach in security' of Konohagakure had put a damper in the plans of a lot of people. The Sand Siblings were forced to leave for their own safety and the engagement party had to be canceled, since it would be unwise to have one with an 'assassin' running about. It was pushed back an entire month, meaning the marriage itself was pushed back an entire month. Under any normal circumstances, the parties involved would have been very disappointed at the news, but these circumstances were not normal.

Tenten was thankful since now she had more time to contemplate her decision.

Ino was thankful because now she didn't have to explain to her father why 'Neji' was engaged to another woman.

And Neji was thankful that he just didn't have to deal with it all anytime soon. He took time out of his day to thank the Hyuuga ancestors for the recent turn of events.

However, unbeknownst to him, the Hyuuga he should be thanking isn't even dead. But of course, Hanabi would never admit to her role in an international plot to kill a Kage. That was something both she and Hinata were taking to their graves.

And so, if only for a little while, things weren't so complicated.

**xXxXxXx**

**You, Me, Her, and It**

**Chapter Nine: Flipping the Script**

Upon arriving for her shift at the hospital, Ino immediately knew things were different. It became painfully obvious why: People knew her secret. The civilian nurses weren't very good at keeping their voices down when gossiping. Ino could easily hear them as she sat in the lunchroom.

"Look, there she is!"

"She does look a little pudgy, huh?" multiple giggles were heard.

"My dad told me that her dad said she was engaged to _Hyuuga Neji!_ I've never seen them talk before!"

"The poor girl must be delusional," even more giggles erupted.

Sakura wasn't nearly as quiet as Ino during these conversations. It felt weird having to protect the usually outspoken and confident girl, but Sakura could tell she needed it.

"Oi," Sakura walked over to the group, "Get back to work! Don't forget that I am your superior and can easily fire you for slacking off!" Another way to interpret her words was of course, _'Mess with my friend and you'll regret it.'_

Ino waited until the females walked off to talk to the pinkette, "Thanks, Sakura, but you didn't have to do that. It's kind of interesting hearing what people have to say about you," the blonde looked down.

"So uh…what's with the engagement thing? I feel like I'm missing something here." Sakura took a seat across from her friend. So what if she was taking her break a little early.

"You have nooo idea." The blonde then proceeded to fill her in on everything from etiquette classes to the messenger proposing to her.

**xXxXxXx**

Over at training ground twelve, Neji could also tell things were different. His teammates were being freakishly quiet. Him and Lee were sparring but the boy was even more distracted than usual.

"Lee, if you aren't going to take this seriously, I am only wasting my time," the Hyuuga then walked away from his comrade to join Tenten on a lunch break.

"Please accept my apologies!" Lee exclaimed. The boy then decided he would rather be anywhere else than sitting with these two casually eating bento boxes. How the hell did Yamanaka do it? He couldn't bare the thought of being in his best friend's presence knowing he had confessed to his fiance only last night and was now even having unyouthful thoughts about her.

Tenten still hadn't given him an answer, which may ultimately be a good thing. Before Lee abruptly took off last night, he did happen to be there when Naruto walked back into the room. The loud mouth blonde then proclaimed that something must have been in that pudding since both of their faces were so red. Hinata and Hanabi also immediately turned red at the mention of something being in the pudding, so Naruto suggested they all get checked out for food allergies. Oh, the irony.

'_I wish there was someone I could go to for advice besides Ino,' _the green clad ninja wandered off from the pair as he began running through names, '_Not Gai-sensei, not Naruto, not Sakura-chan….'_ He decided to just ask the first person he ran into, which was…

"Kakashi-sensei!" the gray haired jounin turned around to see the young shinobi.

"Oh, hello, Lee," Kakashi closed his orange book and put it in his pocket, "Do you need more help hiding from Gai?"

Lee gave the man a confused look before deciding to just cut to the chase, "What would you do if you really really liked a girl but she already had someone?" The boy looked at him hopefully.

Kakashi contemplated telling Lee about a similar situation in one of the Icha Icha novels, but decided against it, "I'm afraid I can't help you. I've never been in that situation," of course not, _he_ was the one the girls wanted so he couldn't relate, "but I do know someone who can possibly help." With that, Lee was on his way.

….

"Jiraiya-sama! What would you do if you really really liked a girl but she already had someone?"

Jiraiya put his hand to his chin and smirked, "Well you see," he gave a lecherous grin, "sometimes you have to fight dirty."

"…That is not an option." Lee would try this the noble way first before flat out sabotage.

The silver-haired Sannin frowned before continuing, "That doesn't work anyway. But really, it's a female thing. They like jerks over the good guys, like us!" he pointed a thumb at himself.

"How can I possibly change her opinion if it is truly a female thing?" Lee was beginning to lose hope.

"Hmmm. You know, I've been chasing after the same woman for over forty years. How's about you go ask her why?" And with that, Lee was on his way.

….

"Hokage-sama, Why did you chase after other men when you had a perfectly good suitor the entire time?"

Tsunade's eyebrow twitched, "What the _hell_ are you talking about?"

"There's this girl I really really like but she's in love with a complete asshole! At least…she thinks she's in love. I want to believe otherwise."

"Well, uh…" The Hokage turned to her two errand workers, "Izumo! Kotetsu! Help this young man win over this girl he speaks of! Consider it a D-rank mission," she glanced back at Lee and looked him up and down, "Actually, make it a C-Rank."

The two men were very shocked by their impossible assignment but led the boy out nonetheless.

"Tsunade-sama! Should we really waste manpower on this?" Shizune questioned her superior.

"Those two don't do anything anyway," she said as she pulled out a bottle of sake. The truth is, the woman felt bad for the way she treated her ex-teammate Jiraiya, even thought her heart was barricaded for a reason. So she wanted to give Lee a proper chance at the girl of his dreams. Hopefully, whoever she may be, she won't make the same mistake as the Godaime.

**xXxXxXx**

When Ino arrived home that afternoon, the first thing she noticed were the many Hyuugas carrying boxes of her belongings out of her home.

"Wh-What's going on!?" she marched over to nearest Hyuuga and attempted to take her favorite fluffy pillow from him, but he would not release it, "What is your problem?"

"We have strict orders not to let you pick up any items in your condition, please just relax until the moving process is complete." The random Hyuuga told her, much to her chagrin.

"Yamanaka-san," the voice belonged to the Hyuuga messenger, "I informed Hiashi-sama of the conversation that took place last night and he has happily offered you a room at the compound."

Ino fell to her knees and cried out to the sky, "Why, Hizashi! Why is this happening to me!?"

"Yamanaka-san, I could have told you praying to Hizashi-san would be poin-" the boy was interrupted.

"You! I am going to kill you!" and so, the blonde began to chase Tokuma throughout the streets. To the other villagers, it looked as if she were chasing her fiancé whilst screaming profanities. Well, their home obviously isn't as happy as Inoichi let on then.

**xXxXxXx**

Neji was not a happy camper, this was one conversation he had not been anticipating, "What did you just say?"

"I said," Tenten forced herself to make eye contact with him, "We need a break."

"What do you mean? You want to go on vacation?"

Tenten knew he knew what she meant, "No, like a breakup. But a temporary one."

"Tenten, no."

"What do you mean 'no'?"

Neji scooted over to get closer to her, "We're engaged. We don't have the luxury of taking breaks anymore. You've always resorted to breaking up with me but you can't do that this time. Not now." He grabbed her hand.

The old Tenten would have blushed at their proximity and then read his gesture as a sign of his undying love. However, this was not that Tenten, "I just need to work some things out. Something came up and…" she pulled her hand away and stood up, "Don't take it…personal." Actually, he should very much take it personal.

Perhaps he should have called after her as she walked away, but he didn't. He knew she would come back to him. If not, he'll just chase after her until she did.

And so, the script has been flipped.

The story of the prince with two princesses has transformed into a tale of a princess with two princes.

**xXxXxXx**

Lee skillfully intercepted Tenten as she walked away from the training field, "I found her," he whispered into the microphone on his jumpsuit. He also had a transparent earpiece in his ear.

'_Kotetsu here. I'm on a bench at two o'clock.'_ Lee turned around._ 'No, no! Don't look!' _

'**Izumo here. I am picking up litter about thirty feet from you location.'**

Lee felt confident with the older, more experienced chuunin helping him out. They totally had to have experience with chicks, right?

"Hey, Lee!" Tenten closed the distance between them, "You kinda ran off without telling us where you were going."

"Uh..well, um…" Lee stalled as he waited for the chuunin to give him something to say.

'_You don't need our help with regular conversation, dobe!'_

"Well I wanted to give you and Neji some privacy, I guess," Lee smiled at her.

'**You're cock-blocking yourself! Don't make her think you support her relationship!'**

Tenten eyed him as she wiped a dirt smudge off of her face, "Oh…"

"Even though I totally do not support your relationship!" Lee happily told the girl, taking Izumo's words exactly as he said them.

Tenten blushed brightly. Well he's certainly being straightforward knocking Neji like that.

**xXxXxXx**

Neji arrived home not long after the breakup. Not that he would ever admit it was a breakup. Putting that aside, he couldn't help but wonder why Yamanaka was in the grand hall practically wrestling with Ko over a yellow sundress.

"Yamanaka!" he walked over to the pair, doing his best to assert absolute control, "Get up, that cannot be good for the baby."

The blonde in question let go of the item of clothing, sending Ko flying back a few feet, and swung a chakra infused fist at the jounin in front of her. However, since he is in fact a jounin, he easily evaded her attack before grabbing her arm and twisting it behind her, causing the girl to yelp.

"Calm down! What is your problem?" the Hyuuga was not in the mood for this. His fiancé was being complicated and now even his baby's mother was becoming a complication.

Ino submissively watched as Ko neatly folded her dress and placed it back in the suitcase before carrying the bag to Hyuuga knows where, "Thanks a lot you jerk!" She had to strain her neck to try and look at him behind her, "And actually, I should be asking you the same thing!"

Neji released her, "If this is about the din-"

"Great! Admitting you were wrong is first step in fixing a problem." Ino said as she rubbed her arm, never turning around to face him.

"I never said I was wrong." Of course he was wrong. But that Hyuuga pride…

The silence was impeccable. It wasn't like her at all so Neji walked around to the front of her and was horrified to see hot tears running down her face.

"Yamanaka! I did not hurt your arm that badly!" seeing her cry was making him angry.

"Why are you such a jerk!?" she practically yelled.

"Is it that big of a deal to you? From what I understand, didn't Lee keep you good company last night?" He accused.

"Yes, actually!" She pointed an angry finger at him before turning around to continue her choked sobs. Those pesky hormones.

The man groaned with angry frustration, "What can I possibly do to make it better? Just tell me."

"…..Take me to dinner."

"No."

"At that five star restaurant! That's where I want to go."

"No."

"I'm going to get changed then I'll meet you in the front," she walked out and turned towards the branch residence. Wait, how is she going to get changed over there?

Neji let the thought drop from his mind as he walked out of the opposite door, looking left and right before letting out a long sigh.

All lined up against the outside wall were many Hyuugas, old and young, eavesdropping on the couple. Apparently the argument drew a lot of attention in the normally quiet home. It looked as if they had all dropped what they were doing instantly to listen in on the noncouple's exchange. Kokoro, the kitchen Hyuuga, was even stirring a bowl of gravy.

Dinner with Yamanaka suddenly seemed much more appealing.

**xXxXxXx**

Tenten was staring at her teammate with a calm look, "It's rather unexpected you would ask me to accompany you to dinner, Lee."

'_Tell her you're more interested in dessert than dinner, with extra emphasis on des-'_

'**Do not say that. Tell her you love being in the company of a beautiful woman!'**

"I'm more interested in dessert than being in the company of a beautiful woman," Lee responded to Tenten confidently.

The brunette looked at him oddly, "Oh, um….I thought only Choji would put food above chicks but…okay," Tenten looked the other way. Lee could not understand why her mood changed so suddenly. He had combined two awesome pickup lines, didn't he? Maybe girls really did only respond to jerks.

"Where would you like to go, Tenten? Anywhere from ramen to the most expensive place in Konoha, you choose!" he gave her a shining grin. Luckily, he just received a generous paycheck from a B-rank mission. He could afford any choice she made.

"Mmmm…it doesn't matter," she gave him a reassuring smile. So much for a choice.

'_Oh Kami, it's a trap!'_

'**Lee, do not think for a moment that it does not matter! The girl knows what she wants and she expects you to guess correctly!' **

Lee had no idea what to do, "A-Are you sure, Tenten?" he grabbed her hand, "I would really love you to pick."

'_Good job with the hand, impressive impromptu work.'_

"Well, I've never been to the Imperial….we can go there!" Tenten began to walk in the direction of Konoha's only five star restaurant.

'**Tear her boyfriend down! She gave you a perfect opening!'**

"Wow, all this time and Neji's never taken you here?" Lee asked 'innocently'.

Tenten smiled, "Neji doesn't like eating out. He would never go somewhere like that." Of course, she didn't particularly enjoy eating out either but she would make an exception.

**xXxXxXx**

Neji looked around the restaurant curiously. He didn't see what the big deal was.

"Everything sounds so yummy!" Ino was practically drooling.

"…You do realize that's only the beverage menu, right?" Neji asked her.

"There are so many drinks I've never had before!" Ino turned to the waitress, "Can you mix these four together?" She pointed to four names on different parts the paper.

"Sure," the waitress was only mildly disgusted by the girl's requested concoction, "And you, sir?"

"Water." Neji had an ominous feeling. For some reason, bad things always happened during meals. The time at the picnic table when Ino practically made him tell Tenten the truth, that awkward dinner last night where Hinata and the Kazekage were practically engaging in foreplay, and now here he was casually sitting with his mistress in a popular location! Something just had to happen.

Neji continued to look around the room, "Why are so many people staring at us?"

"Oh, that," Ino shifted her eyes side to side, "I guess 'cause we're an odd pair to be seen together?" Or maybe because everyone was curious to catch a glimpse into the life of the happily 'engaged' couple, whatever.

"Yes, we are an odd pair," Neji suddenly thought of something, "why didn't you just ask Lee to accompany you?"

Ino blinked at him, "you're the one who stood me up, not Lee."

"Won't Lee be upset we are here together?"

"Uh," the Yamanaka was confused, "Lee…has his own agenda today, I'm sure."

"So it is only casual, then?" Neji feigned disinterest

Ino tilted her head and continued to blink excessively, "I guess you could call it that."

"You spent last night with him, did you not?" the Hyuuga didn't realize how much force was put behind the question.

The girl across from him unconsciously began clenching her fists, "so you _knew _about that?" He knew her condition and didn't even bother checking in on her!

Neji's cold eyes bore straight into hers, "of course."

"Frankly, I'm surprised you're pretending to care," Ino sat back with her arms crossed, "Lee was there for me when you weren't."

"Ha, that's rich. So you were desperate enough to find a replacement for me."

_**SMACK!**_

The bold Yamanaka had stood from her seat to give the Hyuuga a nice one right across the face. She could've straight up punched him but everyone knows a female's slap is so much more impactful emotionally.

Satisfied with the Hyuuga's look of disbelief and grimace of pain, Ino made a motion to leave the restaurant before being pulled back to the table by the male she just assaulted and forcibly put back in her seat.

"What is your problem, Neji?" Ino was furious, "it's like you just WANT people to hate you!"

"Calm down," the male grumbled.

"Calm down? Seriously? Do you even realize what you just told me? Please tell me you know that was wrong," the blonde said pleadingly.

Neji looked around the restaurant at the curious eyes peering at them, intentionally avoiding the blue-eyed gaze in front of him. The Hyuuga genius was stumped. What was he supposed to say?

"Neji…" Ino's voice was quieter.

"Maybe you should go find Lee. I'm obviously not good for you." He was sincere.

Ino looked at him with a pained expression, "Lee is a great friend but he's just that. A friend."

The long-haired male looked shocked and mildly disgusted, "Friend? Friend? That's what you call it?" he ignored her confused look, "is that what we were as well, Ino? Just friends?"

Something suddenly clicked in the girl, "Oh my, Hyuuga," she leaned forward, "you think me and Lee have something going on?" After unsuccessfully stifling her laughter, Ino began a hearty round of laughter.

"How stupid can you be? I mean really, you're a genius, right?" Ino laughed some more before placing her chin in the palm of her hand and smirking at the male across from her, "So I guess this means you're jealous, right?"

Neji, realizing his mistake, chose to ignore her and thank the waitress as she brought over their drinks.

"The silent treatment?" the tokubetsu jounin pouted, "I should be the one mad at you, you know."

"Are you mad?" He asked, still looking away.

Ino hesitated before replying, "um, well…you basically called me a slut just now," her face lit up, "wait, I never answered your question."

"What question?" Neji looked at her curiously.

"You asked…what were we. Me and you," she explained, "I don't know, to be honest. But…"

Neji watched her intently, "go on."

"It doesn't matter now. You're engaged to Tenten," she said, surprisingly accompanied by a smile.

"…."

"…."

"…."

"….Neji?"

"Are you ready to order?" the cheerful waitress suddenly popped up again.

"Oh, uh," Ino glanced at her 'date' then back at the woman, "just give us a few more minutes."

"Alrighty!"

**xXxXxXx**

Izumo and Kotetsu walked into The Imperial, taking seats at a table in the corner. Nothing unusual there. The pair was nearly always seen together.

However, the next pair to walk in attracted a fair amount of attention.

"That girl is Neji's ex! I remember them dating!"

"Ew, look at him. What a downgrade."

"Neji and Ino are so cute! They're like a little family when you include the baby!"

"Bun bun girl is probably super jealous."

The hostess sat the pair at a table on the opposite side of the restaurant.

….

Ino had a bored look on her face, the boy across from her shut down and now refused to converse with her! Her eyes drifted to the small lantern with a candle in it. It made the table glow red since that's the color it was tinted. The color looked really pretty reflecting on the wooden surface.

"Neji," she began.

"Hn"

"I just wanted to say thank you," well that caught him off guard, "I know you really don't want to be here."

Neji stared at her as the waitress brought over some silverware, "Maybe I do want to be here."

Ino let out a small laugh, "Yea, right! In that case, I must be Tenten."

….

"Sooo…" Tenten searched for a topic. Since when was talking to Lee so difficult? "You never told me how exactly you managed to hide from Gai-sensei for so long."

Lee stared at her blankly. One word came to mind: Yamanaka.

"I let my inner-boar guide me," he said.

Tenten had no idea what to say, "Oh."

'_Lee. Are you _trying _to bore her to death?' _Kotetsu breathed into the mic.

'**Order her food for her. Women like that.' **Izumo advised.

"Tenten is not like most women," Lee mumbled under his breath. She was an independent, fierce kunoichi, he already knew the gesture would insult her.

The brunette looked up at her name, "Did you say something?"

"No, I was just reading the menu to myself. Are you ready to order?" he played it off smoothly.

Tenten giggled a bit, "Actually, I'm having difficulties. I have no idea what half of this stuff is."

Lee beamed at her, "Neither do I!"

…..

"What language is this menu in? What is es-ecs-esar," Ino was attempting to sound the weird word out.

"Escargot. Don't worry about it, I'll order for you," Neji didn't even bother looking up from the menu.

Ino couldn't help but smile. At least he was talking despite everything a little while ago, "How do you know if I'll like it?"

"Because I know you."

"Do you_ really_?" the blonde asked skeptically.

"I know you aren't considering barbecue because you eat it too much with your teammates. I know you won't eat chicken because they come from Tea Country and you've seen them stomp on the birds. I know you only eat salad with cherry tomatoes in it, which are out of season. I know you'd like pudding for dessert but I am _not_ ordering that for reasons I will not disclose," Neji looked up to see Ino gaping at him, "I am going to order you a pasta dish. Satisfactory?"

Ino honestly didn't know what to say, "Okay." So she just went ahead and agreed.

Neji smirked, "don't ever accuse me of not listening during your random, incessant babbling."

"Oh yeah, you're just such a great listener. That is considering the fact you rarely contribute to the conversation," Ino couldn't help but giggle some. The pair were semi-reminiscing on the days they were closer.

**xXxXxXx**

Halfway through their meal, Lee's earpiece started to fall out. He had to excuse himself to go correct it. As he walked to the little shinobi's room, it just so happened he bumped into someone he did not expect to see. His inner-boar.

"Ino!"

"L-Lee?"

The two carefully stared at each other. Lee kicked off the Q&amp;A session.

"Why are you here?"

"Dinner! Who are you here with?"

"Tenten! (_'Tenten!?)_ Are you with your teammates?"

"No! Neji! Why are you with her?" Ino's expression suddenly turned incredulous. Yes, the boy did tell her something about courting but she didn't believe he would do something like take an engaged chick on a date.

"I uh…just because! Why are you with her fiancé?"

"Because he stood me up last night, remember?"

"No, no, no! You two can't be here!"

"I didn't come here on purpose! You think I want Neji to see you playing 'Mr. Steal Yo Girl'?"

"WHY ARE YOU EVEN STILL TALKING TO NEJI!?"

"Are you saying I should just hate him? I can't help but lo–" Lee slapped a hand over her mouth as a middle-aged woman passed by.

"Ino," he released her, "Neji is dangerous to your health."

"I know you're concerned about me but I'm concerned about you! I told you Tenten WILL break your heart!" she slapped a hand over her own chest.

"We don't have time for this," he peeked around the corner to make sure his date was still in place, "Either way, the two are still engaged so it's wrong for you to be out in public with Neji."

Ino stopped him, "Woah, woah, hold up! Foul on the play!" she grabbed his shoulder and leaned in before whispering, "I _know_ you aren't here with friendly intentions so you are way more wrong than I am this time! At least I'm not here romantically."

"I didn't mean it like that," Lee insisted, "I just don't want to see you…hurt. Not again. Not after last night. You said you were out of this and you're the one who emphasized that they are engaged."

Ino's expression softened, "I am out of it, Lee. I've accepted the engagement. On the other hand, you–"

"Yes, I know. It's not a youthful thing for me to do this but…I still feel like my teammates are making a mistake," Lee looked slightly hesitant, "Just don't let them see each other, okay?"

Ino crossed her arms.

"Think of it as payment for all the times I saved you and Neji!" Lee told her.

The blonde's face began to falter before she suddenly turned around, "Okay."

And so, the screenplay has been flipped.

The drama of a man covering for his best mate has transformed into a production of a former-mistress covering for her newfound friend.

…

Ino took her seat in front of Neji and then glared at him, "If Tenten caught us together without her, would it be a big deal?"

"…No." the Hyuuga looked at her strangely. The two were finally getting along and now she's acting all weird.

"I'm ready to go."

"But you barely ate."

Ino forced a cough, "I'm ready to _go, _Neji." The blonde knew remaining in the resaurtant was risky.

…

Lee arrived back at the table and looked around nervously. Perhaps he should've asked Ino exactly where the pair were seated.

"Lee," Tenten looked at the boy inquisitively, "are you okay?"

"Never better!" Lee picked up his spoon, "this meal is so delicious, is it not?"

Tenten watched him devour his bowl with unnecessary haste, "it's not bad, I just didn't realize we ordered stew." The downside of blindly ordering food off a menu you can't understand.

"The beef will serve well for energy if you wish to train later," Lee said without thinking.

'**You baka! Why would you bring up training?'**

'_This is good, Lee! Now repeat after me word-for-word.'_

"We can have a real good training session at my place, baby!" Lee gave her his signature grin with a thumbs-up.

The chocolate-haired girl gaped at the person across from her. Did Lee just…hit her with a sexual innuendo?

Lee had questions of his own. Why would Kotetsu want him to say something so silly? Everyone knows training is best done outdoors!

Tenten looked uncomfortable, "um, well…I don't think that would be a good idea."

"Hm? But you love training," Lee was confused.

**Meanwhile**

"Kotetsu, you idiot! He's about to crash and burn!" Izumo was not pleased.

"It's not my fault he's dense and couldn't sell it," his partner replied.

Izumo face-palmed, "that's not the point!"

"Dude, we so got this," Kotetsu then began concocting a plan.

**Back at the Table**

"We should probably go," Tenten suggested.

"Wait, Tenten," Lee quickly got her attention, "I do not wish to leave your company yet."

The weapon's master looked conflicted. This was wrong. Technically. But at the same time…

It felt right.

'_Lee, listen closely,' _Lee instinctively placed a hand over his ear, _'offer to walk her home but take a long route. Make sure you pass The Big Man Pub.'_

Lee was confused. That wasn't a very romantic part of town to take a stroll in. Well, he had to trust them.

"Well, at least give me the pleasure of walking you home," Lee looked at his 'date' hopefully, feeling his heart skip a beat when she smiled and nodded

**xXxXxXx**

"You know, I don't purposely try to be the bad guy," Neji spoke to Ino as the two of them walked at a leisurely pace, no real destination.

"People always look for a bad guy in every situation," Ino stated to him, shrugging her shoulders at the same time. Neji stopped walking and looked up briefly. It looks as if it may rain soon.

"It would appear as if everyone hates me now." He looked at the girl next to him.

"I don't hate you," She turned to look at him as well.

Silence.

"I might not hate you either."

Ino smiled briefly before turning away, "I should hate you, though."

"But you don't," Neji confirmed. The girl shook her head.

"Hello, you two," Ino's eyebrow twitched as she recognized the voice behind them.

Sai.

Neji turned to greet him, "Sai-san." His blonde companion, however, refused to acknowledge him. The less words, the better.

"I wish to congratulate you on your engagement," Sai gave his trademark false smile, "your fiancé is truly beautiful."

Ino huffed, "Yeah, okay, Sai. Now run along."

Sai turned to the girl, "You don't seem very happy."

"I am happy," Ino hastily replied. She already knew Sai believed she and Neji were engaged. No one really knew about Tenten.

"You can look happier, ne?" Sai smiled again, "I've read that females enjoy weddings the most."

Neji intervened, "are you trying to patronize her?"

Ino began to sweat. Neji thought Sai was purposely rubbing it in that she wasn't marrying her baby's father. Little does he know, Sai really does believe they are engaged!

"For what reason would I have to patronize the br –" Sai was cut short as Ino head-butted him.

"Oops!" she laughed nervously, "sorry about that, I lost my footing."

Neji gave her a bizarre look. That movement looked completely calculated. Sai, on the other hand, didn't question it and simply pulled out his sketchpad.

"If you wait roughly two minutes, there is something I wish to give you," Sai explained as he hastily scribbled on some paper.

Ino grabbed Neji's arm, "oh no, we really have to go!"

"Yamanaka," he pulled away from her, "have manners for once." She agreed, albeit reluctantly. The girl nervously watched as Sai folded the paper in half and handed it to Neji.

"For the happy couple," he smiled and bowed before walking away. Neji curiously began to open it before Ino snatched it away.

"Yamanaka!" he protested.

"Ummm," she racked her brain for an excuse, "I'll save this for your engagement party! Wouldn't that be better than receiving it on the street?" She held her breath as she awaited a response.

Neji stared at her suspiciously before nodding and continuing to walk. Ino finally let out a baited breath and proceeded to unfold the parchment while Neji walked safely ahead of her.

It was a sketch of Neji and Ino under an alter kissing. The ponytail gave it away that the drawn character definitely was her and _not_ Tenten. She then quickly shoved the evidence into her pocket.

The girl made a mental note to burn it once she got home.

**xXxXxXx**

Lee and Tenten walked through the 'bad' part of town. Lee convinced her the longer route was simply for exercise but Tenten still thought it was bizarre.

"Ino agreed to allow me to cut her umbilical cord," Lee excitedly told his teammate, "I figured Neji would have no interest, anyway."

"You're probably right," Tenten's mood turned bitter at the thought of the Hyuuga.

"Hey! You!" a large and beefy man, at least an entire foot taller than Lee, cut in front of the couple, "you got some nerve coming back 'round here!"

Lee blinked in confusion, "I believe you've confused me for someone else."

"Suzaku! Heero! Champ! That punk is back!" the man called out into a nearby pub. Three equally large men then rushed outside.

One of the men walked over and gave Lee a shove, "yeah, that's him, alright. I can't forget dem eyebrows and that ugly forest green!"

"More like garbage green!" Lame…

"Let's make this quick," the leader of the gang cracked his knuckles and walked forward.

**Meanwhile**

Kotetsu and Izumo were perched on a nearby rooftop watching the unfolding events, one in excitement and one in disbelief.

"Dude," Izumo addressed his friend, "what the hell did you do?"

"I used henge to transform into Lee and then went sucker punched a bunch of people in The Big Man Pub. Then I told them to remember my face and that I'll be back soon to whoop their ass again and show off my hot girlfriend at the same time."

Izumo couldn't believe what he just heard, "that is the absolute dumbest plan you have ever come up with!"

"Just watch, man. Lee is gonna defend the chick and she'll definitely screw him tonight."

"The mission is to get them together! Not just…whatever," the man resigned and continued to watch the scene below them.

**Back on the Ground**

Lee easily evaded the angry man's fist, "Sir, you are mistaken!" He tried to plead. He really didn't want to fight angry, drunk civilians.

"Oh no I ain't," the man swung again, "and for the record, your girlfriend is ugly as a dead cow."

Tenten suddenly maddened, "why the hell are you bringing me into this!? And I'm not his girlfr–" the brunette barely dodged a pipe one of the men tried to bash her head with.

"How dare you attack a lady!" They finally pissed off the green beast. He yanked the pipe out of the man's hand then kicked him a good distance away. Next, two of the men came at him at once prompting Lee to uppercut one with his elbow then grab the other, twist his arm around his back, and use him as a shield against the third man who had picked up the previously discarded pipe.

The man screamed in pain as his friend slammed the metal pipe into his chest. Using the distraction, Lee shoved the man hard enough to knock him and the man in front of him down. Looking around and seeing all four men down for the count, Lee turned to Tenten.

"Are you okay?" he asked her slowly.

The girl had a strange look on her face, "I could have defended myself, Lee."

"I do know that. But I wanted to protect you," Lee grabbed the girl's hand, "please forgive me if I insulted your pride."

'_Dude, you might want to get the hell out of there.' _Kotetsu warned.

Confused by the chuunin's remark, Lee scanned his surroundings. More thugs began pouring out of every bar on the street. Some with baseball bats, more metal pipes, brass knuckles, and even chains.

The male squeezed Tenten's hand tightly, "I know you hate to retreat but I feel this may be necessary," without waiting for a reply, he took off full speed yanking Tenten along.

As the pair ran, Tenten watched the way her hand fit almost perfectly in his. The angry mob was far enough now that all she could hear was the beating of her own heart. When was the last time she and Neji held hands?

Completely out of breath, the pair made it to an apartment complex near the center of town. Lee unlocked one of the doors then ushered his teammate in. The two then dropped down on the sofa, panting from the run and just general disbelief of the situation.

'_So you took her to your place? You sly dog, you."_

"**Lee-san, please don't listen to anymore advice from that idiot. He almost caused your date to get her head bashed in."**

"YOU HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH THAT!?" Lee screamed into his earpiece.

"Lee, what the hell?" Tenten gave him a strange look, "I didn't have a damn thing to do with what just happened."

"O-Oh, of course," he grinned sheepishly at her. The pair then sat awkwardly, each with the same question on their mind.

Now what?

**xXxXxXx**

Ino subconsciously got a bad feeling in her chest. Hopefully Lee isn't doing anything too stupid right now.

'_Don't do anything I wouldn't do, bushy-brows," _Ino thought to herself before realizing it was probably a good idea she didn't tell him that, considering everything she'd done in the past.

"Yamanaka," Neji pulled the girl out of thoughts as he handed her an ice cream cone.

"Oh em geee!" the girl excitedly accepted the sweet, cold treat, "you remembered strawberry is my favorite!"

The Hyuuga took a seat next to the girl, "well of course. You keep a tub of it in your freezer."

Ino put a finger in her ice cream then brought it to her mouth, "so you remember that too. Are you trying to prove something, Neji?"

"Hn," the male crossed his arms, "I guess I'll confess. Tenten hates me right now and I don't know how to fix things."

"So you're experimenting on me?" the girl didn't even bother feeling used as she licked her sugary treat.

Neji watched her pensively, "it isn't that. I made you angry as well. The difference is, I know how to make you happy."

"Neji…" Ino looked at him sympathetically before lowering her head, suddenly feeling guilty for being out with the jounin casually enjoying ice cream.

"I want this marriage to work for the sake of the child. Even though Tenten forgave me for impregnating you, I still feel like proposing to her wasn't enough to fix that."

"Wait, that's why you proposed? Because you felt bad?" Ino was finally getting to the bottom of things.

"There's also the fact Tenten and I have been partners for so long. If I am forced to marry because of this situation, I wish for it to be with no other but her." Neji confessed some more.

Ino flipped her bang out of her face to get a better look at the male beside her. He almost looked…remorseful. Despite everything he opened up about, she still couldn't tell if he really _loved _Tenten. Not just boyfriend/girlfriend love, but husband/wife love. There was a huge difference.

"Just talk to her," the blonde could offer no other advice.

"I will see this through to the end. It is my duty now," his attitude suddenly changed.

Ino placed a hand over her belly, "y'know, sometimes I forget this thing is here."

"Well you aren't exactly showing yet," he said in the most obvious tone, not exactly enjoying talking about _it._

"I also forget that its daddy is Neji and its mommy is Tenten," the girl smiled sadly, giving him her own confession.

"…"

"That's probably so silly to you, isn't it?" the female gave half a laugh.

"I should probably walk you home now."

**xXxXxXx**

"I should probably walk you home now," Lee suddenly jumped up after the awkward silence became unbearable. Tenten simply nodded and the two were on their way.

**Meanwhile**

Izumo hit Kotetsu on the arm after seeing the pair finally come back into view.

"Ow," Kotetsu lifted his head from the hot rooftop and then placed his gaze on the couple, "did they do it that fast?"

"Dammit, Kotetsu!" Izumo was just aggravated now, "I keep telling you 'doing it' is _not _the end goal."

Kotetsu watched Lee and Tenten walk down the street with disinterest, "so he didn't get any dessert _or _private training? Talk about mission failure."

Izumo could only face-palm and sigh at his perverted friend.

**Back on the Ground**

Tenten hummed quietly while Lee looked at the ground during their walk. He couldn't tell what the girl was thinking. Did she enjoy herself despite the mishaps?

'**Lee-san, now you should be thinking about whether or not you will go in for a kiss at her doorstep,' **Izumo advised in his ear.

'_Wait, what? You said the mission was to make them a couple! He should just ask her out then,"_

Kotetsu being straightforward again.

'**The mission didn't really go…as planned thanks to someone who doesn't need to be named.'**

Lee was only partially listening after that. The older male did make a good point. Asking her out was out of the question (she's engaged for Kami's sake!) but a kiss wouldn't be too…bad. Lee mentally berated himself for even thinking about kissing a taken woman.

"Neji?" Lee was pulled out his thoughts by Tenten's voice. Sure enough, the stoic Hyuuga and pregnant Yamanaka were right in front of them.

'…_I am way better at covering than this girl,' _Lee couldn't help but think to himself. At least he never allowed Tenten to catch the two together. Once fully registering the situation, the green beast began to sweat.

The aforementioned pair turned around to see Tenten with a freaked out looking Lee behind her.

The Hyuuga spoke to his ex who was still technically his fiancé, "Yes?"

"…..Hey, Ino-chan," Tenten decided to just not talk to the male in front of her.

"Hey, Ten," Ino smiled, "I just bumped into Neji here on my way home." The blonde stuck a thumb in his direction. A small little fib wouldn't hurt.

"Oh," Tenten feigned disinterest.

"Ino! You beautiful youthful flower! Let's give the engaged couple some privacy!" The male grabbed his friend and pulled her a good distance away.

"You didn't tell Lee you broke up with me?" Neji said in a shocked, somewhat hopeful voice.

Tenten was still doing her best not to look at him. This wasn't going anywhere anytime soon.

…

"What the hell, Lee," Ino was peeved.

After looking over his shoulder to make sure they were out of earshot, he turned to the blonde, "what happened to making sure they didn't see each other?"

"It's not my fault you guys walked up on us! You should've took her to your place or something."

"I did," he quickly elaborated after seeing her shocked expression, "nothing happened! It's actually a rather long story…" It was the truth.

Ino crossed her arms and gave him a scrutinizing look, "well for the record, nothing happened with me and Neji, either."

"Hey! Lee!" Tenten called out to him, prompting the two to rejoin the couple, "I'm just gonna take off now, okay?"

Lee and Neji both jumped to stop her.

"Wait, Tenten, we need to talk."

"Do you not wish for me to continue to walk you home?"

Both males looked at her expectantly. Tenten looked back and forth between her teammates. She was so confused!

"Tenten just wants to be alone right now!" the brunette jumped and took off via rooftops.

Ino made a visor with her hand and tried and follow the kunoichi with her eyes, "well what's her problem?" After seeing both men sulking, Ino sighed then informed them she was heading home as well.

"Wait," Lee interjected, "don't you live that way?"

Neji narrowed his eyes at him and mumbled, "of course you would know that."

"Nope!" Ino corrected him, "I live in the Hyuuga Compound now."

Lee looked at his teammate in confusion. Said teammate lifted an eyebrow as the female walked off.

"I…did not know that," he confessed as he then turned towards Lee.

The two remaining individuals stared at each other and the air suddenly tensed. Neji couldn't understand why. It was only Lee. His teammate. His best friend.

"Neji. From this moment on, we are more than just rivals as shinobi!" Lee had fire in his eyes.

"…Yea. Sure," the male took the same path home as the Yamanaka before him.

Lee watched him leave as Izumo and Kotetsu suddenly appeared at his side.

"I hate reporting failed missions," Izumo sighed.

Kotetsu looked slightly more chipper, "At least you're way closer to your goal now!" he said as he slapped the green beast on the back, "it looks like she equally dislikes both of you!"

Lee once again thought back to the conversation he had with Ino two days ago, something he found himself doing a lot.

"_We're in similar dilemmas, whether you like it or not." _Ino's voice echoed_._

"_It is unfortunate but unlike you, I will not hurt others to get what I want. It is against everything Gai-sensei has taught me!" _

Ino may have given up on Neji, so the two were no longer in similar dilemmas. However, that fact isn't going to sway Lee away from uncovering the truth regarding Tenten's feelings about her impending matrimony. So…

Perhaps Gai-sensei can forgive him for breaking his nindo just this once.

**End Chapter Seven**

**xXxXxXx**

**A/N: Yay! Another chapter!**

**Sorry if anyone is offended about where this going. Last time I posted this story, people complained about me "pawning Tenten off" to Lee. Buuuut, it's my story, sorry.**

**Please drop a review if you have time. Ya know I love those : )**

**Also, 'Succumb to Me' is finally updated! Two story updates in one day.**

**High five?**


	8. Chapter 8

**Disclaimer: Don't Be Owning Naruto**

**xXxXxXx**

Ino Yamanaka was slowly becoming accustomed to her new life at the Hyuuga Compound. She had been living here for two months now. Two months also meant that she was now five months pregnant. Things had become very realistic for the blonde, as she could no longer hide her changing figure. Not that it mattered, everyone knew anyway.

Neji tended to avoid her most days of the week. Well, maybe avoid was too strong of a word. He was just never around. He had been gone on a mission for almost two weeks now. Ino herself was on maternity leave from any and all shinobi duties. She still worked light shifts at the hospital and trained with Ibiki, however. She refused to be idle.

With Neji never around, Ino took the time to learn as much as she could about the rest of his family. She was allotted a small bedroom in the branch ward of the compound and since she refused to leave unless necessary, she had a lot of free time.

Everyone in the Hyuuga Compound had a title of the sorts, something they were referred to as whenever they weren't around. She guessed even the Hyuugas didn't know all their relatives names.

Ino learned that the 'Eldest Elder', Heero, was Neji's paternal grandfather. So that also made that stick-in-the-mud female elder, Hotaru, his grandmother. The girl had the random thought one day that since Neji had no parents, his grandparents would kind of be like the baby's closest next of kin…or something.

Neji's second cousin, and Ino's current nemesis, Tokuma was always called 'Messenger'. Hinata, of course, was referred to as heiress while Hanabi had a larger array of names ranging from 'brat' to 'reject heiress'.

The Yamanaka spent most of her time with either the heiress or the brat. Hanabi actually asked the blonde to help her with shuriken training once, something Ino happily agreed to. However, Hitomi, the Romanticist Elder, had to be the one to inform her that shuriken training actually meant 'throw as many as you can and then I'll do a rotation to deflect them all back at you.' Ino had to turn the young girl down.

As a branch house resident, Ino had to share a communal bathroom with most of the compound. It was very hard to get used to with relatives such as Natsu of the Branch House who apparently enjoyed peeping. The Yamanaka also had to get used to the 'first come, first serve' mealtimes for the branch house members. Perhaps she should have requested a room in the significantly better Main House ward.

Speaking of the Main House, she also discovered that Neji was a total kiss-ass. He had a spot reserved for him in the Main House dining hall every night. He was eating filet mignon while she was arguing with Guren the Chubby Hyuuga over fatty riblets! Luckily, Ino was able to butter up to Kokoro of the Kitchen, who happily gave her extra portions.

Within a short time span, Ino came to the conclusion that the Branch House does in fact suck. Natsu had three daughters and even though he was a Hyuuga elder and lived semi-comfortably, his daughters had menial labor jobs. She didn't realize that Kitchen Hyuuga, Hyuuga Maid, and Laundry Chick were his daughters until Kokoro informed her. In the same conversation, Ino asked the slightly older girl what people called her in her absence.

"Blonde", "Neji's Guest", and "Pregnant One" were the reigning titles. Nice.

As Ino's needs increased, the Hyuugas opened up to her financially. Anywhere she went, "put it on the Hyuuga tab" was accepted. The blonde found it very odd that each family member pooled their earnings into one large account in the family name. As much as she wanted to burn a hole into Neji's wallet, it was impossible since he technically didn't have any money to his own name. These people are so weird!

Weird or not, she was pretty much accustomed to it all now. The lack of privacy, the mandatory early evening naptime, her bare bedroom with only a mat and a small dresser, it was all weird but bearable. Living in the Hyuuga Compound made her forget about all her problems lurking outside of the thin paper walls. Now, if only those problems would stop making their way _inside _of those walls….

**xXxXxXx**

**You, Me, Her, and It**

**Chapter Eight: Memory Lane**

"LEE!" the pregnant girl was fuming, "what the hell do you mean you returned all the outfits I bought yesterday?"

"Well, um," Lee couldn't understand her anger, "the clothing was far too small for you! I returned them to get larger sizes!"

"They were _baby _clothes!" Ino informed him, "get out, get out, get out!" She kicked the male out of her bedroom. He visited far too often for her liking.

Lee sulked as he sat down in front of the blonde's sliding door.

Tenten was sitting on Ino's floor watching the entire ordeal silently laughing, "you have to admit he tries, Ino-chan."

"Tries a bit _too _much, actually," Ino's eyebrow twitched as she began to recount events from earlier in the week.

**Six Days Ago**

Ino was enjoying Hinata's private bath before someone suddenly swung open the shower door.

"Ino! Please allow me to wash your back! Your body is unfit to reach beh–" the green beast was cut off my a wet, naked girl's fist.

"LEEEEE, GET OUT!"

**Four Days Ago**

Ino was enjoying sweet biscuits in the comfort of the Hyuuga kitchen. She had just brought her teacup to her lips when suddenly, a figure popped up from under the table, having its face entirely too close to her crotch.

"Ino! If you desire more biscuits, I will gladl–" the green beast was cut off by a very stunned girl's foot.

"LEEEEE, GO AWAY!"

**One Day Ago**

Ino was sitting outside watching Heiress water her private garden. She was also in the process of writing in her new journal (diaries are popular among the Hyuugas) before a figure jumped from out of nowhere and snatched the item out of her hand.

"Ino! If your fingers are swollen, I can transcribe the journal entry for yo–" the green beast was cut off by a drop kick on top the head from…Hinata?

"A girl's d-diary is a very personal thing, Lee-kun!" Hinata chastised the unconscious male before fretting over him in a very Hinata-like manner.

The Yamanaka, on the other hand, was pleased.

**Present Time**

Tenten was still smiling as the girls continued their 'bonding' session, "Lee cares about you and the baby. It really has nothing to do with him but that's just the way he is."

"Mhm, you know he cares a lot about you too," Ino decided to drop in that tidbit before rolling her eyes as Tenten began to frown.

Lee was still pursuing Tenten. As was Neji. Tenten didn't want to choose between her friends, so she remained single. Well, as 'single' as someone engaged can be. Neji and Lee's friendship was borderline strained. Ino and Lee's friendship, on the other hand, was stronger than ever. Ino, not so secretly, was trying to help him in his courtship of the brown-haired girl and this caused her own friendship with Neji to become somewhat strained. So much for the friendly progress they made that day two months ago.

"I know that," the brunette looked away, "he's been making it well known for awhile now."

"I guess Lee is no Neji, huh," Ino commented as she searched her drawers for a semi-decent looking maternity dress. She had to leave the compound today, unfortunately.

Tenten looked uncomfortable, she knew what the blonde was doing, "Ino, you're right," the Yamanaka's ears perked up at this, "Lee is no Neji. Neji is my fiancé, Lee is my friend." Oh.

"Okay then," Ino began to undress while still in the brunette's presence. That's totally what female bonding is all about, "when's the last time you and Neji went on a date?"

"Um…"

"When's the last time you and Lee went on a date?" Ino didn't even have to turn around to know the older girl's face was red as a tomato now.

"If you're referring to our picnic last week, that wasn't a date," Tenten insisted.

The Yamanaka, now fully clothed, turned to her 'friend', "Yeah, me and Shikamaru go on private picnics all the time. I suggest inviting Temari but he always insists it just be the two of us. Yep."

"I barely find that comparable_,_" Tenten challenged.

Before Ino could give another smart remark, she suddenly felt a pang in her stomach and had to sit down. The brunette was by her side in a heartbeat.

"Ino-chan?" Tenten looked worried.

"I'm fine, 'it' must be agreeing with me," Ino had a smug look on her face now.

Choosing to ignore the remark, Tenten moved even closer and held a hand over the younger girl's belly, hesitant to touch it, "do you feel it a lot?"

"Nope." Ino bluntly answered her. Truthfully, she just wanted to be rid of the thing and give it to its future family, "I do have an ultrasound scheduled though."

"That should be fun!" Tenten grinned, discussing bouncing babies brought out her girly side, "I really wanna see how your…" Tenten stopped but quickly put her smile back on, "I mean, _my_ baby looks."

Ino's hand slowly moved over her abdomen as the pair grew quiet.

"Do you still want to raise it as your own, Tenten?" Ino had a sad look on her face for reasons unknown, even to her. Yes, Tenten and Neji were still engaged technically even though Hiashi decided to completely cancel the engagement party, but the future of the 'it' hasn't been discussed in a while.

"I made a commitment, didn't I?" the older girl forced herself to maintain eye contact with her surrogate. She was already attached to the unborn child. Ino acted indifferent but of course she had her own motherly instincts. She even went on a spur of the moment shopping spree buying baby clothes (later returned due to certain circumstances).

"Yeah, but, I thought you didn't want to be with–"

"Neji's still my fiancé and I love him," Tenten's voice went up a notch, "don't forget that."

"Why would you say something you don't mean, bun-girl?" The blonde chose to tag that 'term of endearment' at the end of her question.

"I have no idea what you mean," Tenten insisted, "we go through tough times, that's just what we do."

"So, your feelings for L–" the blonde was cut off.

"He's my teammate. I do love Lee, platonically. Perhaps something _could_ have been, but that isn't in anyone's best interest."

'_Except his…' _Ino thought sympathetically. Or rather, empathetically, since her and Lee can relate to each other rather well. Empathy aside, Ino was still completely 'over' Neji, though.

"You look sad," Tenten eyed the girl warily, "does it make you upset that I'm marrying Neji?"

Ino's eyes widened beyond belief. It was the first time Tenten asked her anything even remotely similar to that. The girl must be feeling bold today.

She quickly composed herself, "I already told you, I don't care about Neji. The only reason I even care enough to talk about this at all is because I know you and Lee belong together."

"Hm," Tenten looked away, "even if I wanted things to be different we can't just cancel. The baby is my main concern. To be honest, I don't think you or Neji would make good parents."

"I know…" Ino looked down, "a part of me wants to keep it but I just can't. I have so much left to do and accomplish in my life. I refuse to become a housewife tied down to the Hyuuga clan."

"Becoming a housewife isn't my intention either," the brunette mumbled. Her pride would never allow her to retire. The best part of communal living is the 24-hour daycare service.

Tokuma slid open the door, "Yamanaka-san, Nara is here to see you off to your appointment." Wasting no time escaping the blonde's glare of hatred, the messenger quickly disappeared, Shikamaru taking his place in the doorway.

"Why are you still sitting?" Shikamaru feigned annoyance. To anyone else, it would appear as if he truly was annoyed and didn't want to be there but Ino knew better. She knew her childhood friend would never let her down.

Tenten stood first and offered a hand to her surrogate which was gratefully accepted. Hands still together, the girls shared a long stare.

"Let me know how it goes," the older girl released hold of her junior and made her exit.

**xXxXxXx**

The Konoha hospital was cold as ever, not that Ino minded. It gave her an excuse to wrap half her face in a scarf. Unfortunately, it was painfully obvious the blonde female with the long ponytail was indeed the 5 month pregnant Yamanaka.

"This is my first time seeing her in weeks!"

"Is that Nara Shikamaru? No way, is he the real father!?"

"She's still pretty hot for a preggo chick."

Ino shut the voices out while her teammate was visibly annoyed, this time the face being genuine. Gossip was troublesome, especially when your own name was somehow getting thrown into it.

"Yamanaka Ino," A voice came from an open doorway, "please follow me."

Shikamaru stood and helped his comrade to her feet before accompanying her into the cramped ultrasound room. Ino was hoping Sakura would find a way to be her nurse for the day but of course the pinkette had much larger responsibilities. For all she knew, her best friend could be somewhere in the desert chasing another Sasuke lead.

"Kaori-san," the blonde wasn't very familiar with the older lady. Shikamaru recognized her as Lee's nurse after his injuries during the Chuunin exam preliminaries but of course he wasn't going to bring that up.

"Lay down please," the brunette woman instructed as she prepared the equipment. Ino suddenly became extremely nervous. Would actually seeing the baby make everything more…real? Probably.

Silence engulfed the room as Kaori applied gel to the pregnant girl's belly and moved around the handheld tool. Ino looked up at ceiling as a strange noise came from the monitor.

"That's the little thing's heartbeat," Kaori had a serene smile, "can you believe there's a _life_ inside of you?"

Ino still stared blankly at the ceiling. That was until Shikamaru suddenly poked her and sounded…excited?

"Ino, look," the Nara had an uncharacteristic smile plastered on his face, "that's it"

''_That' really does look like a baby'_, Ino mentally noted as she finally turned towards the screen. She was expecting a freaky alien hybrid looking thing but no, it was definitely a baby.

The blonde suddenly became depressed and requested for the session to end. Kaori, oblivious to the nature of the session, addressed Ino as she wiped off the girl's abdomen.

"Have you thought of any names yet?"

"I don't think it's up to me," Ino admitted. She hadn't thought about that.

"Oh?" the brunette nurse looked at her client in confusion, "most women consider that one of the most exciting parts of their pregnancy." Her statement received no reply from either party as she walked the couple down the hall and back into the waiting room, "We can schedule another appointment if you wish to find out the baby's gender. Have a nice day, Ino-san!"

Ino smiled as the cheerful woman winked at her. Shikamaru held the door open as he and his teammate left the clinic.

"We don't have to walk fast, I have nowhere to be," the jounin casually said, "did you still want to try those fried nougat things?"

"Um…" the girl mumbled before she suddenly lost her footing on some uneven ground. Shikamaru quickly moved to help her regain her balance and continued walking while holding on to her, "Shika, you don't have to treat me like an eighty year old!"

Unsurprised at her outburst, Shikamaru backed off and looked away before turning back to face her, "I cant help it. Witnessing that made me feel like I have to help you out or something," he decided to elaborate after seeing her incredulous look, "it reminded me of Kurenai-sensei, okay? Asuma-sensei asked me to look after her and their baby before he died."

"…." Ino suddenly felt guilty, "I'm sorry, Shika. I just want this to be over and get back to my life. My ninjutsu is going to be so rusty."

Without answering her, he began to walk ahead. Not one to be left behind, Ino quickly followed and announced she would indeed like to try out some of those deep-fried treats. Maybe spending time with an actual friend would be good for her.

**xXxXxXx**

After finally being shooed away by the Hyuuga maid, Lee decided to meet his teammate at the gates since he was slated to return today. After about forty-five minutes of chatting with the 'love experts', Izumo and Kotetsu, the jounin finally spotted his friend. Said friend didn't look entirely excited to see the other man.

Neji and Lee made their way down the main street of Konoha as the taijutsu specialist rambled on about things that happened during his teammate's absence.

"Ino has gotten even bigger! Well not huge yet but the baby is doing well obviously. Oh, she had an ultrasound today. Shikamaru-san accompanied her. Do you wish you could've been there as well?" he continued without waiting for an answer, "The beautiful Tenten has really been making a true effort to become friends with Ino. She even allowed her to attend her fitting for her wedding kimono! I was also there, do you wish you coul–"

Neji stopped dead in his tracks and abruptly questioned his companion, "Tenten is preparing for the wedding?"

"Yes," Lee looked confused, "I know the beautiful Tenten is not most feminine but she still cares about some things."

"No, that's not what I meant," Neji shook his head, "I meant, she still wants to marry me? She's been acting like she hates my guts."

"Well to be fair, that isn't so much out of her character. You two were on-and-off even before the youthful flower Ino came into the picture."

"Yes, I know. However, I have feelings I can't name inside me right now," Neji turned away, not wanting to see his teammate's face. Said teammate looked shocked beyond belief. Neji was…sharing his feelings with someone?

"I, uh, I think that may be normal," Lee felt uncharacteristically uncomfortable, "you are upset Tenten won't talk to you because she is your fiancé."

"We've been together a long time," Neji was staring up at the sky.

"Yes, indeed," the green beast had a sad smile on his face, "perhaps even too long."

Neji suddenly looked peeved and snapped at his friend, "I know you're still pursuing my fiancé. Little comments like that aren't very subtle."

"Wait, let me explain!" Lee frantically gathered his thoughts before the other male emotionally shut him out again, "I am only suggesting that maybe you only continue dating Tenten simply for familiarity. Dating her is simple. You don't want to try anything else. You are also very traditional so you will marry Tenten simply because she was the one you were dating once Hiashi-sama brought up marriage."

"…" Neji had a feeling the male may have been conversing with a certain blonde recently.

"The thought of potentially marrying someone other than Tenten makes you uneasy," Lee continued, "I am actually very observant. I can see it."

"I took Tenten to the cosmos field a long time ago. Before Yamanaka became pregnant, actually," Neji rolled his eyes at his companion's confused expression, "it's one of my favorite places in the village. However, she did not enjoy it."

"….Neji?"

"It made me sad," the Hyuuga couldn't gather his thoughts for the life of him, "during this mission, I came across an even bigger cosmos field. I tried to imagine myself bringing Tenten there one day but the image would not materialize properly in my mind."

"Cosmos…" Lee was still staring at his best friend, "what image did pop in your head then?"

Neji looked at his companion contemplatively before walking off. He had no idea where he was heading but the direction definitely was not that of his home. Catching on that the male did not plan to return to the Compound, Lee intervened.

"Neji, my rival!" Lee ran until he blocked the other male's path, "do you wish to accompany me to the sweet shop?"

"Why?" At least it wasn't an immediate rejection.

"Ino has intense cravings for these specific types of biscuits," Lee happily clamored on, "I tried making them once in the Compound's kitchen but Kokoro-san kicked me out after the third fire."

Neji couldn't help but smirk a little. The young woman was rather territorial about the Hyuuga kitchen.

Lee happily continued his story, "She chased me with a frying pan and threw spatulas like kunai. It was the most youthful training I have had in months!" the boy looked genuinely satisfied.

And so, the two made their way to the sweet shop. Perhaps their friendship wasn't strained after all. Or maybe, Lee finally found some extra hope that Neji was beginning to realize his mistake.

**xXxXxXx**

"You know, Shikamaru," Ino was talking with her mouth full, "I kind of expected this to be greasier."

Shikamaru grimaced, "So you are _disappointed _this nougat disaster isn't full of more grease?" The taste of the 'treat' was enough to put Shikamaru off of sweets for a good three months.

"Hmmm," _nom nom nom, _"actually, yea. I think it would taste better." Ino had consumed three already.

"Ino," the pineapple-head ninja pushed his plate away, "how are things living with the Hyuugas?"

The blonde had just finished another nougat and pulled Shikamaru's plate towards her, "Not bad, actually. They clean my room, do my laundry, brush my hair every night…"

"….wait, what?"

"Yep," Ino slumped over at Shikamaru's confused expression, "it's part of maid's job. She just comes in, tells me sit at the vanity, and brushes my hair thirty times. It's actually insulting somewhat because she says she has to brush mine five extra times as opposed to everyone else. I don't have the 'silky, straight, and amazing' Hyuuga hair."

"You do realize that's weird, right?"

Ino leaned in, "they pray to dead people. You don't know weird." The man's face caused the blonde to laugh. Yep, spending time with a real friend really did help.

"You still love him, right?" He completely wrecked any fun she was having.

"Shika…do you have to?" Ino looked flustered. The conversation actually reminded her she needed to pay her weekly visit to the Hyuuga shrine lest the ancestors get angry and decide to screw her over some more.

"Okay, don't answer that. However, I do want to know _when _you realized you were in love," Shikamaru looked at her expectantly.

"Why?"

"It's important," he informed her, "I still don't know the full situation and it bothers me I can't properly analyze it. You avoid the subject like the plague and Neji is like a rock. He avoids any and all casual conversation."

Ino couldn't disagree there, "well, it's rather simple, really. So simple that you'll probably call me pathetic," the girl confessed.

Her oldest friend smiled, "try me."

**12 Months Ago**

It was Wednesday, meaning Ino had shop duty. She hated doing this over training to perfect her ninjutsu but it was a family responsibility. The bell on the door rang, alerting her she had a customer.

"Welcome to the Yamanaka Flower Shop!" Ino greeted the shockingly familiar face, "Neji?"

"Good afternoon," he spoke calmly. Ino instinctively gripped the broom in her hand a little tighter.

It was her crush.

"What brings you in?" Ino placed her broom to the side and approached the male while wiping her hands on her apron.

Neji looked around, pretending to think hard about something before snapping his head back to the girl in front of him, "you."

"Me?" Ino blushed, "I hate to disappoint you but I'm not for sale."

"I would hope not," Neji approached her, "you left this at the Compound." He held a hand out to her, showing her a purple hair tie.

Ino looked at him in disbelief, "you came all the way here to bring me that?"

"You're worth it," he stated as he left the shop, not offering a farewell.

The Yamanaka was frozen in one spot, mouth gaped while her hand was still held in front of her with the small item in it. She was worth something to him? Her? Him? After her heart finally settled down, Ino came to a realization. It was official…

Her crush was now her love.

**Present Time**

Shikamaru looked pensive while Ino felt embarrassed at the story she told for the very first time.

"Silly, right?" she nonchalantly laughed.

Konoha's genius simply continued to examine her, "no."

**xXxXxXx**

"Thank you, kind sir!" Lee happily exclaimed as he reclaimed the bag of biscuits he just purchased. The shopkeeper just thanked him for his business and the two were on their way.

Nibbling on one of the treats, Lee addressed his friend, "Neji, my rival, your wedding is only a month away."

"Thanks for stating the obvious," the Hyuuga sounded bored, "so tell me, how many times have you gone out with my fiancé in my absence?" Lee silently held up two fingers, "Great."

"You know, everything between us is extremely odd, don't you think?" Lee questioned, "I'm courting the beautiful Tenten yet you don't seem too bothered by it most of the ime. However, if I even hint at spending time with Ino, you become troubled."

"I'm going to tell Tenten the truth today," Neji declared, ignoring Lee's observation.

Lee stopped dead in his tracks, crumbs falling out of his open mouth. Impossible! Neji would never confess to his true doings!

"She deserves to know the truth," Neji looked pained for a brief moment.

"Lee! Neji!" a familiar pink haired kunoichi caught up to the two men, "I haven't seen you guys in forever!"

"Sa-Sakura-chan," Lee looked surprised.

"You look like you've seen a ghost," Sakura looked sincerely concerned.

Finding the conversation uninteresting, Neji abandoned the two and made his way to training ground 12. It was almost guaranteed Tenten would be there.

Lee composed himself then fell to one knee and grabbed the pinkette's hand, "Sakura-chan! Please, forgive me! I have fallen in love with another!"

"I, uh," Sakura slowly pulled her hand away and backed up, "Okay, then."

"Do you forgive me?" Lee looked as if he may cry. Sakura simply sighed. She knew she shouldn't have taken the scenic route to the hospital.

**xXxXxXx**

Ino happily greeted the Hyuuga gatekeepers before kicking off her shoes and heading to her room. Her getaway was fun but she still didn't enjoy being out. As she passed the hall leading to the main estate, she ran into a familiar face.

"Yo, preggers!" it was Hanabi.

Scoffing at her nickname, Ino turned to face the girl, "do you need something, Hanabi-_sama,_" Honorifics were all the rage in the Hyuuga Compound.

"Kokoro of the Kitchen asked for your assistance with dinner tonight. We're celebrating Neji-nii making it home alive from his solo A-rank mission."

"Do I haaaave to?" Ino whined. She hated being ordered around.

Hanabi smirked at her, "I can get you a spot in the main house dining hall! Not as a thank you, but because I want you there!"

"…..sure, whatever," this was a first for the blonde. Seeing the younger girl's happy face made her smile as well.

"Thank you, nee-chan!" the preteen ran off.

Ino was still staring in the general direction the girl disappeared before a deep voice sounded from behind her.

"My youngest daughter likes you. I didn't think it was possible for her to like anyone these days," it was the clan head himself.

"Hi-Hiashi-sama?" Ino hurriedly bowed.

"How is the baby faring?" Hiashi questioned.

Ino looked shocked. The main house was just full of surprises today, "fine, Hiashi-sama."

"I see," he began to walk off, "I pray to our ancestors that the engaged couple are also faring well. The honor of our clan depends on it." The Yamanaka immediately felt everything implied in the simple sentences.

He wasn't buying that the 'happy couple' was happy at all.

**xXxXxXx**

Tenten was in the process of sealing kunai into a scroll when she felt a familiar presence behind her.

"Neji."

"Tenten," the Hyuuga slowly approached her before sitting beside her. The couple sat in a silence for about eight minutes before Tenten broke it.

"I'm happy you made it back," she turned to face him and…smiled?

Neji gave a surprised look before smiling as well and grabbing her hand, "thank you."

The couple stared at each for a while before Tenten turned away, "don't tell me you want to train already. You only just got back."

"No, it isn't that. I actually wanted to talk to you," he gauged her reaction.

"Well, talk," she gave him her undivided attention.

"What happened with Yamanaka and I…it wasn't a one night stand," he didn't sound nervous at all. This conversation was inevitable.

"I know," Tenten looked at the ground sadly, "that was obvious."

"…."

"Tell me, Neji," Tenten looked him in the eye, "when did you realize you were in love with her?"

Neji looked taken aback, "it isn't lo–"

"Neji!" Tenten said firmly, "just tell me."

The Hyuuga prodigy stared forward for a while before finally accepting the painful truth.

He loved Yamanaka.

"Fine, I'll tell you."

**11 Months Ago**

"She broke up with you _again_?" Yamanaka Ino was lying on her bed, fiddling with a broken toy she found buried in her closet.

Neji was sitting at her vanity, brooding of course, "during our mission I asked Gai-sensei if I could accompany her when he sent her to distract the enemy – alone"

The blonde threw the object in her hand at her companion, laughing at how easily he caught it, "let me guess, she went all feminist on you for making her look dependent."

"Essentially, yes," Neji was now the one fumbling with the bizarre cube-like item in his hand.

"Well, if you ask me–"

"I didn't ask you."

"Well, if you ask me," Ino restarted her sentence as she sat up in bed, "you need to buy Tenten a huge teddy bear and–"

Neji cut her off again, "this is exactly why I didn't ask you. Tenten hates stuffed animals."

The blonde chuunin huffed before crossing her arms and falling back to her bed. Neji could only smirk at the way she pouted. She absolutely hated when he didn't let her talk.

"I have to go now," Neji stood to his feet. He was still filthy from his mission. It didn't make much sense for him to stop here before his own home. Even Lee questioned why he wasn't heading straight home. Neji had no idea why he cared so much, though.

"Bye, bye," Ino didn't look at him. The jounin climbed out of her window with no further words.

**11:03 PM**

Ino had been dozing off when she heard the light tapping at her window. She immediately stood and made her way over to open it.

"Oh, Romeo, thy Romeo. Have you come to confess your love to me?" she playfully said as he made his way into her bedroom. Neji smiled at her light mood. No matter what time it was, she was never grumpy at his arrival

He held his hands behind his back, "close your eyes." Without question, the girl casually obliged. Suddenly, she felt something fluffy shoved into her arms. Naturally, she opened one eye to take a peek.

"No way!" the girl looked shocked, "you actually bought Tenten a teddy bear? You?" The stuffed animal in question was white with a purple ribbon around its neck.

"You're so dense," he commented, "it's for you, Ino."

The blonde looked beyond stunned. A flurry of emotions filled her. Elation. Surprise. Apprehension. Guilt. Cheerfulness. Gratitude. With no further hesitation, she happily pounced on the male, causing him to fall backwards onto her bed.

"I shall name him…Pouf!" she happily declared from on top of him before pretending to talk to the bear, "What was that, Pouf? You think big, mean Neji deserves a kiss?" She then began her signature 'kiss attack', pecking the boy over and over in an unpredictable pattern.

"Will you cut it out?" Neji feigned annoyance as he turned his head side-to-side, trying to avoid her lips in vain.

"Okay," Ino hopped off of him, half because he asked and half because of her own guilt. Even though he only came over when he and Tenten were 'off', it still wasn't entirely right.

"Okay?" Neji sat up and watched the girl as she pulled back her comforter to get under it.

"Well you did tell me to stop," she teased before motioning for him to join her, "goodnight, Neji. I have early training with my dad and you're disturbing my beauty rest."

The Hyuuga lied beside her and watched as she opened one eye occasionally to check if he was still awake, softly giggling every now and then at him. Naturally, she ended up falling asleep before him with Pouf next to her head. The prodigy enjoyed watching the girl dream. Her lips would move in the motion of words occasionally and she had a tendency of jerking her leg.

"You're so carefree, you know that?" Neji whispered to the girl. She was the complete opposite of him. His polar opposite. She was loud, he was quiet. She made her presence known, he stayed to himself. He thought romance was a ridiculous concept, she rushed to kiss and hug him at every chance. A part of him wished he could take her out into the village and hold her hand, show everyone he loved her.

Love?

The Hyuuga stiffened. Where did that bizarre thought come from? He loved Tenten, not this blonde lying beside him. Then why exactly was he in her bed? It's not like sex was a frequent thing between them.

"I love you," it was the last thing the male weakly whispered before fading into his own dreamland.

It was the first and last time he would ever say it and she didn't even hear him.

**xXxXxXx**

Tenten listened to the story intently. Her face held no hint of sadness, only interest, "Why didn't you tell me?"

"We were dating. You would've hated me." He logically pointed out.

"Me hating you is worse than losing the one you love?" her voice raised slightly.

Neji became defensive, "me and Yamanaka are too different. I can't even begin to imagine a married life. She's eccentric, impulsive, childish at times, annoying, lou–"

"Everything I'm not," Tenten summed it up for him. Not out of jealousy, but just because it was obvious.

"…..that's not true," he felt uncomfortable.

Tenten finally stood up, "Well, we're still engaged. Your family made sure our agreement contract had no loopholes," Neji's face never changed, "I won't say I'm unhappy. I know things between us are…strange but I'm willing to deal with it for the baby."

The Hyuuga stared after her as she walked away, "Tenten…"

"I signed those papers didn't I," she waved back at him, "see you later."

**xXxXxXx**

"Sakura-chan, please tell me you forgive me!" Lee was still following after his former crush.

"Lee, please. It really isn't a big deal," she was powerwalking but of course, that wasn't enough.

"But it is!" Lee corrected her.

Finally annoyed enough, she stopped and turned to face him, "okay, look. I know you love Tenten, okay?"

"…..you know?" He looked confused.

"Who _doesn't _know?" Sakura smiled at him. It was cute how oblivious he was.

"But…how?"

"The way you look at her, the way you always call her 'the beautiful Tenten', the fact you haven't asked me out in over a year," Sakura listed, "that's love, Lee. You. Love. Her."

Lee looked downcast, "I loved her before her joining with Neji. I didn't mean to…hurt their relationship."

"Well," Sakura had a sly look, "sometimes you have to hurt others to get what you want."

"….is Ino inside of you right now?" the male looked at her strangely.

The pinkette huffed, "I was only teasing, baka. If it's meant to be it'll happen. Now I really have to go!" Lee stared at her as she ran off.

If it's meant to be, eh?

**xXxXxXx**

The Kitchen Hyuuga pulled the last batch of cupcakes out of the oven and smelled the yummy baked goods. Her smile quickly vanished however when she looked to her left and realized her 'helper' still wasn't done icing the first batch.

"Do you even try?" she chastised.

"I'm pregnant" Ino objected, "I need frequent breaks, okay?" Ino crossed her arms in defiance. She may have lived in the branch residence but she was not a branch member. She felt no real obligation to this 'duty'.

The door to the kitchen area slid open, "Kokoro-san, can you please inform Neji's Guest that he has arrived home?" The messenger quickly left.

"Oh, so now he's acting like he can't see me?" Ino's eyebrow twitched, "Tokuma is so childish."

"Didn't you recently burn all his clothing in the courtyard?" the older female said as she snatched the icing spoon away from the sitting girl.

The girl stood and began walking out, "…..he looked at me funny." She exited. The Blonde/Messenger feud was infamous now.

Most people would probably expect Ino to go welcome home the jounin but she chose not to. The less interaction, the better.

'_I have to see him at dinner anyway,' _she reasoned with herself. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this gathering than a simple 'friendly' invitation by brat.

**xXxXxXx**

"Your girlfriend is in her room," Hanabi Hyuuga was bothering her older cousin, standing in his doorway as he put away his mission supplies, "aren't you going to visit her?"

Neji sighed, "I assume you're referring to Yamanaka so I have two responses. One, she isn't my girlfriend. Two, no."

"You're so annoyingly stubborn," Hanabi may have been rebellious but she was still a Hyuuga, therefore meaning she was wise for her age, "even nee-chan is getting annoyed."

"….are you referring to Hinata-sama or Yamanaka?" the male had noticed his younger cousin picked up the habit of referring to Ino as her sister.

"You're an idiot," Hanabi rubbed her temples, "make sure you're at dinner tonight, okay? In the main dining hall." With that, she ran off.

**xXxXxXx**

Hinata had just finished setting the table when her father entered the dining hall.

"Father!" Hinata was beaming.

"You look happy," the man commented.

The girl clapped her hands together, "I've just been waiting for this day for such a long time!"

Hiashi smiled weakly at his eldest daughter's enthusiasm before taking his seat at the head of the table. Yes, they were actually eating at a table and not on the floor. This would tip anybody off that this dinner definitely was special.

The next person to enter the room was Ino with Hanabi following closely behind. Hiashi nodded to acknowledge the non-Hyuuga's presence. After a few minutes of silence, Hanabi suddenly spoke.

"Oh, no!" everyone stared at her, "I forgot to invite Neji's fiancé!"

Hinata loudly chastised the girl, Hiashi brought a hand to his face, and Ino looked confused. What's the big deal?

"You did it on purpose!" Hinata was not pleased. Her sister just had to find a way to ruin the night.

"I did not!" Hanabi crossed her arms defensively. Ino was about to ask for some clarification before Neji finally joined the Main Family, causing her to lose interest in speaking.

Neji glanced at the girl sitting across from him. She looked so out of place. He then greeted Hinata from next to him and Hanabi sitting diagonally, next to his blonde, former mistress.

"Neji," Hiashi addressed him, "thank you for finally joining us. He then clapped his hands for the meal to begin. Branch house members immediately entered to serve them.

**xXxXxXx**

Tenten was in her bedroom, gripping a photo of her as a child with her mother holding her with a big smile on her face. Though she could barely remember the auburn-haired woman, she knew her mother loved her with every ounce of her being. The memory of her mother's love was enough to get her through everything despite how unsupportive her father was.

Most people would easily conclude that the girl has 'family issues' but it's not like she cares about anyone else's opinion. Despite her own upbringing, she would ensure this child does _not _end up with a broken home.

'_Our baby will be so loved,' _Tenten smiled at the photo some more before placing it back on her dresser. She already loved the unborn child, she could tell Ino held maternal feelings as well even though she hid them, and even Lee was attached to the 'alien hybrid' inside of the Yamanaka.

The only person she had doubts about was the father himself.

**xXxXxXx**

Almost the entire meal passed in silence. The only occasional noise came from Hanabi trying to spoon-feed Ino for absolutely no reason. Spoon-feed actually meant, 'let me splat some of this on your face then apologize for it'. Hiashi could only pretend not to notice.

The clan head then cleared his throat, "there's a reason I arranged for this despite the fact one person is missing." Neji raised an eyebrow, being the only one who didn't know Hanabi 'forgot' to invite his lover.

"Neji, you are like a son to me," Hiashi continued. At this point, Hinata was on the edge of her seat and Hanabi was pretending to gag at the sight of open affection. Ino, realizing what was happening, had a surprised look on her face. Hitomi had long told her of this day but…

"I intended to inform you of this at your engagement celebration but of course, that didn't happen," Hiashi narrowed his eyes at the memory of the events, "so I am telling you now."

Neji looked worried. Hinata was nearly bouncing in her seat. Ino was now smiling. And Hanabi…was being Hanabi.

"You are henceforth acknowledged as my heir. Once I step down, you will officially be appointed Head of the Hyuuga Clan of Konohagakure," Hiashi still wasn't finished, "also, from this day forward, you are now a member of the Main House."

Hinata squealed in delight and hugged her cousin from her seat. Ino had her hand over her face, practically fighting back tears. Damn hormones. Within the next few moments, the room suddenly flooded with Hyuugas, young and old, congratulating the youth and clapping.

"Hizashi would be so proud!"

"There is no one more fit!"

"Our ancestors long planned this day!"

"Congratulations, Neji-san!"

At this, Ino broke down crying, _'thank you, Hizashi-san!' _Of course the girl had to thank the Hyuuga ancestors.

Seeing her friend so emotional caused Hinata to cry her own tears of joy. Hanabi, not one for emotional scenes, began stuffing her mouth with food.

"Ino-san," Hiashi was looking at the blonde with tears in her eyes, "take care of the child inside of you. He or She is next in line to lead this clan following my heir, Neji." Ino gave the man a teary promise that she would.

"I baked your favorite cupcakes!"

"Neji of the Main House. It fits!"

"I send you a thousand and one blessings!"

"I have to go," Neji suddenly stood and rushed out, leaving many confused faces behind. He knew how to ruin a moment. Tokuma was just about to show him the dozens of _'Congratulations, Hyuuga Neji, Main House Heir' _announcement cards he made. Now how would he know who to deliver them to?

Silence reigned until Brat decided to break it, "what the [BEEP], Neji-baka!"

Everyone present shared the exact same sentiment.

**xXxXxXx**

Neji didn't know why exactly he was so angry. He wanted to be Clan Head! It was his dream and ambition! He strived everyday of his life to be recognized by the Main House as more than just a lowly branch member. However, being named heir did mean something else…

His marriage was now set in stone. An heir can't have a child out of wedlock. It now made so much sense why who he married was such a big deal to the elders. Even after the heart-to-heart he and Tenten shared earlier that day, it all meant nothing now! It didn't matter who he loved at all!

Realizing he can't run from his problems, he made his way back to the main hall. Almost everyone was still present, engaged in their own excited conversations. There was only one man Neji was looking for.

"Hiashi-sama," Neji looked deathly serious, "I wish for my wedding date to be moved forward. A private ceremony. If possible, by the end of this week would be ideal."

Ino felt like her entire world crashed around her, "Neji…?" Her voice was wavering. Did her ears deceive her?

The newly appointed Hyuuga heir didn't bother looking at her as he continued, "I see no reason to wait an entire month. It's going to happen either way. I wish to marry Tenten as soon as possible. There are many things I have to consider now."

Hiashi looked concerned, "the one with no surname." He tapped one finger on the table.

"Hai, Hiashi-sama."

The older man took a deep breath, "if that is what you wish. Your wedding will be this Friday. The elder, Hitomi, will wed you. She is the one qualified."

Hinata looked panicked and even Hanabi was on her feet now.

"You really are a dumbass!" Hanabi was yelling, "with everything you do!"

Neji looked taken aback, "I have responsibilities expected of me. Arranging a wedding is the least of my priorities. It makes sense to get it out of the way." Logical, yes. Smart? Not at all.

"N-Nii-san, no one here wants you to do anything rash," Hinata advised. She only cared about her cousin's happiness, it's not like she was really taking sides in the great debate of who he should marry.

Ino stood from her seat and forced herself through the crowd of Hyuugas, looking for one person. She heard someone calling out to her but chose to ignore the voice.

"Tokuma," she had fresh tears in her eyes, "I have a request."

Slightly surprised she was talking to him, he replied, "of course. You are of the Hyuuga. It is my duty to accept any request." The male awkwardly shoved the announcements behind his back.

"Help me pack a bag," the girl was distraught, "I'm going to Lee's." The girl couldn't bear to stay in the Compound. She knew her feelings made no sense but it didn't matter. She also couldn't return to her old home. Explaining to her father why she ditched her 'fiancés' home would be such a bad idea. Everything was just so _bad_ now.

This couldn't be real.

**xXxXxXx**

When Lee came over to her house almost an hour ago, Tenten wasn't very surprised. She was actually thankful to have company. Especially Lee's.

"What's in the bag?" Tenten questioned her companion. She was sitting on her bed and he was in a chair next to it.

"Snacks for Ino," he explained happily, "I won't have time to go back to the Compound to give them to her since I chose to come here instead." The male rather enjoyed going to The Hyuuga Compound. It was a personal challenge of his to learn the names of every blood Hyuuga and every Hyuuga-by-marriage currently living there.

"You're so considerate," Tenten told him, smiling serenely. She admired how generous he was.

Lee scratched his cheek and smiled sheepishly, "thank you, Tenten."

"I know you came here for another reason, though," Tenten finally brought it up, "so what is it?"

"…." Lee looked down, "I didn't want to do this like this but…I have to know if it's meant to be."

Tenten looked curious, "meant to be?"

"Can you be honest with me?" a nod, "do you want to marry Neji, Tenten?" he stared dead into her eyes. The girl was caught off guard, to say the least. Yes, Lee has been 'courting' her but he never blatantly asked about her feelings for Neji. He tried getting her to decide on her own, never outright asking.

"I don't know how to answer that," she was telling the truth, "there's more to consider than just the marriage. If I don't marry him…I won't be anything to the baby." Of course, the baby was Tenten's priority.

Ino had dreams of leading the Intelligence Unit of Konoha, it was nothing more than a hindrance when she discovered she was pregnant. Tenten, on the other hand, had dreams of a perfect family to make up for her own upbringing. It was something no one would expect. There was a baby right in her reach but she would be denied it unless she married a man she loved but was no long _in _love with.

Husband. Wife. Baby. It was the perfect scenario but unfortunately, the wrong people were cast for the roles.

Lee looked distraught at the revelation before moving to join her on the bed. The girl had a pained expression and was looking down. Without thinking, he grabbed her by the chin and moved her head to face him.

"I just need to know if it _could _have been," Lee began moving his face towards hers. Tenten, surprisingly cooperative, closed her eyes. Their lips almost touched until…

_BOOM._

Tenten's father was standing in her doorway, "there's an annoying white-eyed guy and he won't go away!" The man was drunk, "get _rid _of him or I will!" He completely ignored the way the young shinobi had jumped apart and were now incredibly red.

A very distressed looking Tokuma was standing in the doorway before rushing in, "Lee-san, I was told you may be here."

"Um," the green beast stared at him. It was probably a bad thing people could guess he would be at Tenten's house.

"I have two messages," the Neji look-alike first addressed Lee, "Yamanaka-san is outside waiting for you with a bag. She's hormonal. Please take care of the situation," he looked at Tenten next, "I am sure Hiashi-sama would like me to inform you that your wedding is in three days. Please prepare accordingly."

In the typical 'no questions' format, Tokuma was gone before either of them could say a word. However, the young male did stumble back into the room, throw an envelope at Lee, then proceed to run back out again.

Wordlessly, Lee opened the envelope, revealing an announcement.

'_Congratulations, Hyuuga Neji, Main House Heir'_

Lee had finally confirmed Tenten's true feelings for him, Ino was outside with a duffle bag, Tenten would be married in three days, and Neji was now somehow Heir of the Hyuuga Clan.

This couldn't be real.

**xXxXxXx**

**End Chapter Eight**

**A/N: Okay, okay. Please don't hate me. This chapter was weird, I know. And I feel it…people are going to HATE me for this chapter, sorryyyy**

**Next Chapter: The long-awaited wedding! How will our heroes deal with their dilemma? There's only one way to find out! Stay tuned as this story reaches its climax (almost).**

**On another note, I shed tears while writing this chapter. Points to whoever can guess which scene xD**


	9. Chapter 9

**A/N: This was fun : )**

**I divided the chapter into 3 parts in case anyone wants to take a break in between each section. I don't want to you guys to get bored halfway through from reading xD **

**Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto**

* * *

The morning after D-Day, the day everything fell apart, Ino woke up to the sight of…bushy eyebrows? Bushy eyebrows that were _dangerously _close to her.

"Lee!" Ino sat up in bed before pushing the older male out, "what the hell are you doing in the bed?"

"It's…my bed?" Lee sat up from the floor holding his head, very confused.

"Normally when a girl sleeps over the guy sleeps on the sofa!" Ino chastised him, "this holds especially true because this is a twin-sized bed, baka!"

Lee looked slighted, "well sorry I live alone and do not own a big bed." He stood up and walked out of the room. The blonde felt a twang of guilt at her unnecessary fussiness but she couldn't help it. The girl was still upset about the previous night's affair.

Ino looked around the bedroom briefly, taking in how much of a 'bachelor pad' it was. There was a pile of green jumpsuits in the corner, numerous energy bar wrappers, and a lone pair of boxers in the middle of the floor. The Yamanaka's mouth twitched slightly in an almost smile as she realized she accidently figured out if Lee was a boxers or briefs guy.

To be honest, the girl expected much more green. He had green bed sheets but that was it. It was her first time here despite the fact Lee visited her so frequently in the Hyuuga Compound.

'_Hyuugas…' _Ino laid on her back as she let thoughts overwhelm her. The green beast tried his best to get the girl to go 'home' to the ghost-praying clan but she refused to. Sure she'll miss a few of the residents but she would sacrifice all that to get away from her misery.

Hyuuga Neji was now the bane of her existence.

**xXxXxXx**

**You, Me, Her, and It**

**Chapter 9: The Ultra Extravaganza – 3-Part Wedding Special! **

**PART ONE**

The sound of water running alerted the girl that her new 'roomie' was now in the shower. After sighing one more time, Ino finally got out bed, straightened her nightgown, then made her way to the kitchen. She was starving.

"Let's see what this guy survives on," the Yamanaka mumbled as she searched through the cabinets. The only clear ingredients she found seems like they would make an amazing curry but it was only 9 in the morning. So, she chose cereal.

Lee walked into the kitchen, hair still damp, "Yosh! I see you have found breakfast!"

"…yeah," Ino's mouth was full.

"Truthfully, I expected you to cook something," he casually said as he sat across from her at the small kitchen table.

The blonde gave him a dirty look, "so because I'm female I'm supposed to cook for you?" Ino growled at the way Lee chuckled nervously, "you should be cooking for me! I'm pregnant!" There was suddenly a knock at the door.

Taking the opportunity to leave the awkward situation, Lee quickly stood and made his way to the front door of his apartment, swinging it open widely. It was a jounin.

"Rock Lee," the male held a scroll in hand, "your assistance has been requested on a mission. Here is the briefing." He held the item in hand out, lifting an eyebrow at the male's reluctance to take it.

Lee took one look back at the girl sitting in his kitchen before addressing the male, "I apologize but I am not accepting work today. I hope the commission understands." Lee bowed before closing the door on the very stunned jounin. Rock Lee never refuses missions. It's why everyone nominated him whenever they got summoned for a mission they didn't want.

"Who was that?" Ino was still eating her cereal as she watched Lee walk to his bedroom. He then walked back out, zipping up his flak jacket.

"I have something to do today," he looked at her smiling, "you may benefit from leaving the apartment as well."

Ino laughed a bit before putting another spoon of cereal in her mouth, "fat chance." The green beast simply shrugged his shoulders and left. He had his own personal mission today.

Special Operation: No Way in Hell Tenten is Getting Married.

**xXxXxXx**

"Ouch!" Neji yelped. He was getting fit for his wedding attire and that was the third time the seamstress pricked him!

"My apologizes, Neji-sama," the Hyuuga seamstress, also known as 'the Laundry Hyuuga', smiled a bit.

"It is quite alright," he said through gritted teeth, "are you almost finished?" The male practically snapped at her.

In a huff, the woman stood before collecting all her supplies, "I am finished. Do not complain if this does not fit properly, you rushed me."

"I trust your skills should handle any challenge," Neji proposed as he stepped down from the fitting area.

"And I trust my skills will not go to waste if someone skips out on this wedding," the female threw hard shade at the new heir before slamming the sliding door behind her.

Neji stared at the door with an incredulous expression, "what the hell is everyone's problem?" Most family members he came across treated him coldly. What happened to how happy everyone was for him last night?

'_I need to go to the shrine,' _the boy had much to discuss with his ancestors.

Perhaps now they will bless him more since he is of the Main House.

**xXxXxXx**

Tenten was standing at the village gates waiting to leave for a mission. She was unpleasantly surprised when Konohamaru was the one who suddenly appeared before her.

"Howdy, partner!" Konohamaru playfully waved and greeted the girl in front of him.

"Where's Lee?" Tenten crossed her arms and questioned the young teen in front of her.

"Well, gee," Konohamaru also crossed his arms, "I can tell you're so happy to see me. Your teamate denied the mission. I picked it up. Deal with it." The male then led the way through the gates. It was a C-rank mission to collect mushrooms from a nearby meadow. The only reason it wasn't D-rank is because it required knowledge to decipher which mushrooms weren't poisonous.

Tenten sighed disappointedly, she specifically told the mission desk she wanted a partner for the mission, particularly Rock Lee. It was rather petty of her to pick up such useless work two days before her wedding but she didn't care.

"Y'know," Konohamaru spoke without turning around, "you're a tokubetsu jounin. Don't you have anything _better _to do than collect mushrooms with a kid like me?"

"You have no idea," Tenten pathetically mumbled.

**xXxXxXx**

Haruno Sakura was extremely pissed when someone interrupted her only off day. She was slumbering on her sofa when a hearty pounding came from her front door. She sat up, wiped saliva from the corner of her mouth, then checked the time.

_9:58 AM_

"CHAAAA!" the pinkette angrily flew to her door, ready to berate whoever it was, "what the hell do yo– Lee?"

Said young man had jumped back a few feet at the sight of the disgruntled medic-nin, "Sa-Sakura-chan?"

"What do you want?" she slumped against her doorframe.

"Your help," Lee took a few steps forward.

At this, the emerald-eyed girl grew curious, "with what?" Lee pulled a stack of papers from his flak jacket and handed it to her. Sakura quickly scanned some words before looking at him wide-eyed, "no way. Are you planning to…?"

Lee gave her a thumbs-up and a shining grin. Sakura quickly reciprocated with her own nod of understanding.

Lee had an ally.

**xXxXxXx**

Ino was back in bed, staring at a calendar on the wall. Today was Wednesday. Neji would be married by Friday. She shouldn't care. This was going to happen sooner or later, she just didn't expect sooner. The girl was pulled out of her reverie by knocking. With a sigh, she stood to go answer it.

"Rock Lee's residence," Ino sarcastically told the visitor, an estranged looking Hyuuga Messenger.

"Yamanaka-san," Tokuma looked at her carefully, "everyone is awaiting your arrival home." He was telling the truth.

"Yeah…no," the blonde wouldn't be swayed that easily. It was completely Tokuma's fault she was even dragged into living with the Hyuugas in the first place.

Tokuma sighed then reached into his satchel, pulling out two envelopes, "here are your and Lee-san's official wedding invitations. Hiashi-sama insists on your presence. It is, however, still a private ceremony."

"Great. Me, Lee, and the white-eyed clan," Ino took the invitations from him, "get the cameras ready, this is gonna be golden."

"You know?" Tokuma looked at her in shock. Ino looked back at him in even more shock.

"Know what?" she stared at him expectantly. The messenger quickly grew nervous.

"N-Nothing, Yamanaka-san," he began to take his leave, "I will bring over your Hyuuga-guest wedding robes tomorrow morning. They should fit." He took off.

Cerulean eyes narrowed and watched him carefully as he retreated. His departure made her realize she had to leave soon herself. It was _Wednesday _after all and the Yamanaka Flower Shop opens at 11. She had shop duty.

The girl clapped her hands together, _'Ancestors, please hear me!"_

"Don't send any Hyuugas to my shop today!" she finished the rest of her prayer aloud.

**xXxXxXx**

**The Hyuuga Compound**

Hanabi, ever the rebel, was extremely against this sudden shotgun wedding. So against it in fact, that she actually pulled together a rebellion. Using the maid's supply room as base, Hanabi addressed her squad.

"Since you all are here I assume none of you agree with what is about to transpire, correct?" Hanabi's voice was booming.

"No, Hanabi-sama!"

"Everyone here likes Ino and not bun-girl, correct?" Hanabi boomed some more.

"Hai, Hanabi-sama!"

A figure in the back of the cramped space raised his hand, flinching slightly when Hanabi's hard eyes snapped to him, "to be fair, my lady, most of us haven't had much contact with the brunette. We are biased towards Neji's Guest."

"And?" Hanabi looked at him like he was stupid, "we're Hyuugas. Bias is, like, kind of in our blood…correct!?"

"Hai, Hanabi-sama!" the group collectively agreed. The youngest heir candidate smiled, the sounds of agreement like music to her ears.

Hanabi didn't hate Tenten. Quite the contrary actually, she thought the girl's divergence from anything ladylike was hilarious. However, the younger girl liked Ino. And she knew Ino was in love with her cousin. And she knew her cousin was in love with Ino. She decided to share these sentiments with her group.

"Neji-nii has very strong feelings for Ino. I know this for a fact. Even before she got all knocked up, I would see her in the Compound every now and then. I even stumbled upon Neji-nii and preggers kissing once. Have any of you ever seen him kiss bun-girl?"

The collection of Hyuugas mumbled amongst themselves. Tenten had been Neji's teammate for years so of course most of them were at least semi-acquainted with the girl. However, most of them did not know the two were dating. They didn't act like it. Ever.

Hanabi smirked as she looked over everyone in front of her. Young and old, the rebellion was strong. Yamanaka Ino had changed the Branch House with her very brief stay.

They wanted their blonde back.

**Next Door**

Hinata, ever the good daughter, wanted peace among the family. She realized how abrupt the wedding was but it was what her cousin wanted, this fact alone prompted her to assemble an anti-rebellion. Using the laundry room as base, she addressed her squad.

"Everyone, thank you for joining me here today," she was sitting on top of one of the towel racks, "I know you are all here because you value tradition and you respect the wishes of our heir, correct?"

"Hai, Hinata-sama!"

Hinata blushed at the attention, "well as you know, my sister has started a movement against Neji-sama. Will you allow this?"

"No, Hinata-sama!"

"I have a spy planted among them. We will know their every move and have ample time to come up with a counter-strategy."

A figure in the back of the room raised his hand, "Hinata-sama, don't you wish for Neji-sama's happiness? It is clear his happiness does not reside in the one he is marrying."

Hinata blinked in confusion while everyone else turned towards the culprit. Iroha, a Hyuuga jounin, took the lead and rallied the troops.

"Let's get this guy outta here!" many of the Hyuugas cheered as a particularly buff clansmen lifted the rebel and tossed him out of the laundry room. Hinata had a shocked look on her face as the remaining group started chanting something about honor.

She bit off far more than she could chew with this one.

**Elsewhere**

Hiashi was playing shougi against his father, Heero, while the other elders watched with varying levels of interest. It was apparent the household was going through a great divide but the elders had to keep it classy and not take sides.

"Hiashi-sama," Hitomi the extremely romantic elder spoke, "I have fears."

"Such as?" the man captured one of his father's pieces.

"I wish to alter the traditional wedding arrangement," this caught the Clan Head's attention, "as I marry the heir, I wish to not include the line 'if anyone objects please speak now'."

Hiashi smirked, "taking out the opportunity for objections?"

Hotaru the female elder spoke next, "Hitomi, I am surprised in your concern. You seem like the type to welcome such nonsense." The woman's wrinkles deepened.

"With all due respect, Hotaru-sama, while I do believe love trumps all, I also believe in a respectable wedding ceremony. The young man deserves it," Hitomi explained.

Hiashi raised his hand before anyone else could speak, "the words will not be altered. That is final." Most of the elders nodded in agreements while a few looked worried.

Get the cameras ready.

**xXxXxXx**

Tenten and Konohamaru trekked back to the village gates from their uneventful mission. Konohamaru's hand became red and inflamed halfway through their collecting. It would appear the boy had an allergy.

"I was going to bring Hanabi-chan flowers today but I can't show up in front her with my hands all creepy looking," Konohamaru confided in the girl next to him.

Tenten had an amused look on her face, "you like Hanabi?"

"Well, yeah, kore!" Konohamaru said as if it were obvious, "ever since Naruto-nee-chan began dating the Hyuuga heiress, he hasn't had time to train with me or anything. At first I thought Hyuugas were creepy looking but one day I went to the Compound with Naruto and I knew it was love the moment I saw her."

"Love? That's a big word, Konohamaru," Tenten looked at him, "by the way, I'm almost positive Hanabi hates flowers." The tokubetsu jounin giggled at the memory of Hanabi lighting tulips on fire at one of their etiquette lessons. The girls had been doing flower arrangements.

"I know that," Konohamaru folded his arms behind his head, "that's why I give them to her! I want her to fall in love with me. I'm a flowers-giving type guy. Why pretend to be someone I'm not?"

"Maybe because she just doesn't like you?" the brunette offered, answering a rhetorical question.

Konohamaru stopped and gave the girl a glare through half-lidded eyes, "you completely missed the point."

"Your point didn't make sense," Tenten sighed in defeat, lowering the basket of mushrooms, "you can't force her to love you. You're too different."

"Look at my brother and his girlfriend!" Konohamaru gave her a toothy grin, "opposites attract." Tenten decided not to address that statement. He was partially right, anyway.

The Third Hokage's grandson then picked up the basket Tenten had put down, "anyways, I'll go drop these off and write our mission report. See ya later!" The boy jetted ahead, leaving Tenten behind.

After arriving at the gates on her own, the girl realized she was actually starving. Tenten decided to stop at the ramen stand, smiling when she noticed Naruto and Kiba there. She wondered if Naruto knew about his 'brother's' crush on his girlfriend's sister.

"Hey, guys!" she excitedly took a seat next to the spiky-haired blonde who greeted her with a smile. Kiba simply nodded his head. The brunette took the opportunity to order herself a bowl of miso ramen.

Naruto began chattering about a new topic, "man, I still can't believe I'm not invited to that wedding. Every time I ask Hinata about it she changes the subject. Neji is my buddy, dattebayo."

"You want to come to the wedding?" Tenten looked at him in surprise, "I wish you could come, Naruto."

Kiba laughed, "oh, c'mon, Tenten. None of us peasants are invited. It's a Hyuuga affair. Plus, blondie is so stuck-up she probably wants to keep it that way. Or maybe she still thinks her pregnancy is a secret."

"Ino has no influence over the guest list," Tenten looked at him in abhorrence, causing Kiba to stiffen.

"Oh, um, well that sucks," he put an elbow on the counter, "Hyuugas probably make horrible in-laws. Can't believe she can't invite who she wants to her own wedding." Naruto mumbled his agreement between slurps.

Tenten's eyes were wide and she felt like she got punched in the gut. Her throat tightened, "you think…Neji is marrying Ino?"

"Dude, they've been engaged for like two months," Kiba gave her a stupid look, "get caught up on the gossip!"

Naruto looked at his friend, "I was surprised when I heard the news too! I heard it from Ayame. Man, I totally thought Neji was dating you, Tenten." Naruto waved his chopsticks as he laughed at his own 'misunderstanding'.

Having heard enough, Tenten abruptly stood before canceling her order and taking her leave.

'_No wonder no one ever congratulates me,' _the girl was fuming, _'no one knows I'm getting married!' _It was already evening time but the girl had to let off steam. She headed to her favorite training ground to assault some unfortunate training post.

**xXxXxXx**

Ino got home that night after closing shop and was surprised to see Lee still missing. Then again, she figured he must be training or something. Figuring he'll probably be hungry, the girl decided to show him some gratitude by cooking curry, his favorite.

The Yamanaka hummed as she stood over the pot, stirring occasionally.

"I would make a kick-ass housewife," Ino laughed to herself. The image of her in the Hyuuga kitchen helping Kokoro make dumplings suddenly seeped into her brain, causing her to stop laughing as her face turned sour, "just never in that house…"

A soft rapping on the door prompted Ino to put down her wooden spoon and head towards the door. Lee sure gets a lot of visitors.

"Rock Lee's residence," Ino spoke as she opened the door. Her mouth promptly dropped after she realized who the offending uninvited guest was.

It was Neji.

"You look like a maid." Neji scrunched his face up as he observed the woman in front of him wearing a full apron. The remark quickly caused Ino to anger.

"Go to hell, Neji," Ino spat as she tried to slam the door, only to be stopped by the significantly stronger shinobi. He made his way inside and stood with his arms crossed. The Yamanaka quickly grew frustrated. He just has to torment her!

"Yamanaka, come home," Neji requested with no particular interest in his voice, "I know I'm the reason you ran away but you know it isn't safe for you. You carry a child with the byakugan." His head followed her as she walked across the floor to reach the dainty sofa.

"So you don't actually careabout _me_, right?" the blonde was looking down. "You're only here to protect the bloodline limit."

Cautiously, the Hyuuga took a seat next to her, sounding unsure, "yes and no."

"It can't be both, Neji!" Ino almost yelled at him. The male eyed her carefully, not missing the way pain briefly passed over her expression.

"I came to give you closure," he said in a soft tone, "majority of my family believes me cruel for my decision but I am not entirely heartless."

Ino laughed, "yeah, you're only some heartless." The girl felt movement from the child she was carrying. Maybe it somehow realized its daddy was near.

"I didn't mean it like that." It was amazing how quickly the girl managed to irk his nerves.

"Fine, I'll play your game," Ino turned her body towards him, "let's tie up our loose ends, shall we?"

Neji gave a ghost of a smile, "do you remember why we became enemies?" The blonde looked surprised.

"Um…it was a few days after my birthday." Ino's eyes glazed over as she began drawing memories. "You said you had something to give me." Neji nodded his head, assuring her she was correct.

"You told me to meet you in our favorite spot. I went. It was midnight. I went and you weren't there," Ino finished.

"You never forgave me," Neji spoke, "but…there is a reason I didn't show." The girl's eyebrows rose in curiosity.

"You never told me why," Ino frowned, "I went to the Compound the next morning and you…you told me never to come over during the day. So I told you I'll nev–"

"Never come over again," Neji finished her sentence. He remembered the moment clearly. He regretted the words the moment they left his mouth and he would never forget her face or the tears that threatened to fall.

Ino looked sad briefly before putting her wall back up and snapping, "why does any of that matter now?"

"Because," Neji reached into his pocket, "I want to give you that surprise now." He pulled out a letter, causing his ex-not-ex to look at him inquisitively.

"What does it say?"

"Everything."

"….." She was silent and hesitant, causing Neji to move closer to her and force the envelope into her hand.

"You told me I suck at talking and you always wished I would tell you my feelings," Neji looked away, "so as a surprise back then…I wrote them out for you." Ino made a motion to open the envelope only to be stopped.

"So I can't read it?" She looked mildly peeved.

Neji sighed, "not while I'm here. I just want you to know that I meant every word." He stood to take his leave.

"…how is this closure?" Ino's voice broke.

"I can't live with myself knowing you believe I'm heartless," he had his back turned as he explained, "the reason I didn't show is because I suffered a concussion during training with Gai-sensei. The Hyuuga medics tended to me and I fell asleep. I never forgave myself." He opened the front door and quickly shut it behind him.

Wasting no time, Ino ripped open the envelope and pulled out the handwritten letter, smiling slightly as she noticed the Hyuuga crest in the corner of the paper. Always so formal.

_Ino,_

_Three nights ago you informed me you held deep feelings for me. You should know I feel the same. However, there are circumstances keeping us apart. I am willing to finally let go of Tenten. It's obvious the relationship has grown stale. I just need to know you'll be willing to accept a jerk like me. I'm selfish, cold, and have never considered your feelings. You've hinted before you wanted a relationship with me and I apologize for brushing you off. I was afraid._

_Despite my coldness, you seem to find pleasure in calling me corny and an amateur at anything romance related. You're right. I am corny. However, please refrain from laughing as you read this. I am sitting beside you and may become embarrassed._

After reading that one sentence, Ino couldn't help but bust out laughing. It was then she began to cry. Tears of joy and tears of sadness. Joy because Neji had a sense of humor and sadness because of that one statement _'I am sitting beside you'._

Perhaps he would've been beside her that night but he wasn't here now and more than likely, he will never be beside her. After clearing her mind, she returned to the letter, curious to find out exactly how 'corny' it was about to become.

_I love talking to you. I love the way you ramble about topics you know I don't care about. I could care less how a woman with a foot much larger than yours bought that last pair of cute sandals. But the simple fact it is all coming out of your mouth, that makes it worthwhile. Because I love talking to you._

_I never liked flowers before I became close to you. Now, the cosmos field is my favorite place in the village. I visit even without your company. Memories are enough to make me smile. I look up and see you doing cartwheels and picking flowers to braid into my hair. I love everything about flowers now because I love you._

_I love you, Ino._

_Yours,_

_Hyuuga Neji_

Within 0.8 seconds of finishing the letter, she quickly crumpled it before deciding tearing it would be more satisfying. She tore the letter into pieces so small, it would be impossible to do anymore damage to it. She sat on the ground with the fragmented letter surrounding her.

The girl lost track of how long she had been there before the sound of a lock clicking forced her to lift her head. Lee was home.

"Ino!" He quickly sat on the floor across from her, "what are you doing down here?"

The Yamanaka stared into black, round eyes before motioning for him to help her stand.

"I cooked," she walked over to the stove, "give me a minute to warm it up. Go shower or something."

Lee watched at her back with a concerned expression before smiling, "thank you!"

"Shut up," Ino mumbled, causing the boy to fall over in an extravagant manner.

"But I am so grateful!" He jumped back up.

"Go shower or I won't let you sleep in the bed!" Ino pointed the spoon at him, causing some curry to drip to the floor.

"H-Hai!" Lee quickly ran into the bathroom. 'Housewives' were scary.

**xXxXxXx**

The walk to the Compound felt extremely long. Neji sighed, realizing he would have to explain to several people why Ino still hasn't returned.

'_Perhaps I should stick a sign outside my room,' _the male nodded at his own brilliant idea.

His clan could be unbearable at times but in some years, it really would be _his _clan. The thought almost disturbed him.

**xXxXxXx**

**PART TWO**

The next day passed entirely uneventfully. At least for Ino. She never left the apartment. So when she woke up Friday morning, the day of the wedding, her natural instinct was to spend to the entire day hiding again. Unfortunately…

_BOOM._

"Wake up, Ino-pig!" An all-out looking Haruno Sakura was standing in Lee's bedroom, "you have a wedding to get to in like three hours!"

"Sa-Sakura?" Ino sat up in surprise.

"It's already after 10. The wedding is for 2," Sakura spoke as she flung open the curtains.

"I'm not going," Ino laid back down and pulled the blanket over her head. However, the ever-persistent pinkette used her monstrous strength to rip the bed of all its sheets and comforter, somehow with Ino remaining unmoved, "what the hell, forehead-girl?"

"Get up, pig!"

"Go away, billboard brow!"

"I have never seen you look so pathetic!" Sakura was yelling even louder now.

"You don't understand, Sakura!" Ino yelled back, "you're in love with Sasuke! Would you go to his and that redhead's wedding?"

Surprisingly, Sakura smirked, "hell yeah I would go. To crash it of course." Ino looked at her in disbelief.

Using that as his cue, Lee walked into the room carrying a set of white robes, "Kanna left a note and said she fitted this especially for you. It's all maternity-ish."

Ino blinked, "who the hell is Kanna?"

Lee blinked back at her, "Laundry Hyuuga." Ino promptly let out a sound of understanding. She never learned laundry chick's name.

Sakura took the robes from the green beast, "go get showered and I'll do your hair when you get out, Ino."

"Wait!" Lee left the room and returned within 20 seconds, "breakfast!" He held out a plate of sweet biscuits, which was promptly snatched away from him.

"Breakfast in bed two days in a row," Ino was talking with her mouth full, "I'll let you sleep in the bed tonight." Lee grinned while Sakura gave them a strange look.

The situation was far weirder than she imagined.

**xXxXxXx**

Neji had just finished an extended meditation exercise before returning to his room. The Compound was abuzz. Everyone had his or her respective duties. It was the first wedding in three years. Despite the circumstances, just as much pomp and circumstances would be going into this one as well.

"Neji-sama," Neji's peace was interrupted by the Hyuuga maid, "may I have a word?"

"If you're about to do something crazy to stop me from marrying Tenten, don't bother," he looked irritated. There had already been two separate incidents of an almost-accident befalling him.

The young woman only smiled as she made her way into the room, "I was straightening up Ino-san's room earlier for her return. I decided to flip her futon and I found this." She held a folded piece of paper to him, "I thought it was cute, Neji-sama."

Neji accepted the item and unfolded it.

It was a sketch of him and Yamanaka kissing under an altar. It was signed by Sai.

He immediately recognized it as the sketch Sai drew for him during the outing he took with Ino.

"I do not understand, why did Sai think I was marrying Yamanaka?" he looked up only to see no one there. Not finding it in his heart to throw away the drawing, he simply placed it in one of his drawers.

'_It isn't a coincidence she gave this to me and not Ino. So, even some of the Branch House are opposed to my marriage,' _he thought bitterly. The many misfortunes today made sense. It wasn't an accident someone 'misplaced' his wedding garments.

It was sabotage.

**xXxXxXx**

Tenten was standing in her 'dressing room' while the Hyuuga seamstress/laundry girl gave her kimono one last fitting. She stared into the mirror and couldn't help but smile. She had to admit, the fancy garb was beautiful on her.

"Tenten-san," her thoughts were interrupted, "the maid will style your hair. This is our traditional Hyuuga wedding headpiece." The item was white, of course, and very old looking.

"That's hideous," Tenten bluntly stated as she stripped of the kimono, "I won't wear it."

"Please respect out traditions, Tenten," the Hyuuga had her eyes closed and her mouth in a straight line. Tenten didn't miss the way she purposely dropped the honorific, a clear sign of deliberate disrespect. Everyone in the Hyuuga household used honorifics no matter the circumstance.

Feeling combatant, Tenten walked past the older woman, bumping her shoulder on the way out. She stopped short after she heard a mumble.

"What was that?" Tenten faced the woman who only smiled.

"I said, no wonder everyone here simply _loves _you, Tenten-san," the seamstress began to collect her items, signaling the conversation was over. Tenten scoffed at her one last time before completing her exit.

The brunette decided to sit in the courtyard until she was called upon again. Hinata, whose face was already beautifully made-up, soon joined her.

"Tenten-chan," Hinata sat on the bench next to her, "have you eaten anything today?"

"No…" Tenten smiled at the younger girl's concern.

"Ano…" Hinata made a strange face, "please do not accept anything Kokoro of the Kitchen offers you. If you wish for a meal, come to me." The girl left rather abruptly.

Tenten had a confused look on her face, not seeing Hinata's smile of victory. The day had been hectic but the former heiress' squad was in the lead. They successfully countered every sabotage attempt so far.

Someone stole Neji's wedding garments and it took the entire team to search the compound, ultimately finding it in Hanabi's wardrobe.

The guards barred Tenten's entrance into the Compound for almost twenty minutes. After investigating her tardiness, a member of the team swiftly dealt with the rebellious guards and escorted her inside.

It was sheer dumb luck that Hyuuga Iroha had been passing the kitchen as the cook poured a bottle of 'Gotta Go, Gotta Go' laxatives into a pot of soup. He promptly informed his leader. Hinata thanked him accordingly.

The Rebellion – 0

The Anti-Rebellion – 3

**xXxXxXx**

Ino stared at her image in the bathroom mirror. It was literally the only mirror in the apartment and the room was cramped. Lee's reflection was behind her.

"You look beautiful," he complimented his friend.

"She better look beautiful!" Sakura standing in the hallway, "I spent like an hour on her hair and makeup alone."

Ino stuck her head out of the bathroom, "good job, billboard brow. My forehead almost looks as big as yours with my hair parted like this." Sakura decided to split Ino's bang and push all of it back into an up do, making her friend's face much more symmetrical.

Lee ushered the Yamanaka out of the bathroom and led her to the living room before walking back towards Sakura in the hall.

"You remember everything, right?" Sakura's voice was low.

The green beast nodded his head, "I do believe it is foolproof. Your intelligence amazes me."

"We spent hours dissecting that thing. I just might knock down that entire Compound if it doesn't work." Sakura tightened one fist and had a look on her face that told Lee she was definitely serious.

"The only complication would be…" he jerked his head in Ino's direction. She was currently lying on the sofa eating a biscuit. The scene of her lying on her head recklessly made Sakura's eyebrow twitch a bit.

"She may be in a bad spot right now but," Sakura's expression softened, "I think she'll do it for _you_, Lee." The pair stared at their friend with smiles.

Ino didn't bother telling Lee about Neji's visit two days ago or the letter meant for her that was penned half a year ago. She knew he would insist on her going confess her love to the Hyuuga or something. Neji's decision was made and no amount of 'confessing' would change it.

"Ino, let's go," Lee offered her a hand which she accepted. He then turned to Sakura, "thank you for helping out, Sakura-chan."

"Anytime," the pinkette winked as she walked out the front door, the pair quickly taking their leave as well. The wedding would begin in 45 minutes.

The countdown has begun.

**xXxXxXx**

"Tenten-san," the maid appeared in the courtyard, "it is time."

Tenten dutifully nodded and followed the Hyuuga into the dressing area. Her hair and makeup was already done (it was the most she ever wore in her life) and now all that was left was to get dressed. She didn't see her fiancé at all yet but that was probably a good thing.

"Your father has not arrived," the maid spoke as she helped Tenten dress, "Hiashi-sama himself will walk down the aisle with you."

"Oh…" Tenten looked downcast. She told her father the wedding was moved up but she already knew he wouldn't show more than likely. Oh well.

"Oh, my…" the maid was looking around the room distressed.

"What's wrong, Kanna-san?" Tenten inquired, causing the Hyuuga to stiffen slightly.

The woman searched the room a bit more before answering, "your headpiece…I can't find it. Also, Kanna is my sister. My name is Kairi."

"Oops," Tenten laughed nervously, at least she tried to be slightly friendly with this Hyuuga after her rough encounter with the other.

The maid turned to face the bride, "well, I guess you won't be wearing it." The maid had a good idea what happened to the headpiece, she just wished someone in the Rebellion had told her beforehand.

Tenten wasn't particularly disappointed by the loss but was actually relieved. She thought about stabbing the offending item with a kunai but luckily it was already out of her hair, literally.

As she stepped down from in front of the mirror, the face of a certain taijutsu-master flashed before her eyes. Despite the image, Tenten still followed the maid to her destination, the outside of the event hall.

'_It's time to let go, Tenten,' _the brunette breathed steadily as she heard some noise coming from behind the closed doors.

It was 1:45 now.

**xXxXxXx**

Ino and Lee found themselves sitting in the very back row of the large room. A very flustered looking Hitomi directed them there and instructed them not to get up before the ceremony ended. It actually sounded a bit like a threat.

"Lee, we're getting some weird looks," the blonde said, "I think people think we're hear to crash the wedding." They were technically seated on the 'bride's side'.

"Now why would we do that?" Lee had his head forward, purposely ignoring the suspicious look on Ino's face, "everyone looks so lively, do they not?"

Cerulean eyes scanned the room, Lee's definition of 'lively' needed some work, "yeah, I guess. It's lame everyone is wearing the exact same clothes but, whatever."

Both shinobi suddenly looked to the left at a slight scuffle going on. Two family members were fighting over a bag of…water balloons? Choosing to ignore the bizarre scene, the two went back to chatting amongst themselves.

**xXxXxXx**

1:55

Neji looked nervously at the watch in his hand. He was still in his bedroom. Countless people have already come to urge him to go to the hall but he sent them all away. He would go when he was ready.

And now he was ready.

He put down the sketch he had been holding and walked to the Hyuuga's seldom used event hall. It was one of the biggest buildings on their large, enclosed property.

"Neji-sama," a branch member bowed before opening the door for him. It was a side entrance and he would take his place at the altar before the procession began. The room quickly hushed at his appearance. Hitomi was already present and put a hand over her mouth to whisper to the groom.

"No funny business," she warned before snapping her head back forward. Neji looked at her in confusion before looking out into the crowd. The majority of the pews were filled with his almost 100 clansmen. Most were looking forward with white eyes with the exception of a few non-Hyuuga husbands and wives.

Neji's eyes scanned the room some more before falling on two figures in the back. The raven-haired male was making faces at one of the children who had turned around in their seat and the blonde next to him was laughing, hitting him on the arm.

"Ahem," the eldest elder, Heero, stood from his seat, "the ceremony will now begin." He hit his cane on the floor three times before returning to his place on the front row. Neji's eyes narrowed as a branch member began playing the piano. He always hated those things.

**xXxXxXx**

Ino mentally prepared herself by taking a few deep breaths as the double doors swung open, figures coming through.

"Aww," Lee had an excited look on his face. "S and M look so cute!" He was referring to the flower girls, currently littering the ground with rose petals.

"….I assume you don't know what S&amp;M means," Ino gave him a strange look, earning herself a blank stare from her companion, "but yes, Sayuri and Mayuri do look adorable."

"I knew their names were something like that," Lee mumbled, "ah! Hinata-chan!"

Hinata and Tokuma had their arms linked as they walked down the aisle. Hinata looked beautiful and her partner looked slightly uneasy.

"Who knew that idiot could actually clean up nicely," Ino commented. Lee nodded his head in nonchalant agreement. The next person was Hanabi walking alone, "brat cleans up nicely too." Lee nodded his head in agreement once more.

The music stopped as Hanabi turned to face the audience. Heero stood up again and addressed the crowd.

"Young Hanabi-sama has requested to sing a song before our bride comes out," he knocked his cane on the ground twice then returned to his seat. The branch member at the piano bench locked eyes with Hanabi, smirking once she winked at him. The Rebellion still had a few tricks up their sleeves.

Hanabi put on a bashful look as the music began, "This song is dedicated to the woman my Neji-nii-san loves." The crowed gushed and cooed at how 'adorable' the statement was. The main house girl then cleared her throat and began to sing.

"_Heart beats fast, colors and promises. _

_How to be brave? How can I love when I'm afraid to fall? _

_But watching you stand alone, All of my doubt suddenly goes away somehow." _Hanabi swayed back and forward as she continued.

Ino looked on in shock, "holy crap, she can sing!"

"Y-Yeah," Lee agreed, "this was unexpected." Nothing could prepare the pair for what happened next.

Hanabi jumped on top one of the pews and shouted to the audience, "this song is from Neji to his love, Yamanaka Ino!" The girl pointed towards her back row and then began bellowing the lyrics once more.

"_I HAVE DIED EVERY DAY WAITING FOR YOU _

_DARLING, DON'T BE AFRAID I HAVE LOVED YOU" _

Hanabi was now fighting off a family member trying to pull her down as she continued screaming.

"_AND ALL ALONG I BELIEVED I WOULD FIND YOU _

_TIME HAS BROUGHT YOUR HEART TO ME I HAVE LOVED YOU _

_FOR A THOUSAND YEARS I'LL LOVE YOU FOR A THOUSAND MORE!"_

After Hanabi was properly subdued and forced into a seat, Heero stood up and cleared his throat, "I will not acknowledge that. Perhaps Hinata would like to sing appropriately for our audience instead?"

Hinata was gripping her bouquet hard and gritting her teeth. She didn't anticipate something that drastic! After hearing her name, she quickly flushed and denied the request.

"Thank you for your cooperation," Heero ignored her denial and clacked his cane twice. Hinata suddenly was shoved forward and quickly composed herself, turning towards the man at the piano.

"I, um…" Hinata started, "I guess this goes out to the happy couple." Music suddenly began to play, different this time. Hinata blushed furiously as she recognized the melody. The piano player was a Rebellion member!

Everyone stared expectantly at the ex-heiress. Even Neji looked at her waiting for something. After catching eyes with her older cousin and seeing the look in them, she quickly changed her perspective on things.

He looked so unhappy.

The indigo-haired girl stood straight up and gave a look of determination as she finally gave vocal accompaniment to the melody.

'_This love has taken its toll on me, she said goodbye too many times before._

_Her heart is breaking in front of me, and I have no choice…BUT NOW I'LL SAY GOODBYE TO HER."_

Ino looked on in horror, "Lee! Those are NOT the lyrics!" Lee had huge grin on his face. This was perfect!

After realizing their leader had gone rouge, the same family member that subdued Hanabi moved to capture the young woman. However, Hinata wasn't finished. She turned to point at Neji.

"_AND YOUR HEART IS BREAKING IN FRONT OF ME. _

_YOU HAVE NO CHOICE,_

_YOU HAVE TO SAY GOODBYE-YE-YEEE" _Hinata's run was cut short after someone practically tackled her.

The room was in literal chaos, no one expected that. After realizing the weight of what she had just done, Hinata put her head down and returned to where she was previously standing. Words couldn't explain how guilty she felt. She publicly told Neji to break up with his fiancé, her friend!

And in only a matter of minutes, that friend would be standing next to her

**xXxXxXx**

"What the hell is all that?" Tenten was utterly confused by the commotion behind the closed doors. Hiashi had informed her it was customary for someone to entertain the audience before he bride made her entrance but it sounded like they were having a party in there!

"Hyuuga only knows," Hiashi was shaking his head, observing the scene with his byakugan. After a few minutes, the room was calm and the piano player began the classic 'Here Comes the Bride' with an unusual amount of wrong notes hit.

Tenten stiffened as Hiashi held his arm out to her. The door attendant then allowed them entrance. This was the moment she was both looking forward to and dreading at the same time.

Chocolate eyes darted around the room, taking in every pair of eyes currently glued to her. Her heart was beating to an almost impossible limit. Her breath was hitched in her throat and now her legs felt shaky. The shakiness could be attributed to her unsteady gait because of the high sandals she was forced to wear.

Looking towards the bride's side, Tenten made brief eye contact with both Ino and Lee. Lee stared at her with wide eyes while Ino held an indifferent look. She felt a pang of jealously at the way Lee suddenly laced his fingers with Ino's but then she realized her jealously made no sense.

People should be jealous of _her_ right now.

**xXxXxXx**

"She looks so beautiful." Lee stared at the bride in awe. His heart had leapt at the sight of her. Taking a moment to check on Ino, he became worried once he noticed her hands shaking in her lap. To ease the pain he knew she was feeling, he decided to hold her hand like the good, supportive friend he was.

"This is real…" the blonde mumbled mostly to herself. Lee simply squeezed her hand tighter.

**xXxXxXx**

Neji couldn't believe how amazing his bride looked. No dirt smudges, no hair out of place, lips painted red. It wasn't his teammate at all.

Hitomi cleared her throat to get everyone's attention once the bride finally made it in front of the groom, "We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of…"

Neji had already zoned out. Weddings never interested him, not even his own now. He was looking everywhere except at Tenten. He observed the way Hanabi was pouting on the front row, the way Hinata looked at the flowers in her hands sadly, the way the flower girls were picking their noses and rubbing boogers on each other. It was much more interesting than looking into his bride's brown eyes.

"Neji…" Tenten whispered, capturing his attention. The kunoichi simply smiled at him, a smile he returned. There was mutual understanding between them. In a way, they were both using each other.

She using him to get a baby and he using her to keep his title of heir. Yep, understanding.

"Do you, Tenten, take Neji as your lawfully wedded husband?" Hitomi followed the script.

"I do," Tenten said, accompanied by a shrug.

"And do you, Neji, take Tenten as your lawfully wedded wife?"

"…I do," Neji took a bit longer to answer.

Hitomi took a deep breath. Now came the part she was dreading.

"Into this union, Tenten and Neji now come to be joined. If any of you can show just cause why they may not be lawfully wed, speak now, or else forever hold your peace." Hitomi cringed slightly.

At least six different voices shouted from the audience. Expecting this, Heero stood and addressed the clan.

"This union is bound by contract, no arguments shall stand." He tapped his cane firmly.

Hanabi stood up, "but I don't like her!" Tenten grimaced.

"Do not speak ill of the future Head Lady." Heero tapped his cane. Hanabi sat back down.

Tokuma cleared his throat from next to Neji. He opened his mouth to speak but then promptly closed it after receiving several glares.

"She doesn't even go here!" an indistinct voice shouted from the crowd.

"Who said that? That does not even make sense." Heero looked around the room before shaking his head and tapping his cane again.

The room was quiet for a while and Hitomi was just about to close out the wedding before two figures suddenly ran straight towards the altar. It was Yamanaka Ino and Rock Lee.

'_Oh, for the love of…' _the elder slapped the book in her hands against her face.

**xXxXxXx**

**Part Three**

"Idiots…" Ino was watching the 'objections' from her seat, shaking her head. The blonde winced in pain after Lee suddenly squeezed her had extremely tightly, "ouch, Lee!"

"I'm so sorry!" He loosened his grip on her. The male was sitting in his seat looking very antsy.

"…Lee?" Ino had an apprehensive look on her face.

"We have to move, now," Lee suddenly jumped up, pulling the blonde along with him. Ino protested greatly, trying to break away from the jounin. She refused to have people thinking she was in on whatever shenanigans he was about to initiate.

Lee planted himself firmly in front of the altar, steadied Ino's wavering figure, then addressed the officiate, "I object."

"Great," Hitomi said flatly, "now go sit back down."

"Let us hear the boy out," Hiashi stood.

Lee pulled a stack of papers out of his robes, "here I hold a copy of the documents Neji, Tenten, and Ino signed almost four months ago."

Hiashi nodded, "yes, that is indeed a copy of the contract." The Clan Head was humoring the boy.

"This contract was drawn up to ensure Neji will marry and preserve the Hyuuga honor. It names Tenten as his fiancé and names Ino as their surrogate. The papers indicate Ino has forfeited all maternal rights to the child, giving Neji sole custody by way of blood."

"Yes." Hiashi wondered where he was going with this.

"However! If you turn to page four, there is one particular part that stands out to me." Lee shifted through the documents before reading out loud.

"'_Clause 6 – Yamanaka Ino will forfeit all maternal rights towards Hyuuga Neji's child.'" _

Heero suddenly grew irate, "get to the point, boy! I wrote that contract myself. There are no loopholes!"

"I am not trying to exploit a loophole," Lee had fire in his eyes, "I am simply pointing out a falsity." That was a 'big word' Sakura had instructed him to use.

"Which would be?"

Lee pulled Ino forward then put a hand on her back, "the child Yamanaka Ino carries is _not _Hyuuga Neji's! It is mine!"

"Oh, hell no!"

"Our ancestors have died twice."

"Take that [BEEP]!"

"Scandalous!"

Hiashi raised his hand for silence. Ino's face was red as a tomato. She was embarrassed! People will think she…with…Lee!?

"No one here believes that." Hiashi was frowning. "However, I am afraid I must halt this union until the matter is investigated. Neji will not be rushed into marriage needlessly."

One half of the room broke out into cheer and applause. The other half had their heads down, praying for restoration of the their clan's honor.

Pleased with himself, Lee grinned and gave the couple in front of him a thumbs-up. Neji had an impassive look on his face while Tenten looked distraught.

"Lee," she stepped down to face him, "how could you? You knew how badly I wanted this. Why would you…why would you lie?" Time could have stopped for all they knew. Lee had a shocked look on his face as a cross Tenten stared him down.

"I did it for you, Tenten," Lee didn't care about the many bodies bumping into him as people left the building, "I love you." Tenten's mouth dropped after the confession.

"Lee…" Tenten's anger was subdued. Ino began to feel woozy and Lee steadied her again on reflex.

"I love you, Tenten," Lee moved closer to her.

And there, among many Hyuugas, young and old, Lee and Tenten shared their first kiss.

Tokuma placed a hand on Neji's shoulder, who was watching the scene wordlessly, "it happens to the best of us, Neji-sama."

"You've had your best friend kiss your bride in front of you at your own wedding after proclaiming to be the father of your child and helping your baby's mother avoid you?" Neji's asked with major skepticism.

"…never mind," the older male patted him on his back and walked off.

Hinata approached him next, leaning her head on his shoulder, "Neji-nii-san, it's for the best." The girl was smiling and had a tinge of pink on her face.

"I know," he spoke flatly.

Lee and Tenten were still holding each other's faces and just staring at each other with huge grins. Ino lost her balance once more and the couple simply steadied her together before Lee began to speak.

"My beautiful Tenten, I am so sorry for taking this away from you but I can't imagine my life without you," he grabbed her hands, "it may not be soon but I promise you, one day I will give you more children than you can handle!"

Hanabi happened to be walking by and promptly ran off to vomit after the mental image of Lee giving _anyone _babies.

"I have to go," Ino was sweating profusely, "I don't feel good." Her voice was so soft that the couple didn't even hear her. Only one person did.

**xXxXxXx**

"Yamanaka," Neji had followed the girl out of the building, "where are you going?"

Ino halted in her steps then turned slowly, "home."

"This is your home," he walked to close the distance between them.

"Neji, don't," Ino abruptly said before backing up, "Tenten ditched you, I'm not your replacement."

"Ino-san!" a group of about five Hyuugas interrupted the couple.

The Hyuuga maid addressed her, "your room is ready for you. Please come home." The other family members backed up her statement.

The Yamanaka looked teary eyed, "you guys…" She wanted nothing more than to return to her life in the Hyuuga Compound but she just couldn't. Not as long as Neji was there.

"Ino," it was Neji again.

"Don't call me that," the blonde snapped at him, much to the surprise of everyone present, "you call me by my name when you want something. I'm Yamanaka to you." With that, she pushed past the group and left the Compound.

The five Hyuugas glared at their heir.

"….what?" Neji spat impatiently. Everyone simply shook their head and walked off. Neji briefly contemplated following the girl but he knew she needed to time. All he wanted was for her not to hate him.

Much to his surprise, a flash of yellow suddenly came back into his view.

"Your letter…" Ino was blushing, hand subconsciously moving over her abdomen, "I would have said yes." She quickly turned to leave once more.

Neji watched until she disappeared from him again, "I know." The Hyuuga was drawn from his thoughts after Lee and Tenten suddenly emerged from the hall.

"Neji, my rival!" Lee held a hand out to his friend, "I hope there is no bad blood between us shinobi."

Neji shook the other man's hand, "I guess all is fair in love and war." Lee gave a goofy grin before grabbing Tenten and pulling her into the conversation.

"Tenten, my love and Neji, my rival," Lee pulled them into a rather awkward group hug.

Tenten pulled away, "and don't forget Ino, your baby's mother." The girl laughed hesitantly as her joke fell flat.

"Where has Ino gone anyway?" Lee asked Neji.

"I don't know. Home probably," Neji looked away, "I'll be going now."

"Goodbye, my rival!" Lee gave his farewell before leaving the Compound with his maybe-girlfriend, "where shall we go now, Tenten?"

Said girl smiled at her companion, "you tell me, you're the one who crashed my wedding."

"Well then, we shall go wherever our youth takes us!"

**xXxXxXx**

Ino had been lying on Lee's sofa for some time now. Soon after her arrival, she dipped a towel in cold water to put over her forehead and had been nursing herself ever since. She still felt sick. Lying on the sofa, now dressed in only her nightgown, Ino groaned when she heard the door suddenly fling open.

Lee and Tenten's laughter rapidly filled the room as they tumbled into the apartment, still embracing each other.

"Back after only six hours….did I miss something?" Ino sat up to dip her towel back into the bowl of water and wrung it out, observing the way her 'baby's father' was holding the weapons' mistress.

Tenten turned to her and beamed, "Lee and I are in love."

"Oh," Ino laid back on the sofa with a smile, "so I didn't miss anything then."

Lee suddenly swept Tenten up bridal style and carried her off to the bedroom, accidently bumping her head against a wall but, whatever.

"Oi," Ino yelled after them, "that's where I sleep!"

The couple came tumbling back out, still laughing. Tenten made her way over to the blonde.

"Sleep? What are you doing here anyway?" The girl still sounded amused.

"I live here," Ino mumbled before using her arm to cover her eyes. She didn't appreciate the way the couple barged in and turned on literally every light in the house. The Yamanaka had the worst headache of her life.

Tenten froze up for a second before turning to her maybe-boyfriend, "I didn't know that."

"Uh," Lee began to panic a bit, "it wasn't a secret or anything. I just haven't seen you in almost two days." The last thing he needed was more bad blood between the kunoichi.

"We sleep in bed together," Ino said slyly. If Tenten wanted to let her imagination run wild, that wasn't her problem, "he even brought up S&amp;M today."

"Ino!" Lee looked at his 'roommate' in contempt. Said roommate sat up in displeasure before suddenly vomiting next to the sofa, "Ino!" Lee rushed to her.

Tenten watched the scene worriedly, "I think we should bring her to the hospital."

"No," Lee helped his friend stand up, "we'll just get her in bed. She'll probably feel better in the morning." The green beast felt guilty. He was out with Tenten for hours not knowing Ino was here in pain.

Tenten watched as Lee disappeared into the bedroom and returned after about three minutes. The pair then sat on his sofa, ignoring the puddle of vomit dangerously close to Tenten's expensive, Hyuuga-given sandals.

"She isn't your responsibility, Lee," Tenten urged the male, "Neji should step up, seriously."

Lee sighed, "our teammate is very complicated." Tenten mumbled in agreement. She knew better than anyone how well Neji could mask his true feelings and kept all his thoughts to himself.

"Tenten," Lee was smiling, "I love you."

"I love you too, Lee," Tenten returned the sentiment before leaning in for a kiss, making it their 46th today, "maybe we should take it slow?"

"I think it's too late for that," the hot-blooded ninja laughed. Tenten simply shrugged and kissed him again. That made 47.

"I have to go," Tenten pulled away, "I think I should tell my father I'm not married or something."

Lee looked slightly disappointed, "okay." The couple kissed one more time before Tenten took her leave. After undressing, throwing the white robes over the vomit puddle, and eating leftover curry, the male finally retreated to his bedroom. His eyes grew soft as he gazed at the blonde breathing heavily.

Lee sat on the bed and touched her forehead, "Ino?"

"I'm alive," she mumbled before cracking open one eye, "I'm happy for you, Lee."

"Thank you," he showed his gratitude, "I'm finally with the beautiful Tenten, now all that is left is–"

"I'm not going to date Neji. Let it go," Ino turned on her side, "now shut up and let's go to sleep." Lee happily obliged. He knew Tenten would frown about him not sleeping on the sofa but after all, it was _his _bed.

Neji and Tenten weren't married and Lee finally had the girl of his dreams. All was well.

However, Lee knew it would never be a _true _happy ending until Ino found her happiness as well. There was still much to be done.

**End Chapter Nine**

* * *

**A/N: Woohoo! The hard part is over! Now NejiIno gets the spotlight back after all that LeeTen fluff.**

**I'm so happy to have my loyal readers. I'm writing this story for you guys. Someone told me I'm putting way too much effort into a story not many people are reading and to focus on my other fics but hey, whatever. I'll update 'Succumb to Me' soon enough.**

**There are two different directions for this story I'm currently torn between. I'll probably write two different chapters then post the one I'm most comfortable with so the update may take longer than usual ~ LilacBlossom**


	10. Chapter 10

**A/N: This chapter was way too long originally so it will be divided into parts. One from Neji's perspective, one from Ino's, then one involving both of them. Because of this, the timeline of these events may be confusing. They don't all happen in order but by the end it will come together. Enjoy**

**Sorry for errors, only proofread once **

**Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto**

* * *

The wedding-not-wedding was already two weeks ago even though Tenten remembers every sound and smell like it was yesterday. This also meant that Lee and Tenten have been together for two weeks. Yep, two weeks. It was a pretty significant milestone for the pair therefore…

Lee and Tenten decided to celebrate their two-week anniversary with a day of no training and only an amazingly planned date. It was an exciting day and Tenten couldn't be happier, Neji never celebrated their anniversaries! Her happiness was quickly shattered however once she arrived at her boyfriend's apartment and found him with hefty, dark bags under his eyes and an overbearing odor in his home.

"My beautiful Tenten, I am afraid we will have to reschedule." Lee looked remorseful.

"But…" Tenten started, "you can't reschedule an anniversary. I mean, I know it's silly but tomorrow won't be our anniversary anymore."

Lee looked pained before sighing, "It's Ino, she's sick again."

"Oh…" Tenten's shoulders slumped.

"It's the third time now so I'm taking her to see Sakura today." Lee hoped his girlfriend would understand.

"That's fine," Tenten muttered before bidding him farewell. She wasn't angry; she knew the pregnant girl's health was important. However, she did wish Lee would send her back to the Hyuugas already.

Ino had become the center of Lee's life in a way. She never left the apartment and Lee stayed home more than usual now. And when he did go out, it somehow ended up tying into Ino.

Their date to the sweet shop? He had to bring home biscuits for Ino. Their trip to the boutique on Main Street to buy her something nice for their date? He only chose that particular shop because he had to buy Ino a new shirt after he shrunk her original in the wash. Even _during _that particular date at the Imperial? He ordered something to-go so Ino wouldn't have to cook that night.

It was becoming unbearable! She loved Lee and she was happy to be in a new, fresh relationship with him but she just couldn't shake the feelings.

Even with her new boyfriend, she was still second to Yamanaka Ino.

**xXxXxXx**

**You, Me, Her, and It**

**Chapter 10: Her Circumstances**

**Day One **

Ino felt cold. That was the only sensation she could register. Looking around, she realized Lee had led her to Konoha Hospital. This made her rather upset. She was a medic! She didn't need to see any doctor! Especially if it was–

"You're late, Ino-pig." Especially if it was a certain notorious assistant head medic with a mop of pink hair.

"Shut up, forehead-girl. Lee didn't even tell me we were coming here," Ino countered, Lee behind her let out a nervous chuckle.

Sakura sighed. "You look like crap." The jounin led her friends into a room before going fetch Ino's medical records. She sincerely hoped this visit wasn't Neji-related like the previous one two and a half months ago.

Lee observed the pinkette with extreme interest as she took Ino's vital signs and asked questions about any symptoms she was experiencing. The girl frowned a bit before finally giving an explanation.

"I'll need some tests to confirm it but," Sakura looked hesitant, "I think it's preeclampsia, Ino." Lee had a look of curiosity while Ino's face turned to shock.

"Well, I mean," Ino addressed the medic, "that's not a big deal, right? It's not that uncommon."

Emerald eyes filled with pity, she knew the blonde understood the implications. "It's not _that _big of a deal but it is something to worry about since you're only in your second trimester."

"Give me two weeks and I'll be in my third!" Ino looked at her pleadingly. She was bargaining, another sign of denial.

Sakura began scanning papers on her clipboard before flipping the page and scribbling something. "I'm going to prescribe you some medications to control your blood pressure. That should improve a lot of your symptoms. It just really sucks you have this so early in your pregnancy. If we can't stop it from worsening then…" Sakura looked at her friend.

"I know what it means," Ino mumbled. "Go order the meds or whatever so I can leave."

"Are you still holed up in Lee's apartment?"

"Duh, I can't go home-home because my dad will ask questions and I refuse to go back to the Compound." Ino was persistent about that topic.

"Yeah, yeah, Neji is a jerk. I know. You're on bed rest, pig." Sakura stood before walking towards the door, making a hand motion for the silent young man in green to follow her.

Lee quickly jumped up and met the pinkette in the hall. "What's prelampsa?" He butchered the word beyond recognition.

"Ai yi yi," Sakura slapped her forehead with her clipboard, "she's so damn stubborn."

"Sakura-chan…" Lee prompted his friend to give him an explanation.

"It's something a lot of women develop during pregnancy." Sakura straightened up to become professional. "The biggest clue is her high as hell blood pressure. You also say she's been vomiting, right?"

Lee nodded. "It happens out of nowhere."

"That worries me. It's severe." Sakura ran her fingers through her hair. "It wouldn't be a problem if she was farther along in her pregnancy. Like I said, it _is _common. But this early…"

"So what does it mean?" The male was getting impatient. He needed to know what was wrong with his roommate.

"There's a good risk the baby may not survive this pregnancy. If Ino's condition worsens, she'll be at risk for organ failure. Her and the baby will die unless we intervene, Lee." Sakura was grim.

Lee looked distraught. "I do not understand. Why is this happening?"

"The cause is mostly unknown. There is a chance everything will turn out fine but we have to prepare for the worst. If her condition deteriorates, I will be forced to induce labor and stabilize Ino. The hospital staff is equipped to handle a premature baby but right now, it's too soon. The baby isn't viable; it's not ready to live outside of the womb. The baby will die."

"Then…we just have to wait, right?" Lee looked afraid. "Wait until the baby is viable?" He appreciated the fact Sakura wasn't sugarcoating the situation.

"Lee…Ino is only about 22 weeks along. About 5 and a half months. A baby will not be viable until at least 26 weeks and even then that's high-risk and the baby could still die. We can treat her to the best of our abilities but I don't know if Ino's condition will hold for an entire month." Sakura was worried for her friend's health.

"That can't happen…" Lee's voice trailed off.

"Take Ino home. I'll bring over her prescriptions. If her condition worsens, take her to the Hyuugas. I can instruct their home medics on proper care." She was flipping through the clipboard again.

"You think I can't take care of her?"

"Lee, you have to get back to your life. I know you've been turning down missions. Ino isn't your responsibility." Sakura was giving her comrade genuine advice. "She won't stay in the hospital, you know how stubborn she is. The Hyuuga home medics are the best choice. For you and her."

Lee did something very uncharacteristic, he became angry. "She won't go there! You think I haven't tried? It's been two weeks and I brought it up at least thirty times."

"She needs to be monitored, Lee," Sakura urged, "and you need to go back to your life. Be with Tenten. Make her happy. I don't know why you have this chivalry-like attachment to Ino but you can't take care of her. She isn't your res–"

"Responsibility," Lee finished for her, suddenly becoming melancholy. Sakura gave him a weak smile before waving and walking off. She had to make sure the pharmacy workers weren't slacking off.

And for the first time in months, Lee let a few tears fall down his face. Not his _"Gai-sensei!" _tears, but tears of utter and complete frustration.

**xXxXxXx**

Lee ended up walking Ino to the Konohagakure Intelligence Division since the building was near the hospital before making a mad dash to the Hyuuga Compound. He decided to bypass talking to Neji and requested an audience with the Clan Head himself.

Hiashi had a contemplative look on his face, "I do agree, this situation is dire." He tapped his fingers on his desk.

"Ino will not return willingly and I will not force her," Lee explained.

"Well then…we will have to convince the young lady," Hiashi called for the Hyuuga messenger.

Lee looked defeated, "Ino will not be convinced easily even if it is for her health."

"You say her pregnancy more than likely will not reach full-term, correct?" Hiashi was looking down as he wrote something on paper in perfect calligraphy.

"Yes, Hiashi-sama."

The Clan Head folded the parchment and handed it to the Hyuuga messenger. "Bring this to the elder Hitomi. Tell her it is priority." Lee watched curiously as Tokuma bowed before leaving.

"Lee-san, thank you for bringing this to the attention of my clan," Hiashi was dismissing him, "return Yamanaka to your care. You will hear from us very soon."

Lee looked disappointed, he was hoping the Hyuugas would do something about it today. "Yes, Hiashi-sama." The jounin bowed before leaving.

He still had a few more things to do before returning home. He had to find and apologize to Tenten.

**xXxXxXx**

"I already know it's a boy," Inoichi had his head on his daughter's belly, "he's so anxious in there."

Ino had an embarrassed look on her face. "I'll find out soon, dad."

"I guess he'll have white eyes, won't he?" Inoichi stood and smiled after his daughter nodded, "Speaking of white eyes, I ran into Neji recently. His hair really does grow fast."

Ibiki, who was sitting at a desk nearby, noticed the way his pupil suddenly stiffened. "Inoichi, it would appear your daughter does not like the topic of this Neji."

"Whaaaat?" The blonde male had his hands on his hips. "He's the father of her child, don't you know?" Ibiki did in fact know since Inoichi brings up his daughter, her fiancé, and their child so much around the building.

"I know I personally don't like the topic." Ibiki smirked while his coworker slumped over in defeat.

Inoichi motioned for the young Yamanaka to sit before returning to his own corner of the room. His daughter's face was a pleasant surprise but he still had work to do. Ino looked around the office, noticing the abnormal amount of papers littering the walls.

"Do you have a prisoner?" The girl inquired.

Ibiki was the first to look up. "A missing-nin, we think. Found him just outside the gates."

"There has to be more to it than that." Ino looked at him with one eyebrow raised.

"Nothing you have to worry about, Ino," Inoichi was speaking now, "just focus on making my grandchild as healthy as possible."

Ino looked at her dad with a quivering lip, "I want to work."

"You're on maternity leave," Inoichi said without looking up again. The male's head did snap up, however, after his daughter burst into tears. He immediately jumped up and ran to comfort her. "Ino! What is it? Are you hurting?"

This only caused Ino to cry even harder, prompting Inoichi to tear up himself. Ibiki watched the scene with a neutral face. The hardened man was immune to tears. His partner was just too soft when it came to his only child.

"If it'll make you feel better," Ibiki had to speak loudly, "you can go poke around in the guy's head. He spat in my face earlier. Give him hell, kid." Ino's face promptly lit up as she grabbed the man's file and ran out of the room.

Inoichi stood and crossed his arms. "That's unethical."

"A grown man crying is unethical," Ibiki muttered before speaking clearly, "I think a hormonal Yamanaka might just be what we need to get this guy to crack."

The blonde's face suddenly had a look of realization. "He has a pregnant wife. You're trying to play mind games with him."

"That's my job." Ibiki let out one of his twisted laughs.

**xXxXxXx**

Ino was already dressed for bed once Lee finally made it back to his apartment. The blonde silently offered him some of the dinner she cooked before retiring to the bedroom. Today was a good day in her opinion. Well, if you don't include the news she received during her hospital trip.

"I think Tenten enjoyed our date!" Lee called from the bathroom. Even though it was a few hours late, he was still able to squeeze in LeeTen time.

"I got to interrogate a prisoner!" Ino yelled to make sure he could hear her through the door and over the running shower.

Lee walked into the bedroom, drying his hair with a towel. "What happened?"

"He so cracked," Ino laughed at the memory, "he took one look at me and was ready to spill his guts out. He was pleading for them to just let him go home to his wife. Poor guy."

"Wow," Lee looked impressed, "you're incredible."

"Yes, I know," she placed her head on the pillow, "I think I want to visit Choji and Shikamaru tomorrow."

Lee smiled. "I am happy you have an interest in the outside world." The blonde simply rolled her eyes and tried to get some sleep. Lee, on the other hand, sat up a while longer and stared at the wall in front of him.

He had to think of a way to keep Ino as healthy as possible until the Hyuuga clan found a way to get her to the Compound and under the care of their family medics.

**xXxXxXx**

**Chapter Ten: His Circumstances**

**Day One**

"Neji."

"Tenten." The Hyuuga wasn't surprised when he noticed his teammate approaching, he knew she and her boyfriend would crack on their 'no-training' pledge for the day.

Tenten crossed her arms and straightened her back before speaking. "You need to go to Lee's apartment and make Ino go back to the Compound."

"Ino does not take well to demands." Neji tried to walk around the girl in his way, surprised when she took a step to the left to further block his path.

"Then ask her," Tenten proposed.

"I am not Ino's favorite person right now," he leaned in and smirked "ask Lee."

Tenten grew frustrated at the male's antics. "You're so annoying."

"You're cynical."

"You're pretentious."

"You're unlikeable."

The brunette girl's jaw dropped. "You're hateable."

"That isn't a word. You're senseless."

"You're lonely." Tenten looked smug.

Neji felt the need to one-up his ex. "You're desperate." He immediately regretted this after Tenten furiously pulled out her hidden kunai and began their long overdue death match.

**xXxXxXx**

Naruto and Kiba were on their way to Ichiraku's when they passed training ground 12. The sound of an explosive made them stop in their tracks.

"Woah!" Naruto took and few steps back, "explosive tags aren't even allowed this close to town!" The blonde couldn't believe someone was being even more reckless than him.

Kiba had his hand over his face as a visor. "Looks like Neji and Tenten are going at it pretty hardcore." The boy began to laugh once he noticed Neji was forced to use rotation to get his ex off of him.

"I have an idea," Naruto looked devious before standing on top of a nearby bench, "COME ONE, COME ALL! COME AND WITNESS THE GREATEST BATTLE OF OUR GENERATION!" Many villagers stopped in curiosity.

"Man, you're evil," Kiba was looking at his buddy in amusement. Naruto began leading a line of people in the direction of the fighting couple.

**xXxXxXx**

"You're insufferable," Tenten jumped into the air and tried to land a drop kick on her opponent, only for him to dodge it with quick movements.

"You're boring," Neji attempted to bombard her with his palms. The pair were very conscious of the group watching them but they didn't care. They were only civilians.

"You're not even that cute!" Tenten yelled. The crowd immediately erupted with cheers and some boos.

Kiba covered his mouth to laugh. "That was low, Tenten." Naruto was practically dying of laughter next to him.

"I don't like brunettes." Neji grew even more irritated.

"Well….well…neither do I!" Tenten had stopped her attack after she ran out of comebacks. The crowd grumbled at her lackluster performance.

Neji stood up from his stance and crossed his arms, "I can't tell looking at your dating record."

"Ooooooh burn!"

"Mommy, what's a brunette?"

"Brunettes are hot, 'ttebayo!"

"Is pink a brunette?"

Everyone turned to look at Kiba after he asked his question. He simply sweat-dropped and scratched the back of his head. The unruly shinobi would ask Shino his opinion later. Shino knew everything.

Tenten glared at Neji. "You know what I just realized?"

"What would that be?" Neji asked.

"I think we needed this," the girl tilted her head slightly as her expression softened.

Neji was silent. He agreed with the girl but at the same time he didn't. He had been satisfied with the way things ended. Unfortunately, fresh wounds were easy to open.

"Neji?"

"You're right." He looked at her before looking away again.

"You're yielding," Tenten said softly.

"You're empathetic."

"You're…misunderstood."

"You're in love." He was looking at her now.

"So are you." The girl smiled. Neji looked vaguely surprised but otherwise showed no emotion.

Naruto grinned at the scene while Kiba rolled his eyes. The crowd dispersed after the intense battle turned into mush. They wanted action. A very confused looking Lee then arrived on the scene.

"Did I miss something?" Lee addressed the two males next to him.

"Not much," Naruto folded his arms behind his head, "just a youthful battle of youth!"

"The lotus of Konoha does bloom twice, after all." Kiba played along.

Lee shrugged and walked towards his teammates. "Tenten, I see you've been training." His eyes held hints of sadness.

Tenten looked apologetic while Neji responded to his friend. "It's not her fault. It is mine."

"Well then," Lee extended a hand to his girlfriend, "let's go celebrate our anniversary!" Tenten smiled before joining hands with the boy and bidding the other three farewell.

Naruto's eyes widened. "They've been together a whole year already!?"

"No," Neji's eyebrow twitched, "it's their two week anniversary." The group of males stood in silence for some time, shifting awkwardly.

"Yeah, I don't want a girlfriend."

"Good thing Hinata isn't like that."

**xXxXxXx**

**Her Circumstances**

**Day Two**

Two weeks had gone by and Ino was now officially six months pregnant. She felt like she was getting bigger every single day but that was just her imagination again more than likely. The young Yamanaka was the happiest she had ever been in months.

Ino reluctantly woke up around 7 because of the rays of light coming in through the window. Lee made a point to pull open the curtains every morning before he left for 5AM training. After groggily getting out of bed and closing the curtains, the kunoichi suddenly had a headache.

A really bad headache.

"Not again." Ino sighed as she walked over to the dresser and pulled out a bottle of pills. She tried to follow her prescribed regimen but the girl had a habit of not taking her meds until symptoms came on.

After her morning routine, the blonde was about to get back in bed before a knock came from the door. With a sigh, she made her way to answer it.

"Rock Lee's resi– " she stopped short. "What the hell do you want?"

It was the Hyuuga messenger. "Hiashi-sama has requested Lee-san's presence at the Compound." He handed her a letter with the Hyuuga crest, which she then took and threw across the room.

"Did you seriously have to come this early?" Ino's eyebrow twitched in irritation.

"This is Hiashi-sama's request," the young man said in defense.

"I'll tell him you stopped by or you can check the training fields yourself." Ino promptly shut the door and spun around to go back to bed. That quick movement, however, proved to be detrimental after the girl's head suddenly went light, causing her to hit the ground.

_BOOM._

Tokuma turned back towards the residence after he heard the suspicious sound. He put his ear to the door before knocking lightly, "Yamanaka-san?" Silence. He knocked louder. "Yamanaka-san, are you there?" More silence.

After waiting a few more seconds for a furious blonde to open the door telling him to go away, the shinobi immediately figured something must be wrong. Activating his byakugan, his mouth opened in horror at the sight of Ino's crumpled body. He had to help the girl but he couldn't just knock Lee's door down.

The man went around to the back of the apartment building, hopped the fence, jumped up on a conveniently placed cinder block, scaled the wall a few feet, forcibly opened a window he hoped was Rock Lee's, and climbed in.

"Yamanaka-san!" The man quickly ran to the body lying on the ground, "Yama– Ino! Ino, wake up." Realizing the girl was out cold, he realized he had no choice but to get her medical attention.

Without bothering to shut the door all the way, the messenger took off in the direction of the Compound, unconscious blonde in his arms. It was funny the way history tends to repeat itself.

**xXxXxXx**

Ino awoke with a damp towel on her forehead and a blanket pulled all the way up to her neck. She groaned slightly and shut her eyes tightly, not very fond of the lighting around her.

"Lee…" She began, "close the curtains or I'll kill you."

"I hope you aren't hallucinating." An unfamiliar voice suddenly said, causing Ino to snap up.

"Who are you!?" She practically screeched.

The middle-aged man sighed, "I told them you would want a female medic."

"Where am I?" Ino relaxed a bit after seeing the man had white eyes.

"The Hyuuga Compound," the man answered, "don't tell me you don't recognize your own room."

Ino blinked before looking around. She noticed the familiar white vanity set with a pink robe draped over the seat and the white, stuffed teddy bear lying next to her with a purple ribbon around its neck.

The girl picked up the object, "Pouf…" She stared at the bear before turning to the man, noticing he was packing up his supplies.

"Welcome home, Ino-san," he stood and took his leave. Ino subconsciously hugged the stuffed animal in her arms before lying down on the mat.

"Stupid Hyuugas…kidnapping me like this," Ino mumbled, "Hyuugas are so stupid, aren't they Pouf?" She made the bear nod it's head.

Making no real effort to discern how she even got here, Ino decided to go back to sleep.

**xXxXxXx**

Ino had been 'home' for a couple hours before finally leaving her room. The maid brought her a change of outfit, an orange maternity dress with the kanji for 'boar' on it and Ino couldn't help but wonder when and why it was even made.

Turning towards the center of the Compound, Ino immediately realized the building was much more lively than usually. _Much _more.

"Hey, Ino-san!"

"Ino-san, we missed you!"

"Ino-san, I still want that shougi rematch."

The blonde couldn't help but smile at all the greetings she was receiving. She was perfectly content with eating with the Branch members before Hinata showed up.

"Ino-chan!" The lavender-eyed girl hugged her. "I'm so happy you're actually here. Hanabi was betting you wouldn't show up."

"Oh, um…" Ino wasn't entirely sure what the kunoichi in front of her was talking about. "I probably wouldn't have come on my own, to be honest."

Hinata blinked in surprise. "Ino-chan… This is all for you."

Before Ino could ask the heiress for an explanation, the door to main hall suddenly slid open, revealing a room full of Hyuugas.

"Surprise!" Dozens of Hyuugas greeted the young woman as she entered the hall.

"Wha-What is all this?" Ino turned towards Hinata who was still smiling.

"Your surprise baby shower!" Hinata grabbed Ino's hand and pulled her towards the center of the room. "Father sent the messenger to tell Lee-san today was the day but I guess he chose not to come.

Ino was still taking in everything going on around her. "I mean, why would he want to come anyway? It's a baby…shower." The blonde turned around to further inspect the hall. "My baby shower."

"Exactly, it's your baby shower!" A familiar voice caught Ino's attention. "So of course Lee would crash even if it was girls only."

"Tenten?" Ino blinked in disbelief. "Are you okay with being here? I mean, well."

"Don't make things awkward, pig."

"Sa-Sakura?" Ino's eyes widened at the sight of her best friend walking in with several gift bags."

Hinata addressed the blonde. "Ino-chan, you don't have to be so surprised. Of course everyone would be here."

Ino smiled warmly before joining in the festivities herself. That cake looked utterly delicious

**xXxXxXx**

Ino was enjoying herself. She almost thought that joy would be ruined when Hiashi suddenly appeared to discuss something with her. However, not to her surprise, he was simply extending her an invitation to officially move back into the Compound. Her response was brief.

"I'll think about."

With that being said, the blonde walked over to her designated seat and plopped down. Perhaps it was due to all the baby related festivities going on but she was really tired.

"Ino," Tenten approached her from who knows where, standing over her semi-awkwardly, "can I talk to you?"

"Yeah, sure." Ino decided to stand again to put an end to the way Tenten was looking down on her. No one looked down on Yamanaka Ino.

"I hope I'm not out of place to ask this but, what will happen to the baby?" She truly sounded curious.

"I…don't know," Ino looked contemplative, "adoption to a Hyuuga couple more than likely. Well, after we re-establish it's Neji's baby and not Lee's."

"Ino…thank you," Tenten smiled, "I know it was you who gave Lee the courage to act on his feelings. To 'follow his heart' or whatever that was. It won't really make for a good wedding story though. Well, I mean, it _is _a wedding story techni—"

"Well, Tenten," Ino smiled and interrupted, "not every love story is perfect." Another woman suddenly joined them. It was Hitomi.

"Not every love story is perfect but love is love," she spoke in that typical romantic tone. "Congratulations, girls. Consider this your Etiquette School graduation." She kissed them both on the cheek before walking off again.

Both girls unconsciously placed a hand over where the woman's lips brushed them and gave each other warm smiles. Circumstances aside, the girls were truly friends now.

"Ino! Tenten!" Lee, a surge of green among all the pink and white decorations, suddenly appeared. Suddenly beaming, Tenten held out her hands for Lee to take hold of.

"What on earth are you doing here?" Tenten asked still with a smile.

"Yeah…what are you doing here?" Ino repeated the question with her arms folded, looking over Lee's shoulder for anyone else that may appear.

As if reading her mind, Lee began to speak. "He isn't here."

"Oh." The blonde was neither surprised nor upset. Okay, maybe a little upset. "Did he even know about this?"

"Neji…had a stressful day," Lee said slowly. Ino looked at him expectantly.

It better be a good reason.

**xXxXxXx**

**His Circumstances**

**Day Two**

Much earlier.

"Lee!" Maito Gai geared up to punch his protégé in the face. "Pay attention!" His fist naturally connected with the boy's jaw, sending him flying.

Ignoring the pain, Lee quickly got back up and walked over to his master. "I apologize, Gai-sensei."

"Well," the hot-blooded male crossed his arms, "I suppose some things can't be helped. I assume you're distracted thinking about your youthful teammate and partner, Tenten."

"Not exactly. I'm thinking about Ino," Lee said casually, causing Gai to frown.

"Lee, I know I never gave you 'the talk' but it should be obvious," he put a hand on the side of his mouth and leaned in, prompting Lee to lean in as well, "you can't think about other women when you are in a relationship."

Lee's face turned red, "G-Gai-sensei, who do you think I am?"

"Hopefully not Neji," the man said with no hesitation.

"I heard that," Neji, pounding a nearby training post, said through his teeth.

Gai simply laughed, causing Lee to nervously chuckle and Neji to start pounding his palms even harder.

"Gai-sensei," Lee regained his composure, "you have it all wrong. I am not thinking about Ino in that way. I am more so concerned about her health." This caused Gai to frown and Neji to stop training.

"Ino is a youthful flower. What could possibly be amiss?" Gai questioned.

"Complications with her pregnancy," Lee said in a sad tone, "I am gone for long hours everyday leaving her unattended. I feel so guilty just thinking about it. I need to run one hundred laps to repent for this!"

Before the boy could take off, Gai gripped him by the shoulder and pulled him back, "my student, this is not a burden you should be carrying."

"It is not a burden," Lee urged, "I simply–"

"What's wrong with Ino?" Neji suddenly cut him off.

Caught off guard by the fact Neji called the girl by her first name, Lee stumbled a bit before speaking, "I, uh…she has prelampsia."

"Prelashia?" Gai put his hands on his hips, "is that an STD?"

Neji looked at the man in surprise. "What? Should I...get tested?" Gai nodded his head.

"No!" Lee yelled. "It's just something really bad!" He couldn't believe his sensei thought Ino had some kind of venereal disease.

"Sooo…" Gai began casually, "should Neji get tested or–"

"No!" Lee yelled even louder, "I have to go." The male shook his head and began to leave the training field, only to get stopped by his teammate.

Neji looked like he had a million things to say. "Lee, tell me what's wrong. Please." His friend gave him a sympathetic look.

"Sakura-chan says Ino will get sicker and she'll be forced to induce labor even though the baby isn't viable," Lee said quickly, "she doesn't want to but from a medical standpoint, she can't put Ino's life on the line to save the baby."

"Why didn't anyone tell me this?" The Hyuuga looked furious.

"Ino didn't want you to know. She thinks you wouldn't care. I wanted to respect her wishes but now—"

"Why wouldn't I care about her _life_? About my _child's_ life?" Neji gave the boy a look of disbelief.

Lee looked nervous. "Well, if you truly wish for me to give you an answer…"

"Lee…" the male was losing patience.

"Okay," Lee straightened up and began to count on his fingers, "you had her as mistress for almost a year making her feel like she wasn't good enough for you, you told her 'you're the one pregnant', you stood her up when she asked you to meet her father, you said right in front of her you wanted to marry Tenten as soon as possible, you weren't there for her when she collapsed from hyperventilating."

"….are you finished?" Neji was giving him a death glare as the male opened his mouth again.

"You never visit her, you have yet to accompany her to any appointment, you said 'no' to that pregnancy class I suggested."

"No one goes to those things!"

Gai jumped in, "Kurenai asked me to accompany her to one once. It was very enlightening."

"No one goes to those things!" The jounin reinforced, ignoring Gai's statement.

Lee sighed, "I am almost out of fingers."

"She wants me to visit? Fine, let's go," Neji turned to leave, not bothering to wait for his companion.

Gai turned to his student. "Sooo…about that…"

"No!"

**xXxXxXx**

"She's not here," Lee was looking around his apartment frantically, "the door was open and she's not here! Neji, what if she got kidnapped?"

The Hyuuga tried to mask his worry. "That's highly unlikely." He walked behind the sofa, "There's no sign of a struggle."

"But she didn't take anything with her," Lee was searching the bedroom again for clues, "even her money baggy is still here!"

"Maybe she didn't need money," Neji was trying to be reasonable as Lee snapped open the object in his hands.

"Oh no…" His legs began to shake, "oh no…"

Neji walked over to his teammate in slight panic. "What? What is it?"

"Her Hyuuga ID!" The green beast was holding up a card, "she wouldn't go anywhere without this! She loves charging the Hyuuga account for everything!"

Neji snatched the object out of his hands, "I'm confiscating this."

"Oh, right. 'Not helping her financially' is something else I should add to the list," Lee smiled triumphantly after Neji reluctantly returned the card to him, grumbling in displeasure.

"Let's just go find her," Neji led the way out of the apartment. Lee quickly followed, leaving the door unlocked in case the blonde returned.

**xXxXxXx**

"There's no way she's at the Compound." Neji continued to reinforce to his teammate as they hastily made their way towards said place.

"Ayame-san said today is Ino's baby shower! Of course she would be in attendance."

"Lee…it's Ino."

"Ii it truly so hard to believe Ino may enjoy things typical of a woman with child?"

Neji knew there was a jab somewhere in that statement. "Mistake me if I'm wrong but isn't a baby shower usually closer to the due date?"

Lee suddenly stopped in his tracked and lifted a finger matter-of-factly.

"I do believe that this event serves two purposes. One is of course so Ino can have a baby shower sooner than later in case she does not carry to full-term and two is that Hiashi-sama has probably strategically used this as a way to lure Ino back to the Compound under Hyuuga care."

"Then I won't be going," Neji said.

Lee looked shocked. "Why?"

"Because it is a baby shower, a woman's social event."

"You are the father! Some things may be expected of you," Lee said convincingly.

"Aren't you the father now technically?" Neji thought back to the events of the wedding. "You can go."

Lee thought long and hard about pursuing his parting teammate and forcing him to come along but then he realized something of importance.

She probably didn't want him there anyway.

**xXxXxXx**

**Chapter Ten:**

**His &amp; Her Circumstances**

**Day Two**

"Ino is gone." It was three simple words. Lee and Tenten left the baby shower and Lee was now walking her home.

Tenten looked at her boyfriend with no discernable expression before going back to looking at her feet as the pair walked the dark streets of Konoha. "You look upset."

"No…" Lee looked up at the sky as he walked next to his beloved. "But my apartment will feel lonely now."

"How sad." Tenten closed her eyes momentarily and smiled.

"You could always sleepover." Lee felt nervous now. "You can use my shower and you can borrow one of Ino's nightgowns and I can give you leftover curry and…" The boy's face was red.

Tenten started laughing. "Okay, Lee." She grinned at the way his face lit up. The couple then took a sharp turn in the direction of Lee's apartment.

**xXxXxXx**

The party died down around 9 that night with still no show of Neji. The Hyuugas had put out two chairs for the gift opening ceremony before stealthily removing one. Lee did his best to fill in the role of 'baby's father' by posing for endless pictures with his hand on Ino's tummy. It was a very odd evening for all parties involved.

Ino removed her mom-to-be sash and sighed at the pile of gifts she received. The baby didn't even have a room yet. Where the hell were they going to put all this stuff?

The thought of the baby having its own room made Ino feel uneasy. A baby nursery? Whose baby is it anyway? She had no idea who the new adoptive parents would be since Tenten pulled out. At least her and Lee's relationship was flourishing.

Lee.

"I guess we aren't roommates anymore," Ino said solemnly. She was once again a resident of the Hyuugas and she had no idea how to feel about it.

Ino decided to take a walk outside of the Complex, it was the only time she could truly be alone. The walls of the Hyuuga Complex really did have eyes.

A lone figure on a bench caught the blue-eyed girl's attention. She immediately stopped in her tracks. He probably already noticed her and was waiting for her to turn around.

She almost did.

Ino's brows furrowed and she cursed herself for caring so much. She would walk by that bench like no one was there. Not even a look.

What reason did she have to look at Hyuuga Neji?

"Yamanaka."

Dammit.

"Neji," the girl said stoically as she continued to walk.

"You shouldn't be out here so late." He jumped up and stepped in line with her.

"Now you care?" She shot at him.

"Me choosing not to attend an idiotic social event does not mean I don't care about you or our child. But you are carrying a child with the byakugan which is dangerous in itself."

"Byakugan? This is Lee's baby, remember?"

"No one in their right mind believes that. But you and Lee are keeping the child away from the Hyuugas, protecting it with your family names. This situation can only end badly. Hiashi has even been treating me coldly for some reason."

"Well I'm sorry about your clan troubles, Neji-sama. But from the looks of things in there, the Hyuugas still like me and want me to move back in."

"…Will you?"

"If you would've came to my baby shower then you would know I already said yes," Ino said in a desolate voice.

Neji looked thoughtful. "If you move in then the baby would be considered mine again. Me and you will have to mar—"

"Seriously, Neji?" She cut him off. "You're suggesting marrying me just to get your stupid title as heir? No. One day you're so pressed to marry Tenten and the next you're a jerk."

Neji gave her no reply.

Ino became flustered and practically yelled, "Just go, Neji! I want to be alone. If you want to talk about anything we can talk about it tomorrow."

Taking a hint, Neji spared her one sad look before turning back home. He didn't mean for what he said to come out that way. At this rate, it would take a significant event to repair the rift between him and his child's mother.

"_NEJI!" _A loud voice boomed that could only come from one person. It was then accompanied by more screaming. The young man panicked for a second before realizing what was going on.

"Get away!" Ino was struggling with a masked assailant who was trying for a chokehold. "You don't know who you're messing wit—AHHHH" The man hit her in the stomach.

"_Eight Trigrams: Air Palm!" _Neji, veins around his eyes bulging, quickly gave the masked man a hit straight to the chest before using his other arm to catch Ino from falling. The girl was still swinging her arms in panic.

The strange man stood, obviously half-incapacitated, and assessed the situation. Blood from his mouth was beginning to soak through the cotton mask.

"_Gentle Fist!" _A voice came from behind the man. It was Hanabi. The man went flying towards a wall before having his fall broken by another masked man. A third man then appeared as well.

"Ino-nee!" Hanabi almost ran towards the blonde before realizing one of the masked men was coming straight for her.

"_Rasengan!" _Konohamaru suddenly jumped between Hanabi and her assailant, landing a perfect hit.

"Make it a double!" Another Konohamaru appeared behind the man and slammed a rasengan into his back as well.

Neji, still holding on to Ino, scanned the forest with his byakugan. There was still one more shinobi in hiding, meaning in total there were still two.

The hidden man jumped down from a tree and landed next to his partner. "Now, it ends!" He said in a slimy voice as he and the other man beganpowering up for some dual attack.

Ino pushed away from Neji and formed her hand and fingers into a rectangle aimed at the two men, _"Mind Disturbance Jutsu!"_

The men suddenly went still before looking at each other and attacking.

"I'll kill you!" "Not if I kill you first!" It was a brawl.

Hanabi and Konohamaru quickly moved to Neji's side.

"What the hell was that about?" Hanabi demanded.

"Isn't it obvious," Neji said mildly annoyed, "someone is targeting Ino."

Panting and sweating, Ino finally released her jutsu. The men had beaten themselves up enough. If the jutsu lasted any longer it would've fried their brains.

"We need to tie these guys up and alert the Hokage," Konohamaru said.

Hanabi looked towards him, "I'll go run to the Compound and get the medics."

"I guess I'll stay here then," Neji murmured as the other two jumped away into different directions_._

Ino began grimacing in pain and clutching her stomach. Instinctively, she grabbed onto Neji's arm as her body doubled over.

"Ino?" The Hyuuga was getting anxious.

"N-Neji…" The girl seemingly lost consciousness. Luckily, the Hyuuga medics showed up within the next minute.

The head medic assessed Ino's body before turning to Neji. "Pre-term labor."

Neji looked mortified. "She can't have the baby now. It would die." It was something that's been in the back of his mind ever since Lee said it earlier today.

"_Sakura-chan says Ino will get sicker and she'll be forced to induce labor even though the baby isn't viable," Lee said quickly, "she doesn't want to but from a medical standpoint, she can't put Ino's life on the line to save the baby."_

The head medic barely gave an expression. "We'll send her to Konoha Hospital. There are ways to postpone it."

Within a few moments, the Hyuuga medical team had Ino on a stretcher and in route to the hospital. Neji could only pray that Haruno was on duty. She's really the only one he can trust to care for Ino properly.

Neji had no real idea on why four shinobi were sent to target a pregnant woman but in the back of his mind he did know. It brought back memories of Hinata-sama's kidnapping and the consequences for the entire family.

He won't let that happen again.

Someone will pay.

**End Chapter 10**

* * *

**xXxXxXx**

**Yes, this is super late, I know. Sorry guys. I also updated Succumb to me though so I'm on a roll.**

**This chapter was…all over the place. I have so many ideas but I don't think they'll all fit into the story. This chapter would've been 10,000 words with most being fluff so I had to cut. Plot progression is important to me and I want the plot to move along. Thanks for sticking with me guys. My writing has improved so much**

**Your reviews feed my creativity **** really, it does **


	11. Chapter 11

**A/N: I realize I always post the fastest updates during finals week. This is my procrastination tool. This chapter is shorter than the last few, I apologize. I only proofread once btw**

**Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto**

* * *

Sakura Haruno was flipping through a medical chart while the maternity nurse, Kaori, stood over her with a considered expression. She's never seen the pinkette so worked up over an admit before.

"She's your friend," Kaori said.

Sakura looked up momentarily before turning away. However, it was too late. The nurse already saw the tears in her eyes.

"She's my _best _friend," Sakura confided. She couldn't blame Ino-pig for getting herself into trouble but from the story she heard, Neji should have been with her. There's no reason Ino should be in a hospital bed hooked up to all these monitors and IV drips.

Sakura was officially done with him.

"Kaori-san," Sakura said suddenly, "restrict Ino's visitation. Let all the staff know that Hyuuga Neji is not to step a foot into that room.

"Sakura-san, he's the bab—"

"I know."

**xXxXxXxX**

**You, Me, Her, and It**

**Chapter 11: To Turn Back Time**

Lee was at home sitting at his table watching his girlfriend in the kitchen with a dumb smile on his face. He enjoyed her presence to the point nothing else mattered.

"Lee," Tenten turned to him, "I think your stove is broken." The young woman was holding a pot of leftover curry in her hands.

The male was snapped back to reality. "Again? I can fix it in the morning. Looks like we'll have to eat our food cold."

"Rundown apartment with a dodgy stove. Perfect." Tenten sat down with an amused look on her face.

"Well, at least we're both fully clothed. That wasn't the case a few days ago," Lee said offhandedly, causing Tenten to go wide-eyed.

"I don't know if this is a story I want to hear or not."

Lee opened his mouth to explain but a knock came from the door, prompting him to excuse himself and answer it. He swung the door open to reveal—

Tokuma

Lee looked confused, "Messenger-san? Is there something…."

"Ino-san." The man said bluntly. Tenten was now peeking from behind Lee, both of them awaiting some type of elaboration.

Tokuma's face was stoic but Lee could tell he was hiding emotions. "There was incident near the Compound. Ino-san….Ino was attacked. There were others there to help her but she may be in critical condition. I have no further any details, forgive me. Will you please accompany me to the hospital? I think you being there would do some good."

"Where's Neji?" Tenten said in an abrupt tone, causing Lee and Tokuma to both give her a weird look. "I mean, shouldn't he be there."

"I wish it were that easy," a sullen fourth voice came, shocking Lee and Tenetn.

"My rival, why are you not with ill Ino?" Lee looked almost disgusted.

Neji looked at Lee, then to Tenten, spared a glance to Tokuma, before turning his gaze straight into Lee's.

"I can't be with Yamanaka right now. I said some…stupid things."

"We don't have time for this." Tenten elbowed through everyone and took off in the direction of the hospital, Tokuma following close behind. His duty was complete and now his only worry was the blonde who sometimes hated him.

Lee looked at Neji. "Why do you continue to deny the obvious?"

"What are you talking about?"

"What I can see, what Tenten saw a long time ago, what every living Hyuuga can see and probably the dead ones too."

Neji was silent again and this time Lee lost his patience.

"Ino is more important right now so I'm going to the hospital to see her. If you don't show up, my esteemed rival, then you and I might become enemies." He was gone.

**xXxXxXx**

Ino woke up in a very familiar place. Konoha Hospital. She tried to rub her eyes before realizing one of her hands had an IV going to it. Instinctively, she touched a hand to her belly and took in the sight of the fetal monitors.

"It all looks good…" Ino mumbled as she watched the monitor on screen, showing her heart rate and the baby's as well.

"It wasn't good when you came in." It was Sakura. Ino already noticed her presence before but chose to ignore it.

"I thought I felt contractions. And I'm pretty sure there was blood," Ino's voice was slowly getting less groggy.

Sakura frowned. "Well, I had to perform a cervical cerclage to stitch your cervix up so you don't dilate prematurely. Gave you some meds to stop the contractions. I also gave you some betamethasone _just in case_ it still decided to come early."

"So my baby is okay? That guy gave me a pretty nasty punch."

"I've ran every test possible. I was afraid a hit from a shinobi would cause your placenta to abrupt but I think it's fine. You are a kunoichi after all. You still have muscle there."

Ino laid back on her pillow. "Yeah, that pretty much explains why I'm still not showing much."

Before Sakura could answer, Kaori came to the door. "Um, Haruno-san. The patient's father is getting impatient." Yelling could be heard behind her.

"My dad?" Ino propped up on her elbows. "Of course he can come in!"

Inoichi wasted no time running into the room and making a motion to hug his daughter before stopping short. "I think I'm too nervous to touch you right now. I'm just glad you're okay. And my grandkid too."

"Oh, dad," Ino rolled her eyes, "it was no big deal." It actually was a big deal

"Ino…" Inoichi looked up at Sakura warily before turning back to his daughter. "You were unconscious for two days." Ino's eyes widened as Sakura bit her lip. She was going to tell her eventually.

Not wanting to let the moment slip away, Inoichi quickly smiled again. "You have visitors! Rock Lee hasn't left the hospital since he arrived. Shikamaru and Choji are the ones closest to breaking his record for most hours spent here. Other friends stopped by as well."

"We had to stop accepting flowers after only a few hours!" Sakura added happily.

"INOOOOOOOO!" A boisterous voice came from the hall before bursting through the door, causing Ino to sit all the way up.

"Lee!" Her greeting wasn't nearly as energetic.

Lee looked at Sakura with uncertainty before speaking again. "Neji is here."

"No," Sakura grew furious. "I _told _you Lee. Don't you dare." Ino looked confusedly between the two.

"If Neji is here…I want to see him," Ino said. The room grew still.

Inoichi gave an unsure smile. "Ino, don't you want to rest?" She remained silent. The father took a few steps back. She was an adult and could make her own decisions. "I'll summon him."

"WHAT!?" Sakura yelled.

"Sakura-chan, please," Lee pleaded. "He needs to see her." Gently he put an arm behind her and ushered her out. Sakura took one last look at Ino and mouthed "Call me".

**xXxXxXx**

Neji was grateful for the news he'd be allowed to see Ino but at the same time he was so…nervous. It was a feeling unfamiliar to him. Haruno, the patriarch Yamanaka, and Lee had long disappeared, leaving him outside of the hospital room alone to contemplate everything.

"Neji." It was a voice the male was surprised to here.

"Tenten." He didn't even look at her.

Tenten sighed before taking a few steps forward and directly facing him.

"I will go in. You don't have to force me," Neji said.

"That's not what I'm here to tell you."

Now this piqued his curiosity. "Well?"

"I loved you," Tenten said with a hand over her heart. "I loved you so much and I thought fate was playing a cruel joke when it put this obstacle in our life." That obstacle obvious referring to _it._

Neji felt a pang in his chest. "What can I say—"

"But then I realized, if I were to marry you, it would be fate playing a cruel joke on Ino. Because she loves you _and _is carrying your child."

"I know…"

"I loved you, Neji. But you weren't mine to love," she gave a sad smile. "I guess the Hyuuga ancestors were teaching us a thing or two."

"Now you have Lee. You two are happy. I never made you that happy," Neji said regretfully.

"I wasn't yours to love. Go talk to her," Tenten said as a single tear ran down her cheek. Neji took his thumb and wiped it from her face. With no more words, he entered hospital room 201.

**xXxXxXx**

Ino subconsciously tried to finger brush her hair. She looked a hot mess, that much was certain. Her heart began to beat quicker and as she anxiously looked at the clock on the wall. It has already been eight full minutes.

A knock came at the door and Ino practically yelled.

"Um, Ino-san," it was Kaori, "your fetal monitor had some odd readings on it so I'm just coming adjust it."

"O-Okay…" Ino said dejectedly before looking up again and seeing _him._

Time practically stood still. She didn't want time to pass. She didn't want to lose a single second of looking at him.

Taking one look at the blonde in the hospital bed, Neji was overcome with emotions. He sat at the bedside chair. She wasn't saying anything anyway so he wouldn't either. In this moment nothing else mattered. If he could rewind time to any moment in his life.

It would be the day he fell in love with Yamanaka Ino.

Kaori, feeling slightly out of place, decided to address the male. "Hyuuga-san, are you here to claim the baby? Since you two are unwed we would need signed documents and a paternity test."

"That's irrelevant," Neji said dismissively, eyes still on Ino. "Let me fix this." Neji looked at her intensely, not even noticing when the nurse slipped away, "I will be the best Neji you can ever imagine."

"What are you talking about?" Ino had tears in her eyes, stupid hormones.

Neji made a motion for her to stop talking, "I want you to move back to the Compound. I want to hear you laugh while everyone berates Lee. I want to see you smile when Kokoro bakes those stupid biscuits, I don't care if you don't crave them anymore. You'll live in the Main House. You won't have to worry about hiding your soap from family members who over share."

"I still don't get it. One day you care and then next you're just Neji again…" Ino looked away from him as tears threatened to fall.

"I know repairing something takes one step at a time," Neji said. "After you're out of this hospital, give me one week. One week to prove to you that this isn't just me trying to get a title. Hanabi could be heir for all I care."

Ino looked hesitant. The way she felt when he first walked in the room was definitely something but hasn't she made the mistake of trusting him before? Neji easily picked up on her hesitation.

"One week," he reiterated, "to prove I care about you."

"One week." She repeated. She didn't believe him at all. Hyuuga Neji can't care for anyone except himself.

**xXxXxXx**

Outside of the room, Tenten was leaning against the wall with a smile on her face.

"Not every love story is perfect," she mumbled to no one before staring up at the ceiling, "right, Ino?"

"My love, are you waiting to visit?" Lee walked towards her.

Tenten shifted uncomfortably before waving her hands in front on her. "No, no. I thought about it but I think she's had enough for today.

"As much as I love Ino-chan I can no longer skip out on training. Come, my youthful Tenten, we must spar!" He completely missed the way her eyebrow twitched at the mention of "love".

**xXxXxXx**

**Day One**

Ino was forced to stay another day in the hospital for observation. Surprisingly, Neji did stop by.

The blonde watched as the male took the half dead flowers out of the pot next to the window and replaced them with purple and pink carnations.

"Hm," Ino gave him an unimpressed look, "amateurish."

Neji rolled his eyes with a smirk. He knew she would say that.

"Which outfit do you want to wear when I take you home?" Neji opened the bag he was carrying and laid out clothing on the bed. Ino looked slightly surprised and couldn't help but smile.

"Who made these?" The fabric was soft and the symbol of her clan was embroidered somewhere on each shirt.

"Kanna," Neji said casually. Ino blinked at him. "The Seamstress/Laundry Hyuuga."

Ino's mouth made an 'O'. At one point she would've known that name.

"I also have something from Kokoro," Neji reached into the bag. Ino easily knew who that was: The Hyuuga Cook. Her mouth immediately watered when the scent of the sweet biscuits hit her nose.

Neji took a seat next to her as she chowed down. Nurse Kaori was in and out of the room most of the day but once she noticed the "dad" was finally here, she had a brilliant idea.

"Ino-san," the nurse said, "Would you like one last ultrasound before your discharge? It's been awhile seen you were actually conscious when we performed one.

Ino's eyes shifted towards Neji.

"Yes, Kaori-san. That would be much appreciated," Neji said, not giving Ino any chance to retaliate.

Within 20 minutes the equipment was rolled in and Ino's belly was prepped.

"Wow," Neji said offhandedly.

Ino felt self-conscious, "What?"

He looked at her, "I don't think I've ever seen your bare stomach. It doesn't look this big when you're wearing clothing over it." The blonde blushed some while the nurse giggled.

"This is an equally amazing moment for the father as well," she mused as she moved the probe around the surface of Ino's belly. "The really fast pounding sound you here is the baby's heartbeat."

"It's really fast," Neji commented.

Ino smiled at him, "I heard that a fast heartbeat means it's a girl." Neji gave a fake frown of disappointment.

"I can tell you the gender right now if you like," the nurse had a neutral face, "I can already see it."

Ino looked excited for a second before remembering Neji was also involved in this.

"Do you want to know?" She asked

"Only if you want to," he said, "it truly doesn't matter to me." The blonde looked at him in exasperation.

"We'll let it be a surprise," Ino decided. "Everything at my baby shower were neutral colors anyway so let's just leave it be."

Kaori clapped in delight. "How exciting!"

**xXxXxXx**

**Day Two**

Inoichi was sitting next to his only child, intently listening to her discharge instructions. He wanted her to be as healthy as possible!

"Drink plenty of fluids, 8-10 glasses a day, try not to bear down too much, no lifting objects that weigh more 20lbs, aaaaaaand," Sakura flipped the page, "Come in if you have a lingering headache, dizziness, or spots in your vision. And this time, take your damn medication."

"Yes, Yes," Ino already knew most of this.

"Are you ready to get out of this place, Ino?" Inoichi was lifting the bag of her belongings.

"Oh, um," Ino's fingers grazed over the soft material of the purple and white dress she was currently wearing, courtesy of the Hyuugas. "I was waiting for Neji. He said he'd bring me home today." The girl almost felt pathetic.

A figure stepped through the door. "I guess it's a good thing I'm here then." There he was, Neji Hyuuga. "I'll take it from here, Yamanaka-san, Ino and I have plans."

Ino's face had an expression of "We do?"

Inoichi looked defeated and Neji gave him a pat on the back. Ino looked on at the somewhat strange scene.

'_I guess I have plans today.' _

**xXxXxXx**

Ino, still in some pain, walked while clutching her side and groaning every now and then. On top of that she was beginning to have back pains.

"We can just go to The Compound if you don't feel like going out," Neji suggested. It was around 3 in the afternoon.

"I'm fine," Ino insisted. "Where are we going anyway?"

"We're already here."

Ino looked up and realized they were right in front of Team 10's favorite Barbecue spot. Her mouth watered just thinking about it.

"What are we waiting for then?" She grabbed him and pushed open the doors.

"SURPRISE!"

Ino immediately started squealing in delight once she realized all of the Konoha 11 were there to greet her. Neji could only watch from the background.

Naruto was the loudest one in the group. "Wow, Ino! I didn't even know you were pregnant with a lil Neji! Some fishmonger did tell something like that once at the market but I thought he was only trying to get me to buy this pregnant fish. Man, it was we—"

Naruto was cut off by a punch to the head. "Shut up, baka!" Strangely, Ino broke out into hysterics.

"Naruto," the blonde was still laughing, "you have to sit next to me!"

Fitting 11 people in one area was definitely a challenge but the restaurant was always accommodating. Ino was seated in the middle on the right side of the table. Naruto was on her left with Hinata on _his _left. On Ino's right was Neji then a silent Shino, flanked by Kiba of course.

The left side of the table had Choji seated on the very end across from Kiba with Shikamaru directly on his right. On Shikamaru's right was Sakura who chose the seat directly across from Ino. To her right was Lee and then finally, Tenten.

Naruto continued to tell stories since Ino was oddly giggly today. Choji and Kiba across from each other ended up being a mistake as they fought over meat. Shikamaru was simply sipping his drink thinking how troublesome this whole thing was.

Hinata was conversing with Lee and Tenten but their voices were hushed compared to those around them.

"It's weird isn't it, Lee-kun?" Hinata asked the male and he immediately knew what she meant. He nodded.

"This may be the first time I've seen them together in public since the time at The Imperial about a month ago."

Tenten suddenly interjected. "The Imperial? A month ago? Are you talking about the time me and you went out? So Neji was there with Ino? While we were still engaged?"

Lee cringed and looked straight ahead while Hinata picked up her glass of lemonade and sipped through the straw slowly. This was none of her business.

"Lee." Tenten almost seemed livid. Her eye was twitching.

"I, uh…" Lee was sweating now, "It doesn't matter, my beautiful flower! The past is the past. I love you so—"

"But you didn't love me enough to let me know Neji was cheating on me," Tenten said with a misplaced, disturbing smile. Hinata continued to sip her lemonade and sink further and further down her seat.

"You know it was much more complicated than that," Lee confessed. He then kicked Hinata in the shin, a distress signal. He needed help here!

"Tenten-chan," Hinata stood up straight before letting out a little burp. Too much lemonade. "I asked Lee not to tell anyone because Neji is my dear family. I never expected a pr-pregnancy."

"So if she didn't get pregnant, I still wouldn't know," Tenten's fists clenched at the thought of the old betrayal. Lee looked painstakingly at Hinata who then gave him a nod.

Hinata suddenly stood on top of the table and yelled to the entire restaurant, "ALL DRINKS ON ME!" The restaurant broke into cheers while most of the Konoha 11 looked confused.

"Ino can't drink," Neji said plainly. Ino was awkwardly laughing.

"YEAHHHHH," Hinata had stepped over their table and hopped to the next, feigning intoxication.

Naruto sniffed Hinata's lemonade cup. "Who roofied my girlfriend? Not cool, 'ttebayo.

Sakura and Neji were doing their best to coax Hinata off of the table, Kiba was taking advantage of free drinks and was downing his fourth sake, Choji continued to eat, taking advantage of Kiba's distraction.

Shikamaru had his elbow on the table and his head resting on his hand leaning forward. He lazily turned towards Shino.

"Don't you just love when the whole gang gets together?"

Shino answered, "This is why I do not "hang out".

All the sudden ruckus brightened Tenten's whole mood. Lee had to give Hinata props, she always had the best distractions.

Tenten face softened as she looked at Lee. "I'm sorry…it's still kind of fresh, you know?"

"I understand," Lee winked at her before leaning in for a kiss. Their makeout session was now a part of the very bizarre scene.

**xXxXxXx**

"That was…fun," Ino said. Her and Neji were sitting on the veranda of one of the Hyuuga housing units."

"I thought seeing everyone would make you happy."

"It did!"

"Yes, but," Neji stopped for a moment, "tomorrow will be just the two of us." He moved his hand to place on top of hers. Instinctively, she pulled away. The male wasn't surprised.

He wouldn't want to touch him either.

**xXxXxXx**

**Day Three**

**9:45**

Neji had a lot to do to prepare for his day with Ino and he had just about finished. After talking to his great aunt, making arrangements with the cook, and wrangling in Hinata's help, he felt extremely prepared. The only thing left was making sure Ino enjoyed the day.

"Neji, whatever you do, just keep her away from the Main House west wing," the elder Hitomi was giving him instructions.

"Will it be complete by today?" The shinobi asked.

"Of course not! Something of this scale takes time. Just leave it to us, Neji-sama," Hitomi, the romanticist Hyuuga, said before walking off.

The heir couldn't help but raise an eyebrow before shaking his head at the odd behavior. He can't do anything now besides trust them.

Walking towards Ino's room, he couldn't help but feel slightly nervous. It would just be him and her _all _day. Yes, they've spent long hours together before but it was always somewhere like a cosmos field or a bedroom. Yesterday he had nine other people to rely on but now…

"Ino, are you read–" Neji's eyes widened.

"Get out!" A red-faced Ino was in the midst of getting dressed.

Neji immediately closed the door then turned his back to it, his face red as well. It was only a few moments later when Ino finally emerged, wearing an orange maternity dress with the Kanji for 'boar' embroidered on it.

Neji's eyebrow twitched. "I called your orange shirt hideous so you wear it as a dress instead."

"It was a gift, jerk." She looked offended. The duo then made their way to the kitchens. Kokoro prepared Ino's favorite breakfast foods but the pregnant woman was in no mood to eat.

Well, that's one part of the planned day down the drain.

**xXxXxXx**

Neji attempted to make conversation on several occasions but Ino would only brush him off or give a sarcastic response. Perhaps he really had hurt her feelings about the dress? Pregnant women are frustrating.

Neji stopped in front of one of the smaller health clinics in Konoha, examining the building before walking to the entrance.

"Really?" Ino walked behind him. "Taking me for a checkup? This is why I have Sakura!"

"It's not a checkup." He held the door open for her.

Ino stared curiously as Neji talked to a receptionist who happily handed him some forms to fill out before pointing the couple to a room down the hall. Upon entering the room, Ino's eyes widened.

It was a pregnancy class.

"You must be the Hyuugas! Welcome!" A middle-aged woman greeted them. Ino flushed after realizing the woman believed they were an actual couple. Anyone would assume so but it still made her slightly embarrassed.

"Thank you for squeezing us in." Neji bowed. Earlier in the day he asked Hinata to search for any available classes that would allow he and Ino to _bond_.

The instructor walked to the front of the class and sat on a mat. There were only three other couples in the room, all expecting. Ino began to feel nervous as Neji took a seat next to her.

"To begin, why don't we introduce ourselves? Also, you may all call me Misaka." She smiled warmly before nodding at the couple nearest to her.

The first couple was a blonde pair who almost looked alike. They met at Ichiraku's three years ago. "I am madly in love with my wife and I am proud she's made me a father," said the man.

The other two introductions were simple and all carried a fair amount of romance. When it came to Neji and Ino's turn, both were silent in hope the other would speak. After a few tense moments, Ino spoke.

"My name is Ino and this is Neji. I'm carrying our child and…I hope the baby is strong." Ino turned away, ignoring the eyes on her.

Displeased with her response, Neji spoke next. "Ino and I have been in love for longer than I remember— "

"You look like sixteen, dude," one of the males interjected. Neji cleared his throat before speaking again.

"Ino is the love of my life and I wish to help her in anyway possible through this pregnancy. We—"

"Wait, I thought you were a woman with that long hair of yours. Geez, I thought you two were a lesbian couple," a woman interrupted. Ino chuckled after the insult to her partner. Neji, on the other hand, simply ignored her.

Misaka looked amused. "Well, to begin, let's discuss what new life means. You women are bringing a new life into this world." The women in the room began to chatter amongst themselves, ignoring their husbands and the lone Yamanaka.

Neji looked at the girl next to him, noticing she still looked extremely bashful. With a sigh, he spoke, "You could at least pretend to appreciate I'm here with you."

"You jerk!" Ino's timidity turned into hostility. "I don't have to congratulate you for doing things expected of you." She turned away. The hormones were bad today.

"I'll rephrase that," he said slowly, "I wish you looked more like you're happy to be here."

"Okay, class!" Misaka stood up again. "Let's discuss it."

The blonde ichiraku-meeting woman began, "Well, Hime and I have always belie—"

"That insolent woman insults my long hair but her husband's name means 'princess'. The irony," Neji whispered to Ino, unbeknownst the couple next to them heard as well and burst into laughter.

Neji smirked as Ino had to press her face into his shoulder to hide her laughter.

"Very good, very good!" Misaka was completely oblivious. "Let's move on to the actual biological aspects of pregnancy now. Ladies, your bodies are going through significant change right now. Some parts of you will never be the same."

One of the women raised her hand, "I think me and Gon are connected spiritually. Whenever I'm nauseous, he becomes nauseous as well." ("What a load of cr—" "Shut up, Neji!")

"That is a common occurrence in pregnancy! It is called Couvade's syndrome. The male partner begins to feel signs and symptoms of pregnancy just from being around his partner. Would anyone else like to share?"

Shockingly, Ino raised her hand. "One time I had severe diarrhea and my husband here caught it as well due to this…couvade's, as you say. We live in a one-bedroom apartment so we only have one toilet and I was occupying it," she said with a perfectly serious face. "He took a shit outside".

The entire room burst out in laughter and Neji's face turned red. He wasn't sure if it was from anger or embarrassment. Probably both.

Misaka looked annoyed. "Okay everyone, let's try to be mature."

Thirty minutes went by. Neji felt like he was about to explode and Ino only wanted to sleep, eat, or both. The spent about fifteen minutes doing 'couple's massages' which was actually a good moment for the pair.

Ino was lying on her back and Neji had two hands over her tummy, mimicking the others in the class. Misaka was droning on about something but the two ignored her.

"Does it…kick?" Neji asked awkwardly.

Ino looked up at him. "More each day. It kicks a lot when my dad or Lee talks to it."

"What do they say to it?" Neji asked quietly.

"Um," Ino was getting some weird vibes from him. "My dad just says stuff like _'hey I'm you're grandpa!' _and Lee just says….Lee stuff."

Neji slowly lowered his head to her modest size belly and pressed his ear to it.

"Hey….it's your…father," he whispered. Ino frowned at the way he sounded so unsure.

"If you want it to hear you, you need to speak louder, dummy!"

"Do you see how your mother berates me? She's very mean to father sometimes." Neji was speaking louder.

Ino felt slighted. "Actually, your daddy isn't the best guy on Earth. He's far from it." She poked her belly as she 'talked' to it.

"Your mother says a lot of things she doesn't mean," he shrugged. "You're going to be a great shinobi one day. The Hyuuga Clan is the strongest in all the Leaf Village. I already know our ancestors will send down great blessings through you."

Ino sat up on her elbows, "Really, Neji? Really? It's still in the womb. Keep your ghosts of Hyuuga's past away from it."

"Let me finish," Neji's eyebrow twitched. "Or you can be anything else you want in life. Mother's family owns a flower shop. I use to visit mother a lot in her flower shop. But for a really long time, father couldn't see your mother and it made father very sad."

Neji face was still on her stomach when he suddenly sat up, "I felt it!"

"Yeah, I felt that too." Ino was grimacing in pain. She also felt the way her heart skipped a beat. "Tell your son or daughter to stop trying to Gentle Fist me." This caused Neji to break out into an actual, true laugh.

Across the room, Misaka was helping another couple with breathing exercise when she looked over and saw the two. "Young love. I can already tell their marriage was meant to be."

The brown-haired woman on the mat sat up, "I heard that's Rock Lee's bab—"

"Shut up."

**xXxXxXx**

"I'll admit, that was nice," Ino said. She and Neji were once against sitting on the veranda.

"I'm sorry for the other times I said no to it," Neji said with slight sadness in his voice.

Ino looked confused. "I never directly asked you—"

"Lee"

"Lee"

Ino let out a small laugh and placed a hand on her tummy. Her other hand was still on the veranda so Neji once again tried to place his on top of it.

This time she didn't move.

**xXxXxXx**

**Day 4**

Neji walked Ino blindfolded through a dirt path in the woods. She tripped a few times but hey, sacrifices must be made.

"I already know where we are," Ino said confidently.

"I figured you would," Neji said as he pulled off her blindfold. The pair then stood admiring Konoha's great cosmos field. Not many people visited here since there was another flower clearing closer to the main part of town.

"I'll always know the smell of cosmos," she said as she began running, as much as pregnancy permits, around the field. She hadn't been here in months. Not since…

"Neji," Ino said from about fifteen away.

"Yes?" Neji took a few steps towards her. He expected her to also walk but she remained glued to that one spot.

"Do you remember…the last time we were here?"

"That day isn't something I can simply forget," he said.

Ino lowered herself onto her knees and began playing with some of the flowers. "And why's that?"

"It was the last time we were together," Neji said sadly. "Tenten and I had just broken up." Oh yes, he remembered.

Ino was humming to herself as Neji continued to think. It was a mistake choosing Tenten that day. Looking back, he really can't remember a reason he didn't want to publicly date Ino. But despite that, Ino still stuck by him, allowed him to come see her, made him laugh.

But wait, he did choose Ino. She just went months not knowing. How could he forget about that letter? Did she even care when she read it? Giving her the letter didn't really help anything but…

"Ino," Neji walked forward and sat on the ground next to her. "There's something I want to te—AHHH" The Hyuuga jumped up. Ino was carrying a caterpillar on a stick.

"Nejiiiii," Ino said playfully, "he just wants to get to know you." Neji looked on in disgust as Ino let the creature crawl up her arm.''

"Put. It. Down." The male refused to come anywhere near her.

Ino rolled her eyes. She walked near the woods and left the caterpillar on a tree. It made her smile that even that after all this time he was still petrified of them.

**xXxXxXx**

The pair sat in silence watching the clouds for a while. Eventually they did talk. Talked about the latest fashion trends that Ino thought were hideous, talked about that biotch at the sweet shop, talked about what Neji's first proposal would be as clan head, talked about Naruto and Hinata's future kids, talked about if the clouds were secretly marshmallow men plotting to kill them.

Surprisingly, there was no talk of Lee or Tenten at all.

It began getting dark and Neji didn't want her out in the cold but Ino insisted they stayed. They did pack a blanket and picnic food so it's not like they were completely devoid of supplies.

So they stayed.

**xXxXxXx**

Neji figured it was about midnight by the time the blonde ran out of things to talk about. She began singing to him in a voice so off-tune it made him cringe.

"It's kicking," Ino joyfully said.

"I think it's telling you to shut up," Neji said. Ino pouted at him then rolled onto her back. Neji was right next to her, also on his back. There wasn't much distance between them but there was just enough for them to hold hands with their arms flat on the ground.

They talked until the sun went down and held hands until it came back up again.

**xXxXxXx**

**Day 5…?**

Ino woke up in her room, in her usual pajamas. The clock said it was already 9 AM. That's definitely sleeping in by shinobi standards. She was thirsty so she headed for the kitchen but a light in the Main House building caught her eye. It was the grand room. No one used it.

Curiously, Ino slipped into the main house and crept along the wall until she was as near the door as possible. A sensor type or paranoid Hyuuga could easily find her out but somehow they didn't.

The voices were clear.

"Hiashi-sama, you know I would never ask this of you if it wasn't important. He's one of our most talented jounin. No one is more qualified." That was the Hokage's voice! Why would she be here? Why not summon Hiashi to her office? Maybe Hiashi was just that much of a badass.

Since Ino was a sensor type she focused gently and was able to decipher at least 6 different chakras in the closed room.

"He is my heir," Hiashi's voice boomed, "I will not have you kill him so recklessly!"

"Hiashi-sama, I believe I have no objections this mission." She'd recognize that smooth voice anywhere. Neji.

Gasps and mumbling came out of the room. Ino realized the extra chakras must be the Hyuuga Council there as well.

"You have a child on the way," a female voice, "you can't just run off on 2 month missions. And that's 2 months assuming you make it back alive and with no deviations from the original course of action."

"I believe the man has made his decision," sounds of chairs moving caught Ino's attention. "I want you to leave as soon as possible. Your partners on this mission will be Yugao and Genma."

Ino quickly scurried to her room plopped down on the bed, blanket over her head. She just heard some _really _classified shit and she wasn't very interested in having her tongue cut out or something.

Ino heard her door creep open. She suppressed her chakra as best she could and feigned sleep.

"Ino…" Her heart skipped a beat when she realized it was Neji. "I'm sorry I can't finish our week. It's something you deserve and once again I've failed you."

'_It isn't your fault,' _Ino thought to herself.

"The Hyuugas will no doubt give you a guard if you ever leave the Compound alone. You'll be safe. And you'll have Lee…whenever he isn't busy doting on Tenten that is.

This mission…it's suicide no doubt. Joining some dangerous group of rouges, gaining their trust and going through their 2 month initiation process. Then I'll finally meet the boss…and slit his throat in a room full of his supporters."

Ino could tell from his voice this was a goodbye. He's not going be around when she finally "wakes up" in another hour or so. He'll just be gone.

"I'll be back. I can't die without seeing my child." She heard a smile in his voice. He stood and made his way to the door. He didn't say "goodbye" or "see ya later" or "peace out" or anything…

Ino sat up in her bed and touched her growing bulge. What game is fate playing with her right now?

She clapped her hands together.

"Hizashi, if you're there," she made a pause, "please keep your son safe."

**End Chapter 11**

* * *

**A/N: okay, okay, don't hate me. Please. This story more thank likely will only have one to two chapters left with a short epilogue. This chapter came out way more angsty than I intended**

**BTW: Lee &amp; Tenten's arc is pretty much over. I apologize in advance if any of you miss them as main characters lol**

**At least I finally gave you guys NejiIno fluff. **** I didnt want to rush it **


	12. Chapter 12

**A/N: This chapter is 2 parts. One is for fun and the other is more serious. If you care more about the plot then skip to part 2**

**Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto**

* * *

"Shikamaru."

"Hm?"

"Do you think this is how Kurenai-sensei felt when Asuma-sensei left and never came back?"

"…."

"Shika?"

"I don't think the situations are similar enough to compare."

"Kurenai-sensei was pregnant. Asuma never met his child. I'm pregnant. And Neji…Nej—" The girl couldn't finish her sentence.

Her teammate looked at her with a somewhat indifferent face. Most people would interpret it as a look of someone who just doesn't care about the girl in front of him but Ino knew better.

"Neji is strong. He's not going to die." He believed his own words.

The bell over the shop door alerted Ino that she had a customer. The young woman always managed to put on a strong face no matter what. She hated pity.

Neji has been gone for six weeks.

"Welcome to the Yamanaka Flower Shop, how may I help you?"

But life in Konohagakure goes on.

**xXxXxXxXxX**

**You, Me, Her, and It**

**Chapter 12: Intermission **

"Only eight more weeks until your baby is here, Ino-sama," the Hyuuga maid was currently brushing Ino's hair in front of her vanity. The same vanity from her Branch House room. She easily got attached to items, even furniture.

"Eight weeks and still no one can decide what to do with it," Ino sighed. The Elders always hold councils about which Hyuuga family the baby will be placed with. None of them believed Neji would marry her and make the child legitimate. "Do you have a boyfriend, Kanna?"

The maid briefly paused brushing before continuing on. "There was someone I fancied. Also, my name is Kairi. Kanna is my sister."

"I knew that!" Ino proclaimed. "I'm just, uh…really sleepy." She turned to face the maid.

"My hand is already promised in an arranged marriage," the maid explained.

Ino gave an incredulous look. "Is this some weird Hyuuga tradition or something?' She was partially joking.

"Me and Tokuma share no grandparents. We're from two completely different lineages. Also, my mother was a common woman, no Hyuuga. This means I have to marry someone with the byakugan gene to make sure our child comes out white-eyed." Kairi tried to give her the simplest explanation.

Ino's jaw dropped, "So you're saying...my child will have to marry one of his cousins?" Ino immediately picked up on the fact she was probably considered a 'common woman'.

"No, no, Ino-sama!" Kairi waved her hands in front of her. "The byakugan can skip a generation but it will always come back eventually. My engagement to Tokuma is because the Hyuuga Council is growing impatient with the amount of non-white eyes living here."

Ino felt mildly offended. "Well…who was this guy you fancied _before _your engagement."

"I…I can't say," the maid muttered out.

"Do I know him?" Ino was itching for some juicy gossip. Kairi remained stale-faced. "You _have _to tell me, please!"

"Goodnight, Ino-sama." The maid bowed and took her leave. Ino was still adjusting to being addressed so formally but for some reason everyone in the Compound was treating her like she truly was a Main House member.

She already knew the moment she popped this baby out she would be sent on her way out of the Hyuuga's lives.

A strange sound caused Ino to pause what she was doing. It almost sounded like…someone was in pain? The girl was on high-alert. Pregnant or not, she wasn't about to become victim to anymore random attacks. There had been two more during Neji's absence.

**xXxXxXxXx**

Hinata Hyuuga didn't know what to do when her fourteen-year-old sister came to her crying. Hanabi never cried.

"I literally just made fourteen like last month!" The girl was sobbing. "And—and it was my first time, y'know, nee-chan?"

"I, uh…" Hinata didn't know what to say. "You and…Konohamaru-kun…had…s-sex?"

Hanabi gave one of her signature pissed-off looks, "Is that all you got from this conversation?"

"I just…" Hinata trailed off. "I didn't know you two were dating. I thought you hated Konohamaru."

"Nee-chan," Hanabi was suddenly very serious. "If I have a baby at fourteen, it would be out-of-wedlock since I can't marry under eighteen. And if Neji never returns from his mission, you'll be the Hyuuga Heir again."

Hinata suddenly turned equally serious and stood up. "You don't even know for sure. Being a few days late is normal for a girl your age. Especially a kunoichi. First thing in the morning we'll go to the market." The young woman then took her leave, becoming slightly startled when Ino appeared.

"Shh," Ino grabbed Hinata by the hand and walked further down the hall and around a corner. "What was that about?"

Hinata looked hesitant. "It isn't any of your business, Ino-chan."

"I don't care if Hanabi's pregnant," Ino quickly clarified. "Why is she even considering if Neji never comes back. He's going to be back."

"I believe that too b-but…shinobi should always be prepared for the worst," Hinata said before her eyes lit up. "Can't you examine her using medical ninjutsu?"

Ino shrugged. "I can't really use any chakra right now. My pregnancy is high-risk."

"I guess we really are going to the market tomorrow then," Hinata said in a slightly agitated voice.

"I'll come too!"

The Hyuuga Clan is overdue for some good ole' shenanigans.

**xXxXxXxXx**

"How do I look?" Hinata was wearing a short blonde wig with large glasses covering her eyes.

"Uh…" Ino had a blank face while Hanabi chuckled next to her.

"D-Don't laugh!" Hinata spat out. "I'm doing this for you." Hanabi regained her composure before speaking.

"Transformation jutsu would be easier, y'know." Hanabi pointed out.

Ino crossed her arms. "The market is full of several shinobi who could easily sense something like that. This way is more practical."

The trio was standing completely inconspicuously a few feet away from the entrance to the convenience store. They were getting some stares but they brushed it off as people gossiping over Ino's now large belly.

"I'm going in," Hinata said. The indigo-haired girl (now blonde) took a deep breath and walked into the shop. She nodded at everyone she passed and received a few odd looks. Maybe her disguise wasn't as good as she initially thought.

Hinata circled around her desired aisle about six times before finally gulping and walking down it. She tried hard not to look at anything else on the shelves. Someone might mistakenly thing she was trying to buy condoms!

Hinata Hyuuga did not buy condoms.

But today she was buying a 3-pack pregnancy test. She realized how flawed her logic was by the time the box was actually in her hand. The girl then turned quickly before getting hit by another body.

"E-Excuse me!" She proceeded to apologize furiously before finally realizing who it was.

"Hinata-nee-chan?" It was Konohamaru.

The girl tried to straighten out her wig and change her voice. "Who? My name is Ami. I'm new here in town…ha…ha…" She looked away in embarrassment.

"Why are you buying…that?" The fifteen year old's eyes were wide. "You and Naruto-kun have never done _it." _

Hinata tried to shush him but then decided to flip things.

"Why are you on this aisle, Konohamaru-kun?" Hinata leaned in slightly. "Are you trying to buy…_condoms_?"

"Wh-What?" The newly-promoted chuunin's face went red. "Not at all, kore."

"I know you're dating Hanabi-chan, it isn't a secret. My sister would never break her abstinence," Hinata said as proudly as she could, knowing it was a lie. "You must be cheating on her."

"You must be cheating on my brother Naruto, y'know!"

"How d-dare you betray a Hyuuga?"

"How dare you betray the future Hokage and get pregnant?" It was getting heated. Both individuals had faces as red as tomatoes. By this point, they didn't even notice the curious eyes peeking from around the corners and over the shelves.

"I DID NOT BETRAY NARUTO-KUN!"

"I DID NOT BETRAY HANABI!"

**xXxXxXxXx**

Ino was sitting on the ground lightly tapping her belly, trying to get the it to move. It made her happy every time. Hanabi was leaning against one of the light posts. It had been awhile and her sister still hadn't come out.

"_I DID NOT BETRAY NARUTO-KUN!" _

The Yamanaka immediately jumped up. She knew that screech from anywhere.

"_I DID NOT BETRAY HANABI!"_

Hanabi turned pinkish before turning to Ino. "Blondie, let's get the [BEEP] outta here!" That was obviously Konohamaru's voice. This could only end badly.

**xXxXxXxXx**

"Ouuuuch," Ino was moaning in pain as she sat on the ground in an alleyway. Running was a bad idea. A very bad idea.

"Suck it up," Hanabi said bluntly, byakugan activated, searching for her sister. Within the next five minutes, wig and glasses gone, Hinata finally showed up with the goods.

Ino stood up, supporting herself against the wall. "I would ask what happened but…I don't want to."

"Let's just get back home," Hinata said suddenly as she put an arm behind Hanabi, leading the way.

"No way!" Ino said. "You can't just go take a pregnancy test in the Hyuuga Compound. The walls have eyes."

Hanabi shook away from her sister, "She's right. Well?" She looked at Ino pleadingly.

"Lee's apartment is right up there" Ino happily pointed towards the apartment complex they were currently on the side of.

It's been a while since Ino has seen her buddies, after all.

**xXxXxXxXx**

Tenten was washing dishes when three knocks came from the door. Figuring it was Lee finally coming home, she opened it straight away.

"….Ino?" Tenten looked behind her. "And…friends."

"We need your bathroom," Ino pushed past her. Tenten looked slightly flustered but held in any objections. It was her first time seeing the blonde in almost a week. The girl rarely left the Hyuuga Compound.

Hinata looked apologetic. "I'm sorry, Tenten-chan. We just have a bit of an emergency." Tenten smiled slightly then looked at Hanabi.

Hanabi was silent for an abnormally long time, making everyone uncomfortable.

"Nope," she said. "Still don't like you." She walked to follow Ino. Hinata could only nervously chuckle as Tenten's eye twitched.

Damn, she hated Hyuugas.

**xXxXxXxXx**

"So…just pee on this," Ino tore open the box, pulling out one of the tests. "And we'll see what happens." Hanabi began to pull her pants down. "Wait you didn't have to do it in front of me!"

Hanabi rolled her eyes as she stood back up straight. "Now what."

"Ugh…" The blonde could've lived without seeing reject heiress urinate. "We wait a couple minutes."

Hanabi put the object down on the counter and stared intently at it. Ino, now seated on the toilet, stared as well. Hinata was taking up much of the space in the doorway and all Tenten could do was stare intently over her shoulder. She had no idea what was going on but hell, it seemed interesting.

Two lines appeared.

"It's defective!" Hanabi immediately said. "No, no, I can't be a teen parent, kore. A friggin' statistic. I can't be a mini-Yamanaka, y'know!"

"Well at least everyone will know who the father is," Tenten said. "You talk just like him." Hanabi blushed. Only a little, though. Hanabi Hyuuga does not blush.

Ino, frozen at first, promptly jumped into the action. "Maybe it _is_ defective. We have two more." She held said objects in her hand.

"I need water," Hanabi said.

"No," Ino interjected. "We have to use someone else who knows they aren't pregnant to test one out." She looked up at Hinata and Tenten behind her.

"Oh!" Hinata stepped back some, "I don't know, Ino-chan. I would feel too weird." The girl was all about modesty.

Ino rolled her eyes. "Well step right up, Tenten. We know you aren't." She extended one of the pregnancy tests to her, which the brunette accepted awkwardly.

"Well, I don't have to pee at the moment."

"We can wait."

"Well, really, I mean," Tenten reddened. Everyone else in the room looked at her strangely until Hanabi caught on.

"You _did it_ with bushy-brow?" The young girl almost gagged. Hinata took in a deep breath to compose herself. The impurity around her was almost suffocating.

Ino's jaw was slack. "You and Lee?"

"He's my boyfriend," Tenten said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. Which it was but, whatever.

"Okay, but you guys have been dating for like, what? Two and a half months?" Ino wouldn't let the topic go. Lee was her friend and she went through all the trials and tribulations of getting those two together just as much as he did.

"Are you saying we should have waited, Ino-_chan_?" Tenten was forcing a very strained smile.

Hinata interjected, "I believe waiting is the best opti—"

Tenten decided also not to let it go. "How long did you and Neji wait?" BOOM.

Ino's mouth formed a tight line, Hanabi looked horror-struck, and Hinata simply had a downcast look. Tenten realized immediately that bringing up the man was a mistake considering current circumstances.

Ino cocked her head to the side. "I guess Lee's kid would be a replacement for the one you couldn't get from Neji and I, huh?" BOOM BADA BING.

"I-Ino-chan, please!" Hinata was seriously getting worried here.

The girls stared each other down. Hanabi at this point was grinning. Damn, she missed this type of drama! Tenten looked down at the pregnancy test in her hand and let out a sigh.

"Let's just get this over with," she said with little emotion, looking at Ino.

"Well…go drink some water."

**xXxXxXxXx**

Around thirty minutes had passed and all the girls were siting at the kitchen table. Hanabi looked more and more distraught as she held the positive pregnancy test in her hand. She was told multiple times to throw the damn thing away since it wasn't the most clean item in the world.

"I'm ready," Tenten declared, breaking the silence.

Ino gave a stale smile. "You never know, you just might have one of these in there." She put her hand over her stomach. Her joke wasn't appreciated very much by the older girl.

Tenten requested privacy as she entered the small bathroom. Needless to say, the other girls were crowded outside of the door anyway. It was taking awhile and the group grew impatient.

"I hope she's okay in there," Hinata said softly.

**xXxXxXxXx**

Rock Lee was taking his usual route home when an overly excited Inuzuka Kiba stopped him. The young man wanted nothing more than to hurry home where he knew his girlfriend was waiting but ever the polite one, he stopped to chat.

"Man, have you heard?" Kiba asked abruptly, earning only a confused look from the green ninja. "Ha, of course you haven't. I only know 'cuz Shino here had all the deets," he said with a low chuckle.

"Of course you have not noticed me," a tall figure appeared nearly out of nowhere. "You only noticed Kiba, because he is the louder one."

Lee had a slightly creeped out look on his face. "My apologies, Shino-san."

"Yeah, yeah," Kiba rushed the 'apology', "So toda—"

"Kiba," Shino interrupted. "What I told you was not meant to be told to everyone we cross. Because, it involves our precious teammate."

Kiba scoffed, "I don't believe that part but the other part of the story I can tell him. It's hilarious, man."

"I do not wish to be involved in gossip," Shino said, inwardly cringing thinking of his last experience involving 'spilling the beans' about a pregnant Yamanaka.

Lee watched the two go back and forth before deciding to just side-step them and continue home. He bought a keychain with a small kunai hanging from it and thought it would be the perfect gift for Tenten since he recently gave the girl her own key to his place.

Lee stopped at his apartment, patted his pocket to make sure the keychain was still there, and then unlocked the door.

**xXxXxXxXx**

"I hope she's okay in there," a soft voice floated to Lee's ears. He looked on in surprise as he saw youthful Hinata, a very pregnant Ino, and reject-heiress crowded outside of his bathroom door. There was only one person missing from the picture.

"Where is Tenten?" The male asked before walking further into the apartment and shutting the door behind him. All three female figures jumped at the sudden appearance.

Ino walked towards him. "She's fine, Lee." The young woman smiled. "So, how have you been?"

"I heard someone ask if she's okay," Lee said, ignoring Ino's question. The blonde felt a bit slighted. "What is wrong with my love?"

Hinata, not-so-nonchalantly, leaned next to the bathroom door trying to block it while Hanabi started sputtering out nonsense. No one predicted this might happen.

Lee, impatient, lightly pulled the two Hyuugas out of his path and opened the bathroom door.

**xXxXxXxXx**

Tenten stared at the pregnancy test for almost a full minute before sighing and tossing it into the garbage can. After staring at her reflection for another full minute, she sighed again and went retrieved the item. She told them she'd do it. Can't back out now.

"Ino seems pretty fine surprisingly," Tenten mumbled to herself as she took the test out of its wrapping. "I thought she'd more depressed."

When Neji abruptly disappeared a month and a half ago, Tenten herself felt genuine sadness and worry. He was her former teammate, after all. And her ex. And her fiancé at one point, of course.

Tenten pulled her pants down and stuck the item between her legs. She knows Neji will make it back alive. He always does. Even Lee belie—

"Tenten!" The bathroom door swung open, promptly causing Tenten to freeze in shock.

It was Lee!

Silence passed between them. He stood in the doorway, hand still on the knob, with his jaw open. She still had a hand between her legs. Realizing how awkward her position was, she immediately pulled the item from under her, which was a bad idea.

Because now Rock Lee saw exactly what was in her hand.

A pregnancy test.

Shit.

**xXxXxXxXx**

Lee awkwardly shut the door and had his back to it. Silence reigned. Hinata had both hands over her face in embarrassment, Ino shifted uncomfortably, and even Hanabi had a worried look on her. Now someone else knows! It's downright hilarious to her but still!

"Wait, what!?" A yell came from the bathroom, causing Lee to swing it open again. Ino pushed past him and grabbed the stick from Tenten. It was somewhat moist but that didn't matter. What mattered was…

The test was positive.

"Oh no, oh no, oh no," Tenten was practically hyperventilating. Lee put a hand on her shoulder but she batted it away. "Don't touch me!" She ran out of the room. The reaction was pretty over-the-top.

Ino, still holding the pregnancy test, handed it out to Lee. "Um…sorry?" What else could she possibly say? 'Congratulations'?

"I'm…going to be a dad?" Several emotions passed his face in the span of only a few seconds.

"Everyone, just st-stop!" Hinata spoke up. "It would be a huge coincidence if Tenten is pregnant as well."

"Stranger things have happened…"

"Wait, who else is pregnant?"

"None of your business, bushy-brow!"

Hinata picked up the box from the bathroom counter and pulled the third and final pregnancy test out of it. She was a virgin. This would settle things.

**xXxXxXxXx**

Several minutes passed before Hinata finally opened the door. Everyone, excluding Tenten, was waiting for her. She looked back and forth between every set of eyes.

"I'm pregnant," Hinata proclaimed as she held up the stick with two visible blue lines. The group of three promptly face-planted. The tests were defective after all.

Hanabi looked relieved, "So there's still a chance I'm not!"

"I still just can't believe you and him actually…yeah," Ino said listlessly.

"It was only once! And we used a condom! And we didn't even…finish. We just stopped and started laughing," Hanabi recalled the event almost happily.

Ino and Hinata exchanged looks before letting out a synchronized sigh. There's no way the girl is pregnant. They should have asked for details before things got this far.

"So…I'm not going to be a dad?" Lee was still glued to the same spot.

Ino looked at him empathetically, "It's a good thing, Lee. You've seen how hard things have been for me. It's good you and Tenten didn't make the same mistake as me and…" The Yamanaka trailed off.

Instantly sensing the change of mood, Lee grabbed Ino and pulled her into a tight hug. Well, as tight as her belly would allow.

"When's your next check-up?" Lee asked after releasing her. He felt a pang of guilt that he hasn't been checking up on her as frequently anymore.

"Tomorrow but Shikamaru's going to be there so you don't have to worry about anything," she said while smiling at him.

Hinata waved goodbye as she and her not-pregnant younger sister left to go back home. Knowing she should follow closely behind, Ino gave Lee a kiss on the check and headed out.

"Tenten, you can come out now," Ino yelled from the front door, "You're not pregnant!" She slammed it shut.

A few feet ahead of Ino, Hinata turned to Hanabi and whispered, "I knew you weren't pregnant." Hanabi gave her a shocked look. "My byakugan could easily tell."

"Then, why?" Hanabi wasn't even mad at her sister.

"To teach you a lesson, of course. And to get Ino-chan out of the Compound," Hinata said before stopping to wait for their blonde companion.

**xXxXxXxXx**

**Chapter 12.5: A Means to the End**

Ino found herself in the Hyuuga shrine. She found herself here a lot, actually. She prayed for Neji to return. Prayed for her child to come out strong and healthy. Prayed for Hanabi to remain chaste. Prayed for pretty much every and anything.

"Hizashi…" The Yamanaka replaced the previous incense that had burned out below his name. There had to be more she could do. More than just sit here and wait. She was a kunoichi, dammit!

"Ino-san!" A voice interrupted her inner thoughts. "Nara is here!"

"I'm coming," Ino said in a volume the nameless Hyuuga probably couldn't even hear. She waddled her 33-weeks pregnant self towards the entrance to the Compound. Shikamaru was indeed waiting.

Shikamaru walked slowly to accommodate his companion. Not that he minded, he was a lazy guy himself. Nameless Hyuuga also escorted the pair. Shikamaru did his best to ignore him but then finally caved in after about ten minutes.

"Ino, does this guy have to follow you everywhere?" Shikamaru was irked. Ino nodded. "Does he…talk?"

"When I want him to," Ino said with no further explanation. He was her 'guard'. The Hyuuga boy couldn't have been any older than 11. A new genin.

Shikamaru rubbed his neck and sighed.

**xXxXxXxXx**

Kaori was sitting at the desk flipping through paperwork while Ino sat on the examination table. Shikamaru had his eyes closed and arms behind his head. The nameless Hyuuga just kept staring at him. It was unnerving.

"Your vitals aren't…bad," the nurse said slowly. "The protein in your urine is going up."

"I haven't been having any symptoms," Ino told her.

"Yes, but…" the nurse faltered. "Sakura-san wants to induce you at 36 weeks."

Ino frowned. "No."

The tension in the air was palpable.

"Ino-san…"

"I can't have this baby until Neji is home," the blonde said impatiently. She shouldn't have to explain something so simple.

Shikamaru opened his eyes. "Ino, stop being troublesome."

"We're done here," Ino stood up, even to the protesting of Kaori.

"W-Wait," the nurse stood in the doorway. "There's also a drop in your amniotic fluid. It's decreasing."

"Doesn't matter," the blonde walked past her, flanked by her teammate and guard.

**xXxXxXxXx**

"What the hell do you mean it doesn't matter?" Shikamaru asked in an accusing voice. "I'm not fluent in fancy medical talk but that doesn't sound like a good thing."

Ino stopped and turned to face him, anger on her face. "It means I'm not carrying this baby to full-term." Shikamaru looked away from her, no doubt trying to avoid showing any pity. He knew how she felt about that.

"The baby is more important than anything you're feeling right now," the shadow-user said flatly.

"Uh…" A meek voice popped out of nowhere, causing Ino and Shikamaru to both look down. The young boy flinched. "Ino-sama, if Neji-sama being away hurts you so much, can't you tell him to come home?"

Ino's shoulders dropped. The child was so naïve. She could barely remember the days before she knew the truth about the shinobi world. It isn't pretty.

"What's your name?" Ino asked sweetly.

"Negima." Shikamaru felt a weight lift off his shoulders after finally learning the kid's name.

"I think that's a great idea," Ino straightened up. "We're going to bring him home."

Shikamaru raised an eyebrow at her. She couldn't truly believe she had that kind of power.

"We just have to find him first," Ino said with a wink. The young Hyuuga gave her a smile. The older Nara narrowed his eyes at her. "Do me a favor and run home now, okay? I have something very important to do."

Shikamaru didn't trust whatever she was thinking.

**xXxXxXxXx**

"I can't discuss this with you, for the final time, Ino," Tsunade was behind her desk with her fingers crossed in front of her. "You've been standing here for at least fifteen minutes now but my answer will not change."

"I have the right to know!" Ino replied even though she knew it was pointless.

"Perhaps you would have those rights if you and Hyuuga Neji were connected in some way but I'm afraid 'baby momma' does not equal 'spouse'."

The words hurt. The Hokage knew they hurt. That's why she said it.

"Thank you, Hokage-sama," Ino bowed respectfully before leaving. Shikamaru was waiting for her, as expected.

He took a look at her sullen face. "Why do this to yourself, Ino?"

"I can't help but worry. I hate feeling like I can't do anything."

"Well, there really isn't much you can do," Shikamaru said bluntly after looking her up and down. "'Bringing Neji home' is out of your power'"

Ino looked at him then walked forward. "Perhaps."

"What?" Shikamaru looked at her back dumbly before walking to catch up. "There's nothing you can do, Ino."

Ino suddenly felt very weak and almost fell to the ground. Luckily, her old friend caught her and held on until she was stable.

"Why are you chakra-exhausted?" He picked up on it immediately.

"Because I'm pregnant, obviously," she said whilst panting, "Please just bring me home." Shikamaru gave her a look of protest before sweeping her up and carrying her bridal style.

"This isn't what I meant," Ino's eyebrow twitched. She had too many bad memories of being held this way.

"You're up to something," he said bluntly. "And if you're up to something, Ino-Shika-Cho is up to something." He took a right at the corner, the obvious wrong direction from the Compound.

They were headed to Choji's house.

Ino smiled and laid her head on his chest. _'Thank you, Shika'._

**xXxXxXxXx**

"Ino…what you did…I'm pretty sure you could get arrested for," Choji said in disbelief. Shikamaru's face never changed. He predicted it was something like this after she became so weak out of the blue and spent so long with the Hokage.

"You shouldn't have expended that much chakra," Shikamaru said. Choji gave him a look of 'why aren't you more angry?'.

Ino was hurriedly writing something on a piece of paper. "If the Hokage let me see into her mind that easily then maybe she shouldn't be Hokage." Ino held some contempt for her leader.

The trio was quiet for some time before Ino finally showed them what she was writing. It was a perfect mission report.

"You memorized all of that?" Choji looked in disbelief.

"Let's just say I saved it," Ino said. "Now I'm deleting it." The image was gone from her head.

Shikamaru's eyes moved side to side in a quick manner. Ino patiently watched him while Choji began binge eating to hide his worry.

"This information is so…scattered," he said. "This mission makes no sense."

"What?" Ino looked at him.

"This doesn't even need to take two months. I don't understand." His eyes widened.

"What, Shika?" The Yamanaka grew impatient.

"Ino…" Shikamaru said slowly. "I don't think Neji is coming back." He regretted the words the moment they left his mouth.

The blonde gasped and promptly fainted.

**xXxXxXxXx**

"Get up, white-eyes!" A buff man kicked a downed figure. "I know you can handle more than that."

"This is nothing," the male said before standing up straight.

"Ha," A man sitting in a chair with a cup of sake spoke up, "This kid is still my favorite out the new bunch. You got some potential, Hyuuga. I think Boss will like him."

Neji silently nodded his head. Genma was next to him still getting his daily beating. Yugao wasn't involved in this part of the mission. She simply stayed close by at a local Inn.

It had been six weeks since he last saw Konoha. Since he last saw her. When was her due date? She told him a million times. It's sometime in June, he knows that.

The gaunt man in the chair stood up. "As usual this is the part where I have to ask: do any of you wanna drop outta our training? We're a hard gang to be part of. Some even call us the New Akatsuki." Neji and Genma both mentally rolled their eyes at that statement.

"You've only got two more weeks until you get to meet the big guy," the gaunt man continued. Neji had the overwhelming urge to just walk up and punch him in the throat. No specific reason, just because he wanted to.

A slimy looking skinny guy walked forward. "If any of ya have family back home ya wanna be with, ya better leave now. It's your last chance. If ya try to leave tomorr', I'll have to kill ya myself." He held up a knife.

Genma cringed at the man. Not out of fear, just because the man was such an embarrassment to shinobi. This gang of 'rouges' was so pathetic. The two jounin could easily dispatch them all. But their boss was a different story.

"Bloody hell…" Genma whispered under his breath as the slime ball continued to laugh.

Neji had a glazed over look in his eyes. There was a voice. The space around him began to slow down as the voice in his head spoke faster. He couldn't believe this was happening. But if it's true….

"Sticks," Neji turned to Genma.

Genma gave him a strange look. "The hell do you want, white-eyes?"

"Do you have any family back home?" 'White-eyes' asked.

"Of course not," 'Sticks' said slowly.

The gaunt man raised his voice, "What are you two jerks over there talking about?"

Neji grimaced. "Sticks has challenged me to a fight to the death." Genma's face didn't change but his finger twitched in a way that said 'Stick ain't say that shit'.

"Is that true, Sticks? You got somethin' against him?" Slime ball asked.

Genma looked disinterested, "I guess I do."

"Alright then, fight it out, boys!" The gaunt man took a seat.

Neji turned towards Genma and dropped into a stance. Not his perfected "Gentle Fist" style, but something more crude. Genma now had a look of concern.

What the hell, Hyuuga?

**xXxXxXxXx**

After Ino came to, Shikamaru forced her to sit up. "This is what you wanted to do, right?"

Ino looked at her teammate. "You know where it is? From the description?" Choji looked worriedly between his teammates. He couldn't believe Shikamaru was helping her in this insane plan.

"Orochimaru's former village, Otogakure. It isn't terribly far from here; I just think it's a terrible place for "rouge shinobi" to set up shop." The Nara looked unimpressed.

"Choji," Ino said, "the food pills."

Choji looked pained. "Ino, you're pregnant. There's no telling what could happen."

"Choji, please!" Ino had tears in her eyes. "Let me bring him home." Choji walked to the kitchen and quickly returned with three food pills. He sadly put them in her hand.

Shikamaru looked at her pointedly. "One should do it."

"Three will definitely do it," the blonde said before immediately putting the pills in her mouth. "I just need the connection so I can find him easier." Shikamaru immediately knew what she meant.

"This might be one of the craziest things I've ever done," the Nara grimaced as he held an elongated needle and syringe in his hand."

Choji was cringing as Shikamaru wiped Ino's stomach with some alcohol found in the house. This definitely wasn't the most sterile way to do this.

"I'm ready," Ino held her breathe for a while before transferring part of her consciousness into Shikamaru, just enough to help him guide the needle in a way that wouldn't puncture any important organs. Shikamaru began to draw back, filling the syringe with a few milliliters. It wasn't Ino's blood.

It was the baby's blood.

"We're all set then," Ino said in a jittery manner. The stimulants from the food pills were beginning to take effect. She mostly only wanted the pills to give her boosted chakra since her current levels were so low but unfortunately all the side effects came with it.

All three of them sat around a map with the sound symbol of Otogakure circled.

"What are you going to do with that? Drink it?" Choji asked, still uncomfortable.

Ino gave him a bizarre look. "Choji, we're not doing some satanic, ritualistic, demon-summoning experiment, okay?" Shikamaru continued to frown as Choji shut his eyes, not wanting to witness anymore.

"I can't touch him and he's so far out of range unless I had a Chakra Transmission Communication Device or something. So instead I can only rely on my Mind Body Transmission Technique and the connection being a part of his DNA."

Choji still looked displeased. "Okay, Ino. Just…do it." Shikamaru nodded his head.

Both boys placed a hand on her shoulder as she made a hand sign and focused all of her chakra. Veins began bulging out of her forehead, causing Shikamaru's frown to deepen and Choji to sweat. They were beyond worried.

This was crazy.

**xXxXxXxXx**

Ino felt as if she was drowning. Drowning in nothingness. But there was something. Something she was getting closer to. But then she'd begin to drown again.

Focus.

The girl continued to float in this void until finally she reached something.

'_Neji?' _She was met with silence. _'Neji, is that you?_

'_Ino?'_

'_You have to listen very carefully. This mission is impossible. The boss you're waiting to kill died a year ago. There's no reason for you to nduhdabaak'_

'_Ino? What? I cant understand you'_

'_No reason for you to wait to arrest those guys. Get it over with and duwhdun'_

'_No reason? How do you know?'_

'_Come home.'_

'…_Ino, can you contact Yugao? And tell her to come?'_

'_I— I can try.'_

**xXxXxXxXx**

"Alright then, fight it out, boys!" The gaunt man took a seat.

Neji dropped into an unfamiliar stance, causing Genma to frown slightly. Nonetheless, he also prepared himself for combat. Hyuuga better have a good reason for doing this.

The two men exchanged blows with no real power behind it. Genma could somewhat conclude that Neji was trying for some type of distraction. Neji pulled back his fist and gave a blow that sent him flying, right into the gaunt man.

The man promptly stood. "What kinda nonsense is this?" Genma jumped far away from the man.

'**BOOM'**

"Oh, shit!" The slime ball had a look of fear as more explosions came from around the building.

"St-Sticks! White-eyes! This is your first mission for the group! Take care of whatever that is!" The gaunt man also directed his buff lackey to go investigate. Before the man could even comprehend what was going on, he was hit in the throat, immediately half-dead.

Genma gave Neji a strange look.

"What? He was annoying me." Neji defended his actions before the two men had to jump away to avoid an array of weapons thrown at them.

"Traitors!" The slime ball had some tricks up his sleeve after all. He pulled out two summoning scrolls. "Die!"

Before he could do anything, he was hit in the back of the head, immediately half-dead. It was Yugao. Both shinobi gave her strange looks.

"What? That was annoying," the purple haired Kunoichi said.

"There was one more," Neji commented offhandedly, as if he knew the man was no threat whatsoever.

"Took care of that one already," Yugao sighed. "He ran right into an explosive tag."

Genma grimaced. "Will any of you tell me what's going on? You just randomly decided you wanted to compromise our mission?"

"This mission was impossible. Their boss is already dead," Neji said.

"How do you know?" The older man demanded. Neji looked towards Yugao, who nodded at him. So she did receive the message.

"Let's go home," Neji commanded. "Tie the two living ones up. The may have valuable information for the intelligence division."

**xXxXxXxXx**

Ino broke out of her trance with a loud gasp.

"Ino?" Shikamaru was looking at her wide-eyed. The girl's nose was bleeding from both nostrils.

"….Shika," it was the only word she could get out before everything went black

**xXxXxXxXx**

"I need an IV going STAT!" A medical personal yelled out. "Infuse some magnesium sulfate as well! She's convulsing."

Sakura Haruno could work well under pressure. This was no big deal. No big deal.

"I'm not picking up any fetal activity, Sakura-san!" A man reported.

"SHIT!" Sakura yelled. "Prepare for an emergency c-section!" The young medic had no other idea.

"NO!" A voice came out of nowhere. It was Shikamaru, who had remained in the room. "Ino does not want that baby out. Sakura, please. Do what you can."

Sakura looked appalled, "I will not compromise Ino's life because she wants some jerk who doesn't even care about her to see it."

Another medic yelled out, "her vitals are stabilizing. Blood pressure is 132/98. It's still high out of range but we brought it down significantly." Sakura looked slightly relieved before pushing a medical assistance out of the way and using her stethoscope on Ino's belly. She let out a sigh of relief once she heard the heartbeat of the fetus.

"Increase her oxygen! We can't afford for any fetal hypoxia. Put her and the baby on continuous monitoring. I want to know about every change in rate," Sakura commanded. As the room slowly settled down, people began to turn to their superior.

"Why was the c-section delayed?"

"This is not ethical or safe for the patient, Sakura-san."

"If the patient dies…"

"She's not going to die," Sakura ensured, removing her gloves, mask, and gown. "Everyone out." The staff did as they were directed.

Sakura looked as if she were holding in a scream. "What. Happened?"

"Long story," Shikamaru said, tapping his foot in an anxious manner.

"You and Choji brought her in. Explain."

"She took some food pills," the Nara said as if it were nothing.

"Okay," Sakura folded her arms, "The explains the crazy EKG and heart rate." At the mention of heart rate, Sakura turned towards the continuous fetal monitor, smiling slightly at how strong and fast it was going. The baby was okay.

"She…wanted to me aspirate blood out of her stomach," Shikamaru sad slowly, causing Sakura to do a double take.

"She's at risk for infection, great. Her and the baby. Let's hope they're the same blood type or we'll have even more complications," Sakura said. "But you're avoiding telling me something."

Shikamaru sighed and mumbled something under his breath before speaking clearly. "She used up all her chakra trying to pull off some telepathy to Neji. I'm not sure if it work—"

Shikamaru's words were cut off by a slap.

"How could you even _let _her?" Sakura was beyond upset.

"I would rather her have help than let her kill herself trying alone."

The pinkette only looked away.

She knew how valid of a point it was.

**xXxXxXxXx**

"Get up and keep walking," Genma said in annoyance as the prisoner he was escorting repeatedly fell down. No one could be this clumsy.

"You'll pay for this!" The man spat at him. This time Genma knocked him down himself.

Yugao watched with a smile slightly. The prisoner she was walking was much more cooperative. She had to the gaunt man while Genma pulled about the slimy looking one.

"How long do you think it will take?" Neji asked abruptly. Yugao immediately knew what he meant.

"At least a week at this pace," she said.

"We can't go at this pace then," Neji said. Genma and Yugao exchanged looks.

Genma gave him an indecipherable look. "If you want to go ahead, you can. We can handle these two."

"No," Neji replied bluntly. "There's no way to be sure if help truly will or won't come for them."

"Once we cross the border, I doubt anyone would be stupid enough to attack us," Yugao pointed out. Her years of experience with ANBU had taught her a thing or two about the way rouge ninja think.

Neji looked hesitant.

"Go!" Genma said forcefully. "We already know who you're thinking about." Yugao smiled peacefully before frowning after the slime ball decided to fall down again.

Neji still looked conflicted. Ino wasn't due until at least seven more weeks if his math was correct. But Lee seemed so sure she wouldn't carry to full-term. He regrets every check-up and appointment he missed with the blonde. It's his own fault he knew nothing of her health.

"Thank you," Neji said genuinely before taking off at a much faster pace. He had so much time to make up with Ino that he lost because of his own selfishness and pride.

He would fix everything.

* * *

**End Chapter 12**

**A/N: Everything is set in place for the finale. I hope you guys stick with this story for at least 1 more chapter. I know the mission part was kinda weird but it's FF, don't sweat it too much**

**Fun fact: I had a guest flame review (I deleted it) from someone who read the first chapter and said "Sakura would never touch Lee with a 10 foot pole" and other fun, insulty things. I guess they missed the part where it says this story is [Lee,Tenten]**


	13. Chapter 13

**A/N: Okay, it's the final chapter. Hopefully all loose ends have been tied up to everyone's satisfaction. I just want to say thank you to all of my readers. Even the flamer. If enough people request it, I might add an epilogue. I do have a few ideas.**

**Thank you, everyone**

* * *

Sabaku no Temari wasn't a very compassionate woman. However, she wasn't cruel either. Far from it actually. She just didn't understand how shinobi could let their emotions get in the way of being productive. Honestly.

"Shikamaru," the Sand kunoichi tried to get the attention of the male next to her. "We have a lot of work to do. The Hokage chose you as an ambassador for a reason."

Shikamaru didn't respond to her. The only indication he even heard her was the way his eyes narrowed slightly. Temari was getting annoyed now.

"Staring at her won't make her wake up," she said bluntly. This finally made him speak.

"Flapping your mouth incessantly won't do much either," he said flatly before returning his attention to the unconscious girl in the hospital bed. A soft-hearted female would've gotten offended or had her feelings hurt but Temari wasn't most girls. She was a kunoichi.

Silence passed between the two jounin.

Ino has been unconscious for 3 days.

**xXxXxXx**

The news came by raven. Neji would be returning! Not as a corpse, but actually returning. Hiashi, while inwardly overjoyed by the news, still managed to keep his composure. Truth be told, the Clan Head was having a bad week. Rumors about his two daughters were all around the village.

Konoha loves its gossip.

"Hiashi-sama," the Hyuuga messenger was kneeling in front of the man. "To whom should I deliver this news?"

Hiashi tapped a finger on his desk. "You may alert the entire clan, I suppose. Send out an announcement actually. To his companions as well. And send one to the hospital and also the Yamanaka household."

"Hai," Tokuma stood and took his leave. Great, he had at least ninety memos to write by hand and deliver.

Hiashi's white eyes closed as he rubbed his temples. Should he throw a celebration? Should he hold a special dinner? Should he prepare himself for the explosion that will no doubt occur once Neji returns and learns of Ino's condition?

"Maybe."

**xXxXxXx**

Light was shining on her eyes, inhibiting her from getting anymore sleep. She was so tired.

"Lee, close the curtains or I'll kill you…" Ino muttered out.

"Ino-san!?"

The blonde immediately opened her eyes and sat up. She was in the hospital, again. Nurse Kaori was standing over her bed replacing an IV bag.

Ino took a deep breath. "How long was I out?"

"F-Four days, Ino-san," Kaori looked oddly nervous.

"Holy shit," Ino touched her stomach instinctively. She then turned to the fetal monitor next to her bed. Yep, her little angel was still there.

"Uh," the nurse began, "Sakura-san was going to perform a c-section this afternoon."

The Yamanaka immediately looked alarmed before settling down. "Really, I'm surprised she hasn't by now."

"Well, you're only 34 weeks now. The baby is viable but every day counts." Her teammate Shikamaru also played a role by pleading a good case for Ino but that wasn't all that important to mention.

"Let me guess," Ino was looking straight forward, "strict bed rest, lots of fluids, and absolutely no use of chakra."

Kaori nodded. "And you're not to leave the hospital, Ino-san."

"…What?" Ino looked annoyed.

"Our head medical staff has decided you will be an admit here until the baby is born," she explained.

"You mean _Sakura_ said?" Ino's eyebrow was twitching.

"It's for your own good, Ino-san. Call if you need me." The nurse shut the door.

Within 30 seconds of being alone, Ino felt a deep depression and loneliness. Where is everyone? Doesn't anyone care?

She already knew the answer to that. The girl stared blankly at the ceiling.

Life in Konoha goes on.

**xXxXxXx**

Neji was only a few hours away from his home now. A trip that should've taken at least a week was cut down to around four days. The Hyuuga barely rested. Perhaps he should stop somewhere and clean himself up before he goes to find Ino.

"Hyuuga?"

The white-eyed male instinctually threw a kunai at the offending stranger. Said stranger easily evaded it. How could he let someone sneak up on him like that? Actually, upon closer inspection, it wasn't a stranger at all.

"Temari-san," Neji began, "it's a pleasure to see you." Not really.

Silence passed between them as Neji began to show signs of his anxious need to continue his path. What was the point of this hold up?

"I suppose I should give you some sort of condolences," Temari looked unsure. "I will keep Ino-san in my prayers." She bowed to him and made a motion to leave before the Hyuuga was suddenly in front of her.

"What does that mean?"

"It means I'm sorry for your situation," Temari looked confused. "Aren't you and Ino a thing or something?" The woman had no idea how to word it. Seriously, in Suna emotions were never something to impede your life.

"No…" He said. "Well, yes. But, no. No. Not yet," he fumbled out. "Yet" completely depended upon whether or not Ino would still take him.

Temari stared and blinked at him uninterestedly.

"Are you saying Ino isn't doing well?"

"Well, last I heard they were about to cut the baby out of her and there was a big chance of hemorrhage and seizures or something," the jounin put a finger on her chin. "Shikamaru was really worked up about it. The baby too premature…"

The Sand kunoichi looked towards the Hyuuga only to realize he was gone.

"Shit…" she mumbled. "Was it something I said?"

**xXxXxXx**

Hinata was currently stuffing a hospital bag with any and all items she could possibly find in the Compound. Why were they not more prepared for this? She packed clothes for Ino, even pulling from her own Hyuuga wardrobe. It was a hectic day.

The lavender-eyed girl made her way down the hall carrying the luggage. It was enough to last a good three weeks or however long Ino's hospital stay was expected to be. She stopped after seeing Hitomi, the romanticist elder, and Laundry Chick standing outside of a room in the West Wing. She immediately knew what it was.

Putting down the bags, Hinata walked towards her kin. Silence endured as Hitomi finally sighed before speaking.

"Neji was going to show her this on the last day of their week together," the Hyuuga elder said sadly.

"Nii-san could still do so, Hitomi-sama," Hinata pointed out.

The Hyuuga seamstress/laundress spoke next. "With Neji's absence, documents have already been made to place the baby in the care of two of our branch members."

"….But this baby is Neji's heir," Hinata said slowly.

"It's nothing if it's born in illegitimacy," Hitomi practically spat out. "That stupid council. They had no faith whatsoever Neji would return.

"Perhaps this is for the best," the seamstress said. "Ino is only 19 and Neji 20."

The trio of women took one final look into the desolate room before sliding the door shut. The once bright room was now never to be seen. Nearly the entire household was involved in the making, furnishing, and decorating but now it meant nothing.

**xXxXxXx**

Ino felt a contraction. Then another. And then another. They were about twenty minutes apart but the blonde definitely knew what it meant. She knew there were medications to stop or slow down labor but since she was so eclampsic, the girl knew no doctor would dare give her any tocolytics.

The girl's body could hold out no longer. The baby was ready to come. Her water will probably break the moment she steps out of bed. Pre-term. As predicted.

The girl fantasized about this day many times. She imagined it being a romantic experience with Neji. Tokuma gave her the good news that Neji was on his way home but he obviously wouldn't make it in time. How could she bring a child into this world with no father beside her?

But…

"Kaori-san," Ino called out.

"Yes?" The nurse came after a brief period.

"Can you…send for Rock Lee?"

**xXxXxXx**

"Naruto-kun, be careful with that!" Hinata called out

"Hinataaa," Naruto moaned. "It's so heavy." He was currently toting Ino's hospital bag on his back.

Hanabi was growing impatient. "Konohamaru, why don't you carry some of it?" The boy trembled in fear under his _acquaintance_'s glare.

"Y-Yeah!" Konohamaru ran over to help the orange shinobi. The group of four made steady pace towards the hospital. Hinata suggested using one of the Hyuuga wagons but Naruto simply insisted he could carry it all.

Hinata knew she could do more to help Ino but for now, this was her duty. The girl will probably be hospitalized for weeks. She just couldn't imagine.

She also couldn't help but wonder if Ino would object to the Hyuuga tradition of sharing and eating chocolate placenta truffles.

**xXxXxXx**

The news of Ino's labor made it to the Nara household quickly. Shikamaru had no idea how to deal with something like this. Shinobi take lives every single day, how could he possibly fathom _bringing_ life into this world. It seemed foreign.

Shikamaru stared at the photo of Team Ten as genin. Asuma-sensei was dead. Ino was having a child. Asuma once told him the future is the most precious thing to be protected in this cruel world.

He lifted the framed photo from his bedside and left his house. It was the only item he carried with him.

**xXxXxXx**

Kiba and Shino were doing their usual bonding activities when the news reached them. This wasn't just Ino's pregnancy. This affected the entire Konoha 11. No one could really explain why. Perhaps it's because Ino and Neji are the first to become parents out of the bunch.

"I think the best support we could give, is to just stay away," Shino decided.

"Where's Neji, man?" Kiba shook his head. "He must be near Konoha by now. Maybe we could meet him or something. Let him know what's up before he gets to the hospital," Kiba explained.

Surprisingly, Shino nodded in agreement.

**xXxXxXx**

Kurenai decided to visit Asuma's grave. She placed fresh flowers over his slate.

"Mama, mama," Mirai pulled on her mother's kimono.

"Give me one minute, sweetheart," Kurenai said kindly. The toddler quieted down.

Kurenai sat down and looked at the grave.

"Ino is having her baby today. I thought someone should come tell you." The retired kunoichi had tears in her eyes. "I'm sure she'll tell him or her all about you, my love."

Mirai looked up at her mama. She still didn't quite understand why mama liked sitting here so much.

She wished she wouldn't cry.

**xXxXxXx**

Tenten was at training ground 12, doing meaningless target practice. Of course she'll hit every single mark. There was no point. Did anything she did have a point? Well, there is one thing she was proud of. She finally left her drunken father in the past and officially moved in with Lee.

"Lee," the girl said, throwing another kunai at a practice post.

"I do not believe he is here," a manly voice said. It was Gai-sensei.

Tenten faltered momentarily. "Well, yeah, obviously. He's with Ino." She threw a shuriken this time.

"Then why are you here," Gai asked.

"Because I don't need to be there," Tenten said bluntly.

"And yet you're still jealous." The words made Tenten freeze and turn to him.

"I'm not," she put it bluntly. "I just…" Her voice began to crack.

Gai said nothing else. There was nothing he could say. He couldn't even pretend to understand what she was going through.

"It was supposed to be mine," she said out of the blue. "I may have fallen out of love with Neji but I still loved that baby." Her fists tightened.

"Well…" The man wasn't expecting that.

"I'll go," she said. "Eventually." Everyone knows labor could last up to 24 hours. She'll have a lot of time to vent.

It was the end of the conversation. Gai wasn't exactly what just happened but he hoped it was something good.

**xXxXxXx**

Chouza tried for the fourth time to coax his son into leaving his bedroom. He knew he was depressed but he couldn't possibly actually want to miss this.

"Father…" Choji began. "It's partly my fault she deteriorated so much. I should've stopped that crazy idea she had."

"What is done is done," Chouza said with a firm voice, he didn't even want to know about whatever his son was referring to. "What's happening now, is happening now."

Choji knew his father was right. He shouldn't have provided Ino with those pills but what could he do? He couldn't stop her. No one could. Even if him and Shikamaru didn't help, she still would've done it.

Shikamaru.

Ino-Shika-Cho.

Ino was having a baby.

"Why the hell am I still sitting here?"

Chouza smiled slightly at the way his son finally raced out of the house. Maybe he should do this whole 'motivational speaker' thing for a living.

**xXxXxXx**

Neji finally saw the gates of Konoha approaching. Instinctively, he picked up the pace. He really had no idea what to expect. Temari made it seem as if Ino was in immediate danger. As if she were on her deathbed. He prayed that wasn't true. He knew it wasn't true.

Ino is not a weak woman.

"Neji!" A voice called out to him. "Yo, Neji!"

The Hyuuga could easily discern the figures. It was Kiba and Shino. He didn't have time for their games right now. He tried to walk past them but a persistent Kiba blocked his path.

"Ino is in labor," he said, crossing his arms. "Right now." Neji stared at him blankly.

"Ahem," Shino cleared his throat, "this is the part where you rush to her side. Because you are the father."

"So she isn't in any immediate danger?" Neji asked for clarification.

Kiba frowned. "I guess not but, her pregnancy is super high risk so there could be serious complications." The Inuzuka heard that from Hinata on many occasions and was able to recite it word for word.

"Then I am not needed," the Hyuuga began to walk forward. "I have other matters to attend to."

Kiba gave him a look of disgust while even Shino was taken aback. This guy truly was an asshole. What could possibly be more important?

"I won't let you do that to Ino," Kiba grabbed hold of the Hyuuga. "Go, now!"

"Labor can last for an entire day. I already missed part of it. I just…need time to think," Neji proclaimed.

"Think about what?"

Neji furrowed his brows. "I wasn't there for her. What right do I have to be there now?"

Shino spoke. "The right of being the father." Kiba made hand motions to emphasize Shino's statement.

Growing impatient, Neji simply decided he would take the two shinobi with him to help ponder life. Whatever.

**xXxXxXx**

Ino was being very quiet. She would moan during contractions but that was it. The labor still wasn't far along.

"You're about 4 centimeters dilated," Sakura said, fingers jammed into Ino's private parts. Totally not awkward at all.

Lee picked up a cup of ice chips and fed about four to Ino. She sucked on them before lying back down.

"How much longer?" Ino felt she had the right to complain.

"It's all up to your body," Sakura said. "If it were up to me I'd tell your body to keep holding it in for at least six more weeks."

"Well," Ino said while sucking on ice, "Hyuugas are pretty stubborn."

Once Sakura left the room, it was only Ino and Lee. Ino's father had stopped by briefly but couldn't stay because it was a busy day at the office. Hinata had dropped off a lot of essentials for both her and the baby.

"Are you okay?" Lee asked with concern. The blonde's facial expressions were constantly changing.

"I'm fine," she turned away from him, instead laying eyes on the old photo of Team Ten that Shikamaru dropped by and gave her. Everyone came and everyone left.

Except Lee.

"Where's Tenten?" Ino asked. She wasn't the slightest bit curious but she needed some conversation.

Lee frowned. "I do not believe she likes when I spend large amounts of time with you."

"Is that why you never stop by the Hyuuga Compound anymore?" Ino asked. It was a petty attempt to make him feel bad. It almost worked but Lee knew her enough to spot her games.

"I try not to upset my beautiful Tenten but sometimes it takes a lot," Lee confessed.

"Welcome to the life of a being a boyfriend," Ino said sarcastically.

Lee almost laughed. "Tenten just…needs time, I think."

"Hm?" This intrigued Ino. "Time for what exactly?"

"Accepting that the baby she dreamed of for months is coming and it isn't hers," he said sadly. Ino remained silent. She didn't feel remorse for the failed engagement of Tenten and Neji. "So, Ino…whose baby is this then?"

Ino looked at him blankly before looking down. "Some Hyuuga couple is gonna adopt it, I guess. Neji doesn't seem interested in being a parent and I still have too much to accomplish in my career before I settle down and become a family woman."

"Even after carrying this child for so long, you still put your career over it?"

"I never planned to keep it," Ino almost sounded like she convincing herself. "Everyone knows that." She began to think about the time Neji talked to her belly, calling himself its father. But that was nice Neji. There's no telling what Neji would return to Konoha.

Asshole Neji, probably.

**xXxXxXx**

Neji had led his two semi-companions to a random training ground. They passed Konohamaru on the way who looked shocked to see them. It was a strange encounter.

The Hyuuga was leaning against a tree in intense contemplation. He had no idea what to do or how to fix anything.

"So let me get this straight," Kiba said, sitting on the ground. "You _do _love Ino, right?" A nod. "But you think Ino deserves better?" Another nod. "And you don't think you can be better?"

"Every time I try and fix anything it just makes it worse," Neji explained. "Ino is in labor and here I am, avoiding it. Like an asshole."

Shino inwardly sighed. "Can't this be solved by you just going to her?"

"She'll probably scream and kick me out," Neji was getting worked up now. "I left for that mission without even telling her goodbye. After I promised her I would spend an entire week with her and fix things."

"Okay, I get that." Kiba said. "Now, explain the clan stuff again?" The Inuzuka was still confused on all of that.

"I'm Hiashi-sama's heir but it would bring dishonor to our clan if I have a child out of wedlock."

"So you want to marry Ino to preserve your title as heir?" Shino observed.

Neji shot him a death glare. "No. I would reject being heir if that's what it took to be with…her." He finished unsurely.

Growing impatient, Kiba stood up. "Okay, man. You love Ino. You shouldn't throw that love away."

"What would either of you know about love?" Neji challenged. The two men exchanged looks.

"Shino and I…we have very bad luck with ladies," Kiba explained. "Shino, do you want to start?" Neji raised as eyebrow.

"Well, there was Haruka. We spent Valentine's Day together before one of my insects leapt on her ice cream. She never spoke to me again," Shino recalled. "Kiba?"

"There was Talisa. She had the biggest butt in Konoha. It was amazing. Then she saw little Kiba and…was less than impressed. She never spoke to me again."

"Then there was Sekai. She talked so much it gave me headaches. I told her this once. She never spoke to me again."

Kiba laughed. "I'll always remember Aiko. She had a twin sister named Aika. I confused the two one night and kissed Aika instead of Aiko. Neither of them spoke to me again."

"I can't forget to mention Misa. She was from Iwakagure. The distance never would've worked. I never spoke to her again."

"But she was so damn fine she almost made your ass move," Kiba added with a wink. Surprisingly, Shino nodded. Neji just stared at them in disbelief. Was dating really this difficult?

Kiba spoke again. "Then there was Kairi. A few years older but I really liked her." He shrugged. "Hinata found out and got upset kind of so…I never spoke to her again. Now I heard she's getting married." The dog-nin looked legit upset as he recalled that one.

Neji was silent for a long time.

"The point," Shino said, "is that love is hard to come by in the shinobi world."

"And you love Ino," Kiba continued.

"Therefore, you should be with Ino."

Neji looked between the two of them before taking in a deep breath. The idiots…

"Let's go get your woman!"

**xXxXxXx**

Lee continued to keep Ino company as she waited for the arrival of the it or ittete. It was rather peaceful. Lee always imagined a woman giving birth to be more chaotic. But perhaps this peace was a good thing.

"Neji's in the village!"

So much for peace.

"I saw him! Walking around!" It was Konohamaru. The entire room was quiet. Quiet enough that Konohamaru began to feel awkward and slowly closed the door. He should leave stuff like this up to the Hyuuga messenger.

More silence filled the room until Lee heard a sniff.

'_Oh, no,' he thought._

Another sniff.

'_Oh, please, no!'_

Ino began to cry. Normally she would blame it on hormones but this time she didn't even care to. Her pulse and blood pressure shot up, causing the fetal monitor to alarm.

It was in distress.

Lee panicked. He had no idea what to do. He grabbed the oxygen mask above her head and brought it to her face. By this time, Kaori entered the room.

"Good job, Lee-san," she hurriedly said before adjusting the monitors on Ino's belly. "Breathe, Ino-san, breathe."

Ino was practically having a panic attack.

"That jerk. I was worried about him all this time and he doesn't even stop by." Ino ignored her pain and was flailing. "He doesn't even know what I had to go through!"

Lee unconsciously clenched his fist. His teammate had a nice beating coming his way. Lee was sick of all the emotional and mental abuse he put Ino through.

"I'm gonna go give him a piece of my mind!" Ino declared, swinging her legs to the side of the bed and attempting to get up. She didn't realize just how weak her body was. Her legs immediately gave out and sent her to the floor, landing on her stomach.

Lee quickly moved to help the blonde back into the bed. It didn't take long for him to notice the gush of blood now on the floor. Oh yes, Neji was getting beat the hell down.

"AHHHHHHHH" Lee's thoughts were interrupted by Ino's scream. She was clutching her stomach. Kaori ran out of the room to find someone more qualified. She told Lee to keep a close eye on her until she returned.

"I-Ino," Lee didn't know what to do. He felt bad because he and Ino prepared for this day many times at one point. They'd make up stories of how it would go down.

But now, Lee knew nothing.

**xXxXxXx**

Haruno Sakura was ready. She had her best team with her in case things went even further south. They're prepared for a sick baby and a sick mother.

"Ino-pig," Sakura was moving quickly, throwing stuffed animals out of the way. "This is it!" Sakura grinned slightly behind her mask.

"No," Ino sadly said, squeezing her legs together. "No."

Lee took hold of Ino's hand and squeezed it. "It's okay. He isn't here but everyone else is. I guarantee you within only a short while that waiting room will be full of everyone you know!"

Looking up at him with a tearful smile, Ino gave the final push. There was a brief pause of any noise before a cry was suddenly heard. She didn't see it but she definitely heard it.

Standing up and holding the crying newborn, Sakura looked at Lee, "You're up."

Lee happily grabbed a pair of sterile scissors and cut the umbilical cord with an unprecedented amount of enthusiasm.

Ino weakly held out her arms. "Let…me…" The young woman lost consciousness. Sakura expected that so it didn't cause much alarm.

"Get the baby to our intensive care unit right away," she commanded. "I can already see it needs some resuscitation."

Sakura spent another few minutes delivering the placenta and having it put on ice. Hinata requested it for some reason or another.

**xXxXxXx**

Tenten finally gave in and went to the hospital to visit with Ino. Most of their mutual friends were already in the waiting room and someone suggested she go check out Ino's status. She expected to stay for around five minutes then give some excuse for having to leave.

What she did not expect, however, was to see a baby in an isolette being rushed out of the room by two workers running.

The girl unconsciously took a few steps forward, as if following the men. But she didn't. She didn't do anything, actually. She had no idea what was going on in Ino's room right now. No one did.

"Did you see it?" Hinata asked once Tenten made it back to the waiting room. The young woman was in the middle of embroidering a white baby blanket.

"Yeah, but," Tenten tried to find the words. "It's premature so I guess they're working extra hard on it."

"Boy or girl?" Choji asked happily, despite the situation. He knew she would pull through.

Tenten blinked at him. "I…have no idea, honestly." Lots of people groaned in frustration. Lots of people meaning Hinata, Naruto, Hanabi, Choji, Shikamaru, and Tokuma.

"You're so [BEEP]ing useless," Hanabi said. "We shoulda sent that that guy, kore." She pointed a thumb at the Hyuuga messenger.

"Hanabi is right," Naruto said, ignoring the angry look from Tenten. "You could've at least found that out."

Hanabi looked pleased the shinobi agreed with her. "Dattebayo."

**xXxXxXx**

Kiba peered anxiously around a corner to see who was currently occupying the maternity ward waiting room. It was pretty much all of the Konoha Eleven plus some others. They were chatting and Kiba perfectly heard their words, courtesy of his dog trained ears, of course.

"I think Ino is doing bad, Sakura hasn't come out of the room yet," Kiba explained. "But she's definitely alive."

Neji, never one to show emotion, continued to looked forward. "I don't know which one I want to see more, her or our child."

Shino spoke up. "If you do decide to see the child then perhaps we should find a different route. Because…" The male had a keen intuition for drama. He knew there would drama if the people in the waiting room saw the Hyuuga.

Shino knew everything.

"Hn," Neji turned around. "I'm leaving then."

The other two men let out a synchronized sigh.

**xXxXxXx**

Ino's eyes fluttered opened. Once her vision cleared, all she could see were emerald eyes and bushy brows. She smiled at the sight.

"Not to brag or anything," Sakura placed her hands on her hips, "but I saved your life."

"Yeah, yeah," Ino sat up, "any doctor could've, forehead girl."

Lee grinned. "It truly was amazing. You were bleeding and bleeding so Sakura-chan put her _whole _arm into your vag—"

"Okay," Ino cut him off. "Thank you, Sakura." The girl felt emotional now.

"It was a boy," Sakura said.

"Oh," Ino replied.

"He'll probably stay in the hospital a few days for observation. He's surprisingly well developed. I can bring him in for you to hol—".

Lee lightly hit Sakura on the thigh, trying to convey the message of _'Stop talking'._

"I have no idea which Hyuuga couple is adopting him," Ino said steadily. Sakura frowned while Lee gave her an apologetic look. "I'm tired. I don't want visitors…except my father if he stops by."

Sakura took her vital signs one more time before leaving the room. Lee stood to follow suit.

"No," Ino reached out an arm. "Please stay." The male nodded. He wouldn't dare refuse. He feared he may have to watch her cry herself to sleep but the blonde looked surprisingly serene.

He could recall a distinct moment just a few months ago where Yamanaka Ino had insisted she did not want to sleep in a hospital bed while Rock Lee watched her.

So much has happened since then.

**xXxXxXx**

Neji, Kiba, and Shino were staring into the window of the hospital nursery. There were only three visible infants and one nurse currently sitting at a desk doing paperwork.

"Man," Kiba started, "is that your kid, Neji? He has huuuuge eyebrows." The newborn in question did, in fact, have very large and bushy eyebrows. This made Neji's eye twitch.

"No," he said.

Shino whispered, "It could be." The Aburame was staring straight forward. "Because, there are only three babies in sight. This means there is a one in three chance that this baby is yours."

"My child does not have bushy eyebrows," the Hyuuga was getting mad now. "I know what you're insinuating." Kiba shrunk a little under the man's white-eyed glare but Shino didn't even flinch.

As if on cue, the nurse stood from the desk and walked out to meet the men.

"I know who you are," the brown haired woman looked at Neji. "Are you here to claim baby boy Yamanaka? I could draw up the pap—"

"It's a boy?" Neji's eyes widened slightly.

The woman nodded. "He's breathing on his own so he is stable. The poor boy didn't look so good when he first came in, though. So blue."

Silence overtook the hallway. Kiba and Shino looked at Neji expectedly. Why wasn't he saying or doing anything?

"The mother," Neji spoke in a low voice, "she is okay?"

"She's doing remarkably well," the nurse said. "The only cure for eclampsia is delivery so she'll make a full recovery in no time."

Neji looked pensive before speaking again. "Well, thank you," he looked at her name badge, "Kaori-san. I'll take my leave now." The nurse looked shocked to say the least. Didn't he want to see the baby?

Maybe he really is an asshole like everyone says.

Kiba walked alongside Neji with an almost angry face. "So you're not doing it?"

"There's one thing I have to do before I can see her. And to be honest, I think I should wait until the morning. I imagine a woman who just gave birth needs rest," Neji confessed. "Will you two help me?" The two men nodded.

Surprisingly, Shino didn't get any bad vibes.

**xXxXxXx**

Lee was still watching Ino as she slept. The poor girl had been through so much. He didn't want to pity her, he knew she would hate him if he ever did. The delivery was already three hours ago and still no sign of Neji. The door creaking open caught the jounin's attention.

"Lee?" It was Tenten.

"My love," Lee straightened up, "how long have you been here?"

She walked in and closed the door. "Sometime now." She played with her fingers anxiously.

"Is something wrong?" Lee asked.

"N-No, I just…" The girl didn't know what to say. "She's fine, right?"

"Yes, but I'm staying the night."

Tenten didn't look surprised. "Well, I'll head off then." She gave him a smile, which he returned.

It was going to be a long night.

**xXxXxXx**

**The Next Morning**

Ino was woken up by her annoying best friend. It was still so early! Why couldn't she just sleep?

"I want you up and walking and I'm bringing baby boy Yamanaka in so you can meet him," Sakura told the blonde.

Lee, still somewhat sleepy, mumbled, "Sakura-chan, let her rest…"

"No!" Sakura insisted. She moved closer to the bed until a ruckus outside of the door caused her to turn around. "What the hell?" It also caught Lee's attention.

"_Let me in, dammit!"_ a voice yelled outside of the door.

"_Ino is not taking visitors!"_ a voice yelled back.

"_Okay, that's it."_ A feminine yell was then heard and what sounded like a body hitting the floor. Holy shit.

The door swung open to reveal…

Kiba? And…

Iruka-sensei?

Ino was now sitting up, sleep long forgotten. "What the hell is going on?" Iruka looked apologetic while Kiba looked around the room.

"Uh," Kiba looked confused. "Are we too early?"

Sakura's mouth was gaping as she stared at the intruding men. Lee was just confused.

Iruka put up his hands and began to back up. "I'll just come back later…"

"No," another person came into the room. It was Shino with the Hyuuga maid beside him. "I think we're right on time." The woman was holding a box in her hand. She and Kiba exchanged a strange look but no one noticed it.

Finally, the door opened a third time. It was…

"Neji?"

"NEJI!?"

"Dude, you made it!"

"Neji-sama!"

"N-N-N-Neji?" Ino looked at him unbelievingly before she suddenly turned angry. "Get the hell out!"

Sakura immediately put herself between Ino's bed and the Hyuuga. "You heard her! How could you even dare to come here? I could kill you right now!" She unconsciously began concentrating chakra in her fists.

Lee's face was neutral. He didn't know what his rival's intentions were so he didn't want to judge. But at the same time, he wouldn't mind landing a fist to his face. And he definitely wouldn't mind if Sakura landed one.

"Ino," Neji's smooth voice made everyone else go quiet. Only the sounds of hospital equipment filled the air. The Hyuuga bumped past the Haruno forcefully ("Asshole!") and held a hand out to the girl, who reluctantly took it. He helped her to a sitting position before kneeling in front of her.

The entire mood in the room changed. Sakura looked furious but somehow began to simmer down. Lee slowly rose from his chair to get a better look at the Hyuuga now on one knee. It was something he'd never thought he'd live to see.

"Ino," Neji said again. "I know you hate me. I know I should have come here yesterday. I know I should have been beside you. However, I'm an idiot." Mumbles were heard in the room as everyone agreed. The male ignored them.

"Ino, I don't know how many times I've ever uttered these words. I don't know if I've ever. But, I'll say them now." He paused briefly. "Ino, I love you."

The Yamanaka immediately threw one hand over her mouth and yanked her other away from him. "Why are you such a liar?" She was almost crying. Actually, she _was _crying.

"It's not a lie," Neji reached for her hand again. "I do love you. That night you were attacked, it was one of the most frightful moments of my life. I remember the night I realized I loved you. I should have told you then but I'm an idiot." More mumbles and shrugs as everyone in the room agreed. Sakura had finally calmed down fully and was now almost in tears herself.

"Neji," Ino looked at him. "I loved you for so long."

"I know," the Hyuuga said. "Do you still love me?"

The girl remained silent. Everyone in the room was holding their breath.

"No," she said solemnly.

A loud noise made everyone flinch. The box the Hyuuga maid was holding was now on the ground.

Lee took a few steps towards Sakura and whispered in her ear, "Do you want him out?" Sakura looked at him, emerald eyes brimming with tears. The look caught the male off guard.

Neji took a deep breath before standing up and beginning to turn away with an emotionless look.

"No!" Kiba blocked his path. "Your stupid pride isn't ruining this. Tell her what you told me and Shino!" Neji looked stunned before turning back to the blonde.

Ino had pulled both of her legs back on the bed and was now looking down, waiting for him to leave. He always left.

Except this time, he didn't.

With more force than last time, Neji got back on the ground in front of her.

"Yamanaka Ino, I love you. I've loved you for a long time now. I love you, so I went to Konoha's Intelligence building and asked your father for permission to marry you. I love you, so I told Hiashi-sama that if renouncing my status as heir would prove to you that I love you, I'd do it in a heartbeat."

"Neji," Ino began.

"I love you, so I sent Inuzuka to find the nearest person who could officiate a wedding and drag them here this morning. I love you, so I told Shino to go to the Compound and ask Kairi-san to come here this morning with that." He pointed to the box on the ground. The maid then promptly picked it up and opened it.

It was the traditional Hyuuga wedding headpiece.

"Ino," Neji still wasn't finished. "You've already made me a father. Now make me the happiest and luckiest man in the world. I know I don't deserve you but it doesn't stop the fact that I want this more than anything." He looked at her pleadingly.

"….What?" Ino was playing dumb.

"Will you marry me?"

The room was silent. The entire audience had their own thoughts on what would happen next. Ino would scream and slap him. Ino would kiss him and say yes. Lee would jump in and kick Neji's ass. Neji would change his mind and go propose to Tenten.

Frankly, it was Ino herself who thought of that last possibility.

Ino bit her lip and looked away. Then she looked back at him and frowned. Then she slowly moved her other hand to be in his. And then…she smiled.

"I would love to marry you, Neji Hyuuga." The girl was caught off guard as her new fiancé jumped up to press his lips against hers. Naturally, she put her arms around his neck.

Lee put an arm around Sakura who looked at him and smiled. Kiba backed up and nudged Shino saying, "Our work here is done." The duo slipped out of the room.

"Ahem," Iruka cleared his throat. "The bride and groom." He held his hands up, presenting the pair to the rest of the room.

The Hyuuga maid maneuvered her way around Neji and placed the headpiece on Ino's crown. The blonde looked confused.

"Wait, right now?" She asked anxiously.

"Right now," Neji confirmed.

**xXxXxXx**

"Do you, Neji Hyuuga, take this woman to be your wife, in sickness and in health?" Iruka had a serene smile on his face.

"I do," Neji said calmly. Lee, his impromptu best man, gave him a pat on the back.

"And do you, Yama—"

"I do!" Ino practically yelled. Her hospital gown was wrapped tightly around her, held in place by Sakura, her impromptu maid of honor.

"If anyone objects to this union," Iruka began.

"Just do it!" Lee and Sakura both yelled in synchrony.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife," the man said hurriedly.

Wasting no time, Neji put a hand on Ino's cheek and kissed her. The force caused Ino to step back some, almost knocking over her IV pump. A hospital wasn't a very ideal place for a wedding.

"You really talked to my dad?" Ino sweetly asked him, gazing into his eyes.

"Mhm," Neji replied. "Your father can be a strange man. First he said we were already engaged then he asked the secret behind my hair growth." The Hyuuga looked at his bride in a confused manner.

Freezing slightly, Ino laughed. "That's a long story."

"We have all the time in the world now," he assured her with a kiss.

"Neji-nii-san, Ino-chan," Hinata appeared in the doorway with something in her arms. Kiba and Shino naturally filled her and everyone else in on the deets of what occurred in here a few moments ago.

Sakura grinned. "Let me help you back into bed, Ino-pig. I don't want you fainting." Ino looked slightly frightened as she followed the pinkette's direction. Neji looked equally as nervous.

Sensing the couple's hesitation to take the child, Hinata knew exactly what to do. She hugged the infant close to her face and began speaking. "The Hyuuga Clan is the strongest in all of the Leaf Village. Our ancestors have bles—"

"Hinata!" Ino looked annoyed. She was ready for him now.

Hinata smiled and walked forward, placing baby boy Yamanaka into Ino's arms. He had light brown hair and, of course, the Byakugan.

"He looks nothing like me," Ino mused with a smile.

Neji watched the newborn intently, doing nothing more. Ino wasn't surprised.

Neji reached over and ran his fingers over the embroidery on the white baby blanket. Seeing his confusion, Hinata spoke up.

"Oh, I, uh…" She began. "I didn't know what you guys were going to name him so I just combined the kanji from both of your names."

**ネジの**

"Nejino?" Ino almost laughed. "You named our son Nejino?" Hinata looked bashful.

"I think it fits," Lee said enthusiastically. Sakura nodded in agreement. Iruka mumbled a farewell before leaving the room. He had enough for one day.

Ino cradled Nejino in her arms while Neji sat on the edge of the bed looking over them. Lee was standing but then returned to his bedside chair. Naturally, he had a huge grin on his face.

Sakura tilted her head to the side slightly before turning to Hinata. "I think something is missing." Hinata looked confused before turning to look at the three shinobi and the baby. She immediately knew what Sakura meant.

**xXxXxXx**

"He definitely isn't fussy," Ino commented, watching Lee bottle-feed the child. She chose not to breastfeed for obvious reasons.

Lee turned to reply to her but stopped at the sound of the door opening. All three occupants of the room turned to see who it was.

It was Tenten.

The girl nervously stood in the doorway for a moment before sighing and walking forward. Neji stood and offered her a place to sit on Ino's bed. Tenten gazed at the infant in Lee's arms and smiled.

"I thought for sure he would have blonde hair," she commented. The foursome shared a small laugh before going silent again.

Lee suddenly perked up. "Guys, this is really happening." He placed the child back into Ino's arms and stood.

"What?" Neji asked.

"You," Lee pointed at Neji. "You," he looked at Ino next. "Me," he proudly puffed his chest out. "Her," he looked lovingly at Tenten. "And it!"

"'_It'_ is a boy," Ino reminded him, smiling.

"You, me, her, him, and Nejino," Neji said.

Tenten almost felt like crying. "He's going to be so loved."

"By all of us," Lee assured her.

Neji pushed Tenten over slightly so he could get into the bed. Not wanting to be left out, Lee also crawled into the bed.

"You guys are going to break it!" Ino said jokingly.

"Nothing can break us," Neji smirked, putting an arm around Tenten.

Ino smiled.

Lee grinned.

Tenten laughed.

Neji closed his eyes to pray.

'_Father, please look after my new family and I,' _he opened his eyes to look at Lee and Tenten before closing them again. _'All of us.'_

**You, Me, Her, and It**

**~lilacblossom **


End file.

Naruto, Humor, Romance