Author's Note: I think I've made this to a point where you don't have to read Land of Pretend and still understand what's going on. But technically it is a sequel to my story called, obviously, Land of Pretend. I really like this as a story by itself so I didn't want to limit it to just the readers of LOP. Enjoy!

- Reality

Chapter 1

TenTen didn't hear the knock on the door as she dressed for the day. She was busy putting up her hair in her preferred fashion, two separate buns on the top of her head with chopsticks sticking through them. She brought a few stray strands around to add a bit of texture then backed up and nodded at her reflection. It was the start of a brand new day and she was ready for it. With a new outfit, a white kimono outlined in red, combat boots, and a backpack to carry most of her scrolls, she couldn't wait to get moving. Today was finally the day she opened her weapon's shop.

"TenTen!" Hisato called from the living room.

"Coming." She grabbed her black gloves off the dresser and exited the bedroom.

Hisato was coming from the front door with a letter in his hands. He currently only wore shorts to deal with the summer heat, exposing his tattooed chest. A dragon raced up the abs of his stomach and crunched the heart at his chest. He recently shaved his head for the summer, going bald. He held a letter in his hands, looking up with green eyes of confusion, "You got a letter."

She uneasily took it, "From who?"

He pointed to the top marker, decorated in silver, "Isn't that the Hyuuga Foundation?"

She nodded. It was instinct that made her throw it on the counter and move to the fridge to grab her morning juice.

"Wait, you're not going to open it?"

TenTen had a feeling it was going to announce a wedding. She wasn't sure if five years was enough distance for her to keep her emotions in check. She wasn't about to open it in front of her boyfriend either.

"I'll get to it later."

"This is from the Hyuuga Foundation." He stressed. "I'm too interested. I'll open it." He swiped it off the counter.

Her heart popped in her throat and she darted over, snatching it out of his hands. "Fine."

Steading her hands, she took a deep breath.

And in those five seconds it took her to open it, memories of a time forgotten flew through her mind. A time when she was in love and blind. She can still make out his face, hear the way his breath sounded in her ear, feel the weight of his body. It was so short, their affair, she wasn't even sure it was real anymore. She remembered a room of glass full of fish and his smile. The first time they touched in the dark. The way he whispered her name and how she whispered his...Neji.

If it was a marriage announcement, it didn't matter anymore. Their affair was nothing but short lived. He had told her before it had even begun it would end. The Hyuuga Clan only accepts perfection and she was nowhere near their ideal candidate for a spouse. And it was in that moment Neji had made a choice. He chose the clan and since that day he has lived and breathed for the clan to become the best. Now it was only logical that he marry. Wouldn't that be the last step in the Clan's warped guidebook?

TenTen had been waiting for this day. She was prepared for it. Wasn't she?

She opened the thick envelope, careful not to bend the edges. The premium glossy card stock designed in real gold lettering invited TenTen to a formal affair to the Hyuuga residence to celebrate the inauguration of the new Hokage, Uzumaki Naruto.

Her breath came out between her lips and she set the card down to hide her shaking fingers.

Hisato snatched it up, "The Hokage? How did you get this invitation? This is for diplomats and emperors. I'm working security for this. It's going to be like top-notch famous people."

TenTen's heart pounded in her chest. She could feel her knees weaken. Her emotions were beginning to unravel. She spun her head, looking for her house keys as she murmured, "I used to be friends with Naruto."

Hisato spun on her, "Friends? With the Hokage? First name basis too, you call him by his name like it's nothing."

TenTen stared at him uneasily. He was three years younger but sometimes she felt like they were worlds apart.

"How?"

"We were genins together."

"No way!" He bounced, zooming around the house before standing in front of her again, "How come you never told me this?"

"That I'm friends with a strange man we've never once talked about?"

"This is so cool. Wait, wait, wait. Does that mean you went to his wedding?"

She shrugged.

He nearly fell to the floor. He latched onto the counter to help him to his feet, "All five kages went to that wedding and you're telling me you were there?"

TenTen rested her head in her hand and nodded.

"I couldn't sneak within two miles of that wedding! Oh, I'm so jealous! My girlfriend, bestfriends with the Hokage." He dashed out of the room.

She followed him into the bedroom, "Acquaintances at best. Where are you going?" He was putting on a clean shirt. She expected him to stay in all day and rest after returning from a mission.

"I have to go tell the guys. I need the night off."

TenTen stuttered, following him back to the kitchen, "We're not going!"

His black brows knit, "Why wouldn't we go?"

Once again she found herself unable to produce speech as she attempted to make up some sort of lie. She scoffed, "Because I don't want too."

Hisato slapped his hands together in a prayer, "Please, please, please."

She knocked them away, returning to look for her keys, "Why do you want to go?"

"Why?" He sounded incredulous. "Because we'll meet famous people."

She shoved a cushion up, "I never cared about that."

"You pretend not to care just like the rest of us. But you are clanless just like I am. An orphan just like I am. Born in the gutter, just like I was."

TenTen snatched her keys from underneath the couch with a smile and popped her head up, "Thank you for that reminder."

Hisato followed her to the door, grabbing her around the waist before she could make it out and hugged her, whispering in her ear, "I'm just saying, this doesn't happen to people like us. Let's live like the rich for one night."

She went limp in his arms. "I think you're making a big deal out of nothing." He kissed her neck, pecking up to her ear. She found herself surrendering. "If it means that much to you…"

He kissed her quick, "Yes, thank you!"

TenTen stood in the doorway, listening to him hollering as he ran down the hallway. She stared at the invitation. Dread built in her stomach. Would she see him there? After five years, would it even matter anymore?

TenTen shut the door.

She didn't know what she expected. Opening a weapon's shop during the most peaceful times the village has ever seen probably wasn't the best idea but it was her only passion and so she continued despite knowing full well there was a chance she would fail. But she thought she would have sold at least one weapon today.

TenTen sat at the desk inside her shop, poking her cheek with a pencil staring into nothingness. It was the fourth hour straight that not one person had come in to buy something. One person had entered to ask for directions to the ramen stand. That had been an excitement she could have done without.

She hadn't thought this through. She didn't want to sit here all day either but until the shop began making money she couldn't afford to pay someone. Did that mean she was never going to be able to train again? Or go on a mission? Was she going to be in this shop until she grew old and died?

The door opened much to her delight and she sprung to her feet. But disappoint dropped her shoulders as Lee waved a big arm. "TenTen to greet me with such enthusiasm has brought me much happiness."

TenTen rounded the counter, ignoring him and dropping to her knee, "Metal." She greeted the little 3 year old boy standing at Lee's leg. He hid his black eyes, looking at his feet. "You know you're aunt TenTen, come here." She went to reach for him but he yanked back.

Lee scratched the back of his head, "He's going through a shy faze. The place looks wonderful, TenTen, you have outdone yourself."

TenTen stood up, leaning against the desk, glancing around. "Doesn't seem to matter. You're the only person to come."

He placed a hand on her shoulder, "It will pay off in time. Do not be discouraged just yet."

TenTen kneeled down and poked Metal in the stomach, "Want to help me play with some knives?" He nodded eagerly. She picked him up, placing him on her hip.

"Um, TenTen."

She threw over her shoulder, "Not real knives, relax." She brought him over to the side wall and handed him a leather pouch, pointing to the hook on the wall for him to hang it.

The door opened again. "Lee."

Her body stiffened.

"I only have an hour for lunch."

TenTen didn't want to move but she felt herself rotate like the moon faces the sun. Her eyes wide, her heart pounding, it seemed like the sunlight followed through the door shining behind Neji as him walked down the aisle toward Lee. She was behind stocking shelves, but she leaned in to peak through, finding just enough of him.

Rare glimpses is all she got in the last five years. Moments were time stopped and she saw his face fleetingly as he walked the market or leaving the Hokage's office. These influential pieces of history that stuck with her over the years to mark the passing of time. It was almost cruel and yet a heartfelt reminder that she was far from over him.

It's been a year since she last saw him. He hadn't changed much just subtle differences like the thickness of his jaw and the firmness of his brow. He hadn't gotten taller but having not seen him in so long, he seemed taller, fuller, thicker. Like a statue made of muscle. He wore a black kimono outlined in white and silver. His hair was nearly to his waist with a clip at mid back to keep it together. He wore a black sash over his forehead, hiding his juin jutsu. He had transformed into a man at twenty-three but he appeared older, sophisticated and bold.

TenTen felt the familiar sensation of her stomach begin to twist and she swallowed in a vain hope to quell it. So many years and nothing has changed. Her love still has vibrant as it had been years ago.

"I have no interest in this store. Why are we here?"

Lee leaned backward with a smile and Metal giggled, waving to his dad.

Neji turned around and TenTen stepped out, straightening her back as she held Metal in death grip. She met his gaze as cold and harsh as she could manage it.

Neji straightened, his hands clasping behind his back. "TenTen." He looked back at Lee, "I'll meet you outside." He bowed his head toward her, dismissing himself.

The door shut again and TenTen snapped her eyes to Lee, "I'm sorry." He latched onto Metal when she nearly threw him.

"I've told you not to do that."

"You guys haven't talked in years."

"We have nothing to say to each other."

"Fight it out. Whatever is wrong, fix it."

"It can't be fixed.'"

"At least tell me what happened. I can let it go if I know that there's nothing I can do."

"Just trust me."

TenTen went around the counter and sat back down, "Go, don't keep him waiting."

Lee gave in and with one last look walked out the door. Metal waving bye as they left.

Neji stood at the end of the block. His hands clasped behind his back but every muscle was tense. He had half the mind to abandon Lee and forget lunch. He nearly turned to leave when Lee came up the street. He set Metal on his feet and told him to go play with the kids running around a few feet from them kicking a can.

Neji met his gaze and set his jaw.

Lee held up his hands, "Before you begin. In my defense, I miss our friendship. For the past five years, I can only meet one of you at time. As soon as one of you arrives, the other leaves. It has been a very difficult friendship for me. Even at Maho's funeral, you stood on opposite ends of the ceremony when I needed you both beside me. I cannot mention your name without upsetting her and the same applies with you. When will you let this feud between you end?"

Neji didn't respond.

He hadn't thought the situation with TenTen was affecting anyone else but the two of them. It was working out just fine that way. By keeping a ball full of anger between them, they never spoke and they never made eye contact. It was the best way for them to be. Because any alternative would lead to something else and Neji was too close to his goal to be sidetracked by pathetic emotion. He wasn't stupid. He knew even after all this time he was still in love with her. Just now, meeting her eyes again, being as close as he had been, seeing the way she had grown into a woman without him there to witness the subtle differences in her posture, in her face, in her eyes, brought an upset to him he didn't want to face. He hadn't only lost a future with her, he had lost a friend and it was difficult seeing her and not knowing her.

But it all came down to one simple fact: He belonged to the clan and she did not. He could not love her. That's where making a choice comes in handy.

Who says you don't get to chose?

However finding that Lee is suffering from their lack of friendship was disconcerting. There would have to be an altercation to the plan. But it was an easy fix despite being one he preferred not to make.

"I apologize, Lee. I did not know. But I will amend it now. You and I will no longer be friends. She may take up your time fully from now on." With that, he turned on his heal.

He ignored the call of his name as he rushed back to the Hyuuga Compound. It was the only place in this whole village he felt safe. There was no chance in running into her. He had managed weeks and months at a time without a mishap. It was usually Lee that broke their streak by bringing him to a restaurant she was eating at or passing a shop she just happened to be in. Lee that filled him in on her life. Lee that told him who she was dating. What mission she was on. When she had gotten back. Her injuries, her illnesses, her successes, and her failures. He should have kicked that man from his life a long time ago. Hiashi was right. The past belongs in the past.

Neji greeted the guards at the gate, reverting to his calm and relaxed state. There was nothing in the Hyuuga Compound that could ruin his mood. This was his home. Every person knew him and admired him. They wanted to be him and he wanted to be no one else. He was the strongest Hyuga in history and included in that was the smartest, and bravest of them all. Hiashi had nominated him for Council and all that was left was a unanimous vote, meant to take place before the Hokage Ball.

One more week

That was all he needed.

One more week for things to keep going his way.

He entered his uncle's house. It was silent as it tends to be. Only his footfalls making any sound. He nearly got to his room before a servant came upon him reporting that HIashi wanted to see him. Neji ordered tea before making his way to his Uncle's study.

He lowered to his knees, bowing at the matt and a servant slid the screen back. "You sent for me?"

With a wave of his hand, Neji obeyed the order standing and kneeling once more on the matt in front of his Uncle.

"You left the compound."

"To visit a friend."

"I'd refrain from visiting old friends for a few days. Their eyes are on you."

"Yes, Uncle."

"This is an important time. One week for their decision. Are you ready?"

"Of course. I have little doubt."

Hiashi smirked but it faltered, "Arrogance is for twelve year old boys. The Council can disown you on a mere whim if it so chooses. You should have confidence but do not overestimate the value of your strength. To become Council means you will never have to fight again. There are many that will see that as a loss. You bring great honor to us when you battle."

Neji bowed his head in apology.

"However, I think I might be able to solve this problem." Hiashi handed a folder to a servant and they brought it to Neji laying it down on the floor in front of him.

Neji flipped it open to expose the face of a woman. He looked up at his Uncle in confusion.

"If you were to marry, you will become less of a soldier and more of a diplomat in their eyes. They will see a husband, a father one day perhaps. Not simply a seasoned warrior."

Neji shut it. "I have no intention to marry, Uncle."

"Neji, this is foolishness. You must indeed have children to carry on your name, your legacy. And they must of course be legitimate heirs. You have no option. I am simply stating that now marriage would help your cause."

Neji's heartbeat quickened as he sat there. No other external characteristic changed. He did not appear upset or angered. He was normal and calm. It was his heart that would have told a different story as he attempted to deal with this in the best manner he could.

It made logical sense. He could use a marriage to help win the voters of the council. It would be a shell marriage, a fake. He didn't necessary have to go through with it. He could pretend.

"Pretend. Let's just pretend till the mission ends."

"And when it's over?"

"Remember the rules of pretend, Neji. You don't think that far ahead."

"But it will end."

"Everything ends. That doesn't mean it won't be worth it."

A simple flash of a memory that popped up and just as quickly, he flattened it into nonexistence.

Neji nodded, "You're right, Uncle. As always. I shall follow your direction."

Hiashi pointed to the folder. "There are several offers in there."

Neji held it up, "It does not matter. Please pick which one you think will be the best for our clan."

The servant took it from his hand and returned it to Hiashi's side, despite him being shocked at such an idea.

"Are you sure?"

Neji bowed low, pressing his forehead to the floor. It didn't matter. His success was the only thing that did. Wasn't it?

Author's Note: Anyone confused? I'm trying to make this work as a stand alone story without being a sequel. Let me know.