When You Are Gone, Neji

Chapter 3
I'll be Home Soon

It's been a couple of days since Tenten's letter arrived. So far, the negotiation's making progress and maybe eventually, the conflict will turn out well.

The night was unusually quiet and dull. If he was back at his house with Tenten, they'd be seated side by side by their window, stargazing.

It was one of the things she loved to do. At first, he thought it was childish and juvenile to do so. On his first few nights with Tenten, he'd find her gazing out the window. Then, soon enough, he suddenly joined her. From then on, it was a habit they shared.

Neji held Tenten's recent letter and thought, 'I'll write back now. I might not get a chance in a while since Hinata and I are so busy.'

He grabbed a piece of parchment and began to write down what he wanted to tell his wife:

Tenten,

I hope you're doing okay there. So far, I'm alright, too.

I have some good news. It's going to make both of us feel better:

Soon, I'll be home.

Isn't it great? For the past few days, Hinata and I have been going around, talking and debating with different people and managing to dodge some assassination attempts. And all that will soon pay off.

Imagine, in maybe three months, I'll be back with you in Konoha. I can't wait for this to end.

Tenten, we'll be together again!

I've got a random question for you: When I'm not there, do you look out the window to stargaze?

I hope you do. I haven't done so in quite a while but I try to do so before going to sleep. You know why? It makes me have this feeling that I'm not so alone. It makes me feel as if you're also here with me.

I may not be with you physically but if you listen to your heart, you'll discover that I've always been with you and that's not about to change.

You said that you miss me a lot. Well, I miss you, too, Honey. You know that.

But keep in mind that we're not that distant. We're still under the same big sky. We're probably even wishing on the same wishing star.

Haha. Am I beginning to sound dramatic? I apologize. I just wish I could hold you close right now. There's no one here to tell me that I'm special, that I matter. You're the only one who did so. Man, I want to be back there now.

I have a meeting with the clan head tomorrow morning so pray that this'll work out.

Kisses for you, My Darling Tenten.

I'll see you soon. I love you.

Loving you,

Neji

At the last word, Neji read through his letter and smiled. He was satisfied.

He folded it neatly and placed it into an envelope. Sealing it securely, he pocketed it and walked out of his quarters.

Neji proceeded out of the house's front door and went to look for a messenger who'll send the letter for him.

But, when Neji did find a messenger, he gaped at the messenger with horror.

Before him was one of the Hyuga messengers, wounded and bloodied.

As he stood there, he felt a strong hand grasp his wrists and quickly bounded it.

"Who are you?" Neji yelled out loud.

A kunai was placed before his neck, ready to be slit down his throat.

The intruder cackled behind Neji, "Hyuga Neji?"

With that, Neji shivered at the deep yet unfamiliar voice. He could feel the kunai's cold blade touching his neck's skin. His sweat fell down his cheeks.

"Wh…" Neji tried to speak, "What do you want…?"

The ninja didn't reply immediately but when he did, Neji heard each word:

"I want you dead."

A shine flashed across the shadow of the night. There was a sound, piercing and quick, of a slash from a kunai, followed by a shriek of pain then, a thud. Blood splattered across the ground below.