Author's Note: I haven't written a fanfiction in quite awhile-I'm rather excited! I hope you all like this.
Story Title: The Change of Seasons
Rated: T
Pairing: Neji/OC
Warnings: AU, because I don't know what the state of things will be at this point in time in the Naruto universe.
Summary: It was none of my concern, this arranged marriage. My only job was to serve my bratty mistress. So why does my heart want to leap out of my chest whenever I see her fiancé? Neji/OC
Prologue
It was about noon when it happened.
It was a beautiful fall day, the kind that isn't expected during that particular time of the year. It contained the warm and happy feel of summer, but the appearance of autumn. The temperature outside was just perfect, the sun was shining, and the most gorgeous shades of orange, red, and yellow could be seen all around.
It was on such a magnificent day that I found the energy to sneak away and take a walk through my lady's personal garden as some of the other servants made her presentable for tea with her father. The meeting was announced rather unexpectedly, as the master of the house often paid no attention to his only daughter, instead focusing all of his attention on his beloved sons. Imagine my lady's surprise and unmistakable eagerness when she was told that her father requested an audience with her.
Taking in the day, I allowed a grin to spread across my face. Of course, I often took breaks like these, much to my mistress's annoyance. I hardly cared, though, as I had known her for far too long to be particularly concerned with her unreasonable temper. No, no, the brat could surely let the hoards of other servants wait on her hand and foot, because I sure as Hell wasn't going to. I have been working too long and too hard lately to give a damn; Kami knew how much I needed a break.
Looking around the garden, I couldn't help but feel at ease. It was one of many small gardens that were scattered around the grounds, but this particular garden was my personal favorite. There was a small path, lined with grass, flowers, and the most beautiful trees; at night, lanterns that were hidden amongst the folia would turn on, giving an almost heavenly glow to the garden. The path soon led to a small bridge standing over an ongoing creek that could be found in several other locations on the grounds. Almost begrudgingly, I silently thanked my mistress's extravagant taste, for no garden could quite compare to this one.
Even better than the garden's appearance was the fact that it was always deserted. Because it was my mistress's private garden, no other noble on the grounds would come here, and all the servants were specifically told not to enter the garden, so none of them could be found as well. I laughed sheepishly to myself. Admittedly, I wasn't allowed in the garden either, but that never stopped me.
My grin widened as I took in my momentary peace.
So consumed was I in my own thoughts that I hadn't even noticed when said peace was disturbed inside as the door to the lady's room opened. So consumed was I in that seemingly perfect fall day at around noon that I hadn't noticed the stern voice of the master or the gradual volume of my lady's voice. So consumed was I in taking a little break that I hadn't even noticed my lady's screams and sobs and cries of, "How could you do this to me?"
I was only brought out of my daze when the door again opened then closed, indicating the master's departure, and silence again overtook the grounds. For in the midst of this sudden eerie silence at about noon on a perfect fall day, my mistress called for me in a harpy-like screech.
"CHIYO!"