A/N: Hey, guys! My first official Naruto fanfic that isn't a oneshot! :D xD I hope you guys enjoy it! I'mma have FUN writing this..x) I love torturing Neji. *evil Kira laugh* It's what every Neji fangirl dreams of.

To say the least, Neji was none too happy when a messenger interrupted his training to inform him that Hiashi Hyuga had requested his presence.

"Did he state his reasons?" Neji wiped sweat from his brow and impatiently crossed his arms in his typical no-nonsense way.

"I'm afraid not," the man responded briskly. "He only mentioned there was an important matter to discuss."

"And it concerns me how?" Neji couldn't disguise the frustration lacing his words.

"Why don't you see for yourself?" the messenger was quick to retort, an edge in his voice similar to Neji's. It was obvious that he thought he had wasted enough time already and was weary of the however short-lived conversation.

Resignation lined Neji's face. He shook his head and turned to face his teammate, TenTen, who was respectfully keeping her distance, yet she wore a look of slight curiosity and concern. Her posture indicated she was ready to leap to his side if needed. "I'm afraid the rest of our training will have to wait until later on. Apparently I have more important business to attend to," he grunted, not even trying to keep the sarcasm mingling with disgust from his voice. He shot a look at the messenger, as if this were all somehow his fault. Without waiting for Tenten's answer, nor for the messenger to escort him, he took off through the trees.

They both watched until he disappeared into the branches, signaling his hurried, yet with the speed and grace of a wildcat, departure. TenTen tried her best to squelch the hint of an amused smile growing on her face.

"Well," the messenger muttered to TenTen before following suit, "he's charming."

Neji arrived at the Hyuga household and entered his uncle's headquarters, wondering what issue was so important that they had "gone out of their way" to retrieve him. Only one way to find out, I suppose, he mused.

Once he entered the meeting room, where Hiashi and all the Hyuga elders were gathered, the entire room fell silent and all eyes turned toward him. Without a respectful acknowledgment toward anyone, Neji walked to the middle of the room and stared at his uncle. "You called for me." His voice was sharp and quick to the point. Neji was never one to beat around the bush. Feeling bolder than usual, he added, "And interrupted my training, if I might add."

Hiashi frowned as if he would inflict a punishment, but apparently thought better of it. "The Hyuga counsel has unanimously decided upon something that includes you."

Neji didn't like the sound of that. He straightened and was prepared to look the decision in the eye, whatever it would cost, and, knowing his uncle, it was bound to cost him something. But before Hiashi could continue, the doors burst open, almost startling Neji. He turned ever so slightly to see who other than his bumbling cousin enter the room.

"I.. I have come. A-As you requested...Father." Hinata stumbled over her words and fidgeted uncomfortably as Neji eyed her from the side.

"You worthless girl," Hiashi snapped. "You will bow to your elders. Are you so dense that you won't give your fellow people proper respect?"

Humiliated and stung, Hinata flung herself to the ground, face on the floor. She trembled, close to tears as she felt her father's intense gaze burn a hole in her back. "I..I'm sorry...Father."

"You should be. Now get off the floor this instant, you pitiful excuse of a daughter..and of the Hyugas, no less."

As Hinata hurried to do his bidding, Neji demanded, "What is she doing here?"

"This concerns her also," Hiashi responded. Neji stiffened, at once not liking where this was going.

At last Neji and Hinata stood a respectful distance apart, waiting for Hiashi's next words.

"We've been debating the topics of marriage amongst ourselves. It is not uncommon to marry within family, and we need to carry on the Hyuga bloodline, as well as its kekkei genkai..for many generations to come." Hiashi spoke calmly, as if he were discussing of nothing more than the weather.

Hinata was either shellshocked or too afraid to speak up. Neji finally found his voice and forced himself to remain as stoic as possible. With an evenly controlled voice, he asked slowly, "What are you getting to?"

"We've all unanimously decided that you, Neji and Hinata Hyuga, are betrothed."

You could've knocked them both over with a feather. Hinata looked ready to faint on the spot, whilst Neji looked like he had eaten something horrible. Indignant, Neji spoke up immediately. "You can't do this! You can't pair a Hyuga from the main branch with one of the lesser." Bitterness colored his tone at these words. "Besides, we both have Shinobi training to take care of! I'm not yet a Jonin!"

"First of all, it is not unusual for a Hyuga to marry his or her protector. And you both can finish your training after the wedding, but you are forbidden from doing so with your squad or going on missions. Am I clear?" Hiashi leaned forward intimidatingly, but Neji was unfazed. Hinata cowered as if he were about to strike. "You two will be forever linked and expected to bring forth a new generation of Hyugas, and teach them in the ninja way, whilst instructing them of Hyuga heritage and traditions."

Hinata turned several shades of red. But Neji wasn't going down without a fight. "Have you considered the fact that Hinata's merely thirteen? And I a year older?"

"Of course we have. It is a suitable age for betrothal. I don't want to hear any more arguments, for you have no choice in the matter. The wedding is two weeks away. In the meantime, forge your genin duties and prepare for it. Pack your things. You two will be sharing the upper chamber of the Hyuga household. Now, you are dismissed."

Ridiculous, Neji thought, enfuriated as he and Hinata exitted without another word. Simply an outrage. They can't possibly expect me to follow through with this.

But the truth of the matter was, yes, they did. And they had all the power in the world to enforce it.

It was so ridiculous.

A/N: So? How was it? I really appreciate honest opinions and feedback from you guys! Please PLEASE review! It would make my day!