Author's note: I have only just discovered that this past year had been my most active on FF since I first began writing 13 years ago. I may have published more stories in 2005 but I'm not far behind this year in the number of stories and as for word count I'm well ahead. It's always interesting to go back and see where you started and I must say that while I have quite a ways to go, I am sincerely proud of my achievements as a writer thus far. Anyway, I want to put out that this is NejixSaku, and that *spoiler* he does not die. We are diverting from canon in that regard. This is also primarily a romance and a comedy. Now before my regulars get upset I PROMISE I am still working on the Breath of Fresh Air installments. It's just taking me a while (trying to figure out what I was thinking 3 years ago is proving more complicated than originally anticipated) but I think it will be worth it because I have a new plan of action now. Please bear with me. In any case, I hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or the characters.
Neji let out a grunt of frustration to no one in particular. Today was not his day; nor had yesterday been, nor the day before that.
He was struggling, something he was not at all accustomed to. He had a few well earned weeks off from missions, barring some sort of emergency, and the prized ANBU captain intended to use them to the fullest. At least he had hoped to. With the way things had been progressing over the last few days it would take him much longer than anticipated.
Was it so much to ask that he be able to lay claim to a jutsu that was solely his own? He had mastered even the most advanced Hyuuga techniques ages back and had now climbed the rosters all the way up to leading the most successful team in ANBU. Not that anyone really knew that, none that were not privy to the hokages records and rosters. Regardless, his accomplishments were vast and impressive and he was ready for a new challenge. Sadly things were not going smoothly.
His body and mind were not in sync and had rebelled against him in practice the days before. No one else would have noticed, but he did. His movements were a fraction slower than was acceptable in his mind and his thoughts were not as sharp as they should have been. None of his missions had been too taxing but he had been using his byakugan a significant amount of late. Thus he decided that today would be spent realigning himself. After many years of mediation it should have come easily enough to him, so he focused on a clear mind and his breathing.
Never mind the fact that he had almost fallen out a a tree whilst on his last mission. He had only just managed to stay upright. Thank Kami none of his team had noticed, or if they did they had not said anything. And he was not going to mention that he had only just managed to stop himself from pitching straight into his dinner the night before, something that caused his uncles brow to rise and Hinata to gasp in shock. Or that Hanabi had nearly startled him out of his skin not but half an hour ago because he simply had not detected her. All of that was irrelevant. There was nothing really wrong. Nothing that would not fix itself. That is what he kept telling himself anyway.
No matter how many times over the last few days he had repeated that nothing was wrong (a denial that was becoming harder and harder to believe), his chakra did not flow as evenly as he would have liked and it was causing problems. Control was one of the things he prided himself on and at the moment he was lacking in that department. Regardless, and doing his best not to get frustrated, he kept at it. His body and mind be damned, he was going to perfect this stupid jutsu if it was the last thing he ever did.
A niggle at the back of his mind brought a crease to his brow. All of this could be avoided if he just went down to the hospital and found out what the problem was, assuming that there was one. He did not think it to be a major issue, rather something small that was causing him to be a little off his game. Or a lot off his game. A shudder ran down his spine. He avoided the hospital at all costs if he could. After the war he had spent more than enough time there for one life. He only ever went back if he had absolutely no choice.
Between the overattentive nurses, the food, the smell, and just about everything else he dreaded to even think about setting foot through those doors. There was nothing good about going to the hospital. An image flashed in his mind. Pink, green, and a bright smile reminded him that there was at least one thing about the large white building that was not so bad.
Sakura was often found there treating patients and doing rounds. If he was going to go he would be seeing her and no one else, but it could wait until whatever this was got worse. Right now it was just a mild annoyance. He did not want to disturb her over something so trivial when there were others who needed her expertise for much more serious matters.
He felt a pulse of energy flare on the veranda which interrupted his thoughts. It was disappointing to see his uncle standing near by. He had hoped to get at least an additional hour or two of mental and emotional stabilization in before he began to train.
"Neji, join me." It was a command, not request, but this particular demand had an edge to it that could not be ignored. Neji wanted to frown but refrained. It was unlike his uncle to be so riled but that was the best way to describe his demeanor. Almost unnoticeable to others Neji spotted the twitch in the middle aged mans hands and and almost desperate expression on his face hidden behind the impassive facade. It was unsettling to see Hiashi so uncomfortable and it in turn made Neji wary, though he was fairly positive he had not been the one to cause such a state of agitation.
Together they silently made their way towards the tea room. Such was not unusual. It was about the right time of day for his uncle to take one of a few tea breaks. Normally if he bothered to drag his nephew away form training there was a good reason for it so Neji did his best to think positively.
All of that was dashed as Hiashi opened the door, positivity replaced with befuddlement and more than a couple of questions that begged to be answered. Hiashi stepped into the traditional room expecting Neji to follow. The clan leader shifted to the side, allowing Neji to move past him.
There sitting at a small table was Hinata and much to Neji's surprise Naruto, who sat glaring across the table with his arms crossed over his chest. "Nii-san," the raven haired girl greeted, a sentiment that was quickly followed up by a grunt from the man at her side, though blue eyes never left whomever he had them transfixed on.
"Neji." And there was the reason that everyone seemed so damned fidgety. His grandfathers presence always put everyone on edge, particularly if he was being forceful.
It was clear that today was one of those days where they all wished he was occupied elsewhere, making himself a nuisance to the Konoha council or better yet overseeing the younger generations training sessions. Instead he had taken a seat at the head of the Hyuuga council, which meant that more often than not they had to deal with him in clan matters. It also put him at odds with the clan leader on a great many things, but butting heads with his son had never seemed to bother the eldest Hyuuga in the least. Neji's grandfather was ornery on the best of days and based on the way his jaw was jutting out and how high he held his nose the older man was attempting to throw his weight around. Neji wanted to walk into the other room and pretend like he had never been called.
Was it so much to ask that the previous clan leader finally accept his retirement and sail through his golden years drinking tea and visiting the local onsen?
Apparently so, for he had yet to do anything of the kind. No, instead of relaxing the Elder was here sticking his nose into places it did not belong, namely everyone else's business. If Neji was any judge such would be the case until the day he left them for good. Further more he did not understand why in the name of Kami everyone allowed him to do so. It was probably some misguided attempt to respect ones elders. Still, it was not his place to question the operations of the main house, no matter how much trust they placed in him. So he held his tongue and put his best foot forward. "Jii-sama, I see you are well," he said doing his best not to sound overly curt.
His efforts were ignored as wisened eyes barely flickered over his person before closing smugly once more. "Back from another successful mission?"
He hated when his grandfather tried to probe into subjects he knew he was not supposed to. They all knew Neji could not talk about his assignments and thus there was no point in asking. His grandfather was the only person he knew that had yet to take the hint. Being refused an answer was not something he was accustomed to and thus always made the veins at his wrinkled temples throb in annoyance. Still, the elders discomfort was not going to cause Neji to divulge information. He was an ANBU captain for a reason, and he was considered the best for many reasons; his success rate and confidentiality being at the top of said list. "It is confidential," he said purposefully, knowing that it got on the mans nerves, taking a great deal of satisfaction from that small victory.
Hinata, who was more well versed in his reserved nature, understood what he meant and knew that had he not been successful he would still be out traversing the continent to ensure he eventually would be. "C-c-congratulations Nii-san," she whispered with a small smile.
Naruto was also pleased, he could tell, but was still too annoyed to grin as he usually would have. Something had gotten under his skin and whatever it was had to be important. "Yeah, good job buddy."
The atmosphere in the small tea room was stifling. A part of him wanted to firmly excuse himself and find a nice quiet place to wait this out, but he had never been one to turn away from duty or clan matters. This appeared to be both of those things with the added bonus of having Naruto involved. He was inclined to stay no matter the level of discomfort to make sure that his family, namely his grandfather, treated the jinchuriki with the respect he painstakingly earned.
Neji acknowledged the praise with the incline of his head. After a moments silence he decided to break the standoff that had developed, for they would get nowhere if someone did not fill him in on the matter at hand. "If I may ask, what is this all about?"
His change in subject caused the muscles in Naruto's jaw to pulse. "I'm asking your uncle for permission to date Hinata-chan." There was a bit of his usual self back in his voice at the statement, particularly when the lady in question turned to give him a small but beaming smile.
"Court," Hiashi corrected as gently as he could manage, taking into account that his father was about to object less polietly. The interjection silenced the eldest Hyuuga but the withering stare he received in return left Hiashi more than a little annoyed. With as much of a growl as his formality would allow Hiashi sent a scathing glance towards his father, one that was promptly ignored. "and we have come to an impasse."
A snort from the corner made all heads turn in part because of the implication, which most of them were thinking, and in part because such noises were generally considered rude. There were many things his grandfather found to be intolerable and rudeness was one of them, though Neji found that to be particularly hypocritical being as though the older man had a reputation for brusque behavior. His younger cousin sat against the wall with one hand resting on her bent knee, an action that resembled his younger years, particularly when a displeased sneer darkened her features. "Of the ridiculous variety."
"Hanabi, this is not to be scoffed at," the Elder scolded his youngest grandchild, after realizing Hiashi had no intention of doing so. The clan leader sat stone faced with his hands folded into his sleeves doing his best not to snap at anyone. Clan politics could be difficult to maneuver around when it came to family matters, and as the Elder was present in his official capacity it made things doubly tedious.
She rolled her eyes, a gesture Naruto would not have picked up on but the rest certainly did. "I'm not scoffing, I'm stating the obvious. This is stupid. Even To-sama thinks so," she said glaring at the elderly man whose imposing presence was stifling any sort of sentiment that might have otherwise been present.
"But whatever it takes." The hardened steel in Naruto's voice was sharp and it made Neji even more curious as to what exactly had transpired so far.
If he had to take a guess all had been well until the Elder had arrived, somehow managing to bring a gleeful sister, doting father, and elated couple back down to earth. Hiashi would not have wanted to jump straight into whatever issue was but he had been forced to put his celebrations on hold. In an attempt to avoid any further problems, and also to help keep his sanity, Neji had been called in to referee the discussion.
If that had been all Neji would not have been so worried. It was not that unusual for the clan to be at odds with the main family for one reason or other. Of the few times he had been called in to monitor the family discussions it was always because he was involved in some way. He could not imagine what any of this had to do with him, but his older cousin was currently regarding him with a level of apology hither to unseen.
This could only mean trouble.
Neji said nothing. Instead he turned to the Elder, the set of his jaw and the sharpness in his all seeing eyes demanded an explanation. If he was honest he was more than a little agitated too. His beloved cousin had finally gotten the one thing in the world she truly wanted and it was being marred by something that had thus far been called ridiculous and stupid by his astute younger cousin. They should have been celebrating not arguing over semantics, no matter the variation. So he waited, pinning his grandfather down with a withering stare that made even the old man nervous.
The older man held his head high and straightened his back, an attempt to look taller and more imposing but one that failed. No matter how hard he tried his grandson would cut a more intimidating figure, standing significantly taller than most of the men in his family, particularly in the main branch. "I was just passing through when I overheard the wonderful news and decided to congratulate Hinata and Naruto," he explained carefully, drawing out his words so that that he knew they were all paying close attention. "and make sure that tradition is upheld as is my duty as the leading clan elder."
It did not take long for Neji to figure out which tradition his grandfather alluded to. There were many but only would have been applicable in this specific situation. It was an old by law, one that had not been required since before his birth. He was immediately apprehensive and was fairly positive that it showed on his face. Surely such an outdated practice had been done away with by now, at least he would have hoped such to be the case. His uncle grimaced, something he had only seen on the rarest of occasions, and it spoke volumes. "Which is why I have called you here," Hisashi said with as much of a huff as had ever been heard from him before.
Neji's face fell an expression he could not have hidden if he had tried. He took a deep breath. This would not end well. No matter how he looked at it someone was going to end up drawing the short stick. In his experience it tended to be him. He also knew exactly where this was going, though it had not been confirmed.
"We will require a guardian to accompany the couple for a time on all of their outings; shadow them, if you will. That is assuming that they wish to proceed." Neji scowled. He had been right to be dubious. This custom had been seen in the past as more of a formality than anything else. Still if something went wrong for any reason it was always the chaperone that got the brunt of the punishment. And he got the feeling their grandfather was not going to be volunteering himself to be the couples shadow, never mind the fact that he was probably best suited for the role.
The implication was clear. Without a guardian present the courtship would not be deemed valid by the council, and it would have to be for them to progress in the relationship in any official capacity.
Neji agreed with Hanabi; this was stupid.
Naruto was the most powerful shinobi the world had ever witnessed, save perhaps Uchiha Sasuke. Of the two he was far more respected. He constantly strove to be a good example and was praised the world over for his devotion to Konoha and the notion of peace. Any family would be lucky to have him. Neji knew for a fact that many clans were vying for his attention in one manner or another. And yet here he was declaring his love for their Hinata, who was finally getting everything she ever wanted. They should have been welcoming him with open arms, damn near kissing his sandals, and rejoicing through the streets. Yet his Jii-sama had Uzumaki Naruto in a place few others would ever find him, at his mercy. It was true that Hiashi could override the Hyuuga council but it would make things horrendously uncomfortable were he to do so and everyone knew it.
"Of course we wish to proceed," Naruto bit back with a snort, neither afraid nor intimidated by the eldest Hyuuga, nor did he have reason to be under normal circumstances. There was no one, save possibly the wandering Uchiha, that could match Naruto in an all out battle. Sadly there was one way to keep the energetic blonde at bay and she was seated next to him.
His grandfather would never describe it as such but the Hyuuga elder had the jinchuriki by the short and curlies and he knew it. It showed in his demeanor when speaking to the young blonde. "I suggested your cousin Tokajin, but Hiashi thought that was imprudent. So we put our heads together and came up with a better option." There was a sly quality to his words and Neji felt a sinking sensation fill his chest.
His mind railed against what he knew was coming but he desperately hoped he was wrong. He had been looking forward to his hard earned time off. The short reprieve from ANBU was exactly what he needed in order to discover that new jutsu. It did not need to be impeded by this nonsense.
"We did, there is only one person I trust with such a task," Hiashi stated with pride turning to meet his eye, finally seeming a little less annoyed than he had been. Neji knew his uncle trusted him but for the first time he sort of wished he did not.
The gravely voice of the Elder held a level of haughtiness that should have been illegal. "Someone highly trusted that knows them both well. You for instance."
With that one simple sentence he felt his stomach churn in a rather aggressive manner. His mind raced. There had to be a way out of this. So far he could only see one. Claiming to be busy was not an option- they all knew he was on leave. He could not say he was not suited to the job. He was and it would be relatively easy so far as the actual requirements were concerned. And he could not just say no. Well that is to say that he could, but it would be highly improper to do so. Regardless he was tempted to anyway. In fact given the opportunity he was pretty sure he would. It was not exactly an order but neither had he been outright asked for his consent yet. The Elders typically did not bother. He was a branch member and his grandfather did not see the point in asking for his opinion when dealing out commands, where as his uncle was far more considerate. Still Hiashi had the Elder ridding his back with the weight of the rest of the clan elders on his side and there was no telling how it would play out.
Fate took a dump on his hopes and dreams once more in the form of his meddlesome grandfather, whom Neji was tempted to murder in his sleep. All of his free time, from now until the two got married if his grandfather had any say, would be spent babysitting a pair of grown adults while they courted. Worse yet the woman in question was his beloved cousin and the man his trusted friend. To Neji it meant he was intruding on a very private matter, something they should have been able to decide on their own. Most importantly he knew his own tendencies. He was very protective of his cousins and the last person he wanted to be protecting them from was Naruto.
A small voice cut through his musings. "N-n-nii-san, are you alright?" Two pearly moons peered back at him from a curtain of black bangs, still hesitant and shy despite having known him most of her life.
A sour taste filled his cheeks. No, he was not alright however he was not going to tell her that. The last thing he wanted was his cousin thinking her happiness was putting him out in anyway, even if he felt another would be better suited to this particular role. "I am fine, Hinata-sama."
"Will you accept the post?" Hiashi pressed, eager to put an end to the issue for a time at least. With some planning and a great deal of tact, and quite probably an underhanded move or two, he might be able to convince his father to back off. Still it was a relief to know that in the mean time the young couple would be under the watchful eye of his nephew and not one of his fathers lackeys. The last thing the young pair needed was to be sabotaged or tattled on. Neji would make sure all was above board without getting in their way, giving him the time to win over some of the less traditional clan elders.
"I believe another may be-" The following refusal died on his lips. A tug on his sleeve made his head shoot over to the woman who silently pleaded with him. It was true that their relationship had been strained in years past, but since the first chunnin exam he had made it a point to get to know his cousins. He saw them as little sisters and it was hard to deny them anything, particularly when he took into account how often they asked him for things. Hinata was not one to ask for anything at all, yet here she was begging him to accept. With a resigned sigh his tone changed. "I will accept."
A smirk graced wrinkled features. "Good. You will go on every outing with them until it is deemed acceptable for them to be on their own." His job done, the Elder left with a hurried shuffle.
Hiashi was quick to follow bringing Hanabi with him. They turned in the direction of the east wing where another prominent clan elder resided. It might take a while to change the councils collective mind, assuming any of them had actually been informed of the impending courtship, but at least the clan leader as wasting no time.
"You mean until I prove how serious I am," Naruto stated ruefully, doing his best to keep the frustration out of his voice. A blush from Hinata had the young man at her side with an arm around her waist in a heart beat. Before Neji knew what happened Naruto was whispering something in her ear that made her blush deepen and a giggle erupt from behind her hands. Neji had heard that two people in love could be adorable and nauseating at the same time. He got the feeling that these two might fit into that category. He cleared his throat, a reminder that they were both still Hyuuga halls and more importantly in his presence. It had the intended effect and Naruto stopped canoodling for a moment. "Don't worry Neji, I'll be on my best behavior," he swore with a cheeky smile and a quick squeeze of his intendeds waist.
Neji knew that smile. It held all of Naruto best intentions with a bit of mischief tucked into its recesses. "Somehow I doubt that," he said dubiously. With a turn on his heals he was ready to get back to work.
An indignant cry followed in his wake, causing his feet to stop in their determined walk towards the Hyuuga gardens he had been haunting until his untimely summoning. "Where are you going? Hinata-chan and I were hoping to go on a date today, now that we have official permission and all."
Neji did his best not to notice that a stray hand was sitting awfully low on Hinata's hip, calloused fingers thrumming because Naruto was unable to sit still for too long. The whole process was going to be uncomfortable for all three of them, and Neji was eager to leave. As if all of this was not bad enough he still had to right his chakra issue, something that would continue sour his mood until rectified. "Nii-san has been trying to figure out a new j-j-jutsu," she stated quietly, wide and inquisitive gaze searching for a sign that he had figured it out already and not finding it.
The whiskers on Naruto's face scrunched up in understanding, a reminder that while the nin was powerful and incredibly skilled it often took him quite some time to master his skills. He knew a bit about trying and failing, much more than Neji did. "Ah, well you should see Sakura-chan. She always helps me when I'm having issues."
Neji blinked once for good measure. Pink and green swirled in his minds eye. "Sakura-san?" The question flowed out of his lips before he thought to stop it. It was odd. He had just been thinking of her before this whole debacle began. Perhaps it was a sign.
"Yeah she's really good at this sort of thing. You know, solving puzzles and stuff. Plus she knows a lot about different techniques, how chakra works, and how the body does it's thing." His hands shifted in front of his chest erratically, referencing his own chakra system that Neji was positive had been explained to him too many times by too many people for him to be getting the motion wrong, and yet here they were.
Neji stared as the awkward motion continued and it dawned on him somewhat belatedly that Naruto was not going to stop until he got some sort of answer. Having faced the insurmountable stubbornness once too many times in the past he knew better than to ignore the suggestion. Since the wars end the beloved hero had been considerably more aware of his friends general health. At the tiniest mention that one of them was ailing he marched them down to the hospital, his best intentions on display for all of Konoha to see. Neji could envision such an outcome and the picture in his mind was not ideal. With the barest of grimaces he consented in the most noncommittal manner possible, hoping it would appease the sage. "I see. I will consider it."
His words had the desired effect and Naruto turned his head longingly towards the now famous ramen stand that stood a few blocks down. Neji guessed that as soon as they parted the impending hokage would find himself perched behind the counter top, slurping down noodles and broth until his belly protruded. "When you're done, we'll meet back here at 7. I'm guessing we can't be alone together until this is all settled?" With their silence as his answer he let out a sigh, crossing his arms over his chest in affront. "Figures," Naruto grumbled, more than a little put out under the circumstances.
Neji took the opportunity to make his escape lest he think too much about how forlorn Naruto sounded. He was happy for them, truly, but he would need a little bit of time to come around to the idea of them being so affectionate in front of him as he was not used to such displays, particularly when they involved someone he regarded as a younger sibling. In addition he was not sure where the line was to be drawn as to his new duties.
Were they allowed to hold hands? Kiss? What was protocol? And did he even care what the official protocol was?
He would need to think on that and decide and that would take a few moments of coming to terms with the new arrangement. The best way to go about it was meditation, where he always worked through his problems. His head turned back towards his destination, long brown hair shifting with the transition. The feel of cloth pulling on his wrist halted his retreat.
"Hinata-sama?" Her name held the slightest air of a question to it, the upturn of his voice at the end of her honorific a sign that he was listening despite the fact his back was turned.
"Thank you, Nii-san," she whispered reverently. The hand that fisted into the sleeve of his gi was a firm steady presence, a sign of the strength that she held within and often chose not to display. Her voice was a steady stream when she continued. "thank you very much."
Slowly her hand let go and his shoulders relaxed marginally, but he knew she could tell, such were their powers. "Hn."
Neji tried to release the furrow in his brow but failed, just as his mediation had failed. Calm focus had failed to give him an answer to his problem concerning his chaperoning duties and failed to fix his chakra flow. Just another failure in a short string of fails that was beginning to drive him a little bit insane.
Naruto's words haunted him for the rest of the afternoon and after repeated failings on his part he found himself at the steps of the dreaded hospital. He was loath to even make his way to the door lest he find someone prepared to drag him inside. If he was going to do this it would be in his time, not because someone rushed him into it. Just the thought of one of the nurses staring up at him with wide eyes, doting and fretting over him made his stomach churn violently. There were few things he hated more than being made a spectacle over or drawing unwanted attention. The hospital brought both of those unwanted elements in droves.
Through the clear sliding doors he could see a nurse had already spotted him. A sharp inhale signified his discomfort as she made her way towards him with a wide smile and overly excited gait. His eyes darted about the building. Technically he was not supposed to use his byuakugan on civilians, of which there were plenty minding their own business in the hospital. On top of that there was the fact that by doing so he would be invading plenty of peoples right to privacy, but he needed to find Sakura and quickly. He could think of no more effective way to get in and get out while avoiding every other person in the place. Even so the nurse heading his way called for a retreat and a more focused strategy. She was too eager at the sight of him to be trusted. That was not to say that he thought all the nurses were interested in dating him, but the predatory quality in her gaze and blush on her cheeks stated loud and clear that she was one to be avoided. He took a step back, ready to disappear to the roof and search from there.
A hand at his back sent his mind into overdrive. He did not jump, though anyone else would have. Instead he automatically began utilizing his chakra, byakugan activated.
"Neji-san, what brings you here?" The cheerful voice interrupted his plans, effectively bringing his automatic defense to a screeching halt, the veins around his eyes diminishing as quickly as they had been activated. She had manged to walk up behind him, into his blind spot no less, without gaining his attention. It was not a feat that just anyone could manage, even when he was distracted. Then again Haruno Sakura was not just your average nin, he reminded himself. She was far more than that. This had not been the first time she had managed to sneak up on him and therefore it could not be chalked up to his current predicament.
Her pretty eyes, soft smile, delicate appearance, candy colored tresses, and overall reassuring nature belied a force of nature that lurked just under the surface of the woman who was in many ways multifaceted emotionally, professionally, and intellectually. She was a series of contradictions, an amalgamation of polar opposites that meshed into a genuinely interesting and deadly combination.
But at the moment her softer side was on display, her head tilted to the side curiously. Her lab coat was slung over an arm that held a to-go cup expertly. She walked to his side in uncomfortable looking high heals which she wore with grace.
The automatic doors opened as she stepped past him, an invitation lingering in the way her gait slowed. Her emerald eyes beckoned him to join her when she turned her head as she took a sip of her coffee. She was expecting him to follow her. He had been standing before the doors of her work place for a reason, whatever it turned out to be. She hardly needed to be a genius to figure out that he needed something. Before he knew what he was doing he had moved, falling into line with her step and he wondered how she had manged it. With any other he would have hesitated before following them with such blind trust into a building he disliked but not her. No, she silently asked him to go inside and he did so. It was a quandary he would examine later, possibly during his babysitting duties.
"I need an examination," he said stepping into the cool building, the air conditioning ghosting across his skin pleasantly. He picked up his pace slightly to catch up, not wanting her to be called away now that he had managed to get a hold of her without having to go through the conventional process of waiting in a sterile room that reeked of antiseptic and bleach or the more underhanded methods of seeking her out.
"Oh, anything serious?" she asked as his longer strides brought them side to side. The man marching next to her was not known to take things lightly thus he was here for a purpose, of that much she was positive. His fists clenched at his side at the breezy quality of her tone, but not because he was upset with her. Pupil-less eyes looked around the busy lobby and hall warily. She had known Hyuuga Neji long enough to know what that meant. Whatever was on his mind, or rather was wrong, would not be announced here. She had planned on having a few selfish moments to finish her coffee in her office by herself but she could identify a cry for help when she saw one. "I have a few minutes. Follow me," she said guiding him towards an examination room that she knew was empty for the time being. Silently they moved through the door and she held her hand up to show him to the table which he promptly settled onto.
Once his long limbs were dangling from the table she stepped towards him. She knew she should have had his file to continue but the likely hood of him staying if she wandered off was slim, so she decided to proceed without it. Whatever was wrong could be documented after he left. She held a green chakra laden hand up, one that she knew he was expecting and announced her intentions. "I'm going to check your system, ok?"
He was aware that she was asking rhetorically. They both knew that while he was not the ideal patient, as he rarely came in for medical assistance, once there he did everything asked of him so long as she did not leave the room. Regardless, he always gave her verbal permission in the form of his signature grunt. "Hn."
After a short time her forehead creased in concentration. "Well, that's odd. Have you had trouble with your chakra flow recently?" It was veiled as a question, but Neji knew that she already had a very good idea as to what was going on and merely wanted confirmation of her diagnosis. A steady stare from him told her the truth that he did not wish to acknowledge. It had been bothering him, probably more than he would ever admit, even to himself. She wanted to shake her head but refrained as such an action would not go over well with her current audience. She did not know what it was about geniuses, but they always had too much pride for their own good.
Neji might have been prideful but she also suspected that he hesitation in getting an examination had other more selfless elements. For a start he probably had not wanted to bother her nor did he wish to concern his family, a fact that had been present since his near death experience in the war. He had often set his pride aside for the betterment of his clan, family, and friends.
She found that to be most admirable, a fact that she was not sure he was aware of.
"Well I'm glad you came in. You have a few small things that need to be addressed, namely some build up behind your eyes and residual side effects from an indirect impact to your spine." He did recall the encounter with a rouge Oto nin on this last mission, whose sound wave technique had gotten awfully close to hitting him. He had assumed that he had deflected all of it, but apparently it had not been completely neutralized. Thinking back that had been around the time he noticed the issue.
She registered the recognition in his eyes and took the opportunity to look at at him through thick dark lashes. For an instant he was hypnotized, his all seeing eyes taking into account the depth of emotion and the gradients of emerald green he found. Had her eyes always been this interesting? He had not noticed until then but now that he had it was almost impossible to stop looking. Her voice brought focus back to the world around them, but it left him wondering if her voice had always had such a soothing quality to it. "You should really come in when something like that happens. I'll just be a minute and then you'll be fit as a fiddle."
Neji regarded the professional but slightly bemused glace she regarded him with warmly and simply stared. "Thank you," he said allowing her to get on with her work but never taking his eyes off of her.
"Working on a new jutsu?" she asked, clearly curious. A brown brow rose just enough to show that he was surprised by her well educated guess. He had not thought it possible for her to tell such a thing through a simple examination. "Hinata told me," she admitted freely with a shrug. Her explanation made sense. Hinata was often concerned about him. She said he worked too much. His shy cousin was probably right but he was not going to admit that.
Instead his expression softened at the genuine interest that Sakura displayed. "Yes," he said watching as she gathered her coffee cup and a pen, ready to get to her next appointment.
"Well, good luck. I'm sure it will be formidable." She waved to him softly with a small smile firmly in place. There was a keen glint of knowing glowing back at him from deep within the facets of her emerald eyes, one that he could not place. It mattered very little whether he could place it or not. The look was beguiling, unintentionally so, and he found himself thinking that it suited her. A call from the hallway turned her attentions and sooner than he would have liked she was heading out the door. "It was good to see you Neji-san." Her voice called to him as wisps of pink fluttered in the air. She was always so busy these days.
In an instant the door was closed and she was walking down the hall, an action he felt need to watch. His time with her had been pleasant and he truly felt better for coming to the building he disliked so much. "Likewise," he said, keeping an eye on her until she entered the next examination room.
He could not be sure what it was but something about her, possibly everything, intrigued him. He was also not really sure how he felt about that. Up until this point he had focused on his career, setting all else aside. He found himself wondering if it was not about time to change that. With much to contemplate he set off towards the center of town.
End comments: So we begin. I want to just say and make it very clear that Neji is not uncomfortable with Naruto making moves on Hinata because he has romantic feelings for her. He sees her as a sister and is in the process of coming to terms with the fact that his little sister is now in a romantic relationship with his very good friend. This is a comedy so the next chapter starts off a series of entertaining events centered around Naruto and Hinata dating and Neji having to babysit them. I don't want to demonize 'the Elder', but he is very traditional where as the rest are not so much anymore. I tried to figure out what his name was but apparently he has not be given one? If I'm wrong about that let me know. Also I do not find the clan and Hiashi butting heads to be far fetched. We know that they have in the past and that clan leaders have elders for a reason. Hiashi could put his foot down but he is trying to go about this in the most diplomatic fashion, as we all know he tends to stick to the rules most of the time. I see 5 or 6 chapters to this, at least that's what I have planned so far. As always have no beta so please forgive any mistakes you may find. Also reviews and constructive criticism are very much welcome and appreciated, but please, no flames. Thanks for reading! Until next time!