A/N: What came into my head when I wake up early in the morning.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. All characters rightfully belong to Kishimoto-san.
Relationship: Platonic NejiNaru
Note: Heavily edited, but I'm still not very pleased with it. Previously entitled as "NejiNaru Oneshot". I thank Good Omens for the suggestion of a new title.
Neji and Naruto had first agreed on a picnic in order to take a break from the missions. The main aim of the activity was for them to relax themselves.
When the day arrived, both Neji and Naruto managed to find a good spot on the top of a hill with a huge tree in the middle of it, providing what they would believe to be a good shade.
A blanket was spread across the grass and a variety of food presented on top, much to Naruto's delight, of course. Neji sighed at the sheer amount of it, but otherwise did not object to it.
Sitting side by side under the shadowy tree, they could finally enjoy the peaceful scenery as well as each other's company. It was this rare peace that they cherished and fought hard to keep. Naruto prattled on happily without stop with his friend occasionally throwing in his own opinion.
They were both enjoying themselves, except Naruto ate almost as fast as he talked, and Neji feared that the blonde might choke himself. Many times he had told his friend to slow down while he nibbled delicately on a piece of sandwich. Naruto, as usual, paid not much heed to his warnings, telling him that he worried too much.
The brunet took in the scenery in front of him, and it was not long before his gaze landed on his chattering friend. Whether or not Naruto realized it, Neji greatly respected and admired him, despite of the latter's mischievous and playful nature. There were times when the playful glint in his cerulean eyes would be replaced by a knowing, understanding look, and it was then that Neji felt as if Naruto understood his unspoken pain. The blonde can be a good friend when he wanted to be, and never failed to cheer Neji up, even though sometimes Naruto's method might be a bit… inappropriate. Still, the Hyuuga appreciated his friend's efforts.
"What is it, Neji?" The blonde asked worriedly as he stared at his friend. Neji snapped out of his musings to a sight of baby blue eyes (with whiskery cheeks) looking at him, full of concern.
"You've been staring at me like that for the past few minutes! Is something wrong?" The blonde asked in anxiety and lifted his hand, placing it on Neji's forehead. Frowning, the blonde withdrew his hand.
"It's hard to tell with the head band! Are you sure you're alright?" The blonde inquired, leaning closer to his face. Neji merely raised an eyebrow at the close proximity, not at all appreciating how close his friend was getting. It was uncomfortable in a way, which was unusual as Naruto had always radiated a serene and peaceful aura soothing to (almost) all.
With a sigh not entirely out of annoyance, Neji reassured Naruto that he was fine. The blonde examined his friend's face again, searching for any signsof illness. Naruto smiled satisfyingly when he found none and pulled back, once again sitting beside his friend.
A comfortable silence passed between them, with the wind blowing and caressing both of their hair. Naruto lied back on the grass, putting his hand behind his head and sighed happily when his back hit the undeniably soft grass. Neji continue his previous position, with his knees arched and his elbow resting on his knees. His gaze once again drifted to Naruto who was lying comfortably on the grass, his eyes closed and a peaceful look crossing his face as the wind once again blew by, ruffling the golden locks gently.
Neji allowed himself a small but genuine smile at the peacefulness of it all. Naruto was smiling too, his face that of a free, unburdened child.
Naruto opened one eye and look at his friend. "Mmm… should smile more, Neji. It suits you." The blonde said and yawn loudly, stretching his muscles in the process.
"And what's wrong with my normal face?" Neji asked, just to indulge the blonde.
"Too strict and scary." Naruto made a face before stifling a yawn.
Deciding not to reply to that particular comment, Neji pushed himself off the grass.
"If you feel tired Naruto, you can go back to your house and sleep." The young brunet suggested and crouched down near his friend.
"Mmm… go away. It's nice here." Naruto mumbled sleepily and turned his back to his friend.
"Naruto, I am not carrying you home."
The blonde mumbled incoherently and curled in on himself, still ignoring Neji. The brunet sighed and reviewed his options. He wasn't really going to leave his friend here, so…
Neji tidied up the half-eaten food and placed them into the basket, before draping the picnic blanket on top the lid. He made sure that there was no rubbish left behind and once again approached the blonde. Neji picked the sleeping blonde up and carried him on back, picnic basket in hand. Never once did the young Hyuga's smile falter as he listened to the delicate breathing and the gentle rising-falling of the sleeping blonde on his back. Neji supposed that this is a bit like having a little brother he never had.
-End-
Thank you for reading. Please inform me if there are any grammatical mistakes.