AN: I'm back with a new multi-chapter fic and I found it fitting to post on Neji's birthday! Going to go ahead and touch on a few things now because I want to limit my author's notes in future chapters. In this fic, Neji's characterization is based off of modernhyuugaprodigy which is an awesome RP blog on Tumblr. I am using majority of the mun's headcanons. Also, let me be real, this story is not for the fainthearted. Read at your own risk and I am only going to say that once. However, I do invite everyone to read the first chapter all the way through, at least. Title is in reference to the story of Daedalus and Icarus. I hope you enjoy!

Warning: abuse, noncon, drug abuse(pills), mental illness, angst

All limitations are self imposed.

— Icarus

Prologue.

They weren't his competition, not necessarily, but Neji sized them up anyway. Mainly out of boredom, and maybe even a little bit of curiosity. There were note cards that he could be going over, but he hated the idea of having to rehearse a script for a simple interview. The local magazine was doing a feature on notable people in Konoha under the age of twenty-five. It wasn't his first interview and it wouldn't be his last. He was told to act natural, but the script restricted him from doing so. There were even notes reminding him to smile and be polite. Both were so incongruous to his personality that he wondered what his uncle actually meant by act natural. Perhaps he meant for him to simply act. Put on a mask and pretend to be someone else.

Back to the other occupants in the room. There were two. Both were also considered prodigies in their own right. Yamanaka Ino was the first female head of her family and at the young age of sixteen was already proving to be competent and innovative. She was sitting in the leather seat next to his, going over her script, reading the words under her breath, practicing her smile and other facial expressions.

Like an obedient little puppet. Neji inwardly sneered.

Across from them, quietly standing against the wall, hands demurely behind his back, was Uchiha Itachi. Graduated High School at sixteen and obtained his degree in business at the age of twenty. There were a ton of other achievements under his belt, but Neji only knew what the journalist mentioned during their group interview earlier. He didn't look like much in Neji's opinion. Yes, he was attractive, nicely built, and obviously talented but perfection didn't interest Neji in the slightest. Overall, he found them both to be incredibly dull.

With a low snort, Neji looked away from them both and opted to stare at the note cards in his lap. It had been a two day job with the photo shoot taking place the day before. For the magazine's cover photo, they all donned traditional yukata's with their clan's insignia stitched in visible sight.

In his opinion, the photo turned out decent enough. Ino sat in the middle; the two men flanked her side. A smile only graced her face while Itachi and Neji looked stone faced and proud. Prior to the shoot, Neji had never actually met Itachi. Their families mingled in the same circles, but the Uchiha prodigy was more of a myth. Always talked about but never seen. His younger brother, Sasuke, was a year under Neji, along with Ino. He only shared a few words with the two underclassmen in passing.

The door to the waiting area opened and a secretary popped her head in. "Yamanaka-san, we're ready for you," she announced with a bright smile on her face.

Lifting his head, Neji watched Ino give her script a quick nod before jumping out of her seat. She was the only one that actually seemed excited about being there. "Wish me luck guys!" Ino gave a thumbs up before leaving the room.

With the loss of Ino's mumbling, the lounge area was now uncomfortably silent. Neji lightly drummed his fingers on the armrest of his chair to fill that absence. Glancing around the room, he looked at the chic paintings that were lined on the wall. They weren't originals, obviously, but were still aesthetically pleasing. He didn't realize that, while he was admiring the replica paintings, dark eyes were regarding him. It wasn't until he moved to the last painting ,that was partially blocked by a broad shoulder, that he noticed Itachi staring at him.

Unlike most people that were caught openly staring at a person, Itachi didn't look away, or even appear to be embarrassed by being caught. He simply continued to stare. Much to Neji's annoyance. He opened his mouth to ask him if there was something on his mind, but Itachi beat him to it.

"I'm curious to know what you deduced from your earlier observation," he moved off of the wall and took careful, confident, strides to the other side of the room where Neji was seated.

Straightening up in his seat, Neji prepared himself for, well anything. He didn't think the other male would attack him, but it was instinct to always be on guard. A part of him was even a little disappointed when Itachi simply took the seat next to him. Neji thought that a lighthearted spar with the nation's Kendo champ — another one of Itachi's many achievements — would be a great way to cure his boredom.

But it would appear that Itachi had something else in store for him.

Itachi turned his body to face Neji directly. "I am waiting, Hyuuga-san."

Mimicking his position, Neji faced him with a derisory smirk in place. "What observation are you referring to?" Although the other male's face was blank, there's amusement in his dark eyes. He didn't think Uchiha men had the ability. Well, he supposed the same could be said about Hyuuga men.

"I am referring to the observation you made of me. But I'm sure you're aware of that."

"Are you so full of yourself to think you ever crossed my mind?" He chuckled lightly. "Forgive me, but I don't find you that interesting."

The Uchiha prodigy seemed unfazed by the admittance. "I did an observation of my own. It's actually a habit of mine."

Why was he telling Neji that? In fact, why was he talking to Neji at all? He didn't give a damn about his observation, but instead of voicing that, he simply raised an eyebrow. The gesture could be taken as curiosity or affront. He would let Itachi make the call.

"Would you care to know what I've deduced?"

"I'm sure you're going to tell me anyway."

"You're judgmental," said Itachi. "As well as cynical, arrogant, and insecure."

Well, he read me like a fucking book. "You forgot to add something else to that list." Neji smiled despite the fact that he wanted to punch Itachi in the throat. "I hate perfect people like you." He held the smile, his voice remained calm and pleasant but his words were heavily laced with bitter malice.

Briefly, a frown marred Itachi's features before it was replaced with cool indifference. "My intentions were not to offend you."

"I'm not offended," he easily lied. "I do not value the opinions of people I deem irrelevant." Now that wasn't a lie. His anger didn't stem from Itachi's harsh observation, but simply because he hated when people were right about him.

Silence returned, more uncomfortable than the previous. Turning his body forward, Neji stared at a random corner in the room in hopes that his body language was enough to tell the other male to fuck off. He didn't think he would be able to keep from verbally lashing out if he was further provoked. Their interviews were only supposed to be fifteen minutes each, and then they were free to go. How many minutes had already passed since Ino left the room?

He could feel the heat of Itachi's gaze on the side of his face, and slowly turned around, ready to unleash his pent up frustration. However, the look on the prodigy's face gave him pause. Itachi looked...apologetic? No, that wasn't it. He looked afraid, as though he were seconds from a mild panic attack. His brows were knit, eyes glazed over, and his hands were trembling. Speechless, Neji could only sit there, and wait for him to say whatever it was that he was clearly struggling with. Upon closer inspection he noticed the faint blush on the Uchiha's elegant cheekbones.

Licking his lips, Itachi opened his mouth to speak. "Forg-"

Again, the blonde secretary popped her head in. "We're ready for you, Uchiha-san!"

Neji witnessed the transformation in silent awe. He watched Itachi remove every trace of an emotion from his face, still his trembling hands, and stand up from his seat gracefully. If it wouldn't have been so out of character, he would have given Itachi a standing ovation for that riveting performance. Without another backwards glance, Itachi walked out of the lounge area.

"That's one hell of a mask," Neji mused quietly.

As promised the interview only lasted fifteen minutes. Afterwards, Neji headed downstairs where he knew his ride would be waiting for him. Passing a trash bin, he discarded the useless note cards.

The strange encounter with Itachi was still fresh on his mind; he didn't know how to feel about it, honestly. Was he flustered due to embarrassment or something else? He decided that it was far too insignificant for him to ponder on any longer. However, that didn't stop him from constantly replaying the interaction in his mind. Even during his interview, the Uchiha's trembling hands were at the forefront of his mind.

"You appear to be in deep thought."

Hearing the familiar voice, Neji quickly turned around to see Tokuma. He had walked right past the man without even noticing.

"What are you doing here? I thought Hoheto was picking me up." Not like he didn't mind his Senpai being the one to show up instead.

Tokuma was aware that Neji preferred his company, but he decided to jest anyway. "Would you prefer it if I left you here?"

"I'm not worried in the least," he smirked as they fell into step out of the building. "You could never leave me stranded." Because he was looking straight ahead, Tokuma's solemn look was completely missed.

Outside the late July heat was stifling despite the occasional breeze. It was still relatively early, and the idea of swimming at the beach with Tokuma was very tempting. His training had been extra grueling since Tournament season was approaching in September. Baguazhang was originally taught to only the Main House children, while Branch children learned mostly agriculture and domestic trades. But Neji taught himself the fighting style in secret. Initially, he simply watched his younger cousin's training sessions with her father from afar. That, however, only taught him the technique. His uncle eventually decided to help him strengthen his technique.

Of course, that didn't come without a price.

"Are you hungry?" Tokuma asked once they were in the car. The unmarked sedan was one of the many cars driven by Hyuuga servants — Branch members— whenever they were out doing Hiashi's bidding.

A few cars down, a sleek black Mercedes was parked. Neji watched Itachi get in the backseat of the car. "No, but a green tea latte sounds great." He pulled his gaze from the departing car to look over at Tokuma with a hopeful smile.

Shaking his head, Tokuma started the car. "I don't see the appeal to that beverage." Yet, he started to drive in the direction of the younger male's favorite cafe.

"Don't knock it until you've tried it."

The drive was silent and comfortable. Neji wore a contented smile on his face, a smile that was only reserved for the older male. Only around Tokuma did he laugh, smile, or even feel remotely alive. There was no need to pretend, put on a mask, or read from a script. On the surface, their relationship was platonic, yet, there was a mutual, romantic attraction between them. Unfortunately, that attraction had never been explored. Neji would often fantasize that when he turned eighteen, next year, his Senpai would finally give in to his desires. Was it shameful that he was counting down the days? Tokuma not only understood him, but they had more in common than their status in the clan. It was only natural for Neji to feel so strongly towards him.

"Do you want to go inside? We have an hour or so to kill." Tokuma asked once they pulled up to the Cafe.

Pulled from his thoughts, that were beginning to enter salacious territory, Neji perked up a little. If they had time to kill that meant that they could spend more time together. "Can we get our drinks to go and sit at the park?" He would rather be somewhere more peaceful than the bustling Cafe.

Tokuma must have read his mind because he smiled knowingly. "Of course."

. . . .

While majority of the other teenagers in Konoha were at the beach, or on some sort of relaxing vacation, Neji was at the downtown park, enjoying a warm beverage. Not because he preferred to spend his break, in a park, where the elderly spent their afternoons feeding birds. He really didn't have a choice. There was no such thing as a "break" for Neji, and he settled for whatever he could get. The title of prodigy wasn't handed to him, unlike most people, he had to work for it, harder than most.

Still, everything wasn't so bad. He had Tokuma, and in Neji's mind, that was all he needed.

Out of his peripheral, he watched the older man take a sip of his offered green tea latte. Tokuma preferred dark roast, no cream, no sugar. He liked his coffee bitter, just like his disposition. It was a terrible joke, but Neji laughed as if it was the funniest thing he'd ever heard.

"It doesn't taste bad," remarked Tokuma. "But I still think my coffee is better." He handed the cup back to Neji and retrieved his own.

Staring at the lid, where the man's lips had been seconds ago, Neji slowly brought it to his own lips. Only the taste of the latte was present, but he imagined that he could taste more. It was the act of a prepubescent school boy, but he didn't care because it made him feel as though he were still innocent.

"How did the interview go? Did you use the note cards this time?"

"I'm sure you already know the answer to the second question." Tokuma knew better than anyone that the note cards were barely glanced at. In their alone time, Neji made it very clear how much he detested the idea of being the clan's poster boy. "The interview was like all of the others. They still want the scoop on the incident from four years ago."

Tokuma finished his drink, and sat the empty cup on the bench; he would dispose of it later. "You didn't tell them anything did you?"

"No. It's not like anyone would believe me anyway." His mood instantly dropped and a subject change was in order. "How did you convince Hoheto to let you come instead? Not that I'm complaining," he smiled a little to lighten his own mood. "But we both know how strict he is when it comes to following orders."

The older man averted his gaze, staring at the swans on the small pond instead. "I wanted to see you," he said. All the while looking away from Neji, contradicting himself.

Frowning, Neji scooted closer. While the fact that Tokuma wanted to see him was flattering, he still found it strange, seeing that they saw each other every day, and practically lived together. In fact they shared the same bed almost every night. "Tokuma, you know there are no secrets between us," he reminded him in a low voice. "You can tell me anything. Whatever it is...just say it."

"Hiashi-sama." That one name already had knots forming in the younger male's stomach. Nothing good ever came after he was mentioned. Crossing his arms, he held his stomach tightly to quell the uneasiness. "He's spoken with the council. My marriage is in two weeks."

Wedding announcements were usually received with celebratory expressions, but Neji felt the complete opposite. The good mood that he'd attempted to salvage earlier was completely obliterated in that instant. Throat tightening, he could feel his eyes burning, and had to remind himself that they were in public. Was that why Tokuma was so willing to go to the park? Picked him up and took him to purchase his favorite beverage to soften the blow? Neji felt betrayed.

"How long have you known?" Neji asked calmly despite the cold panic creeping through his veins. "If the wedding is in two weeks, I'm sure you've known for a few months."

The accusation was clear, and Tokuma finally lifted his head to look at his mentee. "I would never keep something like this from you. He informed me this morning. She is from the Main House. Her—"

Neji shot him a glare that ended all talk about his fiancé. He didn't give a damn about her, or what house she belonged to. His hate for her may have been childish, but he was losing more than a potential lover. It was deeper than an adolescent crush. If he lost Tokuma...

"He's trying to tear us apart." Neji's voice cracked; he had to swallow hard to get the lump out of his throat. His entire world was falling apart in front of his eyes, and there was nothing he could do about it. A tear slipped, followed by another. "I can't lose you. If you're not around he'll..."

Tokuma was there in an instance. Strong arms pulling him in for a hug, uncaring if they were in public or not. "Neji, I will not let anything happen to you."

The promise fell on deaf ears; Neji had already begun to build a mental wall between them. He'd relied on Tokuma too much and had grown comfortable over the past two years. Deluded himself with the idea that Tokuma could protect him, keep him sane and safe, but that had been a pipe dream. Now that dream was over, harsh reality had reared its ugly head.

"It kills me, Neji." Tokuma continued, his voice low and broken. "I feel like I'm letting you down. I am letting you down. You can still stay with me until the wedding."

Pulling away from the hug, Neji dried his eyes. "We should leave. Training is in half an hour."

"Don't do that, Neji."

He stood, and picked up both of their empty cups to throw away. "This is pointless. Crying isn't going to change anything. You'll still be married in two weeks and Hiashi will win like he always does." Despite his nonchalant remarks, his anger was evident in the way he slammed the cups into the trash can with unnecessary force. "I'll be in the car," he tossed over his shoulders as he walked off.

Tokuma watched him walk a few meters before he finally followed. Once they were in the car, he only started it to get the air conditioner going, but had no intention of heading to the compound yet. In the passenger's seat, Neji stared out of the window, purposefully closing himself off. But, Tokuma was undeterred.

"I know what you're thinking, Neji. We've gone through this before." Placing a hand on the teenager's shoulder, he gave it a gentle squeeze. "Your safety means everything to me. Don't you know that by now?"

"You can't even protect yourself from the clan head. You're being forced to marry a woman you've never even met with the intent to produce more slaves for the clan's use." Neji's tone was flat, yet, every word was sharp enough to cut through Tokuma like a blade. "Safety is an illusion. It never existed. Hiashi only allowed us to think that."

Dropping his hand, Tokuma stared at the prodigy's side profile. Silent tears rolled down the boy's cheek. "Neji, look at me." He softly demanded.

"Did you mean it when you told me that you loved me?" asked Neji without facing him.

"Yes."

Finally turning around, Neji didn't bother wiping his eyes. Leaning over the console, he placed a chaste kiss to Tokuma's chin to test the waters. When he wasn't pushed away, he moved higher. Their first kiss wasn't even close to how he imagined it would be. Granted, it wasn't actually a romantic setting or the perfect timing. Nonetheless, Neji expected there to be...more. No, fireworks, or even an electrified reaction.

Zilch.

Tokuma pulled away first, cupping Neji's hand tenderly in his own. "I'm sorry that I can't love you the way that you want me to, or the way that you truly deserve, Neji. You know why I can't. It has more to do with my own morals rather than Hiashi's interference."

"You wouldn't be taking advantage of me, Tokuma. You aren't like them. You could never be like them." Despite the disappointing kiss, Neji still tried to push. Anything would do as long as he didn't have to be alone. "I want you..."

"You're still considered a minor, and I am four years older than you. I can't."

Neji let out a humorless chuckle. Sighing, he moved away, and put his seat belt on. "I hope she makes you happy. You deserve it."

And he meant that. Well, the last part anyway.

After that day in the park, Neji began to distance himself from Tokuma. They continued to train together, but he didn't bother lingering around or staying over like he was offered everyday. Without fail, Tokuma would ask him to come over, he even begged a few times. Neji turned him down every time. It made sense to get used to being without the man, if only to make things easier on himself. Deep down inside, he knew that it was unfair to punish Tokuma, he had done nothing wrong. But he couldn't pretend as if everything was alright when he knew what awaited him. Quite frankly, Neji was terrified.

Every night, for the past two weeks, he stayed up majority of the night, watching the door. Like a frightened child he would hide under the covers, peeking out every so often to make sure that he was still safe. He kept the door locked, but that was useless when the monster had a key. When he used to share a bed with Tokuma, he never had a restless night. Tokuma never made him feel uncomfortable, he stayed on his side of the bed, and kept his hands to himself. Though, it wasn't like he would have cared if Tokuma touched him.

Unfortunately that would never happen.

While the newly wed couple danced, everyone looked on with smiles on their faces, everyone except Neji, obviously. Amari, the bride, was pretty enough with her petite figure and waist length dark hair. She kept her attention on Tokuma as if he were the center of her universe. Honestly, Neji could see why anyone would fall for the man. It was rare to meet someone as genuine. Perhaps that was another reason why the loss hurt so bad, because he knew that he would never find anyone that could hold a candle to his mentor.

Feeling eyes on him, Neji turned his head to see Hiashi staring at him. To anyone else, he was stone-faced-as-usual Hiashi, yet, he saw the triumphant gleam in his eyes. He knew that he had won. Often, Neji entertained the thought of slitting his throat in his sleep, but that would only land him in another cage, where he would undoubtedly be some other man's property.

Eyes still locked on his uncle, he grabbed a champagne flute from a server's tray as they passed him. He drunk it so fast that he didn't notice the taste. The disapproval on Hiashi's face was met with an indifferent look from Neji.

Eventually, he looked away, and gave the couple on the dance floor one last look before leaving the great hall. His steps were hurried, close to sprinting. The desire to run from it all was overwhelming. An idea struck him, and it had him picking up his pace. Perhaps running away wasn't such a far out idea. Not running away for good, because he didn't have a dime to his name, but tonight, nothing was stopping him from leaving. Heart pounding, ears ringing, he was winded by the time he made it to the front gate, yet, he didn't stop. His destination was unknown, the only time that he'd left the compound at night was for charity events and things of that nature. Neji had never left the compound without a chaperone. Luckily, the compound was situated relatively close to the city, unlike the Uchiha compound, that was further in the country side.

Neji didn't slow down until he was on the sidewalk, even then he walked faster than normal. How far he actually walked was lost on him, but he was relieved when he finally saw neon lights. The closest place to "hang-out" was a pool hall that bikers normally frequented. There was a sign on the door restricting minors, and anyone that couldn't produce a proper form of identification. Did he really think that he was going to just waltz in there and—

Honestly, Neji had no idea what he planned on doing. He was dressed in a crisp dress shirt, and slacks for fuck's sake. Still, there was no way that he was going to just return to the compound. Not tonight. Biting his lower lip, he crossed his arms as he tried to think of his next plan of action. Hearing the door to the pool hall open, he looked up to see a man step out. Black leather jacket, black boots, acid washed jeans, and a helmet in his hand. The stranger was the kind of man that Neji wouldn't have spared a second glance in any other setting.

"Don't waste your time in there. The booze is so watered down!"

Neji's initial reaction was to ignore the statement, that was obviously meant as a conversation starter between them. Then, he gave the man a second look. Nice build, easy on the eyes, and a means of transportation. Not great but good enough.

Smiling a little, Neji took a step forward. "That's too bad. I was really looking to have a cold one tonight." Did he just say that with a straight face? He didn't even sound convincing. Note to self: Don't say things that you've heard said in movies.

"Is that so?" The biker also took a step forward, eyeing Neji thoughtfully. "What are you doing in these parts? You clearly don't belong here."

"And where exactly do I belong? Since you seem to know me so well."

The man laughed. "Relax, I didn't mean to be an ass! Just thought that you were way too good looking to be hanging around a place like this." He ran his fingers through his short platinum hair, showing off his painted nails. "You said you were in need of a drink. Let me buy you one."

Relaxing a little, Neji dropped his arms to his sides. "I left my ID at home," he lied.

"No worries. We could go back to my place."

Staring at the offered motorcycle helmet, Neji's eyes widened. "Aren't you going to ask me my name first? Or at least give me yours?" They hadn't known each other for more than five minutes and the guy was already asking him to go back to his place.

"Oh shit! My bad! Name's Hidan," he held his hand out.

Hesitantly, Neji shook his hand. At least he knew not to give out his real name. "Seiji." Smart. Pick a name that was even remotely close to your real one. Being spontaneous was not his forte, apparently. "Could we just go to another bar?"

Hidan seemed to think it over for a few seconds before nodding his head. "Just to make sure, you are legal right? I don't need anymore heat on my ass." He handed the helmet over anyway.

Anymore heat? Was he a criminal? More than likely. Neji was really starting to question his own sanity by that point. Leaving the compound, walking on the dark road to a pool hall, of all places. Now, he was actually thinking about taking the stranger up on his offer. Then again, what did he really have to lose? Tokuma was married now. His only friend and confidant was taken from him. The other reason that he didn't want to go home made his skin crawl in disgust every time it crossed his mind. So what if the stranger turned out to be a fugitive? He would rather take that chance.

"On second thought, we can just go back to your place." Neji didn't give the man the chance to ask him anymore questions about his age. "Which bike is yours?"

Hidan looked at him from head to toe, as though he were trying to weigh his worth. If he was going down he was going to make sure the crime was worth the punishment. From the looks of it, Seiji was more than worth it. "Right this way."

-o0o0o-

Either because of the champagne or the ride on the motorcycle, Neji's head was swimming by the time they made it to Hidan's apartment. The man didn't even offer him a glass of water before he had him pressed against a wall, tongue down his throat. Neji had never been kissed so feverishly, and it was hard for him to keep up. Everything was moving so fast, he was shirtless, and seconds from losing his pants as well. Submitting came natural to him when it came to intimacy, so he didn't protest. He made the faintest sound, almost of despair, his body trying to sink further into the wall, as he let Hidan overpower him.

Hidan heard the small whimper, and pulled away slightly. "Tell me what you want me to do," he breathed against his neck.

Shivering, Neji opened his eyes in bewilderment. He had never been given a choice in the matter. What he wanted seemed like such a foreign concept.

"Why do you care?" He didn't mean for the question to come out so bluntly, but he was genuinely curious.

"I like to please my partners. Simple as that. "Now, tell me how to please you."

How strange? Hidan didn't know him, he definitely didn't love him, so why did Neji's comfort mean anything to him? When he didn't answer, Hidan simply dropped to his knees, right there in the narrow hallway. Stunned, Neji could only peer down at him while he slid his pants down and took his half hard cock into his mouth. It was the first time that anyone had ever given him a blowjob.

Throughout the entire experience, Neji looked on in awe. Occasionally he had to close his eyes when Hidan took him deeper, but for the most part he watched with keen interest. Having someone on their knees in front of him felt oddly empowering. Here was this stranger, whom was possibly a criminal, taking care of his needs without a second thought. Neji had truly been missing out. Getting lost in the pleasure, he gripped the man's short hair, thrusting his hips further in the process. He could get used to this. Hidan moved his hands to cup Neji's ass, taking him as deep as he could go. Toes curling, Neji tightened his grip on the man's hair when he reached his climax.

Immediately, Neji released his hold on the man's hair. "I...I'm sorry I didn't warn you..." He was expecting to be reprimanded, either verbally or physically, but he only received a teasing grin.

"I don't mind at all." Hidan wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "Let's move this to the bedroom."

In the bedroom, Neji was surprised at how tidy everything was. The space wasn't much. There was a bed, a dresser, an adjourned bathroom, and a small flat screen on the wall. Decent enough place for a single man. Well, he could only assume that Hidan was single. Not that it was any of his business.

The preview in the hallway was nothing compared to the main event. Hidan hadn't been lying when he said that he enjoyed pleasing his partners. Neji felt desired. Like he was more than just a tool. He enjoyed the idea of being in control over his body. Choosing who he allowed entry, and telling them how to please him. What he liked most of all, was during that hour or so, of being fucked into the mattress, he didn't think about his problems. The only thing that he focused on was the pleasure.

Most importantly, he didn't have to be alone.

In the morning Neji woke up with a headache and a sore bottom. However, the soreness in his rear wasn't necessarily a bad thing. He didn't feel disgusted with himself, so that was a plus as well. Still groggy from sleep, he tried to make out the voices in the background. It took a few more minutes for him to realize that the television was on. Hidan was nowhere in sight, and Neji didn't expect to wake up in his arms. Not that he really cared. He knew that last night was a one time thing, and he was fine with that.

"Rise and Shine!" Hidan stepped through the door of the bedroom with only a pair of sweats on. "Why didn't tell me you were famous?" He walked over to the nightstand and picked up a remote to turn up the volume on the television. "I swear there is this martial arts kid that look just like you, Seiji."

Sitting up, Neji rested his back against the headboard. "I don't know what you're talking about." He didn't but he started to panic a little. The last thing he needed was a biker telling the town that he screwed the Hyuuga prodigy.

His panic was soon replaced with shock once he paid attention to the news broadcast. On the small screen was the Leaf's July issue that he'd been featured in alongside Itachi and Ino, but the broadcast wasn't focused on the magazine at all.

"Sure you're not related to this Nedge kid? The resemblance is uncanny!"

Neji was too enthralled by the images on the screen to pay attention to the idiotic question. Besides, it was a good thing Hidan was apparently a fucking idiot.

'...earlier this morning Uchiha Itachi was found in the upstairs bathroom of his family's estate. Authorities say that both of his wrists were slit...'

"Some rich fucker tries to off himself and the media just runs with it." Hidan changed the channel. "I mean he lived so what's the big deal?"

Again, Neji completely ignored Hidan. Unconsciously, he noted that the man was way more tolerable when he was putting his mouth to better use. As far as pillow talk or morning after chats, Neji would have to decline. He was still trying to wrap his head around the local telecast. Itachi tried to kill himself. Only weeks ago, he told Itachi that he hated perfect people like him. Did Neji feel guilty? Not really.

Well, he didn't know how to feel. They weren't friends or associates. Unwillingly, his mind supplied him with the look on the Uchiha's face the last time they saw each other. He would never forget the way his hands trembled. Obviously, his assumption about the man had been misguided.

"Looks like I was wrong...for once." Neji mumbled under his breath.