Pairing: ItaxNeji

Warning: Angst, OOC, Yaoi (MxM) (later chapters), Violence (later chapters), First person

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or the characters and I don't make any money from this.

A/N: So this is an ItaNeji I came up with at school... R&R

You found me

Chapter 1: Daily Facade

I was already awake when my room was finally lit up by the golden light and dawn broke. I had found myself rebellious to sleep's embrace after I was rudely forced out of uncosciousness by the previous night's fierce nightmare. When every corner of my room was showered in bright warmth I finished tying my hair and exited the bedroom wearing the tradiitional, white Hyuga clothing.

My posture and face betrayed none of my exhaustion or inner turmoil as I walked gracefully through the corridors of the Hyuga manor, heading for the training premises.

I was, of course, well aware that Hinata was following me closely behind but I was not about to inquire why she was tailing me or what she wanted unless she chose to tell me herself. That was mostly because I did not have time for such a nuisance.

"N-Neji, may I have a w-word with y-you?"

She decided to speak right when I didn't want to answer. I spun around suddenly making her gasp in shock before speaking ina calm but icy tone.

"Of course. What is it that you wish to tell me, Hinata-sama?"

"Um... Uhm... I... well... you see..."

"I'm afraid I will have to implore you to get to the point faster, seeing that I have somewhere to be and I will not appreciate it if I am late due to your meaningless stalling."

My words were harsh. Maybe even harsher than I had intended them to be. I could already see their effects in her eyes. There was fear in the opalescent pools and she was on the verge of tears. I didn't pay it much heed though.

"S-sorry! I was wondering if I c-could ask a f-favour of you."

"And of what nature would this favour be?"

Her cheeks turned beat red as her pastel orbs widened and she averted her eyes. I, however, did not let my piercing gaze falter as I maintained my emotionless mask, one thing I had become extremely good at; showing nothing. Result of many years' training and living with the people I am expected to call my... family. I could even hear the disgust in my own thoughts as the word danced in my mind. Her stuttering voice interrupted my train of thought.

"Um... C-could you please g-give this t-to... to Naruto?"

She took an envelope out of her pouch and pushed it to my chest. I arched an eyebrow questioningly at her. Not at the request itself but at the guts she had to touch me. I slowly took the neatly folded piece of paper out of her delicate hands and shoved it in my own pouch. I bowed my head slightly and turned around. Her voice stopped me dead in my tracks.

"Don't read it."

Who does she think she is? Most importantly, who does she think I am? I would never read such a personal document without permission. I did not, however, show my anger as I said;

"Of course, Hinata-sama."

I walked away. The day had just started and my headache was already massive. It's not like I couldn't handle it, it was a daily occurence, after all.

Lately, my head was crowded with heavy thoughts even when I was sleeping, if that could be called sleeping. My mind had not rested properly in days and it was taking its toll on my body. Of course, it was not visible but I could feel it. And the effort not to show my exertion was adding to it. I wouldn't be surprised if I collapsed any moment. I would certainly feel humiliated, though. For a Hyuga to give in to their body's limit means degradation. Therefore, forbidden.

I knew my day was about to become even worse when thick droplets of water hit my hair and headband. Soon, my eyelashes were damp and heavy and my ears were ringing with the sound of water hitting stone.

I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply the scent of the rain. It was heavenly. I slowly, savouring the feeling, walked to the old building and knocked on the wooden door. Nothing. I could hear the wind whipping the trees behind me. I knocked again. I was starting to get impatient, where was this knucklehead? Just as I had raised my bandaged arm to knock a third time, the door opened and a messy blond head stuck out, eyes still half closed, opening wide when he saw it was me.

"Hey, Neji, what're you doing here with this storm raging on?"

Always exaggerating, as if it was a real storm... No sooner had I opened my mouth to voice the reason of my unexpected visit than he spoke again.

"Hey, do you wanna come in? You must be freezing! You're drenched! Come on!"

"No, thank you for the invitation but...-"

"No 'buts'! What I say goes!"

With that, he grabbed the hem of my shirt and pulled me inside the room. I showed no resistance. Instead, I welcomed the warmth and coziness of that place just as it welcomed me. It was strange. All my life my 'house' had been the Hyuga mansion. The word 'home', on the other hand, was not part of my vocabulairy. This place felt better than the cold, impersonal rooms of the Hyuga compound could ever be, despite the clothes and magazines on the floor or the dirty ramen cups in the sink.

"Sit!"

He told me as he pushed me down on an orange (big surprise) couch and sat right next to me. Far too close, if I may add.

"So, as to why I'm here..."

He had that stupid grin plastered on his whickered face, as if he knew something I didn't. Regardless, I reached for the letter in order to give it to him and then go out in the rain once again. My fingers barely got to brush the envelope when Naruto's hand clasped my wrist and stopped me.

"What are you doing, Naruto?"

I was genuinely confused but I did not show any form of hesitation as I removed his hand from my own.

"Don't tell me."

What? Don't tell him what? What was he talking about?

"What?"

"Don't tell me why you're here because then you'll have no reason to be here and you will leave. I don't want you to leave."

In my sixteen years of life no one had ever told me they didn't want me to leave. I, for one, was always unwelcome.

"What are you trying to say?"

"What I'm trying to say is; stay with me."

I was in somewhat of a shock and he used that to the fullest as he leaned in and looked into my eyes before his lips touched mine. He put a hand on my nape and tilted my head. What?! I didn't want this so why couldn't I move?

When my body finally caught up with my brain, I placed both palms on his chest and pushed him off of me without hurting him. Then, I took out the almost forgotten letter and pushed in his hand.

"This is from Hinata, she asked me to give it to you."

I got up and approached the door, quickly twisting the doorknob and disappearing behind it. Not quickly enough, however, to avoid hearing his words.

"But I don't want Hinata. I want you!"

My mind needed more time to comprehend what had just happened. I took a few large steps in the rain and headed for the forest. Why had Naruto kissed me? It didn't make any sort of sense. My very first kiss... Well, I must admit that it was not a real kiss, just a touch of the lips, no tongue or anything, thank Kami!

I then took notice of the trees around me and realized I had reached my destination. I leaned on a tree and let water splash onto my body. Surprisingly, after a few moments, I sensed another presence close to my own. I recognised it instantly and didn't get alarmed. I even closed my eyes, as the utter proof of trust. Maybe I was a fool, maybe I was far too quick to swoo. I did not know and I did not care. I trusted him and I was going to let him know. If I were meant to be wrong about that I was prepared to pay the price. There was no need, though, as I was soon wrapped tightly in a cloak.

"You're going to get sick if you go out in the rain like that."

"What are you doing here? It's still morning, someone could see." I still had my eyes closed.

"No one will see, do not worry about how you appear to others, little Hyuga." The voice sent shivers up my spine and I honestly made no attempt to hide it. There were no secrets here, not a single one.

"I worry not about anyone's opinion about me but yours. I fear not for myself but for you. It would not be wise to let others see you here. And, please refer from calling me 'little', I do not plan on tolerating it."

A dark chukle echoed in the forest from right behind me. It was pointless to try and reason where logic had no place. I leaned back, knowing he was there to catch me. My back hit his torso and I rested my head on his chest. I could hear his heartbeat.

"You were at Naruto's house."

"That is true."

"Why'd he kiss you?"

Straightforward, I appreciate it. I hate people who beat around the bush trying to be subtle. Bluntly put, I appreciate bluntness. I saw no reason why I should answer.

"It does not concern you."

He suddenly grabbed my left forearm and turned me around so that I was facing him. He did not look at all pleased. That, however, did not make him any less intimidating. Quite the contrary, I dare say.

"So you think it's alright if you kiss just anyone?"

"First of all, I was not the one who initiated the kiss. Second of all, I know of no reason why I should not kiss anyone I wish? It's not like I am currently with anyone."

"Are you trying to punish me for something or toy with me? I believe that you understand, little Hyuga."

"If you're referring to what we have, you were the one to make it clear that it is not some sort of relationship."

"I only said that because you're too young."

Who does he think he is? Too young?!

"I've killed, I've tortured and I've been damaged beyond repair. So, what am I too young for?"

"Don't say it."

"Love?"

He disappeared. Just like that. I thought naught of it as I was well aware that he would be back by curfew. And thus I was left alone, clutching a black cloak with red clouds that smelled of rain, blood and Itachi Uchiha.