Disclaimer: I would kill Orochimaru to own Naruto. Then again I'm sure everyone would. It's short, but I'm pleased with it overall. Enjoy the continuation of crack.


TRADITION

The only thing that had higher priority for thirteen year old Neji than academics and breathing was his twelve year old cousin.

Hell, he was in the origami club with Hinata just so he could watch over her better. He had protested against Hiashi's paranoia for his eldest daughter, but eventually gave in. It could've been worse he admitted to himself, Hinata enjoyed pressing flowers as well.

It was a long time since the feudal era, but a mantra in all side branch members was drilled into their head. The main house was your life; you didn't have your own was basically the point to be made. Pathetic it was, but along with martial arts training, repetition made it stick. Severe punishment also had an effect on his discipline.

But even if they didn't pound it into him he knew (even if he didn't admit it) that he would still be protective of Hinata anyways. She just, urghh, brought out that protective urge.

Because of their difference in ages homeroom was one of the only classes he shared with his cousin and their teacher had a tendency to sleep for long intervals and let the class run semi-wild.

Because of this Neji tended to be a tad more watchful of his younger cousin in this period. Every Wednesday at 8:05 Hinata would slip into class as quietly as possible and seat herself next to her cousin and read a book or doodle quietly, sometimes even talk if she was feeling particularly open that day. But she was always there, seated next to him. So when it was 8:07 and still no Hinata, he allowed himself to worry only slightly and shoot an occasional, discreet glance at the doorway.

The increased giggle factor did not do anything to improve his mood. It could only mean one thing. Uchiha was near. Dealing with his own fans was bad enough, but Uchiha's were a whole nother story. Homeroom also happened to be the one class that could tax his patience. Whoever set the class roster had to be high, you did not put an unsupervised Hyuuga and an Uchiha in a class together if you were sane. That was asking for a repeat of the Trojan War, destruction, betrayal and ruins included.

Scowling, he grew more agitated as he heard Sasuke's low "Ah". Neji instinctively relaxed at the sight of his cousin's blue-black hair peaking from behind Uchiha and co.

But just as she attempted to slip by unnoticed she stumbled into Sasuke and knocked their books to the ground. Immediately Neji recognized the classic signs of a Hinata breakdown and groaned, the ever so loyal glares of Sasuke's fangirls were not helping her panic attack. Hinata dropped to the floor immediately, grasping at her books, blushing and stuttering, and she started to stammer out an apology.

Fast enough to make Lee burst into tears of pride, Neji put himself between his shy cousin and the hostile crowd. He pulled her up before she could pick up Sasuke's books as well and straightened to glare at Sasuke. The fangirls flinched back at his steely gaze, but Sasuke was as solidly arrogant as ever.

"Don't apologize Hinata," he interrupted coolly. "You wouldn't have bumped into Uchiha if his massive head hadn't been blocking the doorway."

Hinata shrank back nervously; her eyes flitted from her cousin to her cocky classmate. "Give apologies when apologies are due," Sasuke replied breezily, he didn't even look at Neji. His dark eyes bore into Hinata. "Continue Hyuuga."

Hinata stumbled back even further behind her cousin. "Don't apologize Hinata." Neji continued to stand between her and Uchiha and his loyal vultures. "It's common courtesy to only apologize when something actually worth apologizing for takes place."

"It's common courtesy senpai to apologize for something that was your fault," Sasuke corrected in mock politeness. "Continue your apology Hinata." Neji's eyes narrowed at the casual use of his cousin's name.

"Do not continue cousin."

"Continue."

"Do not continue Hinata."

"Continue Hinata."

"Do not apologize Hinata," Neji ordered.

Hinata voice started in a whisper, "Ni-san, I don't mind apolo-"

"Do not apologize Hinata," Neji repeated coolly. He pulled her to his side. "There is nothing here worth apologizing over." His ear drums beat uncomfortably at the indignant shrieks of Uchiha's puppy love pack from Hell. He pulled Hinata to their seats.

"You're going to let your cousin tell you what to do," Sasuke challenged, stepping forward to block their way. Neji's red flags flew up and his body unintentionally tensed. Sasuke grasped Hinata's arm firmly. Three hundred years of branch house protecting main house had Sasuke solidly lifted and thrown into a wall. Neji stood in a protective stance in front of Hinata.

Overall there was a rather mixed reaction.

The girls for the most part were divided equally, Neji's admirers and Sasuke's. The boys however favored Neji, though he was cold, he wasn't outwardly arrogant like Sasuke was. Sasuke was a violently proud peacock that poked your eyes out and Neji was more like a hibernating bear, non-confrontational unless provoked.

Hinata gasped and their teacher took that moment to wake up from his nap.

And Neji? Though he savored the sight of a thoroughly dishelved and bruised Uchiha, he expressed his displeasure.

"Well fuck."


Kakashi had somehow roped him into a tutoring program in exchange for not putting it on his record. Although Neji had patience and was no doubt intelligent he wasn't a people person per say. But the lure of a perfect record was too much.

He silently waited for the after school rush to die down and calmly maneuvered his way through the halls. A couple of his senpais' gave a nod and he replied in kind before checking to make sure none of Kakashi's fangirls were sticking around. They were like rabid hamsters, they just multiplied.

He opened the door to see Kakashi giving him the usual lazy once over. "Hyuuga-san, I'd like you to meet your kohai," he drawled out. Then, to Neji's annoyance, he giggled from behind his book and turned a page.

Neji restrained the urge to roll his eyes and turned to look at his sort of student. He could barely contain his surprise when two horrifying familiar blue eyes blinked at him. Since her expression mirrored his and Kakashi was too busying feeding his addiction to written perversion to notice anything in particular, he allowed himself to express himself freely once more.

"Crap."

"Ditto senpai, ditto."


Thanks to DarkSmile (for both of your reviews), Coco-Minu, …….., sad little monkey, Doctor Kiba, tu amiga loca (thanks for your two reviews), Sasina, Yuehswind, and InoxSasukeSOS (your other reviews are appreciated too) for your feedback. And to all who read I hope you enjoyed it.