Chapter 2: Next Came Mistaken Identity

Neji couldn't fight it! It overpowered him no matter how hard he clenched his jaws. Eyes starting to water, he gave in and yawned before glaring at the lazy boy across from him. Didn't he know yawns were infectious? Yet he did nothing to stop them, or at least politely hide them from view.

Nara Shikamaru. Son of Shikaku who was a long time friend of his uncle's. He came from a notable family as well that herded deer and studied medicine. And just like his father he had the same mop of black hair that he kept in a neat ponytail at the back of his head and the same interesting brown eyes to go with it. People often joked that if it wasn't for Shikamaru's high intelligence, the lazy young man would be relatively useless. Neji could see their point. He had met him one other time when they were still in their early teens. Shikamaru had merely lazed about watching clouds and complained that everything was "too troublesome". Still… as Hinata had pointed out, he was a nice guy and proved dependable when need be.

"Hiashi-sama wasn't kidding when he said 'first thing in the morning', was he?" Lee said suddenly as he jerked out of the light doze he had started to fall into. He stifled a yawn and shook his dark hair out of his eyes, looking a little pale from lack of sleep and crumpled. "I wonder what is taking Ino-san so long."

Neji looked from his friend back to the Hyuuga house where Yamanaka Ino was checking over Hinata since she was in the medical field. It was his first time meeting her, though he had heard things about her from friends of the family who were also friends with the Yamanakas. Apparently her father, Shikamaru's father, and her fiancée's father were all good childhood friends. That had explained her easy familiarity with Shikamaru. He had also heard Shikamaru and her fiancée were best friends.

Ino was a pretty girl with the typical light blonde hair with light blue eyes and slim build who, like most women it seemed, was bossy and like things her way whenever she could have it. He saw how that could be annoying and wondered if he would be able to handle her but then remembered he had also heard she was also very kind and loyal to the people she cared about. She also happened to be a good medic, which was a necessity incase something happened on their trip.

Lee had explained to him when he first arrived how Sakura had really wanted to go, but an emergency has popped up at the hospital which prevented her from doing so. Neji took note how Lee was slightly relieved by that. He really was protective of his loved ones… and Sakura was his most precious person.

Dragging himself from his thoughts he brought his attention back to the house just in time to see the butter-blonde of the young woman Lee had just been asking about making her way toward their small group. As she came closer she gave Neji a knowing look and smiled. So she knew Hinata's game and was going along with it? He released a small breath, relieved. When he had visited Hinata earlier that morning, Hiashi had surprised him with the announcement that he would have Ino look her over before she and Neji's group left. He had worried Ino would out her since he didn't know her well enough to trust her, but now found he really needed to be more trusting of people in general.

"Are you ready to set out?" Neji asked his fellow companions as Shikamaru got to his feet and Lee pulled away from the tree he had been leaning on. They all nodded their agreement and Neji gave his own nod of confirmation. "Good, lets go."

Neji picked up his pack and slung it on his back before heading off toward the main street that would lead them away from his family's land, Shikamaru and Ino following behind him as Lee hurried to catch up with his friend, chatting about whatever popped into his head. Neji half-listened as his eyes fell on the pretty little charm Hinata had given him that morning.

"Here, Neji nii-san."

Neji blinked as she pushed something into his hand. Looking down he saw a small white bird she had made. It was cute and chubby, made from a soft material that felt like fleece. It's small beaded eyes gave it a look of light curiosity. He admired it until he noticed the mark on the forehead. The same as—

"Don't look so distressed, Neji nii-san." Hinata said gently, placing a calming hand on his arm as she watched him look over the charm.

"W-Why… why did you—" Neji blinked as Hinata shook her head and pointed to the bird's belly. He looked at it. Ai. Love?

"It's only for you… the charm, that mark… it means it's only yours. It's for good luck and safe travels."

Neji started at the bird, swallowing the small lump that had formed in his throat. "Thank you… Hinata-sama."

He traced a thumb over the embroidered kanji before letting the charm fall back into place. Turning his attention back to the road, he nodded his head in agreement to one of Lee's half-heard wonderings. The other man laughed and happily continued on that subject.

As he walked he thought of different ways he might use to discourage this wedding. From there his thoughts went to Uzumaki Naruto. Hmph. He was from nothing. Parents dead, little money… he wondered if Hiashi would ever let Hinata marry him. Though… he was starting to make a name for himself. Maybe. Maybe Hinata could get the happy ending she wanted.

--

"Ah! H-Help!"

Looking over his shoulder, Neji rolled his eyes before smiling in amusement as he and Shikamaru doubled back, each taking hold of one of Ino's hands and tugging her free of the mud that had tried to devour her foot.

"Thanks… I'm sorry!" Ino said quickly, shaking excess mud off then holding it out under the downpour of rain to clean it more.

"It's no problem." Neji replied as he pulled his straw hat over his eyes before looking up at the dark clouds. The rain had started when they had only a half-day's travel left and didn't look like it was going to let up any time soon. This sucked. And Neji briefly wondered if this was a bad omen for things that were to come.

"Neji! Neji!" The Hyuuga looked straight ahead to see Lee running toward him. "It's still clear and passable up ahead! Though there is a brook… and with all this rain it's starting to flood. We should hurry and cross while it's still only up to our ankles!"

Neji nodded his head in agreement before looking to Ino and Shikamaru. They both returned his look with a nod of their head and a determined look of their own. About another three hours and they would arrive at the Inuzuka's main estate. Sudden nervousness bubbled up in Neji's stomach but he ignored it and continued on his way.

--

"Welcome to the Inuzuka house." A kind looking old man greeted them, speaking in a low croaky voice as he bowed to the group. He lead them into the warmth of the house from the cold rain, much to their relief. "I'm sorry to say our head is currently out, but Kiba-bocchan awaits you… would you like to change and warm up before meeting him?"

Neji watched the old man's eyes roam their soaked and chilled bodies. He really needed to get his group warmed up and in dry clothes before they all fell sick. He nodded gratefully. "Yes, please."

The old man smiled and nodded his understanding before motioning them to follow him deeper into the large house. As they walked, the group took it in. It was like most houses of the time. Stained hardwood floor that were kept clean, rice paper walls with shogi screens that lined the hallways they walked down, and candles set at intervals gave the place a soft glow that provided the only light from the stormy darkness. Upon closer inspection scratches could be noted on the floor which alerted Neji that the rumors about the family keeping lots of dogs was probably truth.

They were each shown to their own room and the old man, who said his name was Yukimura, promised to have warm baths waiting for them after the meeting. This made all four of them happy, but none more so than Ino. She bowed low, deeply grateful, making Yukimura blush before entering her room.

Neji entered his, sliding the door closed behind him before dropping his pack to the floor with relief. Looking around the small room he saw a futon had already been laid out for him and there was a small table with a vase of lilies. He set his charm on the table next to the vase before freeing himself from his wet clothes and donning dry ones from his pack. Thinking of the bath that awaited him after the initial meeting, he kept his long curtain of hair down. Readjusting the decorative band he wore over his forehead, he left the room to meet with Yukimura and Lee so they could be brought to meet Kiba before the day was over.

--

"Kiba-bocchan! Hyuuga-san has arrived!" A young woman breathed excitedly as she bustled into the room, carrying a tray of saké and snacks for her master and his friend.

At this announcement, dark eyes focused on the girl as he sat up from his position on the floor where he had been playing with his dog. From the girl his eyes moved to the young man who sat on the chair next to him, reading a book. The man looked over his book, eyes hidden by dark lens glasses.

"Hyuuga-san? Are you sure?" Kiba asked as he got to his feet. The time was drawing near… to meet his fiancée for the first time ever. He felt a little nervous. "And stop calling me 'bocchan'!"

"Of course, Kiba-bocchan!" The woman bowed as she set the tray on a nearby table. "And yes! Yukimura-san came to the kitchens not long ago, requesting hot water for baths for Hyuuga-san's party!"

His dog barked, wagging his tail as he felt the curiosity and excitement rise in his master. The man in the chair set his book aside and watched his friend with interest.

"Kiba, would you like me to accompany you—" He started to speak slowly before getting cut off.

"That won't be necessary, Shino." Kiba replied as he grinned at his friend.

"Kiba-bocchan."

Kiba turned to see Yukimura standing in the doorway. They really were here! His excitement grew.

"Your guests have arrived. They await you in the main room." Yukimura said politely as he bowed to his young master.

Kiba nodded his understanding as he shook dark locks from his eyes and readjusted his clothes to something more presentable than the current sloppy state. His mother had threatened to skin him alive if he dared to offend his future bride with a sloppy first appearance or any lewd actions toward her. She knew her son well… and how a proper young lady like the Hyuuga was could decide Kiba wasn't a suitable husband if he behaved like the animal he normally liked to act.

Kiba smirked at that thought as he started to walk toward Yukimura. A brush against his leg made him halt and hold out his hand. "Akamaru, stay."

The dog sat, staring at his master at the command while his tail wagged slowly. When Kiba started to walk away, Akamaru gave a low whimper. Kiba gave him a pointed look before leaving the room.

Kiba followed Yukimura thinking about his soon-to-be bride. He still really didn't understand why he had to get married to young but his mother had insisted, if not hounded him about it, when she had heard the respectable Hyuuga family was looking for suitable heirs to wed the head's daughter. It would be a good union between families! From what he had heard, Hyuuga Hinata was a very pretty girl with dark hair, pale skin, and beautiful eyes. It had piqued his interest more to learn she had studied some marital arts in her father's dojo. It was nice to know that she wasn't an over-protected delicate flower that needed his constant attention. The typical weak and meek woman did not appeal to him. He couldn't wait to meet her!

"Shall I introduce your arrival?"

Kiba blinked as he looked at the screen door in front of him. His thoughts had carried him this far?! He nodded his head, figuring to use the next few seconds to pull himself together. On the other side of the door… she waited!

--

"You look tired, Neji." Lee commented from next to the other as they sat, kneeling, on the cushions that had been set out for them as they waited for Kiba to arrive. Neji had grown too tired since they entered the room and felt he should try to lighten the other's mood a little.

"No, Lee. You're just too lively." Neji replied lowly, listening intently for approaching footsteps.

Lee watched the other for a moment before grinning. "Of course, Neji-chan! Anything is more lively than a half-dead zombie like you!"

"Chan?!" Neji growled as he turned to look at his friend with an annoyed frown. "And half-dead zombie? That makes no sense!"

"It's only nonsensical to supposed sensible people like yourself." Lee laughed as he watched Neji's eyes narrow, making him smack the other on the back playfully. "You're so cute, Neji-chan!"

"Ugh!" Neji winced as the force set him flying forward into a kind of worshipping bow just as Yukimura entered the room.

"Kiba-bocchan is here." He announced croakily as a young man entered behind him. Lee bowed in greeting at the sight of the new arrival as he held back a laugh at Neji who was slowly pushing himself up, tilting his head up with a faint blush at the humiliation of being knocked forward and of Lee calling him 'chan' as he looked at the man known as Inuzuka Kiba.

Kiba's eyes scanned the room and quickly fell on the dark haired beauty that sat next to whoever the young man was. "Yukimura, leave us."

The old man bowed his way out of the room, closing the screen behind him. Kiba stayed where he stood as he took the figure in. She wasn't what he had expected but he was definitely not disappointed! As his mother has said… she had dark hair, pale skin… and amazing eyes. She made him think of the night sky with skin pale like the full moon framed by hair as dark as the midnight sky and silver eyes shining like stars. A tightening began deep in his belly as he took in how she had bowed low to him, her cheeks a soft pink. She seemed so like most girls but there was an air of mystery about her that led him to believe there was more than what he was seeing and that this behavior was just for introduction purposes. He was intrigued.

Neji's first impression was shock. When he thought of Kiba and what he heard about him… he had pictured an animalistic man. There was something beastly about Kiba but in a sort of sophisticated kind of way. Neji mentally shook his head. That made no sense. Kiba had dark eyes… it was hard to tell if they were brown or black from this distance and dark brown hair. The thing that interested him most was the red triangle on each cheek. He had heard it was a tattoo given to members of the family… kind of like ancient scarification rituals. He was, all in all, a handsome man… and Neji wondered if Hinata saw him… would she maybe change her mind about marrying him?

Kiba noticed the Hyuuga's eyes on him and smirked to himself. So… she had an interest in him too? Good. Hopefully there would be zero complications in this marriage. Walking over to sit in front of his guests, he smiled at her and then to her companion. "Welcome to my home, Hinata-san."

Lee's eyes widened a little as Neji tensed. Hinata?

-End Chapter 2-

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A/N: Buwhahaha... that's what you get for looking so girly, Neji! x3 Can't wait to write what happens next!