Love the Way You Lie Part 2
Author's Note: I would like to apologise for any strong language in this story. I typically avoid using swear words most of the time but because I'm basing the story on the song, I've gone with the lyrics, kind of. Sorry if it caused offence!
Hinata stared at him wide-eyed, only a hint of fear on her face as Neji pinched the bridge of his nose, his eyes closed and his brow furrowed as he tried to maintain his calm. She reflected on the very first day that they'd met. They'd both been so happy with no knowledge of seals or Houses. She would never have thought that they would end up like this, that he would bear so much angst against the Main House and become so obsessed with that hatred that it would take over his character. She didn't know why it still surprised her. Hinata thought that Neji was beautiful, like an angel, and there were moments where he displayed great tenderness. But in his moments of rage, he terrified her- more than her Father could or even any enemy ninja. As she watched the rage win his internal battle, she thought with fondness of the happy times that they shared together and times that he had defended her, even saved her. At those times, she thought of him as a hero, completely different from the man advancing on her now.
She dodged his strikes as best as she could but it was inevitable, or as Neji would say 'her fate' that she would not be able to avoid them all. Her grimace against the pain almost resembled a smirk. As she tried to fight back, a traitor tear leaked from the corner of her eye. "It's your fault!" he yelled. She didn't know if he meant that she was the cause of this particular fight or of his anger in general but she knew that he was lying, both to her and to himself.
Hinata's throat burned and when Neji spoke, his voice sounded slightly hoarse after all the screaming. The fragments of broken glass, crockery and furniture lay scattered on the floor as Neji had Hinata pinned against a wall, having overpowered her, body and mind, once again. "You didn't mean it," he told her. "You didn't mean to upset me. And I know you're sorry, aren't you?" When she gave no reply, he shook her causing her to bang her head on the wall. "Say you're sorry, you bitch!" he screamed, "Or I swear to God, you won't see the morning!" Instead of doing as she was told, Hinata pushed him away, with so much strength that he stumbled backwards into the coffee table, smiling as she heard the glass shatter and the sound of his angry growl.
His strikes flew everywhere and glass rained over both of them, scratching their skin. Having already had some of her chakra points blocked, Hinata lacked the energy to fight back so she just accepted the pain, groaning at some of the strikes. "I hate you," he yelled as he attacked but she knew that it was a lie. She knew that he loved her.
As Hinata lay on the floor in the dark room, knowing Neji was still nearby but not sure exactly where, she wondered if she was slightly masochistic. She had tried to leave many times after they'd fought, but whether he convinced her or she convinced herself, she always ended up coming back. After all, he was her husband and her home was with him. As she thought these things over, her vision became hazy and gradually, she was overcome with dreamless unconsciousness.
It was the light and warmth on her face that woke Hinata as the morning sun peeked through the window. She turned her head away, noting the horrendous state of their living-room. Catching a glimpse of herself in the mirror which had fallen from the wall but miraculously had not shattered, she could see her make-up smudged on her face. Suddenly, panic engulfed her and she called out tentatively, "Neji?" She winced at the strain on her throat that that one soft word had caused. "I'm here, baby. Shh..." he answered tenderly and it was then that she realised he was holding her hand and she felt comforted by the intimacy of the moment until he continued. "Just tell me you're sorry." Hinata blinked in confusion and turned to look at him. "Why?" she croaked. He closed his eyes, gritting his teeth as his control began to waver again. "Tell me you're sorry that you pushed me into the coffee table last night," his voice began quietly but finished in a roar as he pushed her forcefully away from him.
He looked on her crumpled form as she stretched out and tentatively reached towards him. "Don't touch me," he screamed, slapping her hand away. For a moment, she stared at him looking hurt before scrambling to her feet and making her way out of the room. Suddenly, Neji was afraid of losing her and without conscious thought, he rushed after her. "Hinata, wait!" he cried but she didn't stop. "Don't leave me, I need you!"He caught her wrist and pulled her to him, taking a firmer grip of her in the process though she tried to shrug away from his hold but to no avail. Eventually, she stilled, her hands pressed lightly against his front. "You're a monster," she murmured against his chest, "but I love you. I always will."
They remained in their embrace for minutes that seemed to last hours before Hinata pulled her hands away, only to slam them back fuelled with chakra, throwing Neji off his feet. He landed ungracefully back in the debris of their fight and she stared, waiting in both fear and exhilaration for his reaction. "You're insane!" he hissed at her, veins bulging around his eyes. She smirked, her own bloodline limit activating. "I'm only as mad as you made me," she retorted and then turned towards their front door, acknowledging with her ocular jutsu the figure that was about to knock. Neji pushed himself to his feet, de-activating his Byakugan in the process, as did Hinata. He stood at her shoulder as she opened the door. Hiashi Hyuuga stood on their doorstep, smiling awkwardly. "Lord Hiashi," Neji mumbled with a slight bow, which Hiashi returned. "To what do we owe this pleasure?" Hiashi appraised his daughter and nephew before answering. They both looked as though they had had a rough night- unacceptable for the future leaders of the noble Hyuuga clan. He cleared his throat and chose his words carefully. "I've come here to... ask you both to return to the Hyuuga compound. The council has... raised concerns... about your relationship and current living situation." Both Neji and Hinata winced internally but neither betrayed any emotion to Hiashi. They could both hurt each other- they had hurt each other many times- but in the face of their family, their love would bind them and they would stand together. Absentmindedly, Neji slipped his arm over Hinata's shoulder and her arm wrapped around his waist as she answered her Father. "I assure you that there is no reason for the council to be concerned but if it is their desire that we return to reside within the compound, then we shall not fail to comply."
His eyes were narrowed as he watched her pack the belongings that she thought essential to bring with them. "We can defy the clan," he repeated for what felt to Hinata like the millionth time. "One day, we will lead the clan. By refusing, it would seem like we had something to hide. It is only a small price to pay," she answered. Hearing him move, she swirled and struck before he could, one to the shoulder and one to the abdomen. Before she could do anything more, her back was slammed against the wall and she was victim to his palms. One, two, three- it wasn't worth counting. After it was over, she sat between his legs leaning against him, his arms around her, the two of them almost looking like one being. He knew that they couldn't live without each other- it was why he ached every time she said she was leaving and it was the reason that she could never bring herself to actually stay away. In moments like these, time seemed to stand still around them and though he was sure it wasn't the power that Lee and Guy were always referring to, he wondered if their fighting was the answer to eternal youth.
They entered the compound holding hands and were greeted by the council. Neji's grip on her hand tightened as they were led to their generous quarters, the councillor leaving them with the message that they will be expected to attend a meeting in an hour. After his departure, Neji turned to face Hinata, twisting her arm awkwardly in the process. She gasped in pain before meeting his angry glare. "This is why we're here," she whispered, wishing he could see it for himself. "I know our relationship is crazy," he replied through gritted teeth, "But I will not allow them to dictate to us how we shall live. I refuse their counselling." Neither moved nor spoke for a moment before Hinata tried to turn away but Neji, still holding her arm, pulled her back, causing her to gasp again. "Don't leave," he whispered, his hot breath tickling her ear, panic evident in his voice. "If you leave me here, I'll burn the whole damn compound down." Hinata twisted in his grasp to judge whether or not he was serious. "I mean it," he told her, sensing her uncertainty, "and you won't be able to stop me!" He looked down into that uncertain face and resented how much he needed her. When he was on missions, his instincts dictated his actions. After all, he was a prodigy. But in his everyday life, he couldn't think straight without Hinata- he loved her too much.
Throwing her around his body, he pinned her to the wall, crushing her lips with his own. He was rough, harsh and though it hurt, Hinata couldn't help but respond to it, enjoying the passion. Yet at the same time, she was unable to contain her emotions and tears trickled down her cheeks. Neji pulled away when he heard Hinata sniff. "We don't need the council," he whispered before kissing her again.
'I love the way you lie...'
"We don't need the clan," his lips brushed hers as he spoke before joining them once more.
'I love the way you lie...'
"We don't need Naruto to fix things." She looked away from him at this fable.
'I love the way you lie...'
"We're alright as long as we have each other." She didn't react as he nibbled her earlobe, staring blankly ahead of her.
'I love the way you lie.'