Disclaimer:I do not own Naruto or any of its respective characters. This fanfiction is for entertainment purposes only. (Mostly my amusement.) However, if I DID own Naruto, it would be called "Neji and Hinata: Byakugan Babies Galore!" That has a nice ring to it...

Author's Note:I wrote this fic in two days, so it may be a little rough around the edges, but I think it turned out okay. I may have rushed it a bit at the end, though. Anyway, at least three years have passed since their last kiss. You may assume that the last kiss was the one written of in the previous fic, however, that is not necessarily true. And about character ages. Since this is an Alternate Universe, things have happened differently than they did in the canon. I have specific ages in mind while I write, but I hate telling, because I don't want to ruin the image you readers already have of the characters. So, lets just say, Hizashi is alive, but Neji and Hinata are older than they would have been in the canon. They are still children, though. Anyhow, that's enough explaining for this note. I hope you all like it, and please, please review!

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The Day Before

"Brat-sama!" The voice of Hyuuga Hizashi's only son echoed down the long corridor. The Branch leader stopped, pressing himself against the wall. He inched forward, little by little, listening to the argument unfolding within Neji's room. "I've caught you..."

"N-Niisan!" The Heiress was surprised. "W-What are you d-doing here?"

"This is my room, Hinata-sama. Why are you sneaking around?" Hizashi crept closer, silent as any good shinobi. "What have you stolen?"

"N-Nothing!" She was obviously lying.

"Then, why are you stuttering, Hinata-sama?" He asked, slyly. Hizashi leaned in, peering through the hinge of the slightly open door. All he saw was Neji's back, and a very flustered Heiress shifting on her feet in front of him. When she did not answer, Neji reached for her, grasping her wrist. "What are you hiding?" He demanded.

"Oww!" She protested, as he peeled her hand open.

"I knew it," Hizashi's son hissed. "Thief!" He accused. He released her wrist, and she moved slowly around him, backing her way toward the door. Hizashi darted back down the hall, pressing his body firmly against the wall of the adjoining corridor. He peeked around the corner just in time to see Hinata-sama's back hit the wall in front of Neji's room, fear and uncertainty pouring from her pearly eyes.

"N-Neji-niisan, please, I o-only w-wanted to– " she tried to explain herself, but his son would hear none of it.

"You just can not keep your hand off my things," the boy sneered. "This is what you want so badly? Yes, Hinata-sama?" Hizashi watched her eyes grow wide with tears, before she cringed, throwing herself out of harms way. The object hit the wall where she had just been, leaving a dent, and the whimpering little girl on the floor beside where it had fallen. It was a marble.

"Get out of here!" Neji all but screamed. "Do not show your face to me again!" Then the door slammed, leaving Hinata paralyzed with shock. She sat there, breathing heavily for several minutes, before her gaze finally fell to the tiny marble that had caused her so much trouble. She picked it up with two fingers, staring into it as though it held the secret of life itself. Then, she folded it in her hands, and ran down the opposite hallway.

Hizashi raised a curious eyebrow. What had just happened between his son the Hyuuga Heiress? If he didn't know any better... The door opened again, and Neji stepped out, scanning the floor, his face scrunched up into a horrid mask.

"Thief," the boy whispered, before stalking down the hall.

Hizashi released the breath he had been holding. If experience with his own wife were any indication... he'd say they'd just had a lover's quarrel...

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Hinata stood in the corner of the parlor, partially hidden behind the grand piano. She held the little blue marble with white swirls, and two tiny yellow V-shapes within it. It reminded her of the boundless sky, and two birds soaring through it– together, just like she'd always imagined herself and Neji-niisan.

She sighed. He was going away on a trip with his father tomorrow, and she was going to miss him.

Her hand folded around the smooth object, and she held it to her heart, wishing she had the courage to tell him how she felt. But, what would he say? She frowned. She could hear his monotone, yet somehow utterly disapproving voice telling her to stop being stupid, to stop wishing for things that could never be. They were cousin's, nothing more, and her eyes filled with tears.

When had things changed? It had been three years since the last time he'd kissed her. And they had done it so often. She had all but promised herself to him then. Hinata sobbed, releasing the heartache and frustration. When had he lost interest?

She wiped the tears with the back of her other hand, as she leaned haphazardly against the wall. She had confided in her mother, who told her that people change, that relationships change, and that it was a natural part of growing up. Maybe Neji just didn't feel the same way anymore. Hearing those words had hurt more than if she had stabbed herself with a kunai. She had lost him, after he had been so completely hers.

She sobbed again– and again, and this time, she could not halt the tears. She clutched the marble with both hands, sliding down to the floor and wept.

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Hizashi followed his son, silently through the shadowed corridors of the Hyuuga Main House. He had to know. He had to know if it were true. His wife had warned him of this, but he did not believe her. But now, as the evidence was laid bare for him to see, he needed to know if his son and his niece were breaking the oldest of Hyuuga taboos. Had they truly fallen in love?

Neji stopped at the sliding glass door of the parlor. Soft whimpering could be heard from within, and Hizashi knew that he had found her. His son slid the door open just enough for him to slip through, before sliding it shut again.

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Upon closing the door, Neji heard a startled gasp from the corner, next to the piano. "Hinata-sama, I know you are there," he acknowledged. Slowly, she rose to her feet, clutching the stolen object to her chest. He barred his teeth. "I am tired of you swiping my things. Give it back," he ordered.

"Please, niisan," she pleaded. "Let me keep it? Please..."

"Why are you so desperate?" He asked, frowning. "What is it to you?"

She looked down at her feet. "It– it is everything," she whispered.

Everything? His eyes narrowed. It was nothing; a marble, a trinket, a toy he never even touched. Why was she so intent on the stupid thing? This was not the first time he'd caught her admiring it. Nor, he supposed, would it be the last. If she were nothing else, Hinata-sama was tenacious. She would have that marble– one way or another. So, he decided to indulge her, and maybe himself in the process.

"Why do you want it so badly?" He stepped toward her. She cringed, pressing herself against the wall as though she would melt into it. He placed a hand on either side of her head, caging her in. "What will I get in return?"

"In...return?"

He nodded. "Nothing is free, Hinata-sama."

She looked away, into nothingness. "But, that is what I want most."

"What? To be free?" He laughed. "I am not surprised that you, of all people, who already has freedom yet does not recognize it, would wish for more," he pressed his nose to her ear. "When I– I have none." She whimpered at his words, and he smiled. "But tell me anyway. Tell me what kind of freedom you wish for, spoiled Hyuuga-hime."

Reluctantly, her eyes found his frigid glare, and she bit down on her lower lip, brows furrowed nervously. "This marble," she began, slowly, holding it between their faces. "If you look, you can see two birds, flying through the open sky." He did so, sneering slightly. "They are free. There is no cage to hold them." She peered into his eyes again, allowing all her sorrow to flow into him. "That is what I wish for you, niisan– for us."

She was biting her lip again, and he found it very difficult to focus on her words. "What...us...Hinata-sama," he stared at the tiny red droplet forming on her mouth, and her tongue, licking it away. His heart began to beat harder and faster in his chest. It had been a very long time since he'd been this close to her. Too long. He closed his eyes, taking several deep breaths, trying to calm his blood. He opened them, and her tears were overflowing. He had hurt her– again.

Damn him.

"How can you s-say that, niisan?" Her voice broke with a sob. "There was only us."

He licked his lips. "That was a long time ago, Hinata-sama."

"It was not so long ago, Neji-niisan," she grazed her fingernails lightly across his cheek, and he turned into her palm, pressing his lips against her. She smelled so good, and was so warm and soft. He closed his eyes again, drifting on the sweetness of her touch. Hinata-sama. No, it was not so long ago. He could not stop himself, and his tongue darted out to lick her palm, just a little bit.

She pulled her hand away, and he frowned. Not only was she a thief, but now, she was also a tease.

"Hiashi-sama does not approve, nor do the elders."

"I– " She swallowed. "I do not care," she insisted.

"You will do as they say," he spat, stepping just a little closer. "As will I. We are Hyuuga. We have no choice."

Her lips pursed together as Hinata blinked away her tears. "I will change the Hyuuga," she said. "When I am Leader."

He lowered his hands, brushing his fingertips along her arms on the way down. When he reached her wrists, he grasped them roughly, pushing them against the wall. Smirking, Neji brought his lips just a breath away from hers.

"If they ever choose to make you Leader," he grazed his nose across her cheek. "That will be the end of the Hyuuga." He sighed. "In which case, I will do whatever you want."

"Niisan..." She breathed.

He pressed his lips against her ear. "What do you want, Hinata-sama?" He listened to the sound of her panting, and watched the precious redness spread across her dampened face and neck– especially her neck.

"I-I w-want to know w-why." She took a deep breath. "Why, niisan? Why did you s-stop– "

He yanked her wrists above her head, crushing her between his body and the wall. "Because," he said. "This is wrong. I should not feel this way about you. You are too young. You are my cousin– my Heiress..." He focused on her trembling lips, while licking his own. "Mine..." He whispered absently to himself. Then, his eyes shot back toward hers, glossy and swollen. "Because, you are Hinata-sama, and Hinata-sama deserves better than this lowly Branch member."

"Niisan, you are not– " Then his lips covered hers, and every inch of her face.

Neji released her wrists to cup her face in his palms, holding her captive, while he assaulted her with his lips, tongue and teeth. His kisses were sloppy, fervent and hungry, making up for three years lost to the bitterness of his cage. He was a slave to the Main House– a slave to her, though she never demanded anything. He was always the one making the demands. Even now, as he licked and suckled her pale throat, he was the needy one, and she offered herself up for his feast.

"Hinata-sama..." He kissed her mouth, her cheek, he licked her temple and plunged his tongue into her ear. "Tell me to stop, Hinata-sama. Tell me, or I will continue..."

Was it a promise, or a threat? He didn't know.

"N-Neji...niisan," Hinata gasped between kisses. Neji was fierce and possessive as he claimed her, running his hands all over her budding, feminine body. He began pulling at her obi, loosening the folds as he hiked the hem of her kimono up to her thigh. "S-Stop, niisan!" She pulled back, shoving him away. "No! No more!" She exclaimed.

Neji breathed heavily, watching her rearrange her clothes, desperately. He grabbed her wrist, the one with the marble, squeezing until he saw tears form in the corners of her eyes. He pulled her against him one last time, kissing her mouth deeply.

"Keep it," he said. "You have certainly earned it– as payment," he smirked. Then, he flung her away, turning his back, and left through the sliding glass door.

Hinata could not hold herself up any longer. She slumped to the side, bracing her weight on the piano keys, surging a discordant sound throughout the parlor, and the hallway where Neji walked stiffly back to his room.

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Hyuuga Hizashi pondered what he had just witnessed. His only son had all but assaulted the Hyuuga Heiress. This– whatever this was, was troublesome indeed. His wife had called it love, but Hizashi was not so sure. He would have a talk with his son before they left on their training mission, and if he had to beat some sense into the boy, he would. Hizashi frowned, eyes narrowing. Neji's role was to protect his Heiress, not hurt her, physically or emotionally– and he had done both, in spades.

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Neji lay down on his futon, staring up at the ceiling. He should be packing for his training mission, but instead found himself thinking of her again. Would she never leave him alone? He could not even think in peace.

He brought his hands to his head, yanking his hair in frustration. Damn it. Damn her, and damn him, as well. He'd tried insulting her. He'd tried ignoring her. He'd even tried avoiding her– for three years! Still, he could not stop thinking about her. Nor could she stop thinking of him, it seemed. He sighed. Fate was too cruel. Why did he have to love his Main House cousin so much?

Neji heard a knock on his door, before it clicked open, uncaring of his answer. Only one person knocked, then entered before any response was given. His father, Hyuuga Hizashi.

Hizashi walked in, shutting the door behind him. "Neji," he said. "I must talk to you."

Neji sat up on the futon, while Hizashi pulled the desk chair out to sit beside his son. "What do you want, otousan?" Neji replied, curtly.

Hizashi's face was impassive, like stone. "Hinata-sama," he stated, and Neji sucked in a short breath. "Your Heiress weeps– because of you."

Neji rolled his eyes. "Otousan, I do not wish to talk about– "

Hizashi flicked his hand, smacking his son on the forehead. "Don't talk. Listen." Neji frowned, rubbing the sore spot. "Do you love her?"

Neji paled, eye twitching. He felt an unfamiliar warmth spreading across his face. Whatever he was expecting his father to say, it certainly wasn't that.

"W-What?"

Neji's uncharacteristic stutter caused Hizashi to smirk. "Do...you...love...her?" Hizashi repeated, as though he were speaking to a four year old. Neji pursed his lips together, forcing his color to return to normal.

"I have nothing but love for the Main House," he answered, correctly. It was the only appropriate answer.

"I am relieved to hear that, Neji. However," Hizashi stood, looming over the boy. "I do not believe you." Neji froze. "It is good to see that you still have the presence of mind to conceal you true feelings, but this destructive behavior will cease– immediately."

"Otousan, I do not know what you are talking abo– "

Hizashi glared, and Neji promptly shut his mouth. "Do not lie to me, boy." Neji looked away. "You can not have her. You have no claim." Hizashi watched his son grimace, while his fists trembled in his lap. "Hiashi-sama will marry her off to one of her Main House cousins. You must accept this fate." His voice softened, just a little. "She was never yours to begin with."

"But– " Neji looked pleadingly at his father. "But, I-I– "

"No, Neji." Hizashi cut in. "She is your Heiress, and you are her protector. Nothing more, nothing less."

Neji was losing control, as moisture pooled in his wide, white eyes. "It isn't fair!" He hissed. "I love her, as surely as the sun rises and sets!" He turned his forlorn expression to his father. "Why, otousan? Why can't I have her?"

Hizashi sighed. "We Hyuuga do not ask such pointless questions. We simply live the lives we are given." He looked down on his son, a warning in his pale eyes. "You will live your life– and Hinata-sama will live hers." He watched as the slightest hint of resignation crept onto Neji's face. "And your paths will cross only out of necessity."

Neji stopped trembling, releasing his breath in a long hiss. "Hai...otousan..." He swallowed the lump in his throat. He had to let her go, and he would.

Satisfied, Hizashi started toward the door. "Remember, Neji," his father said, without looking back. "Always protect her." He reached for the knob, turning it slowly. "Always protect Hinata-sama, no matter your feelings– or hers." And he walked out the door, leaving Neji alone, pining for the girl he would always want, but could never have.

End