A/N: Spoilers up to Chapter 393. Also FYI guys, I'm a big fan of the mustang horse, A HUGE BIG FAN, like how people are insane about Football teams or whatever that's me when it comes to horses, especially wild ones. There are actually many herds of Wild Horses all over the world, Mustangs in America and of course one can never forget the Chincoteague Ponies, Brumbies in Australia, Przewalskis in Mongolia, pony herds in Scotland, and I've even read some where that there is a small, pony like horse in Japan, I just don't remember where. But anyhow I will refer to them as mustangs in this story. Spoiler: (I figure if Kishomoto can create a weird rapper guy named Killer Bee in the manga… um why can I not have wild horses in the fanfiction verse… My logic is weird I know lol) end spoiler: I've been around horses but I've never owned one, or trained one, so I apologize for any inaccuracies that I write for terms of entertainment and please take it as such. I will writing about some of the gentling bamboo pole methods in this story here and there just to give it a feel of authenticity, which was in fact I believe created by John Sharp, I've also read that Native Americans used a similar technique and that's where he got it from, but this is all been read on the internet so I apologize for any inaccuracies regarding that. His granddaughter, Kitty Lauman continues to use it today. She has awesome videos of her working with Ranger, a BLM Mustang for the Mustang Makeover Challenge of 2007 that you can find easily on youtube by typing in the search, Ranger Day 1. (If you love horses, it's so worth watching, especially when she rides Ranger through a Drive-Thru in one of his later training videos) All right, sorry for the long-winded author's note but I felt it should be addressed.
Description: Sakura suddenly finds herself facing an arranged marriage with the Hyuuga heir. She doesn't want to tie herself romantically to anyone. Will a refusal upset her life too much? Will she be forced to accept something she does not want? Neji/Sakura
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. That right belongs to Kishimoto. Nor do I own the lyrics to Natasha Bedingfield's "Wild Horses"; which was what inspired this story.
There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man. (Or woman)
Winston Churchill
Chapter 3
The brisk knock at the shoji door to my small room had me rolling over irritably. I groaned as my eyes opened. Slowly sitting up I rubbed the flecks of sleep out of my eyes. Glancing at the window, I frowned when I noticed that it was still dark. It wasn't that I was not a morning person, but we'd been traveling hard for three days and my body was complaining.
Mechanically I rose to my feet and quickly dressed in my usual magenta zip up top and black skintight shorts, skirt and sandals. Running my fingers through my tangled pink hair, I slipped my hitai ate in its usual headband position. Slipping out into the quiet hall I followed the scent of cooking food.
Neji was sitting at the table, his gaze was sharp and he looked as alert as he normally did but I could tell by the bags under his eyes that he was more tired than he let on. I could understand that feeling. Sighing I ambled into the kitchen, my green eyes taking in a griddle with frying bacon and Arashi stirring a bowl full of batter.
"Not one for a traditional breakfast?" I asked with a small smile.
"Who wants to deal with making rice this early?" Arashi glanced up, his gold eyes searching mine for a moment, "Do you think you can handle not letting the bacon burn?"
I strode over to the stove with an amused grin on my face, "I will make you no promises."
He sent me an amused look but didn't reply to my silliness.
I went to the sink to wash my hands before grabbing the pair of tongs next to the cooking food. Flexing them a moment I flipped the bacon and watched out of the corner of my eyes as he added the batter to a hot iron skillet. Before the bacon burned I set the strips on a paper towel covered plate to let the grease drain.
I folded my arms and watched as Arashi quickly cooked the pancakes and set them on another serving platter. He jerked his head in my direction, "Take those to the table. I'll get the rest."
"Alright," I replied grabbing up the plates laden with steaming food and carried them to the table.
A few minutes after Arashi followed carrying the condiments and a few plates and utensils. Breakfast was a silent affair and once we were finished, once again Neji and I were relegated to dish duty. I gave the poor guy a break and I washed while he dried. Once done Arashi voiced coolly, "Well I guess it's time for you two to find out what it is, that I do exactly. But rather then explain, I will show you."
The both of us just nodded as he led us outside. The sun was finally beginning to peak out over the horizon but the air was chilly, and I suddenly wished that I had thought to pack some pants and long sleeved shirts. Neji and I were a bit startled when Arashi suddenly dashed away in a blur of black.
We exchanged wide-eyed looks but quickly followed after the guy. My lips pursed, I hadn't noticed the guy's chakra signature. I wouldn't have guessed he was a shinobi, especially from his comments of the night before. He was a very skilled individual if he'd been able to keep his chakra concealed from not only me but also Neji who was a top ranking ANBU captain. I filed this information away in my brain for future reference and contemplation for a later time.
We traveled over a few sets of hills and finally we stopped just as we crested at the top of a vibrant green overlook. My eyes widened as I could make out a herd of at least fifty horses or more below. The varying hues of their coats speckled the green grass. I hadn't even been aware that there was actually such an assortment of color for one animal. I'd ridden a few before, but I'd really not given them much thought. Travel for a shinobi was much more beneficial on foot because of our chakra reserve. The only time a shinobi used a horse was because it dealt with a mission in some way.
Arashi began to explain slowly, his deep voice quiet, "These horses are what we would refer to as mesteño, or mustang. I work directly for the Taki government in correlation of managing the wild herds. I take care of animals that might have either been wounded, and I cull the herds to maintain populations at a reasonable level. The horses I do cull, I train. Sometimes the Taki government needs mounts for whatever reason or I sell them to very few, select people. They are protected in this country, but there are people who try poaching them to sell off as either horsemeat or for whatever reason to suit their fancy and it's my job to keep such activities to a minimum. I also have to keep them out of villages or public areas when they sometimes wander into them looking for food…"
My eyes widened thoughtfully, "You do all of this alone?"
"For the most part," He replied folding his arms while surveying the two of us, "Every so often I hire a couple guys to help me round up strays but as good ol' Tsunade has seen fit to send me some kids to baby-sit, I'll make do with the two of you if you can keep your seat in a saddle."
"Uh… I didn't see any horses in any of the pens when we arrived yesterday," I murmured softly.
"I sold my last set of horses about three weeks ago. You guys arrived just in time to help with this season's first roundup. However," He eyed our clothing distastefully, "You'll need to get you some good working clothes and shoes."
"What's wrong with what we are wearing now?" Neji asked him, silvery eyes meeting gold.
"Well first off, the two of ya are wearing sandals. I suggest getting a pair of boots or at least something that completely covers your toes. You won't like it if a hoof steps down on your bare toes… a good sturdy pair of pants or jeans is a good idea as well," he waved a hand at the two of us dismissively.
"We'll head down to the village some time today to pick up some work clothing then," Neji nodded at the older man's logic.
A stout sorrel horse down in the valley lifted his head, looking straight up at the three of us before giving a sharp, warning whinny to his band. My breath caught in my throat as the entire herd lifted their heads began to gallop away in the opposite direction of us. I'd seen horses run before of course but never in such a situation. It was almost like watching poetry in motion. Their hues blurred together in a dazzling array of color, the morning breeze flapping at their manes and the sound of their thundering hooves broke the stillness of the early morning trilling of songbirds.
I hate to admit it, but I was transfixed like a little kid. My eyes stayed glued to them until they disappeared over the other hillside.
I didn't realize I'd said it but I had whispered, "Beautiful," under my breath. The two men at my side glanced at me, but honestly, I didn't care what they thought.
"Well, let's head on back then. There's some fencing repair required before I even think about bringing in a good ten horses or so to the ranch," he sent a sideways glance at the two of us, "You kids can handle a hammer and nails right?"
The surreal haze over my mind cleared as his words registered with my bemused brain. I gave a short nod, "Yes."
Neji's eyes just narrowed. It was obvious that he didn't quite enjoy being categorized as a child. He gave a stiff curt nod to the other male. I knew it was childish of me to be amused by Neji's irritation but really, the guy needed to learn to loosen up a little bit, I thought to myself as we followed Arashi back to the ranch.
He gathered us a pair of rawhide work gloves and handed us each a hammer and sack of nails of varying shapes and sizes. The older man led us to the fences that were made of wood and explained to the two of us what to do and what not to do. He wanted us to make sure any nails jutting out of the wood we either pulled or hammered in. His gold eyes crinkled amusement as he explained, "If there's a spot where a horse can hurt himself, you better be damn sure that he'll find it."
Arashi left us both to our own devices explaining that he needed to head into town to pick up some hay and grain to supply his dwindling stock.
Neji and I stared at each other a few moments not quite sure where to start. He asked me, "Want to split up and meet in the middle?"
"Sounds like a good idea as any," I nodded in agreement.
By mid afternoon I was glad I was wearing gloves. I wasn't a wuss and sure I could easily heal myself but I really didn't like blisters all that much. I dealt with the jutting wires, nails and spots that needed repairs, following Arashi's strict instructions. I had to stifle a smile at the memory of Neji's grumbling from earlier that morning as I slumped down, leaning against a post as I sat. It had came to my attention not long after we had started working that it seemed that Neji hadn't ever used a hammer before and it irritated him when the nail didn't go in straight the first time. He would let go a mumbled curse every time he smacked a nail crooked. Maybe it was petty of me to laugh at him for it, but I really couldn't help it. He must have left such things to Rock Lee or Tenten when we had to go out and do mundane tasks as genins.
Removing my gloves I rubbed the sweat away from my face and turned my eyes in Neji's direction. His silvery gaze caught mine and he strode over to sit next to me. He grumbled, "I don't know what in the hell Tsunade was thinking about when she decided to send us here…"
"If you remember correctly… she sent me. If you hadn't protested and kept your mouth shut, you more than likely wouldn't be here," I reminded him with a raised pink brow.
"Do you really plan on staying here for a couple months?" Neji lifted his arm and wiped the sweat beading on his brow off of his forehead with a sigh, deciding not to argue on that point again with the pinkette.
"I don't know yet. I mean we just got here," I returned honestly, my lips turning into frown, "It's not like I can go back to work in the hospital. Hell, I can't even take missions assigned to genins at this point because of my father."
Neji decided not to press the issue of marriage again and instead turned his gaze out towards the direction of the village, "I can't help but wonder what kind of favor Tsunade-sama did for Arashi Murakami. He's not quite what I imagined honestly…"
I couldn't help but chuckle, "I thought the same thing. Maybe Tsunade-sama taught him how to use his chakra or something. The sannins wandered outside of Konohagakure for long amounts of time without communication."
"True," Neji sighed softly.
A voice interrupted us from behind, "You kids taking a break already…"
Glancing up, leaning my head against the wooden stake, I found myself looking into stern gold eyes I apologized, "I'm sorry."
Neji announced curtly, "We're going to go to the village to pick up the clothing that you suggested."
"Well before ya do that… mind helping me unload the hay?" the black haired male asked coolly.
"Certainly," I stood up taking up my hammer, nails, and gloves, "Just show me where you want it…"
He nodded silently before turning to head towards the loaded cart.
Setting my tools aside Arashi gestured, "I just need to stack it on those palettes over there on your left side. Then we just need to cover them with a tarp."
"Gotcha," I said as I began to line my arms with chakra-enhanced strength. Reaching over I picked up a stack of bales with each hand.
Arashi gave a low whistle, "I wasn't aware Tsunade had any kids…"
"I'm her student," I said by way of explanation.
"Never met anyone that could punch like that woman," he said, rubbing his chin, dark amber eyes shadowed with memory.
I couldn't help it. I laughed loudly at the expression on his face, "I take it you were on the receiving end of one of them at some point."
"No thankfully, but I was a witness to some guy trying to come on to her in a bar and when he didn't leave her alone she left quite a few craters in the floor and the guy ended up with a broken nose and probably a broken rib or two," Arashi chuckled hoarsely at the memory.
Neji set down a stack on top of the ones I had just deposited, "That definitely sounds like something Tsunade-sama would do."
"Well thanks kids. I'll see you this evening I guess. I'm going to take care of whatever repairs the two of ya missed. Make sure ya go to bed early tonight. If all goes well, we'll start roundup in the morning," Arashi said as he began to tie down the blue tarp.
The Hyuuga nodded curtly and then turned to me, "Let's go then."
Streaking in the direction of the village silence reigned between the two of us as we made our way to town. We split up once we arrived deciding to meet up for lunch before heading back. I was glad I brought money with me on this trip of ours. We quickly found shops that would fulfill our needs. I bought a few pairs of sturdy work jeans and button up shirts with long sleeves along with a pair of brown lace up boots and socks.
Arms laden with bags I waited for Neji to meet me by the statue in the middle of town. Finally he met me, carrying a few bags as well. He asked me, "So what are you in the mood to eat?"
"Anything but ramen," I replied with a smirk.
He shook his head at my stupid attempt at a joke, but I could see the smile threatening to tug on his lips. I mean, I was a traumatized teammate of Naruto, the guy who could eat the stuff for breakfast, lunch, and dinner everyday for the rest of his life. We found a barbeque place similar to the one in Konohagakure and settled on that as a place to eat. After giving our orders to a cheerfully smiling waitress I suddenly realized that I was out, eating alone with Neji. That had to be a first. I reminded myself, that this really couldn't be considered a date.
I grinned at him mischievously deciding to break the silence between us, "Well… You've got another thing to add onto your list of conquered feats…"
"What nonsense are you on about?" He returned my gaze warily. He was learning that I had a caustic tongue and that I wasn't afraid to use it.
"You can now say that you Neji Hyuuga-sama of the great Hyuuga clan has conquered the skill of handling the hammer and nail," I chuckled softly.
"Smart ass," he deadpanned, his silvery eyes narrowing into slits.
If possible my grin grew even wider, "Prick."
"Um… is there anything else I can get you?" the waitress glanced at the two of us dubiously as she set down our food.
"Soy sauce," Neji coolly ordered.
"Of course sir, I'll be right back," she gave a slight bow before grabbing a bottle off an empty table and setting it down on ours, "Anything else?"
"No thank you," Neji replied.
I just shook my head and watched with a smile as she walked away.
"You talk too loud," the Hyuuga eyed me coolly.
"Ehh… you started it," I quipped as I grabbed a few pieces of meat and set them on the hot grill.
"No I didn't," he raised a brow at me, the muscle above his left eyebrow ticking irritably.
I was getting under his skin, I thought. Good. I smirked at him saucily, "And you're the idiot who wants to marry me…"
I stilled as he reached across the table and grasped my chin gently. He met my befuddled green eyes sternly, "Why is it that you insist on putting up a protective barrier around yourself? Would it be so bad to let me in?"
Twin colors of red stained my cheeks at the feel of his fingers against my skin, "What in the hell do you mean by that?"
He released his hold and leaned back, for a moment he averted his gaze and flipped his set of cooking meat on the grill. I felt my stomach knot with an emotion I didn't feel like labeling when he lifted his intense probing gaze to my face. I could feel his eyes roaming over my face thoughtfully and I could tell he was calculating his next set of words. I could almost see the steam from the cogs in his brain coming out of his ears. Finally he spoke, his voice curled around my unsettled senses as he said, "The answer to that doesn't matter. I just want you to be aware that I won't give up… there is not a barrier that you can place around yourself that I will not break."
My face grew hot at the promise lacing his soft spoken words. I didn't deign to reply. I mean, really what could I say to such a strange comment? I turned my face away from his, not wanting to meet his eyes. Our meal was consumed in silence and once we finished he didn't allow me to pay for my half. I was an independent woman dammit. I didn't need anyone paying for me, I thought irritably, but instead of starting an argument inside the restaurant, I insisted on leaving the tip at the very least. He agreed and so at least that matter was settled in peace.
Reaching under the table, grabbing our bags, I handed him his and we left without another word spoken between us. We arrived back at the ranch with silence still between us. I avoided him up until and after dinner that evening after finding some reading material on the anatomy of horses to read through. I was a healer after all. I had never healed an animal before but I figured that if I learned enough about the anatomy of one, I could probably do it without little problem and I imagine if I did stay for a month or two, my services would probably be needed at some point for it.
When the sunset on the horizon we readied ourselves for bed. I thought I'd escaped any more contact with him but he had surprised me when he approached me in the hallway from behind. I turned to look up into his face, which was a mistake on my part. He gave me a chaste kiss on the lips before I could react properly. He stalked off to his room after delivering a husky goodnight.
I could take no more of the tension, "Hyuuga," I spat like an angry cat.
"Yes Sakura?" he turned his head to glance back at me, the expression in his eyes unreadable.
At the look in his eyes the courage to tell him off melted away into nothingness. I sighed before saying softly, "Goodnight."
He dipped his head in that regal manner of his before padding away to his room, leaving me to stare at his retreating back. When he was out of sight I ruffled my hands irritably through my pink hair while snarling under my breath, "Ugh… I don't understand him at all."
-o-
A/N: I hope you enjoyed this bit and hopefully it wasn't too boring. Hopefully it isn't too silly. Sorry I don't have thanks up for reviews like I did the previous chapter, but I had such a long author's note I decided to skip it. So thanks to everyone as always! I'm hoping that this story is at least different from the norm and I hope that emotions are at least believable. If not, I'm sorry, first person is very new to me as is this plot idea.