Neji ran into the compound, his heart beating against his chest. The run from the training grounds, to here, was far too much.

"Master Neji, Lord Hiashi would like to see you." A servant to the main branch bowed.

Neji gave a slight nod, as he made his way to the main branch's house. Once inside, he walked directly to Hiashi's office. Trying to catch his breath, he calmly walked into the room.

"L…Lord Hiashi, you wanted to see me?"

"Yes Neji, where have you been these last few days?"

"Training sir, I've seen Hinata and told her to tell you about that."

"Hmmm, you lie boy." Hiashi stared coldly at the boy. "I know all about your whereabouts… And I know I specifically told you not to be with that boy."

"I… I have no clue what you're talking about." Neji tried his best not to show any weakness.

"Well, very well then." Hiashi gave a small smirk. "You are dismissed, and Neji…" He made direct eye contact with him. "You be careful where you go these next few days."

Once Hiashi said that, cold shivers ran up Neji's spine…what did that mean? Giving a bow, he walked out of Lord Hiashi's office, and out the front door. This all seemed to be weird to Neji… He had noticed that Lord Hiashi seemed to have an elevated heart rate, like his own… Walking out of the compound, he was met by Shikamaru's worried gaze.

"Neji, have you seen Chouji?" He asked stopping in front of him.

"Earlier." He whispered. "Why?"

"I've been looking for him for the past 30 minutes… And… And I can't seem to find him, I've been ever where, the training grounds, the ramen shop… I can't find him."

"Shikamaru!" Ino ran up behind him worry covering her face. "We found him…"

"Where is he?" Neji asked, before Shikamaru could answer.

"The hospital…" She whispered. "He's… He's in critical condition…" She looked up at Neji… "You need to be there…" She looked at him, she knew about them, Chouji told her about them the next day.

"I do…" He looked back at the compound. "I…" He looked back at Ino and Shikamaru. "I need Naruto…" He finally spoke, before he began running.

"Wait what?" Ino followed closely behind. "Why do you need Naruto?"

"Lord Hiashi has or elite guard following me, so that I won't see Chouji… I know Naruto can at least make a clone of me or something to keep them occupied, while I see Chouji…" He looked back at Ino and Shikamaru. "Go with Chouji, I'll be there soon."

"Okay." Ino and Shikamaru both spoke, before, running in the direction of the hospital.

Once Neji got to Naruto's apartment, he banged on the door furiously.

"Hold on, hold on." He heard a low voice walking to the door. "Meh what do you want?" Naruto opened the door. "Oh hey Neji, what's up?"

"I need your help Naruto, I need you to make a clone, or something, of me…"

"What?"

"You know, like how you did that one time, when you changed yourself into Sasuke…"

"Oh that… Umm okay, but why?"

"Please, just… look I need someone to walk around looking like me, so that I can see Chouji…"

Naruto took in a deep breath…. He didn't really want to know the whole story, but at the same time he did, but by the look in Neji's eyes, it wasn't the time to play mister detective. "Okay…"

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Later that day

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"Where is Neji located?" Hiashi asked looking at the guard that stood in front of his desk.

"He was last spotted at the training grounds my lord."

"Okay." He smirked. "Dismissed."

Hiashi closed his eyes, letting the smirk turn into a full out smile.

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In the hospital

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Neji held Chouji's hand tightly, as he stroked his arm knuckles softly. He's been in this same position, since he came here… Monitors, going off constantly, medical Nins running in and out of the room… His sweet Chouji, unconscious, unresponsive, and most of all, walking on a thin line between life and death…

"Chouji…" He whispered. "Please, please pull through…" He kissed his hand softly. "Please… I… I don't know what I'd do if I lost you…"

YAY I FINALLY UPDATED!!! sorry, but between school and the holidays i couldn't update, but here it is!!! please reveiew and i promise, no more waiting for forever (smile)