Disclaimer.
Ah. This is sad, so sad indeed. Divine Intervention is nearing its end.
He looked heavenward, admiring the silently drifting clouds that obligingly complied with the wind's whims. He wondered, with irrational, burning jealousy, if he could be like the clouds too; mindless, heedless of where they would go; if he could be as carefree as they were. He understood now, vaguely, why the lazy ninja is so affectionate over the clouds. Then, in a flurry of sudden realization, he read back to his thoughts and chuckled humorously.
He's late. He glimpsed at his wrist watch, and, out of a force of habit, tapped his foot impatiently, ignoring the jolting pain it caused. He remembered; he had been fractured in his previous mission, and the injury was still healing, albeit recovering quite quickly, it hurt often. He shrugged it off, glancing at his watch again, and clicking his tongue impatiently. He's never late. He tugged on his collar, scanning his surroundings again and focusing for any familiar chakra-infused body rushing towards their general direction.
What's taking him so long? But suddenly, he felt it. It was faint. He was doing a marvelous job at concealing his chakra, but he had familiarized himself with his energy and could trace it even by the smallest hints. He left his post and quickly strolled to meet up with him. Kiba pocketed the scroll that held a generous amount of Tenten's chakra. Traces of her energy had been so copious that it could have fooled even the sharpest of senses. As he sealed the remains of her chakra, he figured he couldn't really blame the lad for taking the bait. "Yo," he waved casually. He nodded towards him, stayed put out of custom, but his restless eyes gave the lad that the idea that none of them really wanted to be having this conversation. "What gives?" he continued innocently, as though not having any idea on the entire ordeal. But the mere fact that he walked up to him and instigated a conversation was a dead giveaway that he was a part of this.
"Kiba," Neji said sternly, "I felt Tenten's presence around here. Where is she? It's something important. I'm positive you know where she could be." Kiba feigned ignorance for a split second, but deciding he couldn't lie to the older lad regardless, shrugged and spilled the beans.
"She's on a date, Neji, I'm sure you've heard." He pushed his hands deep within the confinements of his pockets, as he stepped aside, "If you know where, go ahead. But if you don't, I ain't telling you anything more than that. What's it for, anyway?" A blasted voice at the back of his head screeched that Kiba knew exactly what Neji needed Tenten for, but the ANBU heeded it no attention, and decided it was perhaps worth to play along.
"It's confidential."
Kiba eyed him pointedly, "Sure it is. I'm positive it can wait." He grumbled knowingly. So Kiba was playing this card now?
"Inuzuka," Neji began, his voice strained with authority, "I'm certain you have a perfect idea as to what 'confidential' entails, especially for the present situation. It would be best if you step aside and allow me to see Tenten. This is a matter that cannot, under whatever circumstances, wait." He growled. Kiba almost chickened out. He almost did. Honestly, who wouldn't want to scram with their tails between their legs if the revered ANBU captain was glowering at you? Neji was the youngest shinobi to ever achieve such rank at 19, and certainly, he had the skills to back it up. But Kiba knew something was scarier than a glaring superior; something far girly and more feminine, but more dangerous still. Torn, he decided it was safer to test waters with Neji than the females of Konoha 12, and his mother. Oh, his mother… how had the old lady known of their matchmaking schemes anyway? He faintly recalled Ino calling up all their mothers, and he figured the blame lies entirely on the mind-bender.
"Look, Neji, I really don't want to pry into your business or anything, and I totally respect you for whatever decisions you make. But honestly, it's getting too much. If you like Tenten, do something about it. If it isn't very obvious to you, you've been venting out your frustrations on us lately." Kiba shrugged, craning his head heavenward again and observing the clouds, "I really didn't want anything to do with this. To be honest, I thought it was a very crucial mission for Konoha. Turns out, it is, in a sense, crucial, and relative to Konoha somewhat, but not entirely. Ino and Sakura sweet-talked us into it—no, their boyfriends actually, but we really had no choice since our man powers were flagging down—and Hinata, your poor, innocent cousin coaxes us into submission. It just got to us that, hey, maybe we need to help you, too. After all, you are our friend."
"Why does everyone seem so keen about my love life suddenly?" Neji muttered snappishly.
"It's not that suddenly, Neji. You know, for the longest time, we have been." Kiba corrected, "Look at how successful we've been to hook Sakura and Sasuke up. Heck, even Ino and Shikamaru!" He said, almost proudly.
"This is ridiculous. I have no time for such things." Neji countered crossly.
"You think you don't Neji. Konoha's at the peak of its peace. It hasn't been this quiet for the longest time and you know it. Missions don't come and go as quickly as they've been. You know the busiest day you'd get is when some inexplicable force suddenly let loose all the kittens around here, and every owner makes it a point to have them back before sunset." He jested, attempting to lighten up the mood. "Think about it, Neji. Would it kill you to unwind now, when clearly, everyone's just intent on relaxing after all the blows they took?" He was careful not to mention anything remotely related to the war that has been, but was smart enough to convey his point. Neji eyed him blankly, processing his words quickly.
"I'm the ANBU captain. I have a responsibility over the village." He said.
At this point, neither lads have noticed, but they've began to stroll with no particular direction in mind. In fact, they had been heedless of their surroundings that they've unconsciously wound up at the infamous Ichiraku Ramen Shop. Upon realizing it, they've decided to grab a bite over their discussion. "So do we, Neji. So does every single citizen here. But the truth of the matter is, you're not as needed as frequently you assume. Do you seriously think that every time something comes up, we'd have to call forth the ANBU captain? Why do you think we rank our ninjas here, Neji?"
"I'm not having this conversation with you, Inuzuka." Neji grumbled, remotely offended that he was being lectured, by someone who wasn't even cut to be his subordinate yet. The ramen arrived and the lads helped themselves to it.
"Yes you are, Hyuga, yes you are. If only you'd be a little more honest, trust me, you'll be helping all of us."
"I couldn't even remember asking your help, of all things, on my romance department." He said in a low voice, "In fact, I never even broached the topic to you guys. Who gave you the permission to intervene and complain about it now?"
Damn it, this guy's just too thickheaded for his own good. "Neji, you don't get it, do you?"
"If you put it that way, I'm afraid I don't."
"Okay…" Kiba began uneasily.
"Get on with it, Inuzuka. I believe I've told you I have important matters to discuss with Tenten."
Kiba knew if he wanted Neji to be truthful, he had to tell the truth himself, "I lied. She isn't on a date. Not yet, at least. But we have enough time. You know how girls take time to pamper themselves."
Neji released a breath he never knew he held. He quickly leveled the chopsticks with steaming ramen over to his lips so as to pretend he was simply cooling it down. But Kiba had been the wiser, and ignored the obvious relief that washed over his superior's features. Neji never knew how such simple phrases could ease the tension that coated his entire person. Heck, he didn't even understand what brought forth the nervousness in retrospect. But he was thankful, nevertheless, that the iron grip it had on him was released at last. He covered it up smartly, "Then all the better. I could talk to her right now."
Kiba wanted to smash his face on the countertop, out of sheer frustration, but instead gripped his bowl and chopsticks tighter to placate himself. He took calming breaths, "Neji, did you know who she was going to have a date with?" The question caught the Hyuga off-guard, clearly not yet dwelling on the topic. Kia smirked at the silence, not missing a beat with his response. "It's me."
Shino's idea was fairly simple, actually.
It was so simple that a no-brainer could have easily figured it out. What was complicated was setting the plan into action. That required skill and bravery—a huge amount of bravery to face the most powerful duo in Konoha presently. But as soon as Tenten pitched herself in, they figured everything would be far easier now that one half of the duo was on their side. The problem was the remaining half was far harder to coerce. "Ah." Tenten gasped, almost adorably, as the magazine slipped past her nimble fingers and plopped loudly on the polished floor. She looked up expectantly at the stylist, who shook her (his) head glumly, vaguely curious on how klutzy a skilled ninja can actually get. "No, never mind" Tenten kicked the discarded read aside.
"I understand how bored you are, madam," said the stylist, his voice thick with French accent, "but prolonging it by repeatedly dropping whatever you're holding just so I will have to stop will not get you anywhere." He gave her a pointed stare, his long, curled locks falling off his broad shoulders. Tenten didn't like how feminine someone of his too-masculine build could get, but she had nothing against gays; heavens no. She simply found it odd. She looked down, abashed.
"I'm sorry." She said timidly. The man smiled warmly.
"See? It's almost done, now." He whirled the chair around to face the mirror entirely, and Tenten smiled at her reflection. "Well, it could've been finished sooner if you weren't being a brat about it." Tenten scoffed. A while later, and the torment was over at long last, and Tenten eagerly hopped off the seat. Her muscles felt numb from being seated too long, and she shook them vigorously to resume the blood flow. The stylist beamed at his feat, and quickly ushered Ino and Sakura over. The two gushed and giggled and ceaselessly congratulated the stylist. Tenten felt a nerve twitch. Did she seriously look that horrible, that the stylist had "miracle hands", as Sakura kindly put it?
"Oh my goodness!" Ino grinned, "You look wonderful, Tenten! Now let's get you ready for real." They paid for the services, and gave a hefty tip to the stylist, as they dashed back to Ino and Sakura's flat in record time. As the younger ninjas scrambled to and fro, Tenten sat quietly on the couch and examined the handiwork. She first eyed her fingernails, coated with luscious shade of brown, with small white dots here and there. She smiled, shifting her attention towards her toes. She grinned. She couldn't decide on which color to paint them since she dreaded being so monotonous, and ended up having each toenail painted differently to satisfy her. It was a little childish, but she shrugged it off.
"The bath's ready, Ten-chan!" Ino called, waving at the kunoichi. "Take time and I mean it. Not a speck of dust shall remain on you, understand?" She warned, "We'll finish the rest here." Ino quickly shoved her inside the shower.
"Ino…" Tenten mumbled by the door frame. She craned her head and smiled genuinely at her friend, "Thank you. Thank you so much."
Ino grinned, "Don't mention it." And she closed the door.
"What… did you say?"
He could not recall the last time he had been rendered to utterly speechless, than when he had been defeated for the very first time. But that had a valid reason to it, given that it was his first defeat. This, on the other hand, was a far cry from being beaten, so to speak, but in a sense, perhaps, Neji would dare say, he had been. He couldn't believe it.
"It's as you heard me, captain," Kiba said, smug. "I'm taking her out tonight."
Neji gathered his shaky thoughts. No. This could not be happening. "I see." He said simply as he stood up and paid his bills. "Then convey this message for me, please: congratulations, Tenten. That is all. Thank you for your time, Inuzuka. I shall be going now." Neji stalked back to the Hyuga manor absently. He was physically guarded, cautious of every step he took, but his mind flittered elsewhere. There was an inexplicably painful tug on his chest that he couldn't put his finger on. Why? Why did it hurt so much? The sensation was new and overwhelming. He decided it was far from pleasant and wanted to rid himself of it (1).
As he stepped inside the manor's premises, a familiar chakra welcomed him. By the colossal gates, the still figure of his cousin appeared, and she stepped closer to where he was, a green device tucked under her arms safely. "I was waiting for you, Neji-nii."
"Hanabi," Neji fixed his blank stare on the younger girl, allowing her to lead him back to her room.
"I wanted to show you something, and I take it your day hasn't been very good."
"I'm stressed out, to be honest." Neji shrugged.
"Please have a seat, nii-san." Hanabi motioned for the floor, where she was setting her laptop. Neji complied wordlessly, wondering what the girl was up to. A few seconds later, the screen blinked to life, and Hanabi clicked away in a rapid succession of commands. A box appeared, and a familiar scene played out before Neji. Heat crept up to his cheeks, and Neji was vaguely aware that this must be what they would call a blush. He struggled to voice out his discomfort, barely missing the sly smirk that graced Hanabi's lips.
"How did you get this?" He asked incredulously after the clip died out.
"I have my ways."
"And what's the point of all this?" Hanabi opened her mouth to retort, possibly waspish, over his own icy tone, but he immediately cut her off, knowing of what she was about to say next, "I never asked for anyone's help on my matters, and I'd prefer if people knew how to mind their business," he said pointedly, "I appreciate the efforts, but clearly—"
"But clearly, you won't be getting too far if we left you alone," Hanabi commented blankly, tucking away her laptop from his immediate (non-byakugan-infused) peripheral vision, "We took it upon ourselves to do something Neji-nii. And besides, it's almost Christmas soon, so think of this as our gift."
For the first time since the entire ordeal came to be, Neji felt inclined to resign on his attempt to daunt their privy efforts of intervening with his, dare he say, nonexistent love life. He was too exhausted, too worried, and too preoccupied to deal with their childish determination. With a wary sigh, he waved his hand dismissively, slouching uncharacteristically as though to accentuate his weariness, "I give up," he mumbled. The words rolled off his tongue in an unfamiliar manner. He had never uttered such phrase before, and it surprisingly felt good for this kind of inexorable situation, "Do what you want. I no longer care. But for the love of all that's good, this had better be worth all the trouble or so help me, Hiashi-sama will not be the only one with a concussion." He threatened, almost emptily, more eager of getting them off his back than actually scaring them.
Hanabi grinned. "Of course it will be."
Hiashi fidgeted awkwardly, careful not to allow his fingers to skim through the silky fabric of the outfit laid neatly beside him. He had been tasked to watch over the garb as the rest of the Meltdown operatives execute the plan. Truthfully, he had been left with the easiest chore; too easy that it wracked on his brains and tugged on his nerves. He wanted adventure. He wanted some action. He knew how thick-headed his nephew could be, and he truly looked forward to pounding their point onto his skull. And he figured, his exuberance must have been far too obvious, for he was immediately locked inside a neat room, sitting still next to an equally neat set of clothes, and waiting for the next events to happen.
He sighed, tempted to glance at the garments lying motionless next to him. He knew that his older self might have been decked out in fancier suits at some point, but Hiashi was 12. He was curious. He wanted to know how it felt like. He had a vague idea that such clothing was nothing remotely comfortable, but he knew they looked nice. He groaned, refusing to give in to the strong temptation beckoning him. Instead, he shut his eyes firmly and pinched the bridge of his nose.
He heard a few raps against the wooden door, and stood up to get it. A few steps away, the intruder welcomed himself in, and seemed a little perturbed with his presence. Hiashi cocked a brow. "Hyuga-san," Sasuke coolly said, padding past the older man and picking up the clothes, "I wasn't expecting you here." He said honestly, not really intent on making small talk, but felt compelled to voice it out anyway.
"They left me in charge," Hiashi wailed glumly, "It was booooring," he punctuated, plopping on the bed once again. "Hey what gives? Did that stupid boy, Neji, finally come to his senses?"
Sasuke smirked, "Surprisingly, yes."
Neji discovered an invisible force usurping his right arm and shoving him violently upwards. Distraught, he fluidly shrugged off his captor, immobilizing a chakra point he knew lay in the arm. He immediately resorted to his battle-ready instincts and drew out a katana from his pant-leg, pocketing a handful of shuriken from the other. He spun on his heel to face the aggressor head on, activating the byakugan wordlessly. His eyes widened in unmasked surprise as the perpetuator nursed the spot he hit. "Damn, Neji-nii. You're reflexes are good." Hanabi commented wryly, unpleased with the bruising he left.
"My apologies; I was caught off-guard," he relaxed his tensed shoulders and stowed the weapons away.
"Yea, well I hope you've slept well enough to be that off-guard," Hanabi grumbled grimly, still tending to the injury. Neji made no offers to compensate for it, and she figured it wasn't entirely his fault anyway. She allowed him the privilege to rest in her room, even for a few hours as she tended to the rest of the Operation, but was surprised when she came back to find him dozing off peacefully on the floor. She never thought of it, but in retrospect, Neji's 40 winks had been dreadfully lessened since his promotion to the ranks. She supposed he deserved it, but more pressing matters were at hand right now, and frankly, sleep wasn't just an option until Operation: Meltdown is accomplished.
"I offer my apologies once more," he said insincerely. Hanabi clicked her tongue, but dropped the subject altogether.
"Come with me, nii-san, if you're ready."
"For what?" Neji asked cautiously.
"For the date." Hanabi smirked.
(1) Trust me, Neji boy. I know that feeling. And it's honestly one of the worst feelings in the world…