Note from the Author: This is so cheesy, I hope no one reads it.
Random Projects: Aw, you're welcome, dahling. :huggles:
Naash: Thanks, bébé. (Random reversion to French – I know.)
FalconFire: It was my pleasure – I enjoyed writing this. Andyes! Another instant friend:huggles:
Porny: Yes – I just can't seem to get away from drabbles. -.- Oh, well – it happens, I guess. I think I love Gaara more than Lee – or the same amount at least … and when they're together, it's just too great for words. :dances with you:
DragonStorm85: You know something? I hate TenTen. And you know, you'd think I wouldn't, because she's kind of the feminist character of Naruto, and I'm a hardcore feminist – but I can't stand her. I think it might just be because I'm a NejiHina fangirl and NejiTen really pisses me off, so I take it out on her. -.-
Heal
When Hinata coughed, blood still came away on her fingertips. No one knew that she had never fully healed after Neji had tried to kill her.
But sometimes it was hard to hide. She was very tired of wiping away the crimson from her mouth – and no one had noticed yet, so she was very good at doing it conspicuously.
She didn't blame Neji. It wasn't in her to blame anything on anyone – except herself – and she felt he was justified in his actions and his anger. Besides that, they had long since forgiven each other for whatever had happened when they were children; they had become something close to friends – or maybe family was a better description (they were the only family they really had). They depended on each other for support, because no one would ever understand them like they understood each other.
So of course, he was the first to notice.
They were walking the perimeter of the Hyuuga compound – a pastime they had taken up years ago. They rarely spoke on their daily strolls, just enjoying the quiet company. The silence was only broken by Hinata' soft coughing.
Now, despite her discretion, Neji had been worried about her health for a while. she coughed frequently, and her breath often came short. But now, as she wiped at her mouth, he first noticed something else. "Hinata-sama, you're bleeding."
She gave a start, fisting her handkerchief to hide it. "What?"
His hand came to her face, his thumb wiping gently at the corner of her lips. He held it up so that she could see the drop of red liquid. "Why are you bleeding?"
Her gaze averted, and she dabbed absently at her mouth.
His eyes widened at the sight of her white handkerchief, splotched with crimson. "Hinata-sama, how long have you been ill?"
She offered a weak smile. "Since our first Chuunin exam."
He flinched visibly at the implication, his head bowing. "I'm sorry, Hinata-sama."
She wrapped her arms around him, laying her head against his shoulder so she could see his face. "Please don't blame yourself, Neji-nii-san. If I had been stronger, it wouldn't have happened."
He embraced her gingerly, as if she might break if he held her too close. "I was supposed to take care of you."
"You must always protect her."
"Yes, Father!"
Her eyes pressed against his neck, her breath warm on his skin. "You take care of me." She whispered, holding tightly to his jacket as if she was afraid he'd leave. "Neji-nii-san, please believe me when I say I don't blame you."
He didn't answer, but shifted to pull away.
She sighed, distraught that she couldn't get through to him. "Neji-nii-san, please -"
But his bandaged hand wrapped around hers. "I'm taking you to the hospital." He stated.
0
"Why didn't you come to me immediately?" Tsunade's voice was stern, her chakra-laced hands sliding across the young girl's chest.
"I didn't want you to think I was weak." She said meekly, feeling very vulnerable as she lay on her back.
Neji snorted, leaning against the wall, his arms crossed. "It doesn't show weakness to ask for help."
Her soft response was "Look who's talking."
He didn't answer, settling back into a moody silence.
"I'm a little surprised you were the one to bring her." Tsunade commented, smiling when Hinata coughed lightly and no blood came with it.
The pouting Neji murmured incoherently.
"What was that?"
"You're supposed to take care of the people you love." He repeated quietly.
Hinata stared at him, surprised, and smiled, thanking Tsunade and hurrying to his side. "Let's go home, Neji-nii-san." She said, shyly slipping her hand into his and letting him lead her from the room.
The Hokage shook her head, chuckling. "Who would have thought?"
0
They walked in silence, nodding in acknowledgment at any friends that greeted them, ignoring the confused looks that were tossed at their hands knotted between them.
"Neji-nii-san?" Her feet dragged to a halt.
He turned to her, eyes questioning.
She smiled brightly, standing on her toes to wrap her arms around his neck. "I love you too, you know."
His arms came around her waist, his lips brushing across hers. Against her mouth, he whispered, "Good to know."
0
Additional A/N: o.O Don't look at me!