Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto nor any part of it. Pity.

Hinata- 18

Neji- 19

Warnings: Language

I'm so upset because I can't find the quote I wanted to use here. When I was back in middle school and we were learning about Spanish conquistadors and all that coming over, there was a part about their... rocky relations with the Native Americans already living in the area. There was the chief of a tribe who was known for his treatment of babies born from said "relations". Unlike some others in the area, he openly treated these children as a regular part of the tribe, saying things like it wasn't their fault how they were conceived, and he was basically one of the first people to say a child's biology had nothing to do with who their real family was. It was awesome and perfect, and I can't remember or find who it was, but that's what was going to go here and I'm not changing it because it's been in my head since I started this story. That being said, if anyone has any ideas as to who I'm talking about, I'd really appreciate the help. Thanks and enjoy.

Chapter 24: All Babies are Beautiful

The present two-thirds of the old Team Ten, having been the first to start running, were consequently the first to reach the nursery. When they saw their friend leaning over the baby's crib, long hair spilling down around the child like a curtain, hands on the tiny body, their hearts felt as though they'd literally just jumped to their throats. He wouldn't— "Neji!"

Ino's desperate cry echoed around the room as they finally reached the bed... and froze. Oh.

Neither Ino nor Shikamaru could have told you what they'd expected to find, but it definitely wasn't Neji leaning over the crib, smiling more genuinely than either had ever seen while the tiny, white-eyed baby clung to his finger with a vice-like grip, his free hand lightly tracing the contours of the child's face, just... studying it like it was the most important thing in the world.

"Hello," he greeted quietly, much more mindful of all the sleeping infants around him than the medic had been and never taking his gaze from the child. "Have you come to see my daughter?"

"Your daughter," Ino repeated slowly, as if she'd never heard the words before. It was just that they made no sense during the current situation; unless of course they had changed their meaning recently.

"Yes," Neji agreed absently, brining his free hand up to smooth calloused fingers over an impossibly soft, wrinkly brow. "Her name's Ai."

"Ai." This time it was Shikamaru who parroted the jounin, though unlike the blond he seemed more amused than amazed.

"Ai. Hinata chose it."

Shikamaru's smile was somehow both happy and smug. "Of course."

"I don't understand," Ino started hesitantly, taking a cautious step toward the boy she thought possibly unstable. Had he maybe deluded himself, too overwhelmed by harsh reality? Vaguely, she noted the others coming up behind her, grateful for the backup if necessary. "I thought the baby was—"

"In a biological sense only," Neji bit out tightly, like he wanted to snap but was forcefully remaining polite. "She is not truly his."

"She's yours," Shika said easily, having no trouble at all following the Hyuuga's logic.

"Of course she is. She's been mine for months now, possibly longer. In fact, if I recall correctly, I was named as the father when we first announced the pregnancy to you all; or have you forgotten?"

Ino had finally caught on to exactly what the older boy was saying, as had the others panting behind her, arriving in time to hear the Hyuuga's last statement. Even Hiashi who had been worried or curious enough to follow and appeared at a dignified walk (and kept a hand tightly on Hanabi's back collar to ensure she did the same), had managed to catch the gist of it. His pale eyes surveyed his nephew briefly, he nearly shocked Naruto into a heart attack by allowing his lips the barest twitch, and with a formal nod he turned and walked away, leaving his daughter to hesitantly creep forward towards her cousin with an expression of wonder.

"Neji," the genin whispered, obviously afraid of being too loud, "can I see the baby?"

Neji finally tore his gaze away from his daughter's squashed, red face and glanced towards the anxious pre-teen, offering her the barest of smiles (and consequently looking very much like his uncle). "Of course, Hanabi-sama. She is your niece, after all."

Breaking into a grin herself, the girl quickly stepped forward, going to the opposite side of the baby's bed and looking down in, making a bit of a face. "I thought all baby's were supposed to be beautiful."

Neji shot his little cousin an exasperated look while Ino spoke up, "Newborns are rarely physically beautiful. They're just always beautiful to those who... care about them." She'd luckily managed to stop herself from saying 'created them' at the last second. That really wouldn't apply here, would it; and there was no doubt from the look Neji was giving the tiny little girl that he thought she was the most beautiful thing in the world.

Apparently deciding the Hyuuga pair had monopolized the baby enough, Kiba briskly walked forward, coming to stand next to the older boy so he could smile stupidly down at the wrinkled, red pile of flesh that had come from his teammate. "She's gorgeous, Neji... Why don't you hold her?"

The Hyuuga prodigy paused in the act of running his hand over the sparse black hair on the baby's head, eyes widening just a fraction. "Well obviously I— That is—" Oh fuck it, he couldn't come up with a decent excuse right then if his life depended on it. Instead he kept his eyes carefully averted from the dog-nin when his cheeks flushed, waiting for some joke or nasty comment at his expense. Hell, in this situation, he really couldn't blame the other man; he'd likely have done the same.

To his surprise, Kiba silently maneuvered him out of the way a bit with a nudge and reached forward himself. With an ease and familiarity that completely belied his demeanor and looks, the Inuzuka lifted the child into his arms looking for all the world like an experienced mother, smiling softly down at his new burden. After taking a moment to just stare at Hinata's little girl, brown eyes shifted contemplatively back towards the other male, shining with mirth. "Here, Hyuuga, now you take her."

Unsurprisingly, Neji hesitated to do so, flicking his gaze apprehensively between the brunette and the baby.

Still smiling, Kiba stepped toward the anxious man, holding the little bundle out towards him. "C'mon, Neji, it's easy. Even you can't mess this up."

Neji wasn't so sure.

"It's just like with newborn pups."

Of course it was.

"They're delicate, so you just gotta be gentle; and this little angel has no strength in her neck, so you gotta make sure you hold the head. Just like this, see?"

Trying to keep his face blank while inside he was terrified, Neji slowly lifted his arms and angled them to take the baby from Kiba's grasp. Why had no one told him before how to properly do this? He had been fine with Kurenai's daughter, sure, but she was older, more sturdy. He'd never expected... He wasn't prepared to handle something so fragile.

"That's it," Kiba encouraged lowly, "just watch the head. See, there ya go."

Any other time, Neji would have eviscerated the younger male for speaking to him like a child learning to tie their shoes. As it was, he was currently too busy staring down in bemusement to pay the dog-nin much mind; and when that tiny little face twitched and those impossibly small, lavender eyes squinted open, focusing solely and entirely on him...

His breath came back in a startled whoosh when that little mouth opened wide and let out the most ear-piercing howl the likes of which he'd never before heard. Sweet Kami in heaven, what was wrong? Was he holding her incorrectly, was she in pain, did she just plain not like him? Frantically, he looked to the other boy for help, anger igniting when he saw Kiba was too busy laughing openly at his panic to give any useful advice. He should kill the bastard.

Ino decided it was her turn now, walking forward to whack Kiba over the back of the head and gently reassure, "It's okay, Neji, she's probably just hungry. Let's go find her a bottle and some formula so I can show you how to feed her."

Nodding stupidly to both the blond and Hanabi's eager cry of, "Can I come too?", off-handedly following Shikamaru's drawled, "Try rocking her or bouncing her a little," Neji kept his hold on the shrieking bundle of blankets, wondering just what the hell he had gotten himself into.

~To protect what's precious~

Fully expecting to be accosted upon his return to the compound didn't make the experience any more enjoyable for the Hyuuga clan Head. Frowning almost noticeably when three of the newer (younger, stupider) members of the Council of Elders stepped out from the shadows the moment he crossed the threshold, he never slowed his steps, ignoring their persistent questions and growing annoyance. They weren't the brains behind those inquiries, they were just lackeys, messenger boys sent to do their masters' bidding, and he'd save his breath until faced with the real minds in charge.

"Ah, Hiashi-sama, you've returned at last."

The oily voice behind him sent absolute chills up the younger man's spine, his frayed nerves having taken just about all they could that day. He'd never been more glad for all the strict training his father had put him through, the only thing keeping him from snapping completely like an uncivilized commoner.

"I request you call a Council meeting at once." Hideki stepped around to stand directly in front of the clan Head, all too clearly trying to intimidate the man with his superior height. Hiashi wanted to scoff at the display, as though he were a child to be frightened and threatened.

"Do you?"

Hideki's eyes flared at the clear, monotone challenge. "Indeed. Don't you feel the Council should convene and discuss the developments of their heiress' current situation?"

Hiashi's lips tightened at the question which wasn't really a question.

"Still playing the bully I see, Hideki?" a hoarse voice rasped from somewhere off to the right. "Some things never change."

The sickly sweet scent of expensive imported tobacco wafted out to reach his nostrils, causing Hiashi to turn and automatically bow his head in reverence towards the disembodied voice. "Hitomi-sama."

A high, cackling laugh followed and an old woman, the only still currently maintaining a seat on the Council, limped from the shadows, walking stick in one hand, familiar ivory quellazaire in the other. Stepping more fully into the dim light, she took a puff from the end of her smoking paraphernalia, examining the gathered men with shrewd eyes before blowing the smoke, rather pointedly, in Hideki's direction. "Your mother would be most aggrieved to see you grew up without a whit of manners about you. Blindsiding your Head with matters that could easily wait until morning after he's just been to see his daughter in the hospital." The scowl on her wrinkled face was fearsome. "Have some decorum, if you would."

Hiashi found it rather gratifying to see Hideki take on the countenance of a whipped puppy. The older man muttered something unintelligible, scurrying away moments later and followed quickly by the three other brainless puppets. Hitomi laughed once more at the display before her gaze shifted towards the clan Head, making Hiashi unconsciously stiffen. Even if all the Hyuuga had similar eyes, ever since he was a boy, Hitomi's had been especially piercing. He swore they could glow in the dark.

"Hiashi," she said gruffly, showing him none of the respect he was due and getting away with it easily. She had changed his diapers after all. "How is little Hinata?"

Had Hiashi thought for even a moment the old woman was asking for the sake of the clan or the Council or anything else of the like, he would have stiffly rebuked her and continued on his way; but he knew his Aunt Hitomi better than that. Unlike the majority of the Hyuuga, she truly believed family came before politics. "Not well I fear."

A small nod was his answer followed by another billowing cloud of smoke. "And the babe?"

Remembering the scene from the hospital, Hiashi allowed his lips to lift just a little. "She is quite well."

Giving a smile full of yellowed teeth and cracked lips, the woman chuckled softly. "Is that so? In that case... how does it feel to be a grandfather?"

For the first time in quite a long time, Hiashi turned to another living being and gave them a full, genuine smile. "Old."

All across the compound, people paid it little mind when they heard crazy old Grandmother Hitomi's hysterical laughter. It was, after all, a rather common occurrence.

~To protect what's precious~

Had anyone ever bothered (or dared) to ask, Neji would have sworn until he was blue in the face that never, not in million years would he appreciate Hyuuga Hanabi's presence, let alone actually garner some small bit of comfort from its familiarity in a completely foreign situation. Of course, there were a lot of things he would have sworn to that had started coming true lately. Another would be the persistent, unending stream of giggles currently spouting forth from his little cousin's mouth. Hanabi didn't giggle; and yet she was doing so, openly, in front of him even. He supposed maybe babies just had that effect on people.

"Okay," the girl said with a huge grin still plastered firmly on her face, "I guess she is kinda cute when she eats."

Neji had to agree. Not out loud, obviously, but in the confines of his own mind. The way the baby's tiny nose would scrunch up while she sucked on the bottle, the way she'd continuously go cross-eyed when she tried to look up at them, the way her forehead creased as though she were giving them a disgusted look. Very cute indeed.

"Knock knock." Ino leaned against the doorway, her new dress completely ruined, hair a bedraggled mess, bags standing prominently beneath her eyes, and interestingly enough (and almost certainly against hospital policy) still barefoot; but a small smile on her face all the same as she took in the scene. "How are you guys doing in here?"

"We're fine," Hanabi piped up immediately, a statement Neji inclined his head to finalize.

"Good. Not trying to kick you out or anything, but it's getting late." She gave them a slightly stern look. "You should both go home soon. Get some rest."

"As should you," Neji returned just as seriously. Not that he was going to get into that argument with the indomitable blond. After nineteen years of life, he'd learned to pick and choose his battles. "When may I take her home?"

Ino's eyes softened. "There's a minimum two-day hospital stay for all babies born more than three weeks premature, healthy or not. Standard procedure."

Well, that made sense. Better to be safe than sorry and all that. "Understood. I need to finish refurnishing my house and speak with some of my aunts anyway." He thoughtfully stroked his fingers over the baby's impossibly soft, smooth head. Yes, it was definitely better to err on the side of caution with his little one. Kami forbid some sort of health problem suddenly arise after he'd already taken her back to the compound. "I believe Hiashi-sama will be sending a guard to stay overnight. Just to be sure..." He trailed off, knowing Ino was smart enough to put the pieces together. This was the daughter of the Hyuuga clan heiress they were talking about, illegitimate branch house child or not. Any number of people could want the helpless baby dead for any number of reasons.

"Already here," the blond assured easily. "Been here for almost twenty minutes now actually."

"Did you happen to get their name?" Neji asked immediately. Not that he didn't have faith in his uncle's judgment on who was trustworthy or not, it was just... this was his daughter. He was taking no chances.

"A young guy named... Katsuo, I think?"

Ah, Katsuo. Well, that was a relief. Katsuo was as harmless as a baby bunny without a malicious bone in his body, and he and Neji were first cousins through his mother. They'd always been rather close, and there was no way Katsuo would let anything harm a child Neji wanted protected. "Very well, perhaps it's time we took our leave." Standing to hand the tiny child over to the blond, he hesitated a moment before, haltingly, "May I inquire... when may I— that is—"

"Come back tomorrow after nine a.m., Nej," Ino said gently, maneuvering the fragile bundle from his arms. "You can see them both then."

Swallowing down his emotions, he offered her a shaky nod. "Thank you, Ino. For everything."

Snorting drolly and sticking her tongue out like a child, she scolded playfully, "Don't be silly, Hyuuga. That's what friends do."

Yes. It was.

Leaving the hospital with his unusually quiet cousin by his side, Neji sucked in a deep breath of the cool night air, still feeling a bit sick and weak from the evening's events. He was finally, truly calm again, but it was a detached sort of calm; like the only reason it existed was because he'd forcibly shoved everything to the back of his mind and locked it down tight. He knew the panic and fear (yes, fear) from earlier hadn't really gone anywhere, probably wouldn't for quite sometime, and it would only take one small slip for it all to come roiling to the surface. He needed to be careful.

"Hey, Neji?"

Startling a bit after having momentarily forgotten the small girl was there at all, the elder Hyuuga harshly cleared his throat and fought for control. "Yes, Hanabi-sama?"

"If, well..." The girl was turning so red it was visible even in the dark, and her eyes were fixed quite firmly ahead instead of on the person she was addressing. "If you need any help, y'know, setting up your house for the baby or whatever, just lemme know."

Sweet Hokage, hell had just turned into a skating rink. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me!" the preteen snapped in annoyance. "I'm not repeating myself!"

Oh he had heard, all right, he just wasn't sure whether or not he needed to clean his ears out. Or take Hinata's little sister to the nearest doctor for a psych evaluation, seeing as she was obviously beginning to develop a split personality disorder and/or she'd hit her head sometime in the recent past. "That... would be much appreciated Hanabi-sama. Feel free to stop by tomorrow at any time." Though her help most likely wouldn't reach beyond standing around and whining while he did all the actual work, he supposed in the end... sometimes it really was the thought that counted. When had he become so damn sentimental?

"All right then," the girl said rather cheerfully, looking awfully proud of herself to boot. Like she knew she'd just taken a huge step forward in becoming a decent human being. "See you tomorrow, Neji... niisan."

Swallowing thickly at the sound of the name only one person had ever dared call him by, he forced a nod of acknowledgment before going his separate way... only to arrive at his house and wish he'd found some excuse to dally longer.

Neji's cottage at the edge of the compound couldn't be called big, not by any stretch of the imagination. One bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and small sitting room. That was all; yet the moment he stepped into the silent house, it felt like being swallowed up by a huge, empty cavern, dark and cold. His house wasn't supposed to be like this, not anymore. Somehow over the past months it had transformed, become cheerful, warm, caring. It had truly become his home. The way it was now...

His movements stiff and robotic, the jounin slipped off his sandals and made his way on silent feet towards the bedroom, pausing in the doorway to just... stare. The bed was there the same as it had always been, neatly made every morning without fail by his little cousin, no matter how round she got, always waving him away when he attempted to help. It had been several days now since the sheets had been washed and changed. Her smell would be there, lingering among them, clinging to them like a cruel reminder of her absence.

Neji knew most people would climb into the bed, cling to the pillows, suck in the scent of their missing loved one. He couldn't for the life of him fathom why. Why put yourself through such torture? At least by sleeping on the couch, he could temporarily fool his mind into thinking everything was normal, everything was all right. That the only other presence he needed in his life was the cat who curled up faithfully by his feet.

The only real question was just how much longer he could fool himself before he finally broke down and admitted the truth.

So I am back, and I've actually posted a chapter. I've been gone so long I'm not sure any of the original readers of this story are even still around, but if they are, my sincerest apologies are really all I can give. To any new readers who decided to join, welcome.