(A/N- I'm really, really sorry for the super-late update, I was really busy that I barely have time to even read other fics, let alone update mine. -cries- Finally had some break on Friday but I caught up with sleeping, hence the even later update. Hope you enjoy this one though. I'll see if I can post early update for the next chapter but it's not a promise, okay?

Warnings: Het-lemon (unbeta-ed) in the middle of this fic. Skip it if you want, won't change anything

Standard disclaimers apply. Unbeta-ed

Chapter 26: Faded, Crispy Pages

Hinata looked at Naruto worriedly. It was months after Sasuke had first help Naruto to remember and everything had moved back to normal; Neji had gone back to Tokyo, Suigetsu had left the town, Sakura had buried herself into work, and Sai was back into teasing Naruto.

Well, except Naruto.

She noticed the distant looks that Naruto had. Last year around this time, around where summer was lurking and school holiday was just around the corner, Naruto would be a bundle of energy, driving his class more and more into madness and more creative ideas; urging them to fill their summer break with something useful and youthful.

But he had been sitting in his class like normal; even Kisho had come up to her and ask if Naruto-sensei was sick. Hinata had no answer.

And when she relayed the news to Iruka and Kakashi, Iruka's face changed as if someone had just died and Kakashi was grim. They said they would talk to him but there was no change.

For Naruto, it was like he was floating day by day, searching for answers that he didn't even know what the questions were. And then when he thought he had found the door to his unknown questions, he would shake his head in frustration- it was not what he wanted. Day by day without him realizing, Naruto regained his memories; it was unspecific things at first, little things that didn't really matter like the way he made his bed, the specific way of his laugh and speaking, the way he'd like his stuff to be organized.

And as summer approached, things escalated to random names that popped up once in a while, or when he looked at Iruka's picture and suddenly blurted out random facts about people he recognized. By that time, Kakashi and Iruka was worried that Naruto would remember everything.

But summer rolled in and Naruto didn't even mention Sasuke's name. It was a relief on their side but they frowned when he went out less with Hinata, rendering Hinata speechless and upset.

Naruto tried to make amends, bringing her out to picnics, movies, dinners and just out on the beach. But every time they kissed, Naruto's mind went back to the way Sasuke's lips moved against him. The chemistry between him and Hinata was just gone… though mainly it was from his side.

In a way, Naruto was glad that it was summer break. That means he could have more times to think about everything else. By this time he had remember fully who Shikamaru was and often he was on the internet trying to find more information about Shikamaru and the rest.

Naruto decided it was time to go to Tokyo.

He had a friend, or perhaps friends to visit.

000

Sasuke had one last mission after finally accepting that there was very high chance that there's no way now with the current situation that he would be able to go and see Naruto without arousing his father's suspicions. If that did happen, it would mean yet another war with his father and frankly he wanted to avoid it, especially to see his mother on the verge of crying and the burden of guilt and sadness every time that happened.

Plus, Naruto's life depended in his decision now.

Though it was not what he wanted, probably it was best after all to let go. And hence it brought him to his last mission; perhaps you can say something that would symbolize that he had indeed let Naruto go.

But in order to put that mission on action, he had to act normal for months as to not trying to arouse any suspicion or curiosity from the two males in his family. And when he thought it was time, Sasuke took a plane to the small island he had visited 4 years ago.

Sasuke stayed at the same hotel that he used to stay, but this time he chose the single room facing the hills rather than the sea-view expensive suit perched high on the sea bed like the last time. He clutched round pendant of his necklace as he made his way through the small village.

Much to his surprise, most of the villagers remembered him. They asked where his sunny blond friend had gone to because they were entertained by him the last time. It was amazing how simple people accepted them back then and still remembered them for who they were and yet people who supposedly had higher IQ and manners than these people were not even as accepting.

Sasuke smiled politely and said he was alone this time. For some reasons, the villagers could sense the pain he hid so well and gave reassuring pats and words.

That evening, Sasuke stood on the white sandy beach. His flight to go home was due early tomorrow morning and he would go straight to work from there. But before that he had one thing that he needed to do.

He took his pendant in his hands again and flicked the lock opened. Inside, there was part of the seashell keychain he bought the last time he was here with Naruto. He had chosen the small trinket as a memento for their third anniversary and as a remembrance that he was here with Naruto.

When the accident occurred, they keychain was shattered but there was a small piece that survived the impact. It was given personally to him by the doctor who attended to him when he woke up, unlike his other things that were given to his father.

Sasuke had clutched the memento tightly in one hand as though it was his lifeline. Nobody had noticed this until his mother came in and pried his hand opened. On mother's instinct, she instantly had an idea what it was and promised him to keep it in a safe place where he could carry it around safely without his father knowing it.

Sasuke had realized at that moment that his mother had truly cared for him genuinely. He learned to open up to her and let her into his heart, for he had shut herself out the moment he thought his whole family couldn't accept and understand him as who he really was.

Sasuke placed the small piece in his palm, tracing it like it was the most fragile thing in the world. He let a small smile decorated his face and looked at the piece fondly, lovingly almost.

"I'd never thought I would say this…" Sasuke whispered. "Thank you… you were the most wonderful person I've ever met… the only one I have ever love and will keep on loving till the day I die… Thank you, Naruto…. Be happy and live your life to the fullest." He clenched the broken seashell and threw it as hard and as far as he could.

"Sayonara, Naruto. I love you."

With that he turned, finally let go of one thing he treasured the most. And Sasuke would not look back this time. The sun setting gone without him noticing.

000

Neji came back as soon as he got Hinata's phone call. His worst nightmare had become a reality when he knocked on Hinata's door and saw Hinata's red, puffy eyes.

"Hinata?"

"Neji-niisan!" Hinata went into his arms and clung to him desperately, crying her heart out as Neji tried to calm her down. She looked even worse than the day Naruto was admitted to the hospital.

Hours later, she had calm down and stopped crying; her tears were dried up and there were none left. Neji's heart broke at this.

"Can you tell me what has happened? What made you a wreck like this?" Neji asked in concern; he was really worried.

"Naruto-kun…" Hinata whispered brokenly. Hinata wiped her nose gently, willing not to cry.

"What has he done now? Did he hurt you?!"

"No… he…" Hinata sniffed again. Anger welled up in Neji; he had never been mad at the blond and now he's more than angry at what the blond had done to Hinata.

"What had he done, Hinata? Tell me," Neji coaxed gently, knowing that Hinata wouldn't tell him if he's all mad.

Hinata took a few more minutes to calm down before telling him in a steady voice. "Naruto-kun had been distant lately… I was worried," she started. "And then he starts to remember things… things from his past…"

Hinata looked up and Neji wanted so much to take the fragile girl in his arm and kiss her sadness away.

"It was like… it was Naruto-kun… but it was not quite him at the same time… He… he said that we should call it off for now… he needs to sort things out… And then he said he wants to go to Tokyo… to see if he could remember more of his past…

Iruka and Kakashi tried to stop him. I-I wanted to but his eyes were pleading for me to let him go… We just have to… and we did…" A tear fell on Hinata's smooth cheek.

"Neji-niisan… What if Naruto-kun never comes back? Am I… Am I not enough for him?" she started sobbing again and that broke Neji's resolves. He took Hinata roughly into his arms and rubbed her back soothingly as Hinata cried once more.

"Shhhh… you deserve more than this, Hinata… Don't cry…" Neji whispered sweet little things into his ears. "You are more than enough… Naruto's a fool if he can't see it… You have to be strong, Hinata…"

Hours later when Hinata stopped crying, she was still pressed against Neji's broad chest. It felt good, Hinata noted, it felt good to let it all out. She felt a lot calmer and confident now. Hinata was ready to face the world again and not let this affected her. She sniffed one last time, and then she noted the scent that was purely Neji. She had never realized that Neji had a very masculine, almost tangy smell and it made her heart race and calm at the same time.

Hinata wetted her lips nervously, suddenly aware that Neji was bigger and broader than her. And his skin was smoothly ivory and it felt like satin beneath her fingers. She pulled back slowly, looking at the wet patch on his shirt and blushed cutely.

"I'm sorry Neji-niisan… your shirt's wet now…" Hinata whispered, ashamed.

Neji chuckled. "It's okay, Hinata… Are you okay now?"

Hinata nodded, looking up into his pale eyes, her own was glazed with after-tears. Neji almost cursed at himself for the stir he could feel low in his gut. Hinata's tear-stricken face was seductive and she didn't even know that.

They were locked into their own heated gaze and both leaned forward without noticing it. Hinata's eyes were closed the moment Neji's lips touched hers. She kissed him back with equal fervours- passionate, desperate and reassuring.

Neji broke the kiss; so sudden that Hinata's eyes were opened in curiosity. Neji suddenly had a horror look on his face and he scrambled backward, as though Hinata's hands on his neck were scalding him.

"N-Neji-niisan?" Hinata's lavender eyes glazed with tears again. Neji's reaction was like Naruto's last kiss; a sweep of anguish and sadness flooded in her. Here she was, being rejected again. And for some reason, Neji's rejection hurt even more than Naruto's. She had shared everything with him since she was a child and in the end, their relationship would be broken because of her bold idiotic move!

Hinata bowed her head; ashamed. "I-I'm sorry, N-Neji-nissan…" she quickly got up and moved away. "I-I'll get a new shirt for you; yours a bit drenched," she walked fast into her room.

Neji cursed under his breath. Great, just what he needed; Hinata's misunderstanding. Neji got up and walked slowly towards Hinata's room. He shouldn't have done that; especially now that Hinata's in a very vulnerable state.

"Hinata, I didn't mean to insult you like that," Neji said softly, stepping into the small bedroom. There was rosy and lavender smell in her room; a smell distinctive to Hinata.

Hinata's head was still bowed. "H-Here's a shirt for you to change," she picked a large t-shirt that she knew would fit Neji and handed it to him; refusing to look up.

Senses of guilt and dread fill in Neji. He loved her; he really did but he couldn't take advantage of her. And the kiss, it was his mistakes, not Hinata's.

"Look at me, Hinata," Neji commanded. Hinata still looked at the carpeted floor, refusing to look at Neji. "Hinata, look at me," his voice was more stern. When Hinata still refused to looked up, using his thumb and forefinger, Neji grasped Hinata's chin gently, bringing the delicate face upwards.

The look on Hinata's face almost left Neji breathless. Hinata herself without any trace of makeup was angelic beautiful, like a pretty porcelain china doll. But the slightly reddened eyes, puffy nose and swollen lips, Hinata was alluring, enchantingly beautiful. For someone who had just cried her eyes out, Hinata was a natural seductress when she looked fragile and almost broken like this.

Neji forced himself to let out a steady breath; his lungs burned for the effort that took too much of his energy.

"Hinata…" Neji whispered, his thumb ran across her pointy chin softly. Hinata had no choice but to look at her cousin. She gulped when she saw his eyes darkened with need, not hatred as she predicted.

"This is wrong…" Neji said; mesmerizing Hinata as she watched his lips forming words. "-But I can't help myself… you're too beautiful, I'm sorry," with that, Neji swept down, catching Hinata's slightly swollen lips.

Her eyes shut in bliss; Neji's lips moving against hers expertly; his hand caressed her neck gently and moved to cup the back of her head, burying his hand into the lush black curls, angling and pressing Hinata's head closer, deepening the kiss. Neji's other hand brushed down and pressed her lower back, moulding her petite figure closer to him. They fit perfectly and Hinata gasped softly as she felt him half-hard against her.

"Neji…" Hinata moaned as Neji trailed his lips down to her jaw and neck. She clung to his neck, shirt forgotten on the floor and craned her neck to one side, presenting the smooth skin for Neji's taking. Naruto's kiss was soft and gentle, but Neji invoked something primal in her; her own breath was getting shallower and heavier.

When she gave another long pleasurable moan, Neji lifted his head. He watched as she opened her eyes; the beautiful lavender eyes that were similar to his yet different in a lot of other ways.

"I want you…" Neji unashamedly said, Hinata's thumbs that caressed the nape of his neck were quickly erasing the sanity that left in his mind.

"Then take me, Neji…" she omitted the usual suffix she used on him, lowering her voice that made his gut fluttered in anticipation.

Neji shook his head gently, but quickly said as he saw her closing up again, "It's not you… I want you, so badly that I hurt, but I can't take advantage of you… You're still in pain and if you wake up tomorrow, realising what I've done, you'll regret it and I won't be able to forgive myself for hurting you…"

There was a defiant look in her eyes. "I want to forget… make me forget Neji. And I won't blame you, but for tonight, just help me forget…" It was not something that Hinata usually said; she was far too shy to act wantonly like that but this desire and want that she felt was far too good to let go.

"Please…" Hinata whispered the words into Neji's ears, pressing herself more till Neji could feel the soft mounds of her chest on his wet shirt.

Neji hesitated, his arousal throbbed painfully; the way Hinata rubbed herself, albeit a little and so very gently sent him to the point of no return. "There's no turning back, Hinata…"

She shook her head, agreeing with a soft "No…"

There was a possessive look in Neji's light eyes as he leaned down and took Hinata's lips in another searing kiss. They broke and kiss again as both undressed each other painfully slow, hands and skin brushed the other shyly, yet each touch made their ivory smooth skin hot and burned, rosy blushes forming as Neji was left with not a thread on his muscular body and only lacy bra and panty on Hinata.

Neji guided the blushing princess onto the wide bed, gently lowering her down onto the light cotton sheet. Hinata pressed herself upward with a soft breath as Neji slid himself on top of Hinata. They watched each other's faces, small smile adorning their lips.

"Neji…" Hinata's voice was husky; she ran her palm onto Neji's hard chest; the man grunt in pleasure as the soft pads brushed his nipples, hardening them instantly. Hinata was a natural seducer, her touch awakening something beastly and possessive in him. He wanted to protect this beautiful woman even more so now.

Slowly, Neji slid his hand into Hinata's back, taking in the pleasure Hinata was giving him with the hands that roamed without fixed pattern on his body. He unclasped the hook of the bra and slowly pushed the strips aside. He leaned his head down, grasping the lacy material in his teeth and threw it away. Hinata giggled; it was so unlike Neji.

With one hand, Neji took the soft globe in his hand. Hinata's own hands stilled on his back and hip. She arched her back so she could feel the pressure of Neji's hand. Neji kneaded her breast gently, lowering his head again so he could take the other one into his mouth, running his tongue around her areola and flicked the tip of his tongue onto her nipple. He did this till she sobbed and begged for him and he changed his attention to the other bud, flicking it till it stood proudly in his mouth.

The pleasure was too much for Hinata; she wriggled herself impatiently, trying to ease the ache she felt in between her legs. "Neji…" she moaned again, lifting up one leg and ran the heel at the back of Neji's thigh, giving him signal where she wanted him the most.

"Shhh… patient, Hinata…" he lifted his head, watching her face contorted in pleasure and love swell into his chest.

"Neji…" Hinata's voice was desperate. She squeezed her hand on Neji's ass, making him chuckled. His velvety dark voice caressed her skin, sending tingles in her gut and down her spine. She suddenly loved his voice; maybe she had been since younger, but she didn't realize it up till this point.

"Neji!" Hinata gasped, shutting her eyes closed instantly when he cupped her arousal through the lacy material of her panty- the only article left between them. His low chuckles sent another tingle across her body.

Neji leaned down, kissing her temple while his fingers teased her petals down below. "You're already wet, Hinata…" his husky voice made her shudder, his fingers moved faster, making Hinata rubbed back against them.

Hinata whimpered when Neji took off his fingers and ran his palm across her milky thigh. She opened his eyes, asking and pleading silently. The ache in between her legs was unbearable and she needed him now!

He gave her a gentle, small smile, something that Neji had never given her before and slowly pulls of the wet garment. Hinata bucked her hips unconsciously when he moved oh too slowly and her eyes widened when her skin touched his large erection.

Neji threw of her panty, taking in the enthralling sight below him; his member pulsed in excitement and hardened more if possible. "Afraid?" he asked her teasingly, sliding one finger in between her petals. Hinata gasped in pleasure, her body writhed wantonly.

"N-Neji… p-please," she breathed raggedly, her legs spread wider for him as he slipped another finger. He pumped his finger in and out, in and out, wanting Hinata to feel the promise of the pleasure he would give her. "I-I need you, Neji…" Hinata cried as the third finger slid into her wet core, she felt herself close.

"I want to see you coming first, Hinata… come for me, let it go…" he instructed as her lips opened in silent scream, her walls clenched his fingers desperately; small spasms wrecked her body.

Hinata shook her head. "I need you… please… now…!" she sobbed, wanting Neji inside her, not his fingers. "Neji…" she moaned, her eyes wide, begging Neji to take her there and then; she needed something thicker and larger, his slender fingers were not enough. "Neji…" Hinata arched her back, pressing and rubbing her hard nipples onto his wide chest, showing him how much she wanted him inside of her.

Sweat broke on Neji's forehead, Hinata was seducing him purposely! He heard her cries when he slipped off his finger. Hinata opened her eyes, watching Neji's controlled face as he position himself; she buried her fingers in Neji's hair and then ran her palms on his sweaty back, wanting him to slide in deeper.

"Neji…" Hinata moaned in pleasure as he pushed in deeper; the velvety texture of his hardness caressed Hinata's smooth, tight walls, making them instantly clamped around him. Neji grunt, the pleasure was even better than he thought; with one swift thrust, he pushed deep into Hinata, making her cried in pleasure and clung her dear life onto him.

Neji gave Hinata a few moments to adjust and then he slid out before slowly sliding in again. On the third stroke, Hinata wrapped his legs around Neji's waist, successfully pushing him deeper into her in the process. Neji groaned, pleasure coursed through his lithe body.

"D-Deeper…" Hinata's husky tone teased Neji's ears and he slammed into her deeper and faster. Hinata rocked her body to match Neji's rhythm, the bed creaking with each thrust, the sound louder as he pushed harder into her.

The coiling in her stomach pooled low inside her as she started to see white at the corner of her eyes. "N-Neji!" Hinata cried as white blinding her, making her body shook in spasm; her nails bit into Neji's back, drawing blood.

The painfully tight clamping and spasm on his arousal; combined with Hinata's pleasured cries and expression were the last straw for Neji. With a shout of her name, he came into her, spilling his seed to the brim and it tickled down their milky thigh.

Neji lied down next to Hinata, but he took her so that she lied partially on top of him without breaking where they were united down below. Their breaths were the only ones heard as both fight to come down from the euphoria they experienced.

Hinata rested her head at the crook of Neji's neck, inhaling the masculine scent unique to him. She brought her hand forward, spreading her palm and fingers on his broad chest. It finally stopped above his heart; she could feel the soft thumping, a small smile spread on her pink lips.

Neji brought Hinata closer, then he laced his fingers into Hinata's spread ones on his chest. Gently he kissed the crown of Hinata's head, whispering for her to sleep and rest. With a content and reassured smile, Hinata slowly slid his eyelids closed.

She couldn't imagine her life without Neji.

000

It was almost mid-morning when a pair of lavender eyes fluttered open. Though she felt a bit sore here and there, there was a content feeling in her heart, warm, welcoming and loving. The last thought made Hinata's head snapped to one side, a peaceful looking, sleeping Neji lied unconsciously, unaware of the panic and turbulence that started to form in Hinata's mind.

The Hyuuga heiress gulped, her palm started to sweat when her mind recalled the whole scene last night- she was such a slut!

As if sensing the discomfort small movement Hinata was making, Neji's eyes slowly opened. The distress look on his cousin's face told Neji exactly what she was thinking.

"Hinata…" the brunette called the woman he loved since they were younger; his palm caressed the bare hand of Hinata's that's not covered by the blanket.

Hinata looked away, very much aware that they both didn't have anything beneath the blanket that covered them. Neji must have hated her for using him like that. It wasn't her intention, really. She was hurt and sad and she wanted to forget everything.

There must be other effective ways to heal her deep cut but she chose to seduce her cousin instead and because he was so kind, he let her have her way- even if he had to sacrifice. Guilt laced in Hinata's heart as some pearly tears started to pool in her eyes.

"Hinata," Neji called again, firmly this time when she didn't respond to him the first time. When Hinata made no move to acknowledge him, he half-sit and half-lie on the bed, placing his hands on her shoulder and face to turn her towards him.

Neji didn't expect Hinata's tears streaming down her face.

Instantaneously he pulled her into his arms, cooing soft, comforting words into her ears. She tried to pull out but Neji's strong hold trapped her in his embrace.

"I'm sorry…" Hinata's voice laden with guilt and it was obvious.

"For what?"

"I used you, Neji-niisan… I'm so sorry… You must have hated me very much now and I understand if-" Hinata's words were cut when she was being kissed rather roughly. She tried to resist it at first but Neji was persistent, coaxing her into submission and seducing her with his lips into kissing him back.

Hinata gave up in the end, parts of her body had been awakened when Neji abruptly hugged her and more were awakened when he initiated the lip-lock. Neji groaned satisfactorily as she parted her lips and he teasingly licked her inner mouth till she arched and pressed herself more into him. By the time they broke off from their kiss, the blanket had pooled around their hips and both were panting quite heavily.

As Hinata realized that the upper part of her body was exposed, she frantically searched for the garment. But Neji stopped her, cupping her face lovingly and looked straight into her eyes.

"There's nothing to be ashamed of and there's nothing to be sorry about us, Hinata…"

Hinata's eyes cast down, avoiding Neji's penetrating gaze. "I used you…" she whispered guiltily.

"Did you, now?" there was an amused tone in Neji's voice that made Hinata looked at Neji in surprise. Neji's face softened. "I knew why you did it but I'm also at guilt if that's what you're feeling… In fact, it's maybe I who should be sorry, not you…"

Hinata looked at him intently, trying to find what Neji was talking about.

"I've loved you since we were younger, Hinata… and I still do… but you chose Naruto before and I couldn't bear to destroy your happiness. If you'd let me, I'd love to fill in the gap in your heart and heal your pain…"

Hinata's eyes widened. "W-what?"

"I'm not going to force you. If your answer is no, I'll let you go willingly because there's nothing that I'd do to hurt or force you. And don't say yes because you feel oblige to. It will only hurt us both." Neji said softly, though his voice was firm, there was hope evident in his eyes. This was not the Neji that Hinata knew. It was very much different from the one she grew up with.

Sure, she had seen his soft and vulnerable sides. She had seen the best of him as well as the worst. And if there's anyone who would know Neji very well, it was her and in return, it was also Neji who knew her inside out. They weren't that close when they were children, but as they grew older, they confessed to each other their deepest secrets, desires and fears. Consequently, they respected each other very much, as much as they loved the other.

But Hinata never anticipated that Neji would love her more than she did on him.

She didn't quite know how to assimilate the new information. It was foreign but in a way it was very much comfortable and reassuring. It was like she had finally found an answer for her heart but she never thought that it would be Neji.

But last night… last night…. She had never even felt that happy and that satisfied with Naruto. They way Neji held her, the way Neji kissed her, the way Neji slipped into her, it was like she was the most fragile thing he had ever handled and Hinata felt precious.

She felt loved. Truly loved and she loved it so much that her heart ached.

When Hinata stared at him for minutes and made no movement, Neji knew he found his answer. With a smile, though it was painful to summon one, he grabbed the blanket and pulled it up to cover Hinata from the shoulder down. He pressed a swift, light kiss on her forehead and turned to the side to take his shower and leave the house.

Neji's sudden movement broke Hinata from her stupor and in panic, she clutched his hand tightly. Her heart broke when he saw the stoic mask on Neji's face. Hinata shook her head softly, not knowing what to say.

"I'm not going to hate you, if that's what you're afraid of, Hinata. We will still remain cousins and best friend," she had to admire him for the steady tone in his voice.

Hinata shook her head furiously. "That's not what-" the dark haired female took a big breath, trying to express her feelings that were so mixed up. She was overwhelmed but at the same time she couldn't help feeling happy and nervous. "I don't know what I'm feeling at the moment…" she started, torn apart whether to look into his eyes or avoid his gaze.

"Hinata-"

"But I'm willing to give us a chance," Hinata interrupted him, her voice louder, firmer and was with so much conviction that Neji was speechless for a moment. Then a small upturn on his lips was formed as he sat down back on the bed and kissed her thoroughly- something that Hinata didn't anticipate but gladly took part in.

'I'm willing to give us a chance just as much as Naruto's willing to gamble everything by going to Tokyo…'

TBC
Next: Naruto's visit in Tokyo... and the secret...