"Um, hold on please. Rori," Hinata said before we all stopped walking.
"Put it to my ear. ...Gil?"
"Yes?"
"Yeah, change of plans. Can you come as soon as possible? We're leaving now."
"Of course Master Rori. I'll be there soon," Gilroy responded before he got cut off. Huh? That was weird. What was that loud music in the background? Pfft. He probably won't tell me anyway...
"Oh, you can close the phone now. Thanks."
Neji's been pretty silent. I wonder what he's thinking.
"Rori, where are you even going?" Naruto complained.
"I noticed a bus stop near the school. We'll sit there and wait for Gilroy."
Once we got there, I noticed the seat wasn't very big. There was only enough room for three people. I placed Neji on one of the edges with Naruto still next to him.
"Sit down Hinata."
"What about you Rori?"
"I'm never gonna get up if I sit down now. Go," I lied in a somewhat tired voice. Actually, the fight left me with a bit of energy. It was probably some adrenaline that was left over. Now that I think of it... Didn't he say using that technique would make me pass out? Hmm...
"Earth to Rori," I heard Naruto's voice yelling at me, "Are you coming or what?!"
I came back out of my trance to see Gilroy and the limo right in front of me.
"Oh, yeah."
Hinata was already in one of the rear facing seats. I slid in first, while Naruto helped me get Neji in, then got in himself.
"Naruto? You're not going back to the dance?"
"No, why? I didn't come with anyone."
That's not really what I meant, but okay... We were silent during the whole ride. The silence was a bit awkward, but I suppose that's normal with the particular group of people that occupied the vehicle. Other than that, I felt pretty comfortable with it. Naruto and I had let go of Neji so that his body could rest properly. Neji kept his eyes on the ground as the rest of us gazed out through the windows.
"Oh, hey Hinata. What was your father doing at school? I didn't know he was going to be there."
Obviously.
"The school likes to get parents involved, so during dances, they ask teachers and parents to each volunteer half an hour to chaperone. They ask them for field trips and other special events as well. It's also a good way for the school to raise money."
"Oh..."
Yeah, that makes sense. Ugh, it's just my luck he'd show up the exact time I decide to be an idiot and take Neji on. Neji turned his head toward the windows Naruto had been looking out of.
"It's almost eight thirty. My uncle should be home by now," Neji spoke as the Hyuga Mansion came into view. Gilroy slowed to a stop, and Naruto and I opened our doors.
"Um, Naruto. Actually, I think it's best if you stay here. If you don't mind."
"...Okay."
I got out first, then helped Hinata out. I helped Neji out next. It was easier to help him on my own this time, since he was able to rest for the twenty minutes it took us to arrive to the mansion. The three of us finally reached the door, and Hinata rang the doorbell. Within seconds, Hiashi answered the door, and he did not look happy. Then, he looked to Neji with a slightly surpised expression.
"Hello Father," Hinata spoke.
"Come in," Hiashi invited me, no doubt due to Neji's condition. He led us to the living room. It was quite spacious and simply decorated. Their living room was dressed in white and off white with hints of dark brown. There was a green ginori tea set neatly placed across the coffee table, and the woman I assumed was Hinata's mother had been drinking from one as we walked in.
"Hinata, go to your room please."
"But Father-"
"Do not disrespect me, young lady."
"Yes, Father."
"Dear, would you mind taking the tea set back to the kitchen?"
"Of course," the woman said as the two females swiftly left the room. I set Neji down and turned to face Hiashi.
"... May I?" I began.
"Go ahead," Hiashi answered before he sat down himself.
"I realize there is no excuse for what I've done. I was reckless and acted without thinking. However, I was only defending ... someone who is too gentle of a person to defend himself. I understand any feeling of repugnance you may have toward me, and I accept any punishment you may have forged for me," I spoke before I knelt down and bowed my head like a knight to his king, another habit from my old life.
"Punishment?"
I looked up to see Hiashi. He had an amused look on his usually stern figure. I wasn't sure how to read that.
"Without you, I'd never have any idea what was going on between Hinata and Neji. I never let anyone else get involved with them because Hinata needs to learn to stand up for herself. I knew they argued with one another, but I wasn't aware Neji had taken this so far."
Hiashi looked to Neji who turned his gaze in another direction.
"I'm actually surprised that you took Neji on. No one's ever dared, knowing the training he's had. Then again, I suppose you had no clue, did you?"
"I had an idea. Hinata mentioned your dojo at the dance sometime earlier."
"It was courageous of you to face Neji, young man," Hiashi's lip then turned up into a small grin, "Even more so for a young lady."
"!?" Neji looked over in surprise.
"Courage has nothing to do with it. ... I've learned to fight for what I believe in. ... How did you know I was a girl?"
"My wife and I took notice of your mannerisms and choice of words. It wasn't a hard detail to pick up on. However..."
"..."
"I do have one question."
"What is that, Sir?"
"Do you have feelings for my daughter?"
"I only invited her as a friend. I have no interest in girls."
Hiashi closed his eyes and nodded, "I understand."