Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto

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Inspired by: Subtext

Setting For Story: Boruto

Set From: Episode 53 (Himawari's Birthday)

Notes: Cousins marrying in Asian culture is seen as the norm; to keep their bloodline pure and keep outsiders from tainting it. I'm sure there were other reasons too.

Updates: Fridays/Saturdays

Chapter 15

A Promise

"Naruto…" Glancing over his shoulder, he paused his eating to greet the Hyuuga with a wide grin and wave. The male was dressed in his shinobi clothing, clean and presentable. He looked like he always did but something was different about the Hyuuga. He couldn't pin-point what exactly and he observed the other cautiously as he settled on the seat beside him. His long, brown hair looked the same too. There was something odd about him today, that unsettled his gut. What was so different? "You're going to get a bald spot if you keep scratching your head like that."

He chuckled nervously; he hadn't realized he'd been doing it. "Hey, Neji. What brings you here today? Are you getting some ramen too?"

"Would you mind being my sparing partner today? My team are all on different missions and Hinata-sama is busy with clan matters." He noticed how Neji's tone changed when he mentioned Hinata and the way his eyes changed from hard and calculating to something soft and affectionate. It wasn't new but it sure had been a surprise when he'd first returned. He was glad, though, that they were getting along. Their bond was unusual to him… they obviously adored each other, just on different levels. It was clear to Naruto that Neji didn't enjoy being called brother. But he allowed it.

"Sure!"

The training grounds were empty but he guessed that Neji already knew that, great eyesight and all. Neji was immediately on him, kunai in hand and eyes blazing – now, he knew what was so different! Neji never attacked first.

He dodged and easily went along with it. Something was wrong and the man clearly needed to get it out, this was why he wanted to spar with him. He knew that he didn't have to hold back and could be as aggressive as he wanted. It was hard to keep up with the prodigy, always narrowly getting slashed or stabbed. He enjoyed the challenge though and they both went at until their clothes were soaked, their breathing heavy. His knees trembled weakly. "That was a great work-out!"

The Hyuuga said nothing and turned from him. He hated it when Neji did that. It was hard to tell what was going through his head and Naruto almost didn't notice how his fists shook, knuckles white. "Why you? I've done my best to make up for my mistakes but it still doesn't seem good enough. I've done everything I could so why…why doesn't she look at me? Why can't she see me the same way she sees you?"

Uncertain, he stayed quiet.

Naruto didn't know who or what the Hyuuga was talking about. He just knew that Neji was being vague on purpose, so he didn't ask questions and listened. "Am I not expressing myself properly? I didn't mind in the beginning because my feelings weren't clear then, however they are now and I feel…no, it is too late. Even if I had to tell her, there's no changing her feelings. You can't force something like this."

He watched the normally stoic man bury his face in his hands and sink hopelessly into the dirt. It was a strangely hard thing to witness yet he felt fortunate to be the one Neji decided to come to. He wasn't his closest friend, but he had come to him anyway. Approaching the Hyuuga slowly, he sank down beside him and looked up to sky – it was clear. Not a single cloud to see. Shikamaru must be having a rough day too. He patted him briefly on the shoulder. "I'm here for you, Neji."

A dry chuckle was his response and Naruto had a feeling he must've missed something obvious. He didn't mind, if it was something he needed to know then he was sure Neji would've clarified.

"Naruto…"

He turned to lock eyes with the Hyuuga. Whatever it was, he'd do it. It was for his friend after all – he was a man of his word. "I later realized he was talking about you."

Naruto wiped the tears from his face, eyes bright as he looked at her. "I promised to keep you safe and happy if he couldn't… Hinata, I thought that by marrying you I would be keeping my promise. Weren't you happy with me?"

"Yes, I was…" She sighed, closing her eyes. She was still angry but she felt overwhelmed. Neji-nii had loved her? That ache in her chest returned, tears threatened to fall. He had loved her…she sighed again, struggling to remember what she needed to say. Neji-nii. "I was but not anymore, Naruto-kun. I can't be happy if you aren't. If Sasuke makes you happy then you should be with him. Marriage is about two people – not just me. Did you ever love me?"

He smiled.

It was hard not to stare; Naruto was a very beautiful person. He would always be beautiful to her, the sun. She supposed, though, there was a saying that staring at the sun too long could be blinding. He had blinded her.

"Yes, Hinata, I did. But Sasuke…"

It was always Sasuke.

She had also always known that. This was everything that she needed to know, her head was clear now. She'd gotten the answers that she wanted and it hurt. It hurt. It hurt but she felt lighter. She felt the same way Sakura appeared to her. A blossom. The world didn't rest on her shoulders anymore. She didn't have to be with Naruto to be happy. She didn't have to be Naruto's wife to be Hinata. She was Hinata. Nothing would change that.

"Stop neglecting our children. They need their father."

He swallowed hard under her glare. "Yes, ma'am."