Another warm and lovely day in Konoha, at your home/apartment Natsuki and Kaito with Onyx watch you double checking that you had everything. Dressed and ready, you had a mission assigned to you, well to more specific it was more of you asking to go. Tsunade had tasked you with recovering some things needed for the war. Which you didn't mind, she told you would though have a partner that would accompany you. That was fine by you. It was just a few weeks before the war and there was still things that needed to be done. Gathering this information would always help you too. Seeing that you had everything, no sooner had you finished a knock came to your door. Natsuki goes to answer it, and to her detest finds her least favorite person at the door.
Giving the guest a scowl. Which they return right back at the rude girl. Both of them lock gazes, snarling at each other. The feeling was rather mutual, of their intensity mutual loathing for one another. Natsuki had no problem expressing it. It hadn't changed since day one, when they met. When they would get like this, Kaito would mostly panic, until someone came in to break them up.
Golden energy outlines the girl and moves her back a few feet, placing her at side. She looks up at you upset you interfered like always, huffing. Kaito did his best to conceal his laughter, which earned him threatening glare from Natsuki.
"Natsuki, don't be rude."you in a sense scold her, releasing her from hold. Turning back around to visitor, greeting them happy smile and warm hug."Good morning, Neji."
He hugs you back with tender smile, only meant for you."Good morning, May."
Kaito springs from his spot and hurries to your side, looking up at Neji smiling big and cute."Good morning, Neji!" The Hyuga looks down at the gushing boy, who was always so delighted to see him.
"Good morning, Kaito."Neji returns it, making Kaito gush from the acknowledgement he received from him. Leaving him speechless.
You couldn't help but softly laugh at his behavior, Neji never quite understood why the boy would get that way around him. Often finding it rather indifferent. None the less he treated the boy with respect.
Turning back to you he asks if you're ready, which you tell him yes. With heartfelt good-byes mainly on Kaito's part, you leave with Neji. When you realized something."Where's Hinata?"
He looks at you for a sec."She won't be joining us." He tells you. With that the two of you leave the village.
It was going to take a few days to reach the area Tsunade told you to go to. Which you didn't mind one bit, it allowed you to sight see everything. The vast lands and openness of this world. The colors and nature. Each view was as exciting as the last. Neji stood on the ground, while you flew here and there. Up in the trees coming across creatures of all kinds. Eyes full of amazement and wonder. Laughter always escaping you. The Land of Fire was a glorious place. You two came across smaller villages, towns. Which of course you stopped at each, such a tourist. Even though you had mission to do, you couldn't help but awe at everything. Kaito and Natsuki on your mind, you wanted to get them something from every place you visit. But Neji told you one thing would be enough. The two of you would if in a village or town take up residence for the evening, though you preferred the outdoors more. Even when it rained, Neji managed to find a cave and the two of you would rest there. You would stay awake to watch the rain. You would asks Neji about the many things you saw, he didn't mind answering them for you. Many would think something was wrong with you, for asking such trivial things, but he knew that was far from it.
No matter how far you went, he always kept his eyes on you. Known for wondering off or getting lost in thought, it was easy for you just float away. Which made the trip a bit longer, because of your site seeing. He could have easily rushed you, but decided against it. The fact you where enjoying yourself was all that mattered. Seeing you actually smile for real, to see you show your true self. Was wroth it. Even when you picked up a dandelion to blow the fluff and had him blow one. Which he didn't at first, but you let up until he did. During the stops in the villages and towns, he followed you closely as you explored. The way you took delight in the simple things brought a smile to his face every time. On normal missions when it involved others, it was hard for the two of you just be alone. Besides back in the village with Natsuki and Kaito if that counted. And maybe a few times without them in the village, since the two of you kept it hidden from the others besides Hinata. If was just a simple walk in the morning or evening. Sparing. Relaxing by a stream for a few minutes, before the rest of Team Guy came. Anything really. Since the two of you both jonins, missions came up and the Hyuga's having meetings ate most of the time.
Now, with this mission it was just the two of you, a much overdo date in a sense. Which was why Neji didn't bother to rush or speed you up. He was able to walk closer with you, and show affection much more. Though was careful at the same time encase someone would try to take advantage of the two of you in that state. Though when outside and away from the towns and villages he didn't really mind. When it came to resting, he showed it more, always waking up next to you. Still asleep or at times up before him. Making something to eat, you talked much more and tired to tell jokes which ended with you explaining them. You would bring up about Natsuki and Kaito, expressing your concerns and worries over them. How much you loved them. Bring up your time and memories of your life back home. Which would lead to either being happy or being coming rather quiet. He would tell you things about himself a bit more, from his childhood. So talking on both sides. When he did speak of growing up, he could see the bit of jealousy and sadness in your eyes, having not grown up like the rest of them. He assured you might not have grown up like them but you've grown none the less.
Finally after a few days the two of you reached the destination , by high noon. Uzushiogakure. Village of the Whirlpools. Your eyes laid upon the ruins of the desolated nation. You couldn't help but feel horrible and sorrow for this place. It was broken and destroyed. This was where Naruto and Natsuki's family came from, recalling what Tsunade told you about the place and those that once lived here, you didn't understand why others would want to destroy them. All because of the power they feared. It wasn't fair. It wasn't right.
Poor Natsuki, you wondered if she even knew about this place. A part of you didn't want to savage through the ruins and rubble of this land just to get the information needed. Even if it was a mission, the moral of doing such a thing was wrong. A hand rest on your shoulder, it was Neji, you look at him hesitant to actually go through this. Which he understood.
"The sooner it's done. The better."he said, not the most comforting words. But it brought you back.
Taking on the ruins, Neji using his eyes to help you find what you needed. You used your strength to remove anything in the way. For a destroyed village it was very lovely and peaceful. You really wanted to know what it was like back when this village was around. Your imagination took back to the time what you thought it might be. It was nice, until you came back to reality. The escapade took a few hours, when the sun began to set Neji thought it would be good to set up camp. He finished just as the sun was half way down, to find you where to be found so he set out to find you. His eyes activated to make easier. He called for you but you didn't respond.
You lift one of the broken pillars to remove the doll you had found crushed underneath to jump back in fright at the crushed skeleton of a child their hand still clenching to the doll. It was just horrific and sad. You silently mourn for them, for everyone single soul in this place. How could people just take life away like this? You weren't any better coming here to find if you could anything for sealing jutsus. To take back to the village, Tsunade assigned this mission to you. You had managed to find enough, a few you could use for yourself in your Grimora.
Looking down at the doll, it was somewhat still in tact. Though through years it had become tattered and worn. A bit of hair on the top. Dusting it off gently, you remembering seeing this out the corner of your eyes when you and Neji came over here. You wonder what the name of the doll could be? Better the name of the child who it belonged to. Answer that you would not get. To no longer have a home anymore, this place mirrored you greatly. Looking around, you continue through the desolated village. Your fingers tracing the symbols craved in stone. Coming across what might have been a house, more skeletons. Your mind began to formulate what might have went down here. The terrified screams rang through, running feet trying to escape their fate. Cries and pleads. Innocent victims, all of them. You could feel the past's emotions take hold of you. Giving you a much more deeper insight of it all. The smell of blood and sound of fire burning. Child, women, and men trying to flee if they there lucky. Some struck down, unable to escape. You became stuck, compelled and a sense of remorse over took you. These poor souls had yet to be at rest. Setting the doll down, in the seiza position. Bring your hands together and interlock your fingers, and begin praying.
Neji finally found you, in the center. He makes his way over to you, about to call when he stops in his tracks and listens. Watching you from behind mourn for the fallen village. Carefully he listen to every single word that you said. He could hear the sadness and grief. Apologizing to the dead for this misfortune. Apologizing to Natsuki and Naruto for the loss of their home. Expressing your own sympathy of no longer having a home to return back too nor a family. Everything you've kept inside that you hid rather well from the others. He heard it all. Wishing you could make it all go away. Wishing you could have done something for them. For everyone. He heard your insecurities, everything just began to pour out. Confusion, hurt, and anger about what life really was? Why must those who are different suffer? Comparing yourself to the fallen village before you.
Having heard he goes over to console you."Neji?"you turn around surprised he found. You try to hide your grieving from him with a forced smile, standing up quickly stating you where just fine. Apologizing for not returning and seeing if camp was set up."You must be hungry. I will get the food started."
You walk off forcing yourself to hum merrily returning to the camp with Neji following.
Night replaced the sun, you dinner for the two of you. You did your best to make it seem like you where doing fine. Talking and laughing, thrilled by how much the two of you found and knowing Tsunade would be pleased. It would greatly help out in the war. Then about Natsuki and Kaito, how you hoped they weren't doing anything they shouldn't be. Then again they might be. Mainly Natsuki, no telling what she might be dragging Kaito into. And hopefully Kaito made some friends. You talked about a few fun times from your life back home. Asked Neji how the meetings in clan where going. He played along with your small talk. It was your way of coping.
After eating you and Neji get ready to sleep. He puts out the fire and before going to bed. A few hours into the night he wakes up to find an empty spot next to him. He wasn't surprise really, getting up he looks around ready to activate his eyes to spot you sitting by the edge of the bank, staring at the ruins and rubble. Your eyes reflecting pain and grief. Heavy with tears wishing to come, but none would. It was prominent you still were bothered by the place. You couldn't help but feel a huge amount of remorse.
"It's rather late to be up." Neji said, standing behind you."Come. We leave in a few hours. You need to rest." You didn't budge nor move. You just remain there.
"...Their lives, were just taken. Their home. Everything." you speak openly, your voice begins to crack."Like my own." You mumble that part. "It is very sad. Natsuki and Naruto, this belong once to those of their relations. Now gone. How can I sleep, if knowing..."you pause to lament. Just thinking of everything. It was just so sad and confusing.
Neji could see you trying to make sense of it all, but you just couldn't which in turn made you angry."We can't remain in the past. If we choose to, one can't move forward. Things in life happen and it can be difficult to understand." He takes a sit by you."We may never know. But that doesn't mean we should stop. Behind every tragedy, something wonderful always come out. It is sad on what happen here. I cannot fully imagine how you must be feeling, since being here. You don't have to try and hide it from me. I don't need to use my eyes to see the pain you're in. These ruins remind you of your old life back in your world. It's no more. Nothing but mere memories. You keep digging in hopes of trying to find anything of the past to hold onto."he takes out the doll, you look at it softly.
Taking it from him. Silently you begin to whimper to yourself, holding the doll close for comfort. He was right. You would give anything to hold onto to something from back home. And keep it safe, you always kept digging more and more to try and find it. Despite starting a new life here. In truth it was rather hard, even if you had grown accustom to being here now. Still. You wanted your life back, a part of it. Having it fade away or become ruins. To have it taken away...
Neji places his hand on yours."I am sorry. But know one thing."You look at him. His eyes soften and he touches his forehead with yours."I am right here and wish to be your future. The past is a cage and the future is freedom ready to take flight." His hand gently grasps your, and begins to interlock his fingers slowly with yours.
The doll started to slip out, realizing this you wanted to grab it. But Neji takes hold of your other hand preventing you. You could easily overpower him if you wanted too, but you just didn't have the strength. Instead you wanted his comfort. He pulls into a secure hug. Turning you away from the ruins. His arms never felt so strong,. wrapped around your petite frame. You felt pathetic and weak. Lifting your head up about to apologize, to be stopped and silenced by Neji. Stopping you with deep kiss. It was passionate and loving. Everything he held in all in one kiss. He made the kiss deeper, and you along with it. He breaks it just for a few seconds, staring down at you under him. With those few seconds he kept his eyes locked with yours, he was all he wanted you to see and nothing else. Normally his eyes where focus and serious, now loving and gentle.
"Will you be my future?"he whispers to you."Because you are mine." He didn't have to wait for you to answer, he could see it in your eyes. He gently touches his forehead with yours."Don't be scared." He comforts you."I will be your new future."
Morning came, your eyes open first to find yourself greeted by the beautiful crystal water glistening before you. It was a lovely sight. Slowly you move when you felt something tighten around your waist. Alarmed you look down to find a bare arm wrapped you tightly. Following the arm, you find the owner.
Neji.
Sleeping intimately close to you, half clothed. His hair covering his upper body a bit. Feeling a bit of a draft, you look down to find yourself nude, covered in his shirt like blanket. This wasn't what you had on last night. Out the corner of your eye, you notice the doll a few feet away in the grass. Your eyes linger on it for a bit, then turn to Neji and look at him. Then back to the doll. Contemplating.
Natsuki board out of her mind lounged lazily at home, Kaito eagerly looking out the window for any sign of May and Neji. Onyx by his side like always.
"You look stupid."Natsuki tells him, snickering."What are you some dog?"
Kaito looks at her sticking out his tongue."I'm not a dog. May and Neji should have been back by now."he said turning back around.
"Maybe they ran away, because they got tired of you."she teases him. Which he didn't take very kindly.
"Stop being mean."he tells her, which earned him a threatening look. Scaring him. Earning a snicker from her. He returns his gaze back to the window, when his eyes light up with joy and delight."May! Neji!"He exclaims jumping up and down."Their back! Their back!"
Hopping off the couch he hurries to the door, opening it. Jumping up and down with glee, Natsuki sits up just as he races out. Grumbling annoyed. Reminding herself he was going to get it. But that would have to wait, you came in with Neji following. Adding more to Natsuki's annoyance seeing the Hyuga. And as always the feeling was mutual with Neji. Kaito was hugging your leg, his mouth firing off a mile a minute asking how everything was. You were happy to be home and see him too as well Natsuki.
You take Kaito off your leg, setting him down. Just as he stopped with his last question. He waits for you to answer. You smile at him and hold out your hand."Why don't we instead go get some ice-cream?" Hearing that he became delighted.
He turns to Natsuki with huge smile."Natsuki come on let's go get ice-cream!"
She groans from his joyful vibe."...Fine!"she snaps at him, getting up walking out coolly."Though blindly better be paying."she points to Neji, who scuffs at the girl. She does the same thing back.
You couldn't help but laugh at the two, Kaito went back to get Onyx running out with the bird in his arms. Happily running pass Natsuki, who hurries after him yelling. You and Neji watch them. Looking to him, then to the kids with a stressful smile. While he had on a more irritated one. Making you laugh softly. Turning back in the direction of Natsuki and Kaito now half way ahead of you and Neji.
With a pleasant smile on."The future is be great. Thank you. Neji."you give him a kiss on the cheek. He takes hold of your hand.
"Yes. It will be."he agrees with you.