Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or Naruto. Only the OC is my idea, her backstory, abilities, appearance, etc. I do not make any money from this story. Some characters may be a bit out of character.

Opening the door to his apartment, Neji entered the living room and blinked a little at the energy in the unit. Two days had passed since Chiaki and the others had recaptured Aizen. Thanks to the efforts of Kisuke, Yoruichi, Momo and Yumichika the hollows that had been trying to break through from Hueco Mundo had been unable to. Hanataro had helped Chiaki speed up the recovery of the other Shinobi including Hinata.

He'd felt a bit of the energy that he was currently sensing but now it was overwhelming as if he was drowning in it. He followed the sadness that he was sensing and came to his room, the room that she had been sleeping in for nearly two months. She was there, sitting on the edge of the bed, a bag packed beside her. She was wearing the brown leggings and a red over sized shirt that came down half way down her legs to her knees. She didn't acknowledge him but her focus on her hands neatly clasped in her lap steadily held her focus. He knocked on the door to make his presence known as she seemed oblivious to the world around her right now. Upon his knocking, she glanced up and he felt as if his heart had ripped in half at the sight. Tears were streaming down her face and now he could see the dampness on her shirt where her tears had fallen.

Wordlessly he went to her and knelt in front of Chiaki, his arms neither open nor closed. He took her hand into his own and she let herself fall into his arms, he caught her and held her tightly as he dared to himself while her tears soaked into his shirt. She was leaving. He knew this to be certain. What was uncertain was when they'd next see each other. Soul Society had its own issues but did their best to guard each living world against evil spirits that would consume human souls.

A part of Neji wished that he could go with her but there was that trouble with the Akatsuki, and they seemed to be more active recently. He couldn't in good conscience leave now and abandon his friends when they'd need every able Shinobi on hand. He also had a duty to protect Lady Hinata and Lady Hanabi if a war should break out.

Then another part wished she could stay here but she was in a high ranked position within the guard squads, and she had her nephew to go home to, and her father. It was very likely she had her own friends as well.

Neji nuzzled into her hair as her sobs slowed. He wanted to ask but he couldn't find the words to inquire without upsetting her. Instead he rubbed her back and she reached up, pulling the red ribbon out of her hair. He smiled a little as he played with the chestnut coloured locks, and smiled when he felt her eyes close against his neck.

"I'm a coward," she whispered.

"Why do you say that?"

"I was going to leave before you got back. I don't like goodbyes," she admitted.

"I don't know anyone who enjoys them, but I'm glad that you didn't leave yet," Neji replied as he kissed her hair.

Chiaki's hands clutched at the fabric of his shirt as she confessed, "I'm sorry but I don't think I'll be here for my birthday."

"I guessed," Neji replied as he cuddled her close to himself. Her breathing had picked up and shallowed again at the idea.

"Neji?"

"Hmm?"

"Would you lay down with me? I could use a nap but I don't know," she rambled.

Neji chuckled a little as he shifted her bag off the bed, he then shifted her in his arms and stood with her. He turned around and sat on the bed with Chiaki, before laying down, the woman cuddled up to him.

Chiaki nuzzled into his neck, his musky scent filling her nose and calming her. 'I won't have this after today. Not for a long time, anyway,' she thought to herself.

Neji rubbed her arm as he cuddled her close, the scent of peaches and vanilla coming from her hair was nearly intoxicating. His other hand came up to play with her hair and smiled as he mused, "you're like a daisy."

"How am I like a daisy?"

"Well, to me you are. It's true enough that daffodils symbolize new beginnings, but daisies are quite different," Neji began.

Chiaki was now watching him intently as he continued, "from what Ino told me, daisies symbolize many things: love, cheerfulness, beauty, purity, innocence, hope, fun, and affection. They're often gifted to new mothers as a symbol of childbirth and motherhood."

He looked to Chiaki and held her gaze as he concluded, "you didn't give birth, but you are a mother figure to Tetsuya. You may not think that you're very cheerful but you certainly have more cheer in your demeanor than I did when I was in pain. You may not think that you're innocent but you willingly accepted my help when you first came here and didn't even know me. I could've been a crazed serial killer. You may see yourself as a monster, but you take the faintest bit of information about an enemy and utilize it against them to keep your comrades safe when they're unable to defend themselves. I don't think you'd continue to serve with as much dedication as you do if you didn't have hope that those who think poorly of you could change their minds. I've had the most fun being around you than I've had with anyone in my life. You're affectionate, and it makes it easy to be affectionate with you. I see you as a daisy, because I love you."

"I love you too," Chiaki answered as she cuddled up close to Neji. He wrapped his arms around her and held her close as he whispered, "get some sleep. Don't think about tomorrow. Right now, right here, it's only us."

Chiaki nodded a little, her eyes closed while she wondered to herself, 'I don't know how Aizen broke free. I don't know how I happened to be the one close enough to pursue him. But the one thing I'm most grateful for Neji Hyuga is the acceptance, friendship and love that I see when I look in your eyes.'