Standard disclaimer applicable.

Seasons
By: TF

NejiNaru told through one-shots and drabbles.

In Public

In public they weren't going to hold hands. Discreet brushes were acceptable, but nothing further.

In public they weren't going to cuddle, weren't going to stand close enough that the lines of their bodies melded together.

In public there was to be no glomping, hugging, fawning, or kissing, unless at acceptable super-ninja speeds. And acceptable super-ninja speeds were never easily seen.

In public they were to act normal. One would keep up his cold distance while the other bounced from person to person with unmitigated energy, a demon powered that never seemed to run out.

In public they weren't supposed to look or act like a couple. They weren't supposed to give off that aura that couples normally had, but sometimes it just happened anyway.

In public they weren't to be seen together more than was normal, but both made more of an effort to be where the other way anyway.

In public their façade was supposed to be perfect, unbreakable, smooth, and unbreakable. But they were in a village full of ninja, and the bigger the secret, the faster it spread, so there were numerous cracks already present before their cover was even in place.

In public they were supposed to act like nothing was happening, but between Naruto's uncanny ability to ruin any carefully erected non-mission-related plan, and the blond's inability to keep anything discreet, their public face had been shattered within the first few days. Neji had ended up just sighing and shaking his head while Naruto blushed crimson and scratched the back of his head, trying to look innocent and failing.

In public they weren't supposed to be together, but they were, and everyone knew about it, and there was nothing they could do.

TBC…