Quicksand

Chapter 2

The sound of Neji's footsteps were drowned out as he entered the Hyuuga Manor. The house was bustling in preparation for that night's business dinner as caterers set up food and decorators flitted about rearranging the furniture. Neji walked through the house silently, giving some of the older staff polite nods.

He approached his uncle's study confidently, knocking once and then letting himself in without waiting for an answer. Neji was the only person bold enough to enter Hyuuga Hiashi's study before invited.

He wasn't blind to the fact that the Hyuuga Empire wouldn't last long once his cousin Hinata inherited the company. He was fully aware that Hiashi wanted him to run the business while Hinata merely acted as president. It was an unspoken fact that Hiashi was dependent on Neji to ensure the Hyuuga name didn't fall into ruins.

This bit of knowledge was the only thing that gave Neji satisfaction, and it was also the only reason why Hiashi tolerated his rudeness.

Hiashi gave his nephew a glare that would cause most men to piss in their pants.

It proved to be ineffective.

Neji looked back calmly, impassively.

As usual, Neji waited for his uncle to speak first. He'd rather slit his throat with the envelope opener than speak to Hiashi when it wasn't necessary.

He didn't have to wait long before Hiashi's hard voice cut through the air.

"The heads of the different branches of the Hyuuga Empire will be here tonight. As I'm sure you know, we're looking to expand the company and establish a branch in the United States. The man that would be heading up this project is Kaze Keiji. He will be here tonight with this son Gaara. I needn't remind you that the new branch will only be established if Kaze Keiji sees it as a good business investment."

Hiashi paused, and received only silence. "Be here at eight."

"Fine."

Neji hadn't really been listening. He knew all of this already. He'd been further contemplating the multiple uses of envelope openers, while playing a well-rehearsed part of "active listener." It was good practice for later that night.

With a nod of his head, Neji strode out of his uncle's study, not bothering to close the door behind him.

Gaara leaned against the bar, surveying the scene before him. Businessmen and their families milled about, along with many others of Japan's elite.

He threw back a shot of sake, trying to rid himself of that pressing question in the back of his mind.

Was there someone here that was going to try and kill him tonight?

After turning the question over in his head, Gaara concluded that it was unlikely the assassin from last night had been able to get in touch with his father yet, which meant he would be safe for another night.

Even if the assassin had contacted his father, the Kaze Keiji he knew wouldn't attempt an assassin in front of so many people…or so he hoped.

He absently nibbled on some cheese as his gaze landed on a figure that had just stepped through the doorway.

He was dressed in a dark grey suit, a finely pressed shirt and a pink tie.

Pink tie? Oh god, he had to be gay.

The man turned to hand someone his coat, his long dark hair coming into view.

Long silky hair? Definitely a flamer.

Suddenly, pearly eyes met his, causing him to nearly choke on his cheese. He'd never seen eyes so intense.

Shit, do I have cheese on my face! Baka! You can't get cheese on your face, that's just drool! Fuck! Chew, and swallow.

Gaara tore his gaze away from the man at the door and shouted at the bartender for some more sake.

Three shots later and he still couldn't get those eyes out of his head. He told himself that his near death experience with the deadly cheese had been because he was freaked out, but no amount of sake changed the fact that he was drawn to those eyes.

And those eyes were now causing his own eyes to wander around the room in search of the pearly white ones.

It wasn't hard to find him in the crowd, what with the long hair and the (gay) pink tie. Gaara tried to look disinterested as he watched the man interact with those around him.

A small flock of women were hanging about him, stealing caresses against his arm and whispering things in his ear. The man gave them only half-smiles out of courtesy, but even that was enough to make those nearest him swoon.

Which brought Gaara's thoughts back to those eyes. He turned to face the bar.

I have to stop thinking about those eyes.

Neji quickly took in his surroundings upon entering the large dining room that was now serving as the reception hall. The usual business partners and associates were here, as well as the typical group of gold-digging groupies awaiting his arrival. A long-haired blond waved frantically at him.

Neji pretended not to notice and opted to take his coat off, his gaze landing on the red-head at the bar. Neji saw him quickly look away. It was as expected. Not many people could withstand the gaze of a Hyuuga.

Does he have a tattoo on his forehead? Ai? What a freak.

Neji took in the other's black shirt underneath the black suit, a red tie matching his hair.

Great, a goth freak.

Neji turned his attention back to the rest of the room. He spotted Hiashi half-way across the room, bowing slightly to someone Neji didn't recognize. He assumed it could only be Kaze Keiji. Hiashi was never this formal with any of his current associates.

Neji mentally braced himself as he crossed the room toward his uncle, preparing himself for the inevitable bombardment of people coming his way. He plastered a smile on his face, hoping he didn't look too constipated.

He cordially greeted people, making conversations as short as possible without seeming too rude.

Smile and nod, Neji.

Neji had mastered the art of maintaining appearances almost as well as that of conditioning his hair.

His one weakness was the horde of rabid girls that seemed to follow him around relentlessly during social occasions. He could never bring himself to be outright mean, just evasive, which ultimately meant he would be labeled with adjectives such as mysterious, cool, charming…and sexy.

He winced as someone pinched his ass.

Neji quickened his steps, hoping he'd make it to his uncle before he was thoroughly molested.

Finally, Neji was pulled aside by Hiashi.

"Neji, this is Kaze Keiji. Kaze-san, this is my nephew, Hyuuga Neji."

Kaze Keiji bowed, forcing Neji to respond likewise.

The two men continued speaking, with Neji occasionally interspersing the conversation with his own thoughts. The nature of the conversation between Hyuuga Hiashi and Kaze Keiji was equivalent to that of dogs sniffing each others' asses. They were indirectly testing each other by casually mentioning new business ideas and proposals, judging the other person and sizing them up.

After only a couple of minutes, Neji surmised that he didn't like Kaze Keiji. His presence made Neji feel uneasy, which resulted in Neji's great dislike for the man.

Kaze Keiji had cold, ebony eyes and a smile that could be likened to that of a deranged puppet. Neji almost grimaced as Kaze Keiji directed that smile at him.

"Neji, Hyuuga-san tells me you have a brilliant business mind."

He heard Hiashi clear his throat, realizing that unlike his uncle, Kaze Keiji expected a response.

Neji gave him a weak smile. "Thank you."

"I'm sure your Gaara is brilliant as well," Hiashi added.

Kaze Keiji laughed joylessly. "Ah, that's…to be seen. It's been difficult since his mother passed away."

Neji followed Kaze Keiji's gaze toward the red-head at the bar. The look his uncle gave him meant he was expected to go socialize.

He didn't particularly feel the need to be obedient, but ever since he had stepped through the door and made eye contact with the man at the bar, he had wanted to further investigate. His incessant need to remain in control of his surroundings always sparked his curiosity to learn about strangers. He gave Hiashi one last solemn glare to impart the fact that he wasn't doing this for his uncle and made his was toward the bar.

Gaara felt an odd sensation in the pit of his stomach, telling him that someone was getting a little too close for comfort. He blocked the arm before it reached his shoulder, halting its descent towards his body as he whipped around to deliver a blow of his own.

His fist was caught before impact.

Gaara was stunned, frozen in place as he looked up into those opaque eyes again. He swallowed hard.

"Hey, no need to get feisty. There was something on your shoulder."

The man's words barely registered as he felt his fist slowly released, and a hand brush across his shoulder, holding up what looked like a small piece of provolone cheese. The eyes were questioning, a bit of amusement carefully masking what Gaara could see as wariness.

He blinked back dumbly before he found his voice again.

"Uh, yeah…sorry…" he mumbled lamely.

Gaara suddenly realized that the man before him had been able to block his punch. Not many could boast of that feat, which caused his worries to come rushing back. He straightened his body and leaned against the bar again. Goodbye Stunned Gaara, hello Unfeeling Gaara.

"What do you want?"

Neji was thrown off his feet. Not literally, but the cartoon Neji in his mind had tripped, fallen hard on his ass, and was trying vainly to roll into a standing position only to fall back down again.

Did the fucker just try to punch me! Thank god for my insane obsession for learning various martial art forms. That Tai Chi class for increased awareness was definitely of the good.

Neji could tell that Gaara didn't want to talk to him, which was fine. He could play who's-the-coldest-bastard too. Besides, he was here for information gathering, not to befriend the creepy goth.

He decided to answer Gaara by not answering at all. "Vodka tonic," he told the bartender.

Silence.

After a while, Neji felt a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. He could tell that Gaara was stealing looks at him beneath his eyelashes. He wasn't the only one that was curious.

Drink more sake. Even breaths, DON'T LOOK!

Gaara's eyes involuntarily glanced at the man next to him and then quickly darted back to his drink.

Dammit. Mission failed.

Gaara was not usually a man of many words, but the silence was killing him. He reasoned he had to find out if this guy was planning on killing him. A little questioning wouldn't hurt.

"Are you gay?" Gaara blurted out.

Once again, Gaara was in shock. He had no explanation for why he had asked such a question. Sure, he had no problem being rude, but the question was just irrelevant. He seriously contemplated smashing his drink against his forehead and using the glass shards to cut out his tongue. Maybe that would prevent him from being so stupid.

Gaara's self-loathing was cut short by the satisfaction he gained by watching the calm and collected man before him open and close his mouth like a dying guppy. It was kind of cute actually.

And he has nice eyes.

Neji felt his almost-smile disappear. Were his ears working correctly? It was obvious by the way his mouth was moving that his voice clearly wasn't functioning properly. Cartoon Neji was searching frantically to find something, anything, that he could use to help himself back up.

And then the shock was over. Cartoon Neji was now punching Cartoon Gaara in the head multiple times.

Did he even know how many women I've slept with? Hell, I don't even know!

Neji's eyes shot daggers at Gaara. He gave the red-head the coldest smile he could muster.

Once again, he didn't answer the question. He didn't even address the punch that he had nearly received. Neji decided upon introducing himself. His name alone would put the bastard in his place.

"Hyuuga Neji."

Neji felt his almost-smile make itself known again as he saw the recognition in Gaara's eyes.

Gaara was surprised and relieved upon hearing Neji's name. Kaze Keiji wouldn't send a future business partner to kill him.

He smiled back at Neji smugly. He wasn't letting his question be dismissed so easily. He could tell that it had thrown the Hyuuga off, and he liked having the upper hand.

"I didn't mean to offend you. It's just…the tie…" Gaara snickered. Even to him it sounded evil. "And the hair."

"I'm not gay, Gaara." Neji ground out.

So he knows who I am. Yet he's still here…interesting.

"And I wouldn't start on my hair until you've seriously reconsidered that tattoo on your forehead."

Gaara narrowed his eyes at Neji. The score was officially tied.

"So it seems your father will be working closely with my uncle," he heard Neji comment.

Gaara looked disdainfully at his father. "Hn."

Neji caught the look that Gaara gave his father. It was a look he'd worn on his face while thinking about his uncle. Neji turned away from Gaara.

"Do you hate him?"

Neji let his question hang in the air for a second. They had their backs against the bar now, facing the two older men across the room.

He accepted the silence as an affirmation. "It's ok, I hate my uncle too."

The two didn't say much after that. There seemed to be an awkward understanding between the two of them, neither mentioning Gaara's missed punch, or Neji's gay tie. The hatred they each possessed hung between them like an unspoken connection.

Neji moaned as he felt a warm sensation against his body.

A hot tongue was licking his balls, teasing him. His mouth suddenly felt dry as he felt said tongue travel up the underside of his hard length, slowly lapping up the precum that had collected at the tip of his cock.

He hissed as the wetness of the tongue disappeared and a cool breath swept across his erection, causing him to twitch in anticipation. A hot mouth slowly descended upon his arousal, a barely suppressed groan escaping his lips.

But it didn't stop, he was being swallowed, every inch of his hardness was being taken in until he could feel a lip caressing his balls.

"Ohh, fuck…"

Neji tangled his hand around a head of hair, pushing deeper. He looked down, his eyes meeting cool green ones. He dimly registered the sight of a blood red tattoo, and hair of the same color.

"OH FUCK!"

Neji bolted upright in his bed, panting and sweating. He sat motionless as the implications of his dream dawned on him. And he still had a raging hard on.

Holy shit….

A/N: Gaara isn't homophobic, he's simply making observations. Hope I didn't offend anyone with that. Of course, Gaara will soon be having "am I gay?" angst as well. Tell me what you think!

Of course, any comments and criticism will be greatly appreciated! I would love some suggestions too. Who should be uke/seme? Most likely they will both be uke/seme at one time or another, but what do you prefer for the first time?

Thanks to all those reading this fic, and my fellow Neji/Gaara shippers!

Junsui Kegasu: There were line breaks, I just don't know what happened to them! I went back and changed it just for you! And, well, it was bothering me too.