Vindicated

Chapter eight: Neji

Lee-san: wouldn't that be lovely? Itachi's such an ass. Neji's just not in the right place at the right time and Gaara's always in the wrong place.

Midori-chan: Now girl…if we killed you, how the heck would we get the next chapter? Last time I checked ghosts weren't very good at typing. (heart)

Chronic-fever: I hope not either…although I think my sadistic mind might put them in for Gaara Neji goodness. Esh…bad me (smacks head with hand) sticks tongue out I don't care about whining. It's just I don't think of author notes until I upload the chapter and by that time I've re-re-re-re-reread the chapter so many times I just want to get it over with. lol

ShaJen: Aw…it's ok. Someone had to explain the whole uke/seme thing to me too. I was like "…wha…?" Seme means the dominate figure in a relationship, and uke means the non-dominate…so…to put it in a perverted yaoi sense, Neji would be the one on top.

(Gym 4th period- you know who)

"GAAAAAAAAARAAAA!"

Gaara's sweat dropped. Would he ever get through a class without someone calling his name like that? He doubted it, turning he was surprised to see Haku, not Sakura, rushing up to him with teary eyes.

"Is it true, Gaara? Say it isn't true!"

Gaara stared at the older boy in confusion. "I—is …what true?"

"Are you really going out with Neji?" Haku asked as Sakura and Ino walked up to them.

"um…." Gaara paused. "Yeah…."

"NO WAY!" Sakura and Ino cried together. "He asked you?"

"Ino-chan!" Haku cried, sobbing.

"Well….you never really asked Gaara out did you?" Ino reminded him.

Haku: ULTIMATE DEPRESSION

Sakura, Ino and Gaara stared at Haku as the boy collapsed on the floor, looking like he just lost his meaning in life, sobbing loudly. Ino and Sakura looked at him with pity then sent identical glares at Gaara that said 'say something!' Gaara gave them a funny look. Like he knew what to say!

Kneeling down, he patted Haku on the back. "I—I'm sorry, Haku, but…I'll still be your friend."

Haku looked up at him, unbelieving. "But…but…WAHH!" Haku glomped onto Gaara, knocking him flat on his back while sobbing into his stomach.

Anko came over giving them funny looks. "Um, guys…class started ten minutes ago. What are you four waiting f—oh, dear Haku, what's wrong?"

"My life has no meaning!" he sobbed at the top of his lungs.

Anko gave him a 'dot dot dot' face. 'Not again…' "Just...calm down and play a little before class is over alright?"

"Yes, sensei," Sakura and Ino said.

"Haku, please stop crying, people are staring," Gaara said, as their classmates turned to look at them. Memories of laughing crowds surrounding him rushed back to him. Soon he was desperately trying to get Haku off him. "Please stop, Haku!"

"(sniff) If you break up with Neji I'll st—" Haku suddenly stopped crying altogether and thought for a minute. "Wait…What am I thinking….? That's so mean." He looked up at Gaara, whose face had gone from embarrassed to upset. Haku got off Gaara and inched away. "I'm sorry, Gaara, I didn't mean that. I don't want you to break up with Neji. You seem a lot happier now and I want you to be happy." Haku's expression changed back to his happy face. "I'll be your friend."

"Uh—"

"Come on, let's go play!" Haku said taking Gaara's hand and dragging him off.

"That was fast," Ino said as she and Sakura watched them.

"He must really like Gaara," Sakura commented.

"Yeah."

(4th period-when Kankurou's suppose to be in Health)

Kankurou went into the boy's bathroom and waited patiently until the bathroom door was locked for the first five minutes of class before the students were allowed to use them. He didn't need to wait long before a knock sounded. Going over to the door he listened.

"Itachi," the person on the other side muttered. Kankurou opened the door and the boy stepped in. "You got it?" he asked, leaning against the wall.

"Depends, do you?"

Itachi scoffed and tossed him an envelope. "Just give it to me," he said glaring.

Kankurou handed him the small packet. "You seriously want this much?" he asked.

"You shouldn't pry into other's business," Itachi said pocketing it. The two had a staring contest for a while. Itachi broke it though, turning towards the door. "You're lucky you're the safest way to get this stuff."

"Yeah, since you've gotten ripped off buying shitty stuff," Kankurou said, smirking.

Itachi stopped and turned, glaring at him. Kankurou didn't flinch and glared back.

"Keep your hands off my brother," Kankurou said.

Itachi looked mildly surprised. "Your brother?" he asked. "I didn't know you had a brother."

"His name is Gaara, he was at the soccer tryouts yesterday," Kankurou said, his glare deepening. "Leave him alone."

Slight recognition dawned on the Uchiha's face. He scoffed at him then spit in the trash can before leaving. He would've slammed the door, but it was stopped. Itachi barely looked at the other boy, who glanced at him before entering himself.

"Hiiiiiiii Kankurou!" Ukon said going up to him.

"Hey Ukon," Kankurou said. He picked up the envelope and stuck it in his back pocket.

"Did you just do some business?"

"Yes, Ukon, what do you want?" Kankurou said, folding his arms. The boy was much hyper then usual and Kankurou knew for a fact that it wasn't his fault. "Are you high?"

"No," Ukon said, dropping slightly in the perkiness. "Gomen, I'm just having a good day. Hey," he said, suddenly serious, "were you selling stuff to that guy that just left."

"So?"

"Esh…that guy's not cool," Ukon said. "He's like a man whore or something. He's not very nice, especially when he wants something, or someone."

"Yeah, well…he pays well," Kankurou said, turning so Ukon couldn't see his face. That guy was bothering Gaara.

Ukon smiled at his back, knowingly. "Can't you refuse to sell to some people?" he asked.

"No," Kankurou said. "I need the money. I don't care who buys it or what they use it for."

"Oh…well then could I buy something?"

"Ukon!"

Gaara walked up to the second floor bathroom, thinking over what happened after his 4th period. Haku had gone over board with the whole 'I'll make Gaara happy'. Well, he supposed it was a good thing. He'd forgotten to grab his lunch that morning and had nothing to eat. Haku had noticed this and bought him lunch. He decided that was one of the better things he had done for him. But still, Gaara smiled to himself. He was helping him out a lot. It felt good to have friends. He really was having a good day.

THUD.

"Sorry," Gaara said, rubbing his head. He tried to move around who ever he'd bumped into, but was stopped by a hand.

"Hello there."

Gaara froze. 'Good feelings gone.'

"Aren't you suppose to be in class?" Itachi asked. "Where's your pass?"

Gaara held up the clip board. "Aren't you?" he asked, lamely.

"That's really none of your business, is it?" Itachi said. He gave Gaara a very seductive smile. "Are you going to be at the tryouts again?"

"Um..." Gaara swallowed and nodded.

"Good," Itachi let go of him and started walking down the stairs. "I'll look forward to it." Like hell he was going to listen to Kankurou.

Gaara mounted the rest of the stairs and out of the stairwell, sprinting to the bathroom door just as it opened. He stopped at the door, panting. Maybe he could run that fast if he wanted to. He handed the pass to the amused teacher and went in.

"Please Kankurou? Just a little?"

"No! You don't need any—"

"Kankurou?"

Kankurou froze as Ukon turned around. Standing in the doorway was Gaara, looking surprised and bewildered.

"Hey! It's birthday boy!" Ukon cried happily going over and draping his arm around the smaller boy.

"It's not my birthday anymore," Gaara said.

"What's your point kid?" Ukon asked, in a low voice.

"N—nothing." Ever since the party, Ukon had been randomly coming up to him between classes, greeting him as loud as he could, calling him 'Birthday boy'. When Sakkon pointed out that it wasn't Gaara's birthday anymore and that he should finally learn his name, Ukon gave his brother a defensive look and said 'What are you talking about? Me and him? Yeah, we're like this,' he patted his chest with his fist and made a peace sign.

"What are you doing in here Gaara?" Kankurou asked, hoping beyond hope he hadn't heard Ukon talking about the stuff he wanted. And he also prayed Ukon wouldn't mention it again in front of him. 'Oh god please I'm begging you don't let him say anything.'

"I'm going to the bathroom," Gaara said with 'bored cow face' (H-R has a new favorite expression) ... (oh yeah, for those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, go here h t t p / w w w . p r i n c e . f u r u b a . c o m / t o h r u h a r u n a n i 1 0 . j p g and see the pic.). "What are you doing here?"

"Um…hahaha...bathroom," Kankurou said, waving his hand non chalontly. He grabbed Ukon and dragged him out of the bathroom calling good bye to Gaara.

Gaara: "….?..."

(Skip a few days…..Friday)

Kankurou walked out of 7th period and was surprised to see Gaara standing there. He was panting slightly and looked very worried.

"How'd you get up here so fast?"

"Is Neji in class?"

"….no why?"

"He's not in school."

"That would explain why he's not in class then," Kankurou said, grinning, starting to walk down the hall.

"But he's got tryouts today. Neji wouldn't miss tryouts. He's like obsessed with soccer." Gaara had to jog to keep up with his brother's longer strides.

"Yeah, kinda like you're obsessed with him."

(blush) "I am not obsessed," he insisted, folding his arms. "I am concerned."

"…Riiiiight."

Gaara glared at him, then looked thoughtful. "What were you doing in the bathroom on Monday? Cause I was thinking about it and it didn't look like you were going."

"Nothing. Stop asking."

"Ok…" Gaara's reply was instant and obedient. Kankurou felt bad as Gaara clamped his mouth shut and became quiet as they continued to walk to the front door of the school. Gaara was use to getting snapped at to be quiet at home; he wasn't surprised that it happened at school too. Damn. Kankurou glared at himself for bringing attributes of their home to school.

Kankurou glanced down at him sideways. "You're not going to the tryouts?" he asked.

"Neji's not here…and I don't really want to go alone."

"Why is something wrong?" Kankurou looked at him, frowning in thought. "Is something bad going on there?"

"No, nothing bad. Don't worry about it," Gaara said, smiling up at him, but in his head an image of Itachi came up into his mind.

Kankurou paused in his stride, then continued. Something was still going on (see chapter 6 at C lunch). Kankurou frowned to himself. Why would something go wrong if Neji was there? It couldn't be Neji that was the problem; Gaara wouldn't try avoiding the Hyuga if it was. Frowning, he realized that it might still be Itachi. Deciding to think about this later he stopped and turned to Gaara. "Look, I'll tell you what," Kankurou said, smiling. "I'll walk you over to Neji's house and you can go see him, alright? You can call when you want to come home and I'll come get you."

Gaara's face brightened. "Really?"

"Sure."

"Thanks."

The Hyuga estate looked much duller then it did last Friday. Gaara went up to the door and knocked, turning to wave to Kankurou, who was waiting at the end of the driveway. Kankurou waved and turn, continuing down the street with Temari. Gaara turned back to the door and knocked again. The door opened and to Gaara's dismay, it was George who opened the door. But instead of being sarcastic and annoying, George just looked down at him sadly.

"I'm sorry, Gaara-san, I don't think Neji-san wants any guests today," he said, solemnly before Gaara could say anything.

"Why is he sick?" Gaara asked, concerned.

"No."

"What's wrong then? Why wasn't Neji in school? There were tryouts today," Gaara persisted.

"I'm sorry, but Neji—"

"Who is it, George?"

"Hinata-sama," George bowed to her. "Gaara-san is here in concern for Neji-san; however, I don't think today would be—"

"It's alright, thank you George," Hinata said softly. "Gaara is a good friend to come visit and I think Hizashi-ojisan would want to meet him."

"Yes ma'am."

Hinata led Gaara through the main house to the court yard that branched out to the rest of the Hyuga community. Gaara had never been to this part of the Hyuga house before and realized that there were a lot more people in the Hyuga family then he thought. Several black-haired, white-eyed Hyuga's walked by, bowing to Hinata as they passed. Gaara then noticed something about all the Hyuga's. They were all wearing the same clothes as Hinata was wearing, although Hinata was also wearing a thin black drape over her face that swished with each step. Biting his lip he ran up to catch up with Hinata's even stride.

"Hinata?"

"Yes?"

"Why is everyone wearing funeral robes?"

"We are showing our respect by wearing the dark colors of mourning."

"Did someone die?" Gaara asked concerned.

Hinata stopped walking, but didn't turn to him. "Some one…did die…eleven years ago. Someone very close to us." She paused for a moment. "Did you ever wonder…why Neji lives with us in the main house instead of his own?"

"Yes, but I never thought to ask."

Hinata turned to him, slowly and deliberately, her white eyes solemnly looked into his green ones. "Eleven years ago, Neji lost both his parents to a terrible fire…And to this day…Neji still blames himself for it."

"Neji, someone's here to see you," Hinata said softly.

Neji didn't turn around or acknowledge that he heard her. Hinata turned and left Gaara alone with him. Gaara looked up at the burnt remains of what probably use to be a beautiful house, almost identical to the main house. The front was caved in, revealing in destroyed inside. In the center of the remains, adorned with traditional grave markers, flowers and incense, and newly cleaned, were two white marble grave stones. Gaara fumbled to put his hands together and bowed in respect to the two resting there, then he looked up at Neji.

He was wearing the same kind of black robes as the other Hyuga's, but it made him look very different then what Gaara was use to seeing him. He looked older and very tired. His hair was neither tied back nor covered like it usually was, but falling in his face and down his back, unkept and unwashed. What startled Gaara most was his eyes. They were completely dry, but no longer bright and smiling like they usually were; they were dead. Seeing Neji like this made Gaara's heart hurt. His heart hurt and it scared him.

"You weren't in school today," Gaara said quietly. "So I came to see what was wrong." It sounded very stupid to him, stating the obvious like that, but he couldn't think of anything else to say. He was afraid Neji would turn him away.

"Did Hinata tell you who they are?" Neji asked in a hoarse voice that hadn't spoken in a while.

"Y—yes…"

"Did she tell you how they died?"

"She—she said they died … in a fire…"

"They died looking for their son that disobeyed and left the house without telling anyone. It was my fault they died."

Gaara was taken aback. Neji's voice was distant and cold. "How could it be your fault?" he asked. "Did you lock them in or something?" he asked, trying to grin.

Neji flashed him a glare so angry, Gaara took a step away from him. Neji looked away back at the rubble, his voice very far away. "I was punished and my mother told me to stay in the house. Then she had to go over to the main house for something and asked me to watch the oven for her. When she left I went outside even though I wasn't supposed to. The oven caught something on fire while we were gone and the house started burning. It was really bad; everyone was rushing around trying to put it out. Mom and Dad came and ran inside trying to find me…they never came out."

Gaara looked down at the ground, lightly kicking a small stone at his foot. "But…Neji you were four…you couldn't have done anyth—"

Neji whirled on him, shoving him to the ground. Gaara coward under him, but it only angered him more. "Shut up! What the hell would you know? Why are you even here? Go away!" he turned away from Gaara and continued to stare at the remains of his house.

Gaara remained on the ground, looking sadly at Neji's feet. He bit his lip then spoke again. "When I was growing up…my dad always blamed me for my mom's death. I did too. It was my fault she died and it's my fault Temari and Kankurou's lives suck…"

"Your mother died in child birth. It's very different," Neji said coldly.

"That's what Kankurou always said, but I never believed him," he said. He slumped his shoulders and made little patterns in the dirt. "Once…in Sunaga…I was playing outside and there was a kid playing across the street with his dog…The dog got away from the kid and ran out into the street and the kid followed trying to catch it…The kid's mom ran out into the street and pushed the boy away from the oncoming car that couldn't stop, but she…..Was it the boy's fault his mother died? Kankurou asked me that when I told him about it. I didn't know. Temari said that it's a parent's job to look after their children, just like an older brother or sister is s'pose to look after their younger siblings. You can't blame your self when they're just doing the job they chose."

Gaara looked up and Neji. He was trembling, fist clenched at his sides. Gaara couldn't tell if he was angry or not, but continued, his voice growing a little stronger and steadier.

"Your mom and dad went in to look for you and didn't come out, because they were too worried about you cause they loved you to much to even think about the possibility of leaving you in there. I'm kinda of jealous of you. My dad … wouldn't do that …for me…."

Gaara slowly stood up again and looked up at Neji. "They wouldn't want you to blame yourself because they tried to protect you."

"Shut up," Neji said, his voice cracking. "I—I don't…." he stopped, unable to continue.

Gaara reached out and touched Neji's hand as a gesture of assurance. Neji reached up and wiped his face as held back tears threatened to fall. He felt Gaara's unsure arm go around his shoulder and he allowed him to pull him into a hug. Unable to contain it anymore, Neji broke down and sobbed onto Gaara shoulder. The smaller boy wasn't strong enough to support both their weights and fell to the ground, taking Neji with him, rubbing his back and letting the boy cry.

George opened the door again a while later, mentally commenting the people who were coming over today. There were three people at the door step. Two he knew the third was a new face.

"Good evening, Kankurou-san, Temari-san," he said nodding towards the two. "Good evening sir."

"I'm here to fetch my son," the man said, looking quite annoyed with that fact. "Where is he?"

"Gaara-san is with Neji-san right now," George said. "They shouldn't be disturbed. Today is a day for mourning in our household and your son is aiding him."

"I do not care. Gaara is coming home with us now," he said coldly.

"Dad…" Temari muttered.

"Who is there, George?" Hiashi asked stepping into the hallway.

"I am Gaara's father. I'm here to retrieve him," he said, turning to the head Hyuga.

"I see," Hiashi stepped up to him, holding out his hand. "Hyuga Hiashi."

"Kazekage," (H-R is lacking in creativity) their father said shaking his hand. "Please take me to Gaara, or bring him here."

"Was there a problem with him coming here sir?" Hiashi asked, after giving a nod to George to go get Gaara. "I, myself, greatly appreciate Gaara coming here. Neji has not yet gotten over his father and mother's death. Gaara's is helping him a lot right now."

"Gaara did not ask for permission to come," he replied.

"I brought him here myself," Kankurou said, glowering behind him.

"It is not your place to give permission to him," his father turned and gave him a glare.

"Hyuga-sama, Gaara-san is not quite ready to leave yet," George said, coming up and bowing to his master.

"Why not?" the Kazekage demanded. "I demand to be taken to him."

The two Hyuga's gave him a long look, then Hiashi said to follow him and led them through the Hyuga house, much like Hinata did with Gaara. He led them out into the courtyard and up to the two boys that still sat on the ground. Gaara still had his arms around Neji who had begun to calm down. Gaara looked up when they approached and gasped, causing Neji to look up as well.

"Gaara, your father is here to take you home," Hiashi said.

"I don't want to go home yet," Gaara stammered out. He looked away quickly as his father gave him a warning glare behind Hiashi's back. Neji saw it though and glared back. Gaara looked down at Neji. "Are you ok?" he whispered.

"I'll be fine," Neji whispered back, wiping his eyes dry. "Go. I don't want you to get into trouble."

"Ok," Gaara said, helping him up.

"You know, Gaara could stay for the night, if he wants," Hiashi said as the two boys approached.

"No, I'd rather him come home," the Kazekage said, his eyes narrowing.

"Really I do not mind."

"No. He's coming home."

"Very well," Hiashi said, leading them back to the front door. Neji and Gaara walked behind the two men. Neji wiped his eyes again and sniffed, then looked at Gaara who was staring at nothing, biting his lip in worry. His hands were clenched in tiny fists. Neji reached out and took his hand giving him some slight comfort. Hiashi glanced back at them then looked forward again, smiling sadly. He knew Gaara would be in trouble when he got home and that upset him. Neji had always held back his emotions on this day, seeming like the undead, but the shy little red headed speck of a boy had made Neji let his emotions out. Hiashi didn't want him to be in trouble for helping.

The four got into Kazekage's car and drove off. Neji and Hiashi waved to them. Gaara and Temari waved back until the car turned the corner. Gaara sat back in the seat with a sigh. 'Poor Neji…' he thought to himself.

"Everything ok?" Kankurou asked, looking over at him.

"How's Neji? He seemed really upset," Temari said, turning to look back at them.

"Neji's mom and dad died eleven years ago today," Gaara said, pulling his knees up to his chest.

"Get your feet of the seat," their father said, glaring into the rearview mirror. Gaara instantly obeyed. "You two were acting very close there," he shifted his gaze from the road to glaring at Gaara. "Why was that?"

"Dude, Neji's dad died. He was upset," Kankurou said. Wasn't that obvious?

"I am not a 'dude'. The brat had himself all over that boy." Gaara continued to stare out the window at the passing trees. "They were holding hands walking back to the door! What are you a fucking fag?"

"Dad…" Temari said. "I would've done that for one of my friends."

Their father sighed in annoyance and continued driving. "Gaara, why did you go over there?" he asked.

"Neji wasn't in school," Gaara murmured.

"And you just decided it was ok to go over there with out asking?"

"I told him to go, dad," Kankurou said, folding his arms and slumping down in his seat. "I told you that before we left. We were worried about him."

Their father glared at him in the mirror, then looked back at Gaara. "You do realize you were bad for going there?"

Kankurou closed his eyes, begging for patience and self control then glanced at his brother. He was staring down at his clenched fists, biting his lip. Their father liked pushing their buttons; and he knew all of Gaara's. Kankurou reached out and messing Gaara's hair and put his arm around his brother's shoulders.

"Good job, kid," he said, smiling at him. Gaara looked up at him confused at first then he smiled and laughed a little. Temari turned around in her chair and smiled too. Both thought about Hiashi's words, very proud of their baby brother.

Neji has not yet gotten over his father and mother's death. Gaara's is helping him a lot right now