Best Friend's Brother 44
Winter Break Part 5
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any characters used aside from my OC.
Christmas
Opening her eyes on Christmas morning, there was a white light shining through the curtains of her window. Slowly Natsumi sat up and allowed her curiosity to dictate her decision of moving her curtain aside to see that fresh snow had fallen and blanketed the ground out side.
"I guess it snowed last night" Natsumi thought allowed as she looked at the untouched layer.
She ran a hand through her hair as she released a yawn whilst stretching. After which she removed the blanket from atop her legs and begin to rise from her bed, before a thought struck her.
'It's Christmas' Natsumi thought standing in the middle of her room.
Immediately the girl started to make her way downstairs, being met with the scent of fresh bacon as she walked into the kitchen where she saw her mother cooking at the stove.
"Mom" Natsumi said gaining the woman's attention as she turned to see her teen daughter.
A warm smile crossed Natsumi's mother's lips as she looked at her daughter.
"Good morning Natsumi" her mother said turning back to her cooking.
"Merry Christmas" Natsumi said walking to stand beside her mother.
The woman placed a caring hand around her daughter's shoulders, pulling the teenager in for a side hug.
"Oh Merry Christmas babe" Natsumi's mother said with a smile.
"I'll get the plates" Natsumi offered stepping away and beginning to set the table while her mother finished up with breakfast.
The two ate together discussing their plans for the day until cleaning up and moving into their living room. They sat in front of the small Christmas tree that was in the corner of their living room. It was simple just a short tree with a small amount of decorations.
'We never really cared much to make a big deal out of decorating a tree since I was a kid ... And even then it was only me and mom putting in the effort since dad was working' Natsumi thought looking over the small tree until her mother placed a hand on her back.
"I'm sorry we couldn't get a bigger tree or even set more time aside to decorate it" her mother said as she rubbed Natsumi's back.
"No this is fine" Natsumi said reassuringly.
"Do you want to open one first?" Natsumi's mother said motioning to the gifts under tree.
Natsumi wore a small smile before nodding. Her mother reached out and handed Natsumi a gift.
"Why don't we do one at the same time?" Natsumi asked taking her mother by surprise.
"Alright dear" her mother replied before Natsumi placed a gift into her hands.
The two then went about opening gifts and thanking one another before deciding to clean up the excess paper from unwrapping the gifts. The two then spent the majority of the morning drinking hot chocolate while watching Christmas movies.
'This is nice' Natsumi thought glancing from the screen of the television to the look of happiness on her mother's face. 'Every year we'd spend Christmas together like this ... The morning and daytime would be for opening gifts and being together and in the evening we would prepare for whatever event father had us attending. This is different ... granted that is largely in fact due to the fact that I'm the only one going to a company function tonight.' Natsumi thought as her gaze shifted back to the screen.
"Hey mom" Natsumi said gaining the woman's attention.
"Hm?" her mother hummed in reply.
"Are you sure you'll be alright when I'm gone this evening?" Natsumi asked looking back to the woman with a worried look in her brown hues.
Natsumi's mother smiled before reaching out to cup her daughter's cheek affectionately.
"I'll be fine Natsumi" her mother said.
"But ... it's just ... this is our first Christmas together in Konoha and I'm leaving you alone" Natsumi said.
"I would've been alone if you had went to Kyoto" her mother pointed out making her daughter feel a pang of guilt until she reached out to cup the other side of her face with her other hand. "And even though it was a bit of surprise that you got to stay and wouldn't be here the whole day, I'm grateful" the woman said making Natsumi's brows raise in alarm. "I couldn't be happier that I got to spend the day with you at all. I didn't have to work and we got to enjoy this time together." She pointed out before pulling her daughter in for a warm embrace.
"Really?" Natsumi asked bringing her hands around her mother.
"Of course" her mother said with a reassuring squeeze. "I'm grateful for all the time we got together and I'm proud of you" she said taking Natsumi by surprise.
"Proud of me for what?" Natsumi asked curiously.
"For being the type of person that her friends can depend on ... I know how you feel about stuffy holiday events but this Neji boy told you that he could count on you so your swallowing your own feelings on the matter for his sake. And I couldn't be prouder of the maturity it took for you to make that decision" her mother explained as she released Natsumi from the hug. "You're growing up" her mother said.
Natsumi felt odd receiving these compliments.
'It's not like it's that big of a deal' Natsumi thought before her mother spoke again.
"Oh dear" her mother suddenly said. "I guess with you growing up these are just some things I'll need to get used to" the woman said making her daughter raise a brow in question.
"What?" Natsumi asked.
"I'm just realizing that you actually have a date on Christmas" Natsumi's mother stated making the teen stiffen.
"I'm just doing a favor for a friend" Natsumi argued earning a light laugh from her mother.
"I know dear" her mother said. "But it's just ... I know it's only a matter of time before you have boyfriend to spend the holiday with like all the other young couples" her mother said with a small sigh.
Natsumi felt the heat rush to her face at this comment before shaking her head.
"I highly doubt it'll be anytime soon" Natsumi said with a dismissive wave.
"Oh?" her mother asked intrigued. "You have quite a few male friends; do none of them catch your eye?" Natsumi's mother asked making her daughter release a huff.
'This is definitely something I don't want to talk about' Natsumi thought as an image of a certain dark haired young man flashed through her mind.
"Mom we're not talking about this" Natsumi said shaking her head.
"Oh come on dear" her mother pleaded. "There has to be someone" she pointed out.
"There isn't" Natsumi lied with her face turning a more scarlet red, something her mother didn't miss.
"Very well dear" her mother laughed reassuringly patting her daughter on the back as the two returned their attention to the movie playing.
The rest of the day went by without incident as the pair settled in for a quiet day of staying in until it was time for Natsumi to begin getting ready for that night.
...
Her brown hues shifted over the room as she stood with her hand holding onto Neji's arm whilst he talked with one of the company heads.
The room was beautifully decorated with silver and white that made it appear like a winter wonderland. There were many people all dressed in their best attire as some danced while most socialized while being served by cocktail waiters who walked around with silver platters. The atmosphere was refined and dignified, much like the teen expected from such an event.
'Just as boring as the ones dad would bring me to' Natsumi mentally noted looking around before a certain dark haired girl caught her eye.
Hinata and Natsumi made eye contact, prompting a kind smile to cross the Hyuga's lips before she waved to Natsumi. Natsumi gave a small smile and nod back before returning her attention to Neji as the person he was talking with left.
"Are you alright?" Neji asked earning a nod from the girl before taking a sip from the glass in his other hand.
'At least I have friends here though' Natsumi thought feeling a small smile creep onto her face until the attention of the pair was gained by another approaching pair.
"This is the company head that my uncle is currently in discussion with" Neji said in a low voice as he leaned into Natsumi's ear for only her to hear him as an older man and woman walked up to the pair.
"Neji Hyuga?" the older man asked looking at Neji.
"Yes sir" Neji replied with a nod before Natsumi took the glass in his hand so he could shake the man's hand.
"Nice to make your acquaintance, my name is Sataro Oreki" the man said as he shook Neji's hand. "Your uncle mentioned you before and quiet a lot of praise he had for you" he said as Neji nodded in understanding. "This is my wife Tomoyo" the man said motioning to the woman beside him who smiled warmly at the pair.
"Lovely to make your acquaintance" Neji said with a slight bow from him and Natsumi.
"And who might be this lovely date of yours?" the man asked as he and his wife turned to Natsumi with kind smiles.
"This is my date Natsumi Nakamaru" Neji introduced the teen girl as the man held a hand out.
Natsumi placed her hand in his before nodding to him.
"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance" Natsumi said.
"I love your dress dear" his wife complimented the teen making a shy smile cross Natsumi's lips.
"Thank you" Natsumi replied.
Looking down to what she was wearing Natsumi had on the light purple dress that she was fitted for a few days prior. It had a qipao-style as it had a high collar and fitted bodice until having a light flare towards the bottom where there was a slit on one side to reveal the strappy black high heels that the teen was wearing. Her hair complimented the dress as it was worn up with a few strands hanging in the front to frame her face which had a neutral colored smoky eye and winged liner.
"So tell me how long have you kids been seeing one another?" the man suddenly asked taking the pair by surprise.
"I'm sorry sir?" Neji asked in a confused tone.
"Did you not understand the question?" the man asked.
"No I just ... I didn't think that was something we would discuss" Neji admitted.
"We come to these types of functions each year and discuss much of the same things we would year round" the man stated. "It gets a bit dull after a while so I like to find any excuse to talk about anything but the business" the man explained making Neji's brows raise in alarm.
'It seems like this is something Neji wasn't expecting' Natsumi noted looking at the slight panic in the Hyuga's eyes. 'He spent most of the night so far talking about matters of the company but now that there's someone who wants to discuss more personal matters, he doesn't seem to know what to say' Natsumi thought. 'It would go against everything I've been taught up to this point for the girl to stay quiet but I've seen my father talk himself out of these types of things more than once' she thought before readjusting the hold she had on Neji's arm.
"Forgive me but I have to ask" she said gaining the attention of the two adults as Neji turned to her with a surprised look. "Your watch is very intriguing. Where did you get it?" the dark haired teen asked bringing the man's gaze down to the silver watch on his wrist.
"Oh this?" he asked earning a nod from the teen. "Ah it's a family heirloom, passed down for generations" he stated proudly. "But I'm sure you kids don't want to hear about that" he said with a light chuckle.
"No sir I think we would find it rather interesting" Natsumi stated giving Neji's arm a tight squeeze.
The boy reacted with a simple nod before the man went about telling his tale. By the end his wife had to pull him away as they were waved over by another.
"I'm sorry about him. The man loves to talk" his wife apologized.
"Nonsense it was lovely to have met you two" Natsumi said nodding to the woman as Neji gave a nod of agreement.
"I like these ones" the man said earning a light scoff from his wife. "I'll make sure to tell your uncle about the impression you made son. You and your date have a nice evening" he said as he was led away by his wife, leaving Natsumi and Neji alone.
It was silent for a moment between the pair before Natsumi spoke.
"I'm sorry for steering the conversation like that" Natsumi said turning to Neji as the boy looked at her with an unreadable expression. "The lull would have grown awkward and I figured Mr. Oreki was the type to like telling stories more than hearing them" she explained as her thoughts drifted to the times her father would turn a conversation around at such times.
"Natsumi how did you do that?" Neji asked.
Natsumi looked at Neji with slight shock in her eyes before thinking.
'I was always taught to stay silent, what I just did was inappropriate' Natsumi thought worriedly.
"It won't happen again" Natsumi said bowing her head slightly to the male Hyuga.
"No" Neji said surprising her. "I just ... I wasn't prepared for the occurrence of topic changes that didn't involve business so I'm grateful you were quick to act" Neji said. "But how did you know to do that?" he questioned.
Natsumi felt her stomach do a nervous flop as she averted her gaze from Neji's.
"Well you see it's just something I observed" she replied making the boy furrow his brows in confusion. "It's kind of like how Naruto can carry a conversation with anyone ... granted it might seem a bit underhanded to turn the discussion when you don't know what to say, it's helpful so you know it won't end altogether" Natsumi explained.
Neji gave a weary nod before Natsumi handed his cup back to him. The Hyuga gave a grateful smile and nod before finishing off the rest of his drink.
"I can take that" came the offer of one of the cocktail waiters holding out their tray to which the Hyuga placed his empty glass on before they walked off.
'I wonder what he would have said if I told him how I knew ... Then again saying I've seen my father use these tactics doesn't sound like the best thing to say' Natsumi thought before Neji spoke.
"I'm sorry Natsumi but please excuse me for a moment" Neji stated earning a nod from the girl before she released the hold she had on his arm. "Would you like me to get you a drink when I return?" he asked looking to the girl as he adjusted his coat.
"Yes please" Natsumi replied with a nod before Neji stepped away.
...
After walking out of the restroom, Neji was surprised to see his younger cousin Hanabi standing against the wall outside with her hands crossed over her chest. She had on a black kimono with purple flowers and her hair pinned back partly.
"Big Brother Neji" she said as the boy approached her.
"Hanabi" he said. "What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be with Lady Hinata and your father?" he asked glancing around and seeing that the girl was unaccompanied.
"I have something to tell you" she said making the boy raise a brow at her.
"What is it?" Neji asked.
"My father just finished talking to Mr. Oreki and few others" the young girl stated taking her cousin by surprise. "He seemed to really like you and Natsumi" she said making the boy perk up in interest. "But he also said that you seemed a little dull for her" she said making Neji stiffen.
It grew silent between the pair as Neji processed this information.
"Well of course he would think that, we're only friends after all" Neji pointed out making the younger girl raise a brow at him.
"You should probably treat her more like an actual date" Hanabi stated making Neji give her a bewildered look.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Neji asked.
"I don't know" Hanabi replied holding her hands up in defense. "Hold her hand or ask her to dance" the young girl suggested with a shrug.
Neji released a small huff before glancing away from the young girl.
"Or maybe bring a date who is as stiff as you next time" the girl said making Neji snap his gaze back to her.
The girl wore a playful smirk that made Neji give her an annoyed look.
"Perhaps you should get back to your father" Neji said not bothering to hide the annoyance in his voice.
"It was just a suggestion" Hanabi said with an eye roll. "I'm not the one trying to make a good impression on the elders" she pointed out making Neji release a breath of frustration.
...
Meanwhile back with Natsumi, she allowed her attention to shift to the walls which displayed massive paintings in huge dark frames. She was currently looking over a piece of a cherry blossom tree which had the pink falling petals turning into light purple. Looking closely she saw the finer details of the brush strokes and how the colors were blended together and contrasted. She seemed to be so distracted by the piece that she missed when someone approached her and gave a soft 'ahem'.
"Excuse me" the voice said after a moment, making the girl jump slightly in surprise.
Turning to the source her brows rose in surprise as she looked them over and registered their presence. He was wearing a white long sleeve button up with black pants and shoes with a black bowtie and small black apron around his waist.
'Hm a waiter?' Natsumi thought before she looked up to his face and her eyes widened.
"Sasori!?" Natsumi said in disbelief as she stared at the red head.
"Crab cake?" the red head asked holding a tray with the food out to the teen girl and earning no response as she continued to stare at him.
"What are you doing here? Wait is this your job? You're a cocktail waiter?" she asked blinking at the boy as he pulled the tray back in his hand.
"It's not appropriate to socialize with the help" Sasori stated in a low voice so only the girl would hear him.
"But Sasori-" Natsumi started to say until being silenced as the boy shook his head at her and made her fall silent.
She was about to say something else until the boy turned to leave. She looked after his retreating figure as he went about serving the other guests.
"Excuse me miss" another voice then said making the girl stiffen in surprise.
'If this is another Akatsuki member this is going to be more than a little weird' Natsumi thought before turning to the source and seeing an older gentleman with a receding hairline in a black suit with a dark red tie.
"Hello sir" Natsumi said bowing her head slightly to the stranger.
"I'm sorry but my name is Mr. Matsuda Tanaka of Tanaka Corporations. We're a bit of an up and coming company" he said holding a hand out for the girl to shake.
Natsumi nodded in understanding before shaking the man's hand and nervously glancing around as she looked for Neji.
'Where is Neji?' Natsumi wondered as the man shook her hand.
"It's a pleasure to meet you sir. My name is Natsumi Nakamaru" Natsumi introduced herself as the hand shake came to a halt.
The man widened his eyes before releasing her hand as realization struck him.
"Ah yes that's where I remember you from! You're Gakuho's daughter from the Nakamaru Company, correct?" the man asked making the girl stiffen.
"Yes that's correct" Natsumi replied.
"I thought you looked familiar. I'm not too sure if you remember me but we met at a New Year's Party in Kyoto a few years ago." he said as Natsumi looked at him, trying to remember him.
"I'm sorry sir but I don't recall" Natsumi replied honestly.
"Really ... that's too bad. You were about fifteen or so and I think you might have talked a bit with one of my sons" he said trying to jog the girl's memories.
Natsumi had a sour taste in her mouth at this comment as her father had a tendency of trying to make her socialize with other executive's sons. It could be a number of them and all the conversations were always the same. These boys were nothing more than over confident spoiled brats who would rather brag about themselves and their guaranteed futures once they inherited their family businesses.
"You know that's alright if you don't remember" the man said giving a dismissive wave. "It gives him a chance to make a better impression now" the man stated making Natsumi's brows raise in alarm as he now began to look around the room.
"Excuse me sir?" Natsumi asked.
"Well you see I brought my son with me tonight in hopes that he could meet the Hyuga heiress but I'm afraid her father has been a bit too protective as he hasn't allowed her much socializing" he explained. "But since you are here, I'm sure this is fate's way of intervening. Now I am aware of the rumors about the merger between the Nakamaru Company and the Nekozawa Group, but after you meet with my son, I'm confident you can convince your father otherwise" the man stated with a smile.
Natsumi blinked in disbelief of what she was hearing.
'How would meeting his son mean I have any influence over the merger details my father is discussing with the Nekozawa group?' Natsumi thought as the man's eyes continued to travel over the crowd. 'What rumors? It's just another business deal, isn't it?' Natsumi wondered.
As she looked back to the man she saw his eyes light up as he caught sight of his son before excitedly waving him over.
'I can't believe I'm this far away from Kyoto and I'm still being haunted by the affairs of my father's company' Natsumi thought as she kept a stoic expression.
"You simply must share a dance with my son" the man said pulling Natsumi out of her thoughts as she looked back to him.
"No I'm afraid that-" Natsumi started to decline before being cut as the man called out to his son.
It took a moment until the man's son arrived at his side.
"Yes father" the boy spoke.
He was tall, maybe a year older than Natsumi with his brown hair styled back and out of his face. He wore a black suit with a black bowtie and shoes. As his eyes shifted from his father to the girl in front of him, his eyes lit up as they ran over Natsumi.
"Son, you recall Ms. Nakamaru from that New Year's party a few years back? Why don't you two catch up while I go try to find Gakuho. He must be around somewhere" the man stated before taking his leave from the teens.
It was silent between the two for a moment before the young man spoke again.
"Please forgive my forwardness but I have to say you are quite stunning" the boy said giving a bow to the girl as his father gave a slight chuckle while patting the boy on the back. "I assume my father called me over to make your acquaintance and I have to say not meeting the Hyuga girl must be destiny as you are one impressive prize" he said.
"Excuse me?" Natsumi asked in disbelief of the boy's word choice as she raised a brow at him.
Natsumi's blood boiled in rage as she replayed the young man's words in that confident tone.
'Does he really consider that to be a compliment?' She thought.
"Now that I think about it, you do seem familiar" the boy stated placing a thoughtful hand on his chin. "And with a face like that, I'm hurt I didn't put in more effort to make a lasting impression before" he said smiling to the girl and making her raise a brow. "Which is a shame as The Nakamaru Company is already in negotiations with the Nekozawa Group according to some rumors" he said.
"You don't remember me but you remember the rumors surrounding my father's company?" Natsumi asked in a monotone voice.
"Of course" the boy replied. "It's definitely no secret that the Nakamaru Company is one of the more prominent companies and marrying into that family would do many more wonders than that of a simple Security Company" he said raising his brows at the girl as he leaned in so he would not be heard by any others.
Natsumi took a moment to consider going off on the young man before thinking back to Neji's words when he invited her.
'This isn't the time or place to make a scene. Neji said he could rely on me and I can't betray that' Natsumi thought before taking a breath to calm herself.
"Hn interesting opinion, but I'm afraid I have to excuse myself" Natsumi said stepping back and bowing her head to the young man. "Please give your father my regards" she said before tuning to leave.
"It was never my intension to offend you" the son quickly said bringing Natsumi to a halt as she looked back to him. "Why don't I make up for it with a dance?" the boy offered holding a handout to the girl.
Yet before the girl could decline herself, the voice of Neji came as he returned to her side holding two glasses.
"I'm afraid it won't be possible for my date to do so, especially when we have yet to share one ourselves" Neji stated making the young man's eyes widen in surprise as he looked over the male Hyuga.
"Forgive me I wasn't aware that Ms. Nakamaru was being escorted by a member of the Hyuga clan this evening" the boy said apologetically as he looked over Neji. "I think we were under the impression that she was here with her father this evening" the boy explained making Neji raise a brow in question.
"We?" Neji asked.
"My father and I" the boy clarified. "Of Tanaka Corporations" he said with a proud smile as Neji wore an unfazed expression.
There was a silence amongst the teens as the two boys stared at one another.
"You know my father has actually had a hard time trying to get a moment of your uncle's time" the boy stated. "And I think I have the perfect solution" the boy exclaimed. "Why don't I call my father over so you can make their introductions while I entertain Ms. Nakamaru?" the boy suggested making Neji raise a brow at him.
"Interesting but I believe I have a better one" Neji suddenly said stepping forward and handing the two glasses he held to the boy. "Natsumi, would you care to dance?" Neji asked turning back to the dark haired girl and holding a hand out to her.
A small smile crossed Natsumi's lips before she reached out and placed her hand into Neji's.
"That would be lovely" Natsumi said with a nod before being led away by the male Hyuga and leaving the boy alone.
"Prize really?" the man asked his son in disbelief as he rejoined his son.
"You were eavesdropping?" his son asked in disbelief.
His father gave him a disappointed look.
"Girls usually enjoy compliments that build them up compared to others" the boy defended himself, making his father release a huff of frustration. "What's the big deal? It's not like she was the Hyuga girl anyways" the boy stated.
"You fool" his father chastised him. "Watch how you speak of these 'girls'" his father said in annoyance. "Because that girl is the heiress of one of the more prominent companies in Kyoto" the man stated as his son furrowed his brows in confusion.
"Then what's she doing all the way in Konoha with a Hyuga?" the boy asked.
"Appearances mean everything in this industry, obviously she understands this far better than you which must be why her father is allowing her to be here with the Hyuga" the man replied earning an eye roll from his son. "Some company heads can trust the integrity of their heirs" the man said shaking his head in disappointment as he looked at his own son.
...
"Are you alright?" Neji asked as he took Natsumi's waist with one hand and held her hand with his other.
"I'm alright" Natsumi replied as she placed her free hand onto the male's shoulder.
"His actions were completely uncalled for" Neji commented making huff escape Natsumi as she smiled.
"Hn" Natsumi said with a nod as the two began to dance.
"I have half a mind to have them escorted from the premises" Neji fumed shaking his head disapprovingly.
"I understand how upset you are" Natsumi agreed. "But making a scene over it won't do any good" the girl advised earning a breath from Neji before he gave a nod to agree.
"It's unfair that you had to endure such a discussion, I apologize for not stepping in sooner" Neji said looking back to the girl and earning a small smile.
"There's always going to be boys like that at events like these" Natsumi stated knowingly.
Neji raised a brow at this comment as the two continued to dance.
"How so?" Neji asked looking to the girl and making her brows rise in alarm.
'Should I tell him the truth?' Natsumi thought looking into the light purple hues of Neji before glancing to the side and creasing her brow. 'So far my friends only know I have a complicated relationship with my father since he's so dedicated to his work ... the only ones who know the specifics are Sasuke and Hinata and I guess thanks to Sasuke, Naruto knows now too' Natsumi thought before nervously glancing back to Neji with a conflicted look. 'We aren't close but ... I feel like I could tell him and trust that he won't say anything' Natsumi thought before opening her mouth to speak.
"Natsumi you don't have to say. I apologize for asking so abruptly" Neji stated glancing to the side as the pair continued to move.
It grew awkward after this as the pair danced in silence for a moment. Natsumi looked at Neji with a look of gratitude as he didn't push for an answer, and gave her the opportunity to reply on her own.
"Neji" Natsumi said making the boy turn back to face her. "I need to tell you something" she said making the boy furrow his brows in worry before giving a nod of understanding.
"I think I know what this about" Neji stated abruptly, taking the girl by surprise as she looked at him with her brows raised in astonishment.
"Oh" Natsumi replied. "Well that'll make things easier" she admitted as Neji's gaze shifted back to her.
"I think you should know this won't change how I view you as I said before I see you as a reliable person that I can trust" he stated making a smile cross the girl's lips as she nodded in understanding. "But I'm afraid I only see you as a friend" he then said making the girl stiffen.
"Wait what?" Natsumi asked in disbelief as she stared at Neji.
Neji blinked and it was silent as the two looked at one another.
"Are you rejecting me?" the girl asked raising a brow at the Hyuga and earning a confused look.
"Isn't this a confession?" Neji asked bluntly.
Natsumi gave the boy a bewildered look before she scoffed and looked to the side with an amused smile on her lips while the pair continued to dance.
"I think there's been a slight misunderstanding between us" Natsumi stated making Neji sweat drop.
"I apologize for the misunderstanding" Neji stated.
"Stop" she said letting a slight laugh escape her before she smiled to stifle it.
"This isn't a laughing matter" Neji said sounding embarrassed as Natsumi continued to try not to laugh.
"I'm sorry" Natsumi apologized trying to stop. "But it kind of is" she pointed out. "You should try to loosen up a bit" Natsumi advised making the Hyuga stiffen as he thought back to his earlier talk with his younger cousin.
Neji sighed as he looked to the side while Natsumi took a breath to regain her composure.
"Perhaps you're right" Neji admitted breaking the silence between the two and earning a small smile from the dark haired girl before it grew silent between the pair yet again.
"I actually wanted to talk to you about what happened with the gentleman and his son before our dance" Natsumi stated in a more serious tone.
"The Tanaka Corporation?" Neji questioned earning a nod from the dark haired girl. "You needn't worry yourself Natsumi, they're just a small company who my uncle invited to be courteous ... as they more or less are merely trying to leech off the Hyuga Company" he stated before taking notice to the conflicted look worn on Natsumi's face.
"I've apparently met them before" Natsumi said, making the Hyuga raise a brow in confusion as he waited for the girl to explain further. "Mr. Tanaka recognized me from a company party I attended with my father" she stated making Neji's face light up in surprise.
He furrowed his brows in thought before a look of realization set in over his features.
"That's how you know the proper etiquette to exercise at these types of events" Neji stated.
"My father made sure I would be well versed in these types of situations" Natsumi explained with a nod. "Because it wouldn't be right for the heiress of the Nakamaru Company to give the wrong type of image" she stated as Neji's brows rose in surprise.
"Heiress?" Neji asked in shock.
It grew silent for a moment as the Hyuga stared at the girl in front of him.
"I apologize" Neji suddenly said as the two stopped moving for a moment. "I would've never dreamed that Lady Hinata's friend, who seemed the most dignified, actually held the same title as her. If only I would've known sooner I might've exercised the proper procedure and asked your parents' permission to escort you tonight" he said much to his alarm seeing a hurt look in the girl's usually warm brown hues.
"Neji none of that matters" Natsumi said with her brows furrowed as she frowned slightly. "I didn't come here with you as the Nakamaru Company's heiress to market my father's company" she said making the boy stiffen at her tone. "If I had gone to Kyoto with my dad this Winter Break, these company parties would've been the only thing I was going to and I'm not the biggest fan of them" Natsumi admitted taking the boy by surprise.
"But why did you come then?" Neji asked, prompting a frustrated sigh to escape the girl as she looked to the side before the pair resumed dancing.
"I came because you said you trusted me and asked me this as a favor for a friend" Natsumi stated looking back to Neji and making him feel guilt rack over him.
It was silent for a moment between the two as Neji looked at the girl before looking down to the floor.
"I had no idea" Neji stated. "I feel like a fool" he said before awkwardly glancing to the side. "It was never my intention to put you in such a position" Neji said. "I'm sorry Natsumi. This was a terrible thing to do to a friend" he said.
Natsumi shook her head.
"You didn't know ... and I wasn't exactly the most fourth coming with talking about it" she stated.
"You're entitled to your own privacy" Neji stated.
"But I also need to know I can trust those I consider friends" Natsumi replied. "I'm sorry I didn't say something sooner. You've shown more than once that you're someone I can rely on as a friend but I'm stubborn when it comes to communication" Natsumi said. "I just didn't realize that I would encounter such a situation that traced back to my father's company when I'm not in Kyoto" she explained.
"It seems we both have things to work on then" Neji stated catching the girl's gaze before he offered a small smile and nod. "Here's to becoming better friends" Neji said as the two shared reassuring smiles, or at least until a thought struck Natsumi.
"Now that I think about it this is our first dance" Natsumi pointed out.
"That is correct. I know I promised you that this wouldn't be a dull experience but all we've done is socialize with my uncle's partners" he said with an apologetic tone.
"Perhaps we can try to fix that" Natsumi offered.
"At a company party?" Neji asked raising a brow at the girl and earning a small smile and nod.
Neji released a small snort to keep himself from laughing.
"You are far too optimistic" Neji said shaking his head.
It was silent for a moment before Natsumi perked up and held a finger up with an enthusiastic smile.
"Anything is possible through the power of youth!" the girl said making Neji stiffen before looking to her.
"I don't need to hear that from you!" Neji said making a light giggle escape the girl beside him.
"But isn't it motivational?" Natsumi asked with a smile.
"Not when Lee is spouting it after spending time with Guy-sensei" Neji stated. "I swear sometimes it seems like that's all he can offer" the Hyuga said making the girl scoff to keep from laughing.
"At least he's dedicated, Kakashi-sensei shows up late and hardly pays attention to us since he's splitting it between teaching and reading his books" Natsumi pointed out making Neji sigh.
"Don't remind me" he said shaking his head. "The two of them are no better together, especially with their rivalry" Neji stated making another small laugh escape Natsumi.
"You know this probably the most we've talked" Natsumi stated. "It's nice" Natsumi said with a shrug. "Usually I would need to keep quiet but this is making the entire experience all the more bearable and I'm grateful for that" she said.
Neji's brows rose in surprise as he processed this information and a moment of silence passed before the male Hyuga offered his arm to the girl.
"Come on, why don't we go and talk with Lady Hinata as I'm sure she feels the same way you do about these company parties" he offered making Natsumi's face light up with an excited smile as she recalled her discussion with Hinata from before.
'You have no idea' Natsumi thought.
"That sounds perfect" Natsumi said taking hold of Neji's arm as the teens started walking again.
"Also Natsumi" Neji said.
"Hm?" Natsumi hummed in reply looking to the boy.
"I'm thankful for you being here" he said as he grabbed two glasses from a passing waiter. He handed one to Natsumi and raised his glass. "Here's to a new friendship" he said earning a small smile from Natsumi.
She raised her glass to clink with his as they both made their way to Hinata.
...
A/N: Hey guys this is the Christmas Chapter with the Christmas Party we've been waiting for. I hope you all enjoyed it even if it was a little short. This chapter really focused on friendships and how Natsumi feels able to change the role she is supposed to play. It can be difficult to stray from certain rules and teachings but sometimes you need to act according to a situation and not to a role so you can make your own choices. I had a lot of fun writing it and look forward to your thoughts in the comments. I love you all and thank you for the support and encouragement. Please read and review and I'll see you in the next update. :)
