Chapter 11: Lilac... Fin?

"I have to find Neji!"

"He left for a mission this morning! He won't be back for a whole week. You really are the worst Nee-san!"

Hinata stared at her sister. Hanabi had tears in her eyes but she refused to let them fall like her sister.

Hanabi took a step up to her sister until they were nearly face to face. Her face was saddened.

"You know, your one hell of a lucky person to have him."

"W-Wha-"

A single tear fell on Hanabi's cheek.

"Nee-san. You aren't the only one who loves Neji..."

Hanabi fell into Hinata's arms and began to lose herself. Hinata wrapped her hands around her sister and together they cried.

---

Six days passed. Hinata lay in bed staring at the ceiling. It was a little after 11 at night and she couldn't sleep. She hadn't forgotten any of the words her sister had told her the day Neji left. 'You aren't the only one who loves Neji...' What did she mean? Did she love Neji-niisan too? 'You really are the worst Nee-san' Hinata felt as though a knife sliced right through her heart. She wanted to cry but she was tired of it. Crying was for the weak. She felt weak though, she had been vegetating for four days and hadn't left her apartment. Hoping Neji would walk in the door. But she had also forgotten about her father while all the commotion had happened. She also hadn't talked to Naruto.

She jumped out of bed and walked over to the bathroom to take a long bath. After filling up the tub she stripped herself of her clothes and looked into the mirror. Her skin was overly pale and sickly. Her body showed significant signs of stress and her eyes were slightly blackened from the lack of proper sleep. She sighed and turned away and stepped into the bath. She felt ugly. The warm water on her skin helped take her worries away though and she felt herself relax.

---

Neji was tired and sore. He actually had to push himself on a c-rank mission. He was mad about it too. The mission was fairly easy, seeing as it was only to pick up a man in the grass country and escort him safely to his trade center in the water country, and there was only one ambush in the whole mission. Apparently the man was trading valuable jewels from the Bear Country and spies were told to dispose of this man. Even so Neji managed to get his clothes torn to near shreds and minor cuts. It did help him clear his mind of his worries though.

He slowly made his way to Tsunade's office to make his report.

"Neji. Good to see you. How did the mission go?"

"Fine. He was escorted to the water country with no injuries."

"Good. Please take a seat Neji. I need to talk to you."

He eyed the godiame questioningly before taking his seat.

"Neji, are you aware of the consequences of leaving the hospital without being properly dismissed?"

Neji sighed. He really didn't care. "No, Tsunade-san, I don't."

"Neji. You could have been severely hurt." Neji looked at Tsunade confused. She glared before continuing. "You are one of the strongest Ninja in Konoha. We can't take the chance of losing you. Not when we are on the eve of war with the sound country. You know, Orochimaru won't be happy we have his apprentice captive in Konoha." She smiled and turned to look out her window into the darkness. "Neji, you were severely hurt when you left and still are. I should tie you to a hospital bed for it too. You are much like Naruto...gees" Neji frowned and rolled his eyes. "Heh...You are dismissed for the time being. Please come tomorrow afternoon with Hinata-san." With a gesture of her hand she told him to leave.

Neji walked slowly through the cold night air. The smell of damp ground filled his nose. It oddly calmed him. He came to a stop when he reached his apartment. He wondered if Hinata was there. Part of him wished she wasn't but another wished she was. He took a deep breath.

---

Hinata was still in the bath. She had been in there for almost an hour and assumed she was a prune now. Slowly she dragged herself out of the bathtub and carefully wrapped a towel around her small form. She walked out of the bathroom and stared at her empty bed. She sighed and walked out of the bedroom. It was dark in the house and felt ghastly. She shivered and made her way to the living room, but bumped into a large solid object in the way. She fell to her derriere with a 'ow' She looked up and saw cold white orbs glaring down at her.

"Nii-san?" the words formed in a whisper off Hinata's lips.

"Watch where you are walking."

"Gomenasai." Hinata stood up to be closer to his face.

Neji sent her a glare and walked passed her. Hinata watched him walk past her, sadness coating her face. Her eyes widened as she noticed the deep gash in his back. His gauze was torn and drenched in blood. She gasped and cupped her hand over her mouth. Clumsily she ran towards him. "Nii-san." Neji stopped, shocking Hinata and making her trip over herself. She fell right into his back. Her hand skimming against the open wound. Neji let out a loud screech and spun around grabbing Hinata's wrist. He sent a menacing scowl at her.

"What are you doing" he spat.

Hinata shivered and looked into his deadly eyes. "I-I... sumimasen!... But y-y-you are h-hurt. P-Please. I can h-heal it for..."

"No..." Neji released her and walked into the bedroom. He peeled away his torn shirt and gauze and walked into the bathroom.

Hinata sat on the bed waiting for him to finish his bath. After a half an hour or so he walked out, wearing his usual day clothes. Hinata stood, wondering why he wasn't in something more appropriate to sleep in. 'Maybe he doesn't want to sleep here anymore' He walked towards the bedroom door to leave. Hinata forced herself to walk up to him, blocking his exit.

"Move"

"N-No Nii-san."

"Move." This time Neji's voice was annoyed.

"Nii-san. I need to talk to you."

"..."

Hinata began to shake slightly. "I-I..."

Neji began to tap his foot on the ground. He wasn't in the mood for her crap.

"If you have nothing to say move."

"W-Where are you going Nii-san"

"Nowhere, now move."

Hinata took a step back, her back hitting the door.

"I'm sorry..."

"What?" Neji stared into Hinata's eyes questioningly.

"I-I have no right t-to say this Nii-san, but I'm so very sorry." Hinata was shaking more now, and her eyes seemed to be glazed.

"...You don't need to be sorry for anything. Just move." Neji placed his hand on Hinata's shoulder and pushed her form aside. She stumbled but kept her feet. Neji slid open the door and took a step out. Hinata's hand grabbed his wrist.

"Let go"

"No Nii-san. I'm not done yet." Neji pulled away from her but her grip on him only tightened. Hinata's eyes were determined and she wasn't going to let go.

"Please"

Neji just kept walking. He dragged her along until they reached the front door. Neji turned to her and stared blankly. He closed his eyes and sighed.

You knew she loved him. You married her knowing that. Give her a chance.

Hmph.

You need to stop being a stuck up jerk and learn to forgive

Forgive for what. I don't have anything to forgive

Yes you do. Her...

Just listen for once and do it. Wrap your hands around her. She needs you. She loves you and she's just afraid.

No.

Do it

No.

Sigh. You really are a dumb ass.

Shut up.

If you weren't mad you'd do it

I'm not mad. I know she loves Naruto. I won't get in her way.

You're completely stupid. Then where are you going

No where.

Then why are you trying to open the front door.

Leave me alone.

Not until you do it.

"Nii-san. I know I'm dirty and I know you're mad. But I don't know what to do. I've loved Naruto for so long. But I'm married to you now, I want to start over. Will you be willing to forgive me?"

Neji woke from his thoughts and looked into Hinata's worried but determined eyes.

He closed his eyes. He really did feel something for Hinata and when he saw her so happy with Naruto he just wished to be out of the picture. Leaving her and Naruto to be happy.

Soft lips pressed upon a scowling mouth. Neji's eyes flew open. He looked at the blushing girl with her eyes closed. Her hands placed upon his shoulders trying not to upset him too much. She pulled away and opened her eyes. She smiled at his stunned form. Quickly she moved and placed herself in front of the open door.

"Gomenasai Neji-kun. I've hurt you so much. I understand if you don't want to be my husband anymore." She took a step to the side to allow him slight access to the night's journey.

Neji looked at her. He couldn't do anything else but look at her.

Hinata was surprised at his reaction (or lack of reaction for that) and took a step back. She had forgotten that there was a gap between the door and the stairs (A/N: They live on the higher floors of the apartment and... well you get the idea) and fell back. Neji's arm wrapped around her with ease and caught her before she hit the ground. He pulled her up to her feet and sighed.

"Really, you are a complete Klutz" He smirked.

Hinata blushed and smiled. Neji turned around and walked back. Hinata's eyes widened but she quickly regained herself. She turned towards Neji and closed the door behind her. She began to run towards Neji, but stopped with a loud embarrassed screech. Neji turned around and let out a scratched chuckle.

---

"Finally! Thank you for the information. Now please leave me" The servant bowed before exiting the room.

Hanabi was still stuck with the job of Heir since her sister had been vegetating the past week. She had been up late nights like this dealing with all her fathers' problems. She didn't know how he was able to deal with all the work. She was glad though. She wouldn't get to be this much longer and for the things she did she would probably be placed with the curse mark or killed or both.

She sighed and headed out. She needed to speak with Hinata.

---

"Augh!" Hinata's whole body turned a shade of crimson, she was so embarrassed and not to mention, Neji just laughed at her. She stood frozen in front of him for another moment before hastily turning back to the door. Her small towel was stuck between the doorframe and she hadn't noticed when it caught in between when she shut the door. She quickly pulled on it, but heard a tearing sound. She was stretching it and started to panic.

Neji who was trying not to laugh walked past the naked girl and opened the door just a tiny bit to get the towel from its hold. He smirked and handed Hinata the towel. She hesitantly took it and wrapped it around her form.

Neji walked towards the kitchen and bent over into the fridge quickly before pulling out some Tsukemono (Japanese Pickles usually used as an appetizer before a meal or a side dish to a specific mean). He placed them on the table and walked over to the cupboard and pulled out china painted tea cup.

"What?"

"Huh" Hinata was startled.

"You are staring. What's wrong"

"Oh... n-nothing..."

Neji frowned and turned and walked over to the table, taking a seat.

"Nii-san?"

"W-What"

"Are you hungry Neji-niisan? Please. I'll make you something. Tsukemono isn't suitable. Y-You just got back from a mission."

Hinata scurried to the kitchen and took out some pots and pans.

"Umm, would you like Okonomiyaki (1) or umm, Tonkatsu (2) maybe?"

Neji eyed Hinata.

"This is fine."

"No it isn't." Hinata scurried over to him and pulled his snack away.

"Now please..."

Neji frowned and sent a glare at Hinata, but sighed finally and closed his eyes. "Those meals you offered are too difficult. I don't want either." Neji stood up and walked over towards the bedroom.

Hinata let out a whimper and turned around towards the empty pots and pans.

"O-Okonomiyaki it is..."

---

Neji walked out of the bathroom feeling refreshed. His body had been aching for the entire week and it felt nice to allow his body some relaxation. Carefully, he brushed out his long strands of hair allowing them to fall gracefully upon his bare dorsum, curious strands landing over his shoulders.

The door opened. A perfectly made Okonomiyaki, dressed in calamari cubes, aonori (A/N: Green, dried seaweed), chopped mushrooms, brown Okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise. A china glass cup was filled with Gyokuro (A/N: Common green tea of the highest quality) along with an embroidered napkin with a flying dove. Finally, a small red bowl of miso soup with wakame seaweed and small chunks of tofu all accommodated the polished mahogany tray small paled hands held with sure determination and modesty.

She carefully walked over to him and handed him the tray humbly. Clear sweat beads trailed down her toned cheekbones traveling towards her upper lip. Noticing this Neji frowned but took the tray.

"Thank you...Itadakimasu..." Neji took a tiny bite of the delectable meal. He stopped eating and frowned.

"What's wrong? Were the spices added incorrectly? P-Please, let m-me fix it." Hinata took a step towards his plate, but was stopped. Neji's hand flew into the air and flatly silenced her.

"No, its... good..."

"Oh... t-thank goodness..."

"Exquisite." Neji shifted to place the tray on the nightstand. He turned back and noticed the wide-eyed figure. "..."

"Nii-san! You're going to get an infection!"

"What?"

"You're back! It's an opened wound, and if not healed will receive a terrible infection. Please let me heal it..."

"It's fine. I'll bandage it later."

"NO! I-I mean...bandaging will only add unwanted bacteria into it! If not treated a wound this size can attract deadly bacteria leading to paralysis or death. Please"

"Hmph...No I'll be fine."

"...Nii-san you're too...dense"

"What?" Neji sent a deathly glare at Hinata.

Hinata blushed and took a step back. She knew what she had to do, seeing as she'd had to do this before with stubborn patients. She just didn't know what'd happen if she happened to do it with Neji.

Taking a deep breath she sped towards Neji. Using all her force she grabbed onto his arm and pushed him forward onto the bed his face blundered by cold bedspread. He quickly focused and lifted his head from the breath stealing sheets.

"Wha-"

"Shh..." Hinata straddled his waist and placed her body onto him in a sitting position. Moving his long strands away from his bleeding back and over his shoulders she carefully took a damp cloth with saline (A/N: No I do not know where the cloth appeared from or why it was damp with saline miraculously) and gently rubbed it against his back. Neji let out a displeased hiss and became restless. One of Hinata's hands gently caressed his shoulder and after a moment Neji gave in and settled.

A green aura rose from the side of Neji's lavender eye. Slowly the skin on his back repaired and the uncomfortable ache ceased. Hinata's weight lightened off his back as she pulled herself to her knees, but still straddling him. Neji carefully turned his body so he was facing Hinata. He cocked and eye and she blushed. Neji smiled slightly and brought himself to his elbows. He stared into her white orbs and she stared back.

"Thank you, Hinata-sama"

She blushed a deeper red as Neji's face came closer in proximity to hers. His lips pressed onto hers. Her lips pressed upon his. Eyes closed shut in the heat. Arms wrapped around bodies. Indigo Hair draped upon brown hair.

They pulled away gasping. Hinata was crimson, and Neji was slightly peach pink.

Wow, he is a good kisser.

...yeah...

Dazed are you? What do you think?

...about what...

Don't play dumb...Who's the better kisser... Neji or Naruto?

What?... I don't know... umm...

I vote Neji!

I-I...

Hehe...Who'll it be?

N-N...

Hinata boldly leaned in grasping Neji's lips for hers. Her tongue hesitantly licked upon his lower lip asking for entrance. Once granted she roamed his masculine mouth with her feminine tongue. Battling a friendly battle their tongues launched deeper within each others throats. Hinata loved his taste. It was so warm and blissful, unlike what his normally cold and hateful face showed the world. Her hand whisked into his hair twiddling it between her fingers. Neji's hand caressed the nape of her neck sending piercing eager through Hinata's mind. His hand gradually lowered towards the small of her back. She shivered with excitement and placed her hands onto his chest. He sat up and she wrapped her legs around his lower half. They leaned in for what they thought was to be the best night of their lives...

...And it all started with a ...

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Hey? So how'd you like this chapter? I made it long so I hope you liked it. It really didn't have much full throttled action, but I thought it was ok especially since I put in some of my culinary cuisine arts into it (not very good though) and would make my instructor happy –if she read this that is...- Oh, and I don't really know whether the part with the bacteria being able to paralyze but just pretend you know what I'm talking about. Ok, well please review and I'll see ya all next time.

(1) Okonomiyaki – a mix between pizza and a pancake. Various ingredients such as seafood, vegetables and meat can be mixed with the dough and placed on the okonomiyaki as topping

(2) Tonkatsu – Deep fried pork cutlets. Usually served with shredded cabbage or on top of cooked rice or with Japanese style curry rice.