So What If You Catch Me?
Chapter Seven
"It's the little things you do that make me so attracted to you,"
Neji's mind was running a mile a minute. His heart was pounding in his chest. His heart felt full. A small smile graced his lips. Never in a million years had he imagined this. Naruto was leading the group walking backwards. His arms behind his head talking loudly. Hinata still had her arm looped in with Sakura. And Sakura… she looked even more beautiful than he thought was possible.
"Let's race!" Naruto said grabbing Hinata around her waist and spinning her around. Sakura laughed.
"I don't think that's fair, you obviously have TOO much energy," Sakura said laughing. Neji held his hand out to her. She looked down at it and back up to his face.
"Come on, I bet we can beat them," He smiled causing Sakura to let out a laugh. In a moment the two groups were off. Naruto holding Hinata bridal style. Sakura held Neji around his shoulders and her legs around his waist. Sakura blushed and covered her cheeks in his neckline. How was this even possible? This feeling of happiness. Was this what love really felt like? Was this what it meant to fall?
"Too slow Neji!" Naruto called out pushing off his back leg and increasing their speed. Sakura let out a laugh and gripped the older man stronger when she felt him push off more strongly than the last. The two men came to a halt in the front yard. Naruto let out a laugh letting Hinata down to stand. Sakura dropped off of Neji's back to be lifted up again and spun around, she let out a laugh and felt warm arms wrap around her.
"I think we might have won," Naruto said slightly out of breath. Neji placed a small kiss on Sakura's hair line.
"I think I'm fine with that assumption," Neji chuckled looking down at Sakura. She smiled up at him. Okay so maybe all of her pervious thoughts and fears about relationships were wrong. Maybe they didn't need to be toxic. Maybe they didn't need to fight. Maybe they could be easy.
"Well, well, well. I guess I figured out why Neji said he wasn't available on our last mission," Sakura's eyes widened hearing Ino's voice. She looked around Neji and to her front door where Ino was sitting with a sleeping Tenten. A large smirk across the blonde. "Well come on. Can't wait to hear all about this," Ino said.
"I thought you went home with Sai?" Sakura said, her face red and heart pounding in her ears.
"Mhm Forehead. We both know that's not what I'm interested in talking about now," Ino said. "Naruto help me move Tenten inside," Naruto nodded and moved to unlock the door, Ino stood and held the door open while Naruto moved and carried Tenten into the house and on the couch. Ino gave Neji and Naruto a quick wave before making her way into the house.
Hinata gave Naruto a quick kiss on the cheek before entering the house. Neji held Sakura's had a few more moments before finally letting it go. She felt sick. Embarrassed. How did she let this all happen? What if Tenten had been awake and saw them… this was not how she wanted things to go. Neji leaned forward and kissed her hairline once more.
"Don't fret," he said calmly. "Nothing has changed for me. I'll see you tomorrow," Sakura nodded and watched the two men make their way back to the Hyuuga compound. Sakura took a deep breathe in. There wasn't anything to worry about. The pinkette turned and made her way inside, she shut the door behind her making sure to lock it. She slipped her shoes off and made her way down the hallway and into the living room.
Tenten laid sleeping peacefully on the couch. Ino sat in the rocking chair they had in the cornor. The blonde motioned for Sakura to take a seat next to Hinata on the love seat. Felt more like the hot seat. Sakura sighed before sitting down next to Hinata. She pulled her feet up and under her. If she was gonna get grilled about it she might as well be comfortable.
"How's Sai?" Sakura let out a loud laugh at Hinata's attempt at breaking the ice. She covered her mouth and let out a louder laughing not being able to control herself. Hinata smiled at her own joke and felt her face get warm. Ino looked annoyed but eventually started to laugh as well.
"What did I miss?" Tenten asked sitting up drowsily looking at the three girls. It was just too much. Ino couldn't control her fit of laughter. Pretty soon the four girls were all in a fit of laughter. "Okay but seriously you two took forever!" Tenten said commenting at the clock.
"How did you two even make it here? I thought for sure Ino was at Sai's?" Sakura said winking at the blonde. "You two did disappear pretty early in the night."
Ino rolled her eyes before moving to the floor. "He just wanted to show me his art work… which like don't get me wrong was great! And honestly would have loved if it was like noon on a Tuesday…" Ino sighed. "So I just talked to him about art for an hour before making an excuse to leave. I ended up running into Tenten walking home and figured you two couldn't be too far behind us," Ino said pointedly at Sakura.
"Well with the whole courting thing it's difficult for me to spend long amounts of time with Naruto-kun. It's only approved if Neji is there," Hinata said quickly.
"Hmmm, seems to be all coming together," Ino said her blue eyes stared into green.
"I wonder if that's why Neji's been acting weird?" Tenten said laying back against the couch back.
"How's he been acting weird?" Ino asked.
"He's just been out of it. Even when we spared the other morning, he was really out of it… Since your being courted do you think your father is going to expect Neji to court someone?" Tenten asked Hinata. Sakura hasn't realized how tightly she had been gripping her hands. She had almost forgotten that even though Neji was a part of the Branch house he was still technically part of an old family.
"It's a possibility… I shouldn't really talk Clan politics," Hinata said quietly.
"It's so wild how old school your clan is, I'm glad my Clan's chilled out," Ino said. Tenten sighed.
"How are things going with Naruto and the courting?" Sakura asked. She was ready for Neji to not be a topic of discussion. Hinata smiled.
"They are going very well. I'm so happy things are working out so well. I believe we will get approval at our clan's Yule party," Sakura smiled.
"That's awesome Hinata!" Tenten said. Hinata smiled.
"Why don't we get some sleep?" Ino said.
"I'll crash out here," Tenten said getting comfortable on the couch again.
"I'll sleep in Naruto-kun's room," Hinata said standing and walking to the stair case.
"Well come on Pig, I know you want my bed." Sakura said standing and making her way down the hall to her room. Ino right behind her. Sakura's door was closed for maybe a millisecond before Ino smacked the pinkette with a pillow. "Ouch,"
"I can't believe you didn't tell me!" Ino hissed swinging the pillow back to hit her best friend. Sakura grabbed at the pillow only to be hit with a few more time before the blonde settled on to the bed.
"I told you it was new!" Sakura hissed back.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah! How new we talking here?"
"Honestly Ino like two days before our mission. We haven't even really talked about what it is… what it means…" Sakura said laying back on the bed.
Ino laid down next to her friend. "Tenten's gonna be pissed," Sakura threw her hand over her eyes.
"Don't remind me,"
XXX
"You're getting home late," Hiashi said standing at the front door of the main home. There was just something about Hinata's dad that made Naruto feel like he was always in trouble. Like he had unknowingly broken a rule.
"Had to escort Lady Hinata and Sakura home," Neji said courtly. Hiashi nodded.
"Once you have Naruto adjusted to his courters come find me in my office, we have much to discuss," Hiashi said quickly before making his way inside. Naruto looked at Neji who shrugged.
"it's probably nothing, I haven't seen Uncle since before my mission." Neji said. Naruto nodded. It didn't take long to get Naruto comfortable in the bedroom that was connected to Neji's main room. The two boys jumped slightly when Neji's door opened with a loud click.
"Rumor is you're in trouble," Hinabi said with a slight smile on her face. She crossed her arms across her chest. Neji resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He wasn't entirely sure when Hanabi had become so angry with everyone around her. She was not overly happy with the amount of appreciation Neji and Hinata received after the war. He had just assumed that not being in the spotlight was harder on her.
"What does Neji have to be in trouble for?" Naruto asked throwing down the pillow that Neji handed him. Hinabi shrugged.
"Best to not encourage her," Neji said. "I'll be back in a moment," Neji walked past Hinabi and shut the door behind him with a soft click. The two stared off for a moment before Neji made his way down the familiar halls and to his Uncles office. Right at the young Hyuuga met the door he heard his uncle mummer an 'enter'.
Neji opened the door and shut it behind him. He stood just on the inside not making a point to move any further into the office until instructed to do so. The office had not changed in years. Simple. Scrolls adored the walls floor to ceiling. Neji was sure they were important, but he had not sat through very many import clan meetings.
"Please sit," Hiashi pointed to the chairs across from him. Neji let out the breath he had been holding before moving and taking a seat in front of his Uncle. "How has the courting been going with Hinata-chan? You have been devoting quite a lot of time to this…" he said looking up from the scroll he was working on.
"They have been going well. Naruto has been quite a gentleman,"
"Do you think he is ready to attend our celebration?"
"I think he is as formal as he will ever be Uncle," Neji said with a slight smile Hiashi nodded before writing a few lines in the scroll in front of him.
"I have been meeting with the elders quite a bit as of late as well as your cousin," Neji felt his heart pick up pace. Which cousin? Hinata? Hinabi? "Neji, I am very proud of you for your sacrifices not only for our Clan but for our village during the war," Neji looked down at his hands and gripped them tightly.
It wasn't often that he received recognition. That wasn't entirely true. A lot of things had changed in the years since the end of the war. His Uncle had changed. Almost losing Hinata. Almost losing Neji. Almost losing Hinabi. Almost losing the whole Clan. It wasn't spoken just a noticed change.
"Thank you, Uncle," Neji said. He wasn't sure what else to say. What else to do. Life had recently been changing.
"It is important to me that you know this and understand." Hiashi stated. He closed the scroll he was working on and placed it off to the side before placing his elbow on the desk. "Hinata and I have come to the decision that we will be naming you the next Clan Leader," Neji blinked a couple times. All he could hear was his heart beating loudly. "After careful consideration and many conversations between myself and her and myself and the elders it became clear that we would like you to lead our Clan. With Hinata hell bent on marrying our next Hokage… we found that you were the best option for leadership,"
"I," Neji stammered. "Thank you, Uncle. I don't know what else to say," Hiashi nodded.
"How is Haruno-san?" Neji felt his face instantly flush bright red. Hiashi let out a light chuckle. "Do not be embarrassed. I have a feeling there will be a lot changes. Go to bed Nephew," Neji stood, Hiashi following suit. Neji bowed and was surprised to find his Uncle return his bow.
"Good night Uncle," Neji made his way back to his room to find Naruto completely passed out. He chuckled. What an interesting turn of events. Clan leader? Was he able to do that? Was he going to be good at it? Was he strong enough? He changed out of his clothes and laid down in his cot and stared up at the ceiling. Would Sakura want that kind of responsibility? He certainly hoped so.
XXX
"Okay, maybe I did drink a little too much," Ino said using a menu to cover her eyes from the sun.
"I feel great!" Tenten said with a smile taking a sip of her orange juice. Sakura smiled and leaned back in her chair loving the warmth from the sun. This was probably going to be the last few weeks of warmth before fall really decided to show.
"Yeah, the weather is perfect today. It's going to be getting cold soon," Hinata commented.
"Well, I'd be interested in finding someone to keep me warm," the four ladies heard a man say. They all turned and looked to see Genma leaning against the railing next to where they were sitting at brunch.
"Keep trying," Sakura said nonchalantly waving the man off.
"One of these day's you'll give in Haruno," Genma said with a sly smile.
"Get outta here Genma," Ino said throwing a piece of toast at the older man. Genma dodge the piece and laughed before leaving. "Ugh, as if. Sakura has standards," Sakura nodded leaning back in her seat again and shutting her eyes. She held her glass in her hand.
"Does it get exhausting getting so much attention?" Tenten inquired. "I saw how obsessive Sasuke was over you last night. It was like his eyes never left you,"
Sakura sighed. "Yeah… it's exhausting. None of it's wanted,"
"I wouldn't say that" Ino said pointedly taking a bite of her toast. Sakura rolled her eyes and leaned back again.
"Well, Hello there ladies!" Sakura sighed she opened one of her eyes to see Naruto standing where Genam had been previously.
"Naruto-kun!" Hinata said her face bright red realizing the blonde was completely shirtless.
"Damn boy! Who you trying to impress?" Ino said. "Who would have thought?"
Lee came to a stop next to Naruto completely covered in sweat. "Bushy brows came and woke us up early for training. It's been a while since I've done this much," Naruto said wiping his forehead.
"Why didn't you invite me Lee!" Tenten exclaimed.
"I am sorry Tenten! I had believed that girls time would not be over!"
"Well he's not wrong," Ino mumbled. "Well, I'll be damned. Is it hot man brunch?" Ino said noticing Neji catching up to the other two men.
"Is that a new thing they are serving here?" Lee inquired. "I imagine hot man brunch sounds delicious. Maybe we should attend when we finish?"
"I don't believe that that is what Yamanaka-san meant by that Lee," Neji said with a smile.
"Neji! How was your last mission!" Tenten asked with a smile.
"It went well," Neji commented.
"It did! It was a great time working with Ino and Sakura!" Lee added.
"What are you doing later?" Tenten inquired. Ino side glanced at Sakura who took a sip of her drink.
"I… uh," Neji stumbled over his words. Neji had never noticed Tenten's advances. He had just always assumed she was overly friendly… but now that he was aware it made it difficult. It was like the glass had been shattered.
"Why don't we get dinner? It's been so long since we caught up!" Tenten stated. Neji looked over at Sakura who was still sipping her drink. He brought his focus back to Tenten.
"I think that would be a good idea," he stated. "I think we have some things that need to be discussed. I'll meet you at 5 at Ichiraku. Ladies," Neji said before turning away from the group. Lee following Neji.
"I'll see you later tonight," Naruto said with a wink to Hinata before following suit.
"Did you hear that Ino!" Tenten said excitedly. "I didn't image he would ask me to attend a Clan dinner at Ichiraku but," she shrugged. "I'll take it! I'm so excited! He acknowledged we needed to talk about things!" Sakura felt sick to her stomach again. She knew the real reason behind the conversation. She wanted to say something but found she couldn't find her voice to say anything.
"Tenten," Hinata said quietly. "I'm not privy to all of my cousin's thoughts and feelings… please don't get your hopes up. I had said last night that I can not share Clan politics… but you should be aware that Neji has a lot going on at this time,"
A/N
Hope you guys liked the new chapter! I think we're getting down to the end of this fic. Possibly another five chapters! I did also start to post on Ao3 so feel free to find me there as well! I'll be slowly but surely getting things up to date. Thank you all for reading and I hope you enjoyed!
