Neji left the next morning before Gaara could awaken. When he had awoken, seeing Gaara snuggled against his side, sleeping peacefully, the thought that he was kind of cute entered his mind, until he killed that notion and chalked it up to being tired.
With school being canceled the day before, he had to make up for it by going to school early. The commute from downtown was a bit of a pain, but he was grateful to not have to look for odd places to sleep at night just to avoid going home. He had enough looks from staying at the manga café all night.
Mentally, he went over his schedule, preparing for another long day of school. Because every day was the same.
In the morning before school started, he would help with the student council as the class representative, turning in documents that they needed from his class, then he and the vice-captain of the archery club would consult if they had practice that day, then school would start. That's when the day became a struggle.
"Hyuuga-san, did you understand question 56 on the math assignment."
"Hyuuga-kun, could you help me with the details for the school assembly."
"Hyuuga-senpai, could you try my cookies I made in home ec?"
"Hyuuga-san, you're so smart."
"Hyuuga-kun."
"Hyuuga-san."
Hyuuga. Hyuuga. Hyuuga.
He worked hard to become popular and well respected in the school. He did it for the reputation alone. If his teachers liked him. If his peers respected him. Then he could leave this place and go to a top university, never to see this island again. He had given up trying to win his uncle's approval and just wanted to leave.
But the popularity was hard to deal with. They all had grandiose ideas of him. Any faults would be overlooked and excused because of who his family was and how people perceived him. So as he sat down at his desk, greeting his classmates with a good morning, he prepared for the barrage. Sure enough, within the first few seconds, students surrounded his desk.
"Hyuuga-san, can I see your homework? I forgot the assignment was due today." a boy asked, bouncing on his feet with anxiety.
"I can't give you my homework," he replied, pulling out a notebook. "But I can lend you my class notes. It should help."
"Thanks! You're the best," the boy gratefully took Neji's notebook only to be replaced by another classmate.
"After school, do you want to go to karaoke?" A young woman asked.
"Aw, I wanted to ask if he wanted to do some shopping downtown," another girl whined.
"Don't be ridiculous, he's probably busy studying for exams," another boy argued.
"He's right," Neji said, interjecting so he could decide his fate. "Exams are around the corner, so going out is a bit inconvenient."
"Do you have any fun?" the first girl asked. "You're always so busy."
"That's why he doesn't have a girlfriend," someone else said, Neji didn't see who, but everyone laughed.
"Not for lack of trying. How many times have you been called out this week alone?" a boy from across the room said.
Neji laughed along with them. "There's time to date after exams. I'll think about it then."
He politely talked with his classmates until screaming could be heard from the hallway and a blur of someone running by. His classmate's demeanor changed from friendly to annoyed at the loud disruption of their conversation.
"It's Uzumaki again." Someone said with distaste.
"Really, he should get expelled already. I thought this was an elite school, but he gets the lowest scores every year."
"It's probably a charity thing. Sponsoring orphans or something."
What was so bad being an orphan, Hyuuga wanted to snap. Everyone around him conveniently forgot he was an orphan as well. He was just "lucky" enough for his uncle to take him in after his father died. He just kept his small, polite smile.
"You know, I heard that Uzumaki-san stole from a convenience store and threatened the owner not to tell anyone."
"I wouldn't be surprised. He gets into fights in school all the time. Hyuuga-san is the only one brave enough to try to talk some sense into him."
"You really shouldn't get too close to him, Hyuuga-kun. Who knows what he might do to you."
"I'll be careful," he assured them before they dispersed to go back to their desks as class was about to start.
All those people who presumed to know him weren't his friends. He knew their names and remembered the things they told him, but he did not socialize with them if he could help it. Every single one assumed he was always in the right, that if there was a bad rumor about it, Uzumaki was the one who spread it. They didn't want to get to know him, and he didn't correct their assumptions either. It wasn't like he had time for friends.
After classes, he performed his classroom duties and went to the archery club which he was captain of, and by the time all that was over, if it was Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday, he would go to cram school. Having repeated a year, the coursework came simply to him, so the homework never took him too long, but his day typically ended late.
Due to the typhoon, both cram school and archery club was canceled due to some damage that had yet to be cleaned up. It was both a relief and an annoyance that he could take his time with after school duties. Sai and Nara always came to bother him. His class didn't mind them.
The classes were divided every year by grades and exam scores. Class A held the highest scorers, while class D held the lowest. Class E was a special case, filled with troublemakers and foreigners. Most of the school tended to avoid class E due to rumors about them, but Nara and Sai were the exceptions.
Nara was the top of the school when it came to grades. As class A was filled with the best and brightest, they often tried to ask him advice or help them study. Nara always declined, saying he never did anything special to get his grades. True enough, Nara often slept during class and never looked over his notes from class and practiced problems. He was just a natural-born genius.
Sai was tolerated for another reason. His art was famous nationwide, so he was known as a minor celebrity after winning the national art championship for three years running. Despite Sai's rude words and odd personality, people tolerated him. Neji didn't hate them, but he didn't like them either. They followed him around and did what he told them without much question like lackeys. In reality, they weren't his lackeys, but his uncle's. Everything he did was reported to his uncle.
He had always suspected that was the case but was unable to confirm it until a month ago. Seeing them, waiting for him outside the room, he dropped his smile, carrying the bucket of water they had used for cleaning. At the very least, he didn't have to pretend to like them.
"Hyuuga-kun," Sai said, his clothes splotched with ink as usual. "It's been a while."
"Has it?" Neji replied coldly, walking past. "I didn't notice."
"So harsh," Sai said. "And here I thought we could tease Cherry-kun together."
That caught his attention. "Cherry-kun?"
"His new nickname for Uzumaki-san," Nara filled in, rolling his eyes. "Are we going to the book shop or not?"
Neji didn't make an excuse to avoid them. If he did, his uncle would know and that could potentially lead to problems later. So, he emptied the bucket, put it away, and grabbed his bag from the room, saying goodbye to the classmates that remained. He heard Sai scoffing at his feigned politeness at the door. They may not have been his friends, but they did know he put on an act for the majority of the school.
They walked in silence with Nejij in the lead. They didn't really talk. None of them were very talkative. If Nara could, he'd have his nose in a book or take a nap at all times, and Sai's conversations were a black hole of insanity. Sai liked messing with people, finding amusement in their anger and never getting angry himself.
Neither of them was into martial arts either. They seemed to avoid it whenever they could. Not like Gaara. For the first time, he could share something that he loved with someone else. His classmates would surely call him a martial arts otaku if they ever found out, and they would be right. His mind was on fighting all the time. He liked the discipline it took, the rush of blood when facing a strong opponent, and the ability to push beyond one's limits when pushed. Gaara allowed him the opportunity to indulge and be himself. He could finally do something he loved almost every day and find a place to hide comfortably. He was looking forward to tonight.
"What do you want now, Hyuuga?"
It took a moment to realize Neji had bumped into Uzumaki. Well more like walked right to him since it was a hallway. He panicked inwardly, but he couldn't back down.
"Still here, Uzumaki? I thought they finally got rid of you." Neji glanced behind Uzumaki and sure enough, Gaara was standing behind him, looking out the window.
"Is that your opening line, Hyuuga. I'm starting to see why you were held back."
Uzumaki hit a nerve, and Neji's eyes narrowed. "At least I got here on my own merits and not because the chairman is my guardian."
"Really?" Uzumaki drawled, not deterred. "You think your family's status didn't help you get here? I mean the young master of an esteemed clan not being able to get into an elite school? What type of scandal would that cause?"
Neji inhaled sharply. He knew he was more than capable of getting into this school on his own, but it was a fear. Did he truly get here on his own? Did the school even look at his application and grades and just his name? Did his uncle interfere to ensure he wouldn't be an embarrassment to the clan? "At least I have a family."
That may have gone too far, but Neji wouldn't take it back after two direct hits to his pride. Neji knew how sensitive Uzumaki was on the subject, especially when Uzumaki grabbed his shirt. "Say that again, I dare you," Uzumaki growled, his voice deeper.
A flash of fear went down his spine. He always feared Uzumaki's anger. At times, he swore he saw Uzumaki's eyes turn red and sometimes his teeth sharpen. They were always brief, a flash really, and Neji was never sure if what he saw was real. Even so, he couldn't help but antagonize him. It was a chance to vent his anger and get his blood pumping without lifting a finger.
"I said, say that again," Uzumaki growled louder, quickly losing his patience.
"Uzumaki," Gaara spoke up, still standing by the window. He didn't even have to raise his voice. "Isn't Jiraiya coming home today?"
Uzumaki looked back at Gaara then at Neji. With reluctance, Uzumaki let him go, but his eyes narrowed. "You're lucky I'm in a hurry."
"Running away again I see," Neji said, unable to stop himself. Even Gaara looked annoyed at him.
"Don't be too hard on him, Hyuuga-kun," Sai walked up beside Neji, with a creepy fake smile. "Cherry-kun is just bitter about his status as a virgin. He just has a lot of energy he doesn't know what to do with."
Uzumaki blushed in a mixture of anger and embarrassment. He opened his mouth a couple of times, gaping like a fish until finally, he stormed away. Gaara lingered only a moment, exhaling harder than normal and turning away as if disappointed.
Did he disappoint him? Neji thought, heading another way towards the exit to not run into Uzumaki again. He wouldn't be surprised if Gaara canceled their meeting today. Gaara had gotten so angry yesterday just insinuating Uzumaki was behind his bad reputation.
He found himself disappointed.
His phone buzzed, and he pulled it out half-heartedly, just knowing it was the cancellation text. To his surprise and secret delight, it was a confirmation text instead. The corners of his lips twitched into a smile.
"Who's that?" Sai asked, leaning over like the nosy person he was.
Neji turned off his phone so no one could see it. "No one. No one at all."
"What's his condition?!" Tsunade snapped, holding out her hand demanding the chart from her assistant while simultaneously putting on her medical coat.
"Tsunade-sensei, if I may, our staff is more than capable of—" the middle-aged doctor was cut off by Tsunade's sharp glare, intimidating the doctor to hand over the chart.
Kakashi exhaled, already wanting to go home. She had gotten the call just as he was preparing to leave for the day at school and dragged him along. An excuse was on his tongue as to why he couldn't join her when Iruka volunteered rather forcefully. Unable to leave Iruka to his own devices, he came as well.
Tsunade opened the door to the room quickly, startling the occupants inside except the patient himself. On the bed, Jiraiya was laying down, a deep gash in his side that the doctors were trying to mend. Jiraiya looked up, pale from blood loss becoming even paler seeing Tsunade there. "Tsunade," he started with a tentative smile.
"I have a right to kill you myself right now. What did you think you were doing!" She yelled.
"I'm so sorry." A young man stepped forward. His clothes were still splattered with blood. The young man was one of the students from Year 3, Class E. "It's my fault. I messed up, and Jiraiya-sama protected me. If I hadn't been distracted—"
"Our role as mentors is to protect you as you learn on the field," Iruka assured the boy. "Isn't that right, Tsunade-sama?"
Her lips thinned, and she exhaled loudly, controlling her anger. "Yes. That is what mentors are for. Iruka-san, if you would, please."
Iruka led the boy out of the room. Kakashi wanted to follow, but he was curious as to who could have injured Jiraiya. Even if it was the boy's mistake that had led to the incident and giving some credit to Jiraiya's age, it wasn't an easy feat.
"I'll take over," Tsunade announced. The doctor wanted to object but knew better, leaving the room as well.
"Really, I'm fine," Jiraiya tried to reassure her, but all his reassurance gained him was a hit to his injury. Jiraiya inhaled sharply, tensing in pain.
"You're supposed to be going home and taking care of Naruto. How can you see him when you're like this?" she scolded. Her angry words were just a front. Her eyes showed sadness and fear for the man in the bed, and she clenched her clipboard to her chest.
"I know," he said softly.
Tsunade put down the clipboard and went to work fixing the wound.
Hunters had their own doctors. What they practiced was not generally accepted in the medical community. It was a mixture of science and chakra techniques. To the world, it would seem like magic or something supernatural. To be a successful hunter doctor, one needed to know everything a doctor did on top of knowledge of poisons, curses, and other things a hunter may come across in their line of work.
Tsunade was one of the best. She only ever came in when the hospital was understaffed or there was a difficult case. Her abilities as a hunter physician were envied by many. Most could assist in accelerating the healing process to a degree and increase chances of survival compared to a normal doctor, but few could manipulate the body directly.
Her hands ran over Jiraiya's wound before putting pressure on it. Chakra flowed from her hands, seeping into the wound, and before the eyes, the wound began to close. The entire process took 25 minutes. By the end, the skin was red and there would be a light scar. From the naked eye, no one could tell Jiraiya had been injured half an hour before.
She exhaled, sweat on her brow as she took in her handiwork. "It's still tender. Don't move around or you could rip open the new skin."
"Thank you," he smiled at her, trying to sit up only to have her put a hand to his chest and force him to lay back down.
"Oh no, you don't. What did I just say? You're staying overnight, so I can keep an eye on you. You think a wound like that could heal that easily? I may have closed the skin and fixed most of the damage, but I'm not a miracle worker. Stay put."
He briefly considered contesting her until, like most people, he just gave in.
Tsunade handed him a cellphone, and Jiraiya sighed heavily, imputing a number.
"Hey kid!" Jiraiya answered with more energy than he really had. "Look, I'm sorry about tonight, but my conference was extended another day… Yeah, I know. I was looking forward to seeing you too. I made sure to get you a souvenir this time though. You wouldn't believe what I had to do to get it…"
Tsunade watched the conversation with conflicting emotions until she finally looked away to fill out a form on her clipboard. Jiraiya looked light-hearted and cheerful as he spoke until he hung up with matching conflicting emotions though more subtle than Tsunade's.
"I'll stop by to check on him," she said, not looking at him. "Get some rest. Doctor's orders."
"Thank you."
She gave him one last look, taking in the professionally distant smile before huffing one last time and leaving.
Iruka entered as soon as she left, standing at the foot of Jiraiya's bed with a somber expression. "Was it really just a mistake from Hideo-kun, Jiraiya-sama?"
"What can I say, I'm getting old," he laughed joyfully, seemingly inappropriate all considering. People like them didn't have long life expectancies. The moment they started to slow, the moment they were vulnerable, was when they should retire or expect a funeral. Jiraiya was well respected and liked even if his stances on certain issues were controversial. Seeing him slowly decline from his age was difficult to watch for Kakashi and Iruka. They were once in Hideo's shoes. Jiraiya had taken them out to the field and mentored them. Watched their backs as they learned how to fight for real. They were of the age where they were starting to take young hunters out into the field themselves. Neither Kakashi nor Iruka wanted to witness the fall of their teacher. They'd rather him retire while he could, but it also wasn't their place to voice their opinions on the matter. Jiraiya would never retire. Because Uzumaki, Naruto couldn't afford him to.
"Are you sure there was nothing suspicious about the mission you went on?" Kakashi asked, staring down his mentor.
Jiraiya was hard to read. He had a perfect face, showing only emotions he wanted people to see. He was an old school hunter who knew how to manage his expressions and keep his emotions hidden at nearly all times. So figuring out what was a lie and what was not, was nearly impossible without outside assistance.
Jiraiya met his eyes confidently. "There's nothing to tell. The information was wrong. It wasn't a vampire but a possession. Hideo-kun was taken by surprise. We get so few possessions these days, even I was a little careless. I think the last possession I saw was eight years ago," he told them nonchalantly.
Iruka frowned. "What happened to the possessed person?"
Jiraiya scratched his chin, but his eyes were calculating as he replied, "His soul was devoured. He couldn't be saved."
Anger radiated off of Iruka as his hatred towards the supernatural boiled. Even if it wasn't Iruka's mission, he always took the casualties hard, wanting revenge on the victim's behalf.
"There's been an increase in activity recently. Vampires have always been active, but apparitions are usually quiet in this day and age," Kakashi said, thinking over the information he was given.
"Tsunade-san has already issued Sai-kun to strengthen the barrier around the island to keep out undesirables," Jiraiya informed them, surprising them both. They hadn't heard about that.
"This started when that vampire decided to return here," Iruka murmured. He was ready to shift the blame over to their incoming guest in a few days.
"We've been investigating him and his activities the past several years. Besides hunting down an Uchiha Itachi, he has done nothing out of the ordinary and staying within the treaty set forth by the councils," Jiraiya explained. "We have nothing on him to warrant delaying his arrival let alone prohibit him from coming."
"There has to be some sort of connection," Iruka said. Kakashi also thought it wasn't a coincidence the timelines matched up, but whether it really had to do with Uchiha Sasuke was still uncertain. Many of the hunters were anxious to allow several vampires onto the island for an indefinite amount of time.
The tense bubble was popped when the door opened, revealing Sarutobi Asuma. The cop was dressed in normal attire for once, smiling from ear to ear. "Jiraiya-kun, I heard you overworked yourself again."
The three hunters glanced at each other. Jiraiya laughed light-heartedly. "Yeah. Another ulcer. You know how it is. It's always stressful when the deadlines come around."
"Yeah, it's something us old men get in our old age," Asuma agreed. He finally noticed the Iruka and Kakashi in the room. "Nice to see you again, senseis. Have you been well?"
"Yes, very," Iruka answered. "I hope you've been well also."
"Work's been piling up. Some of my men are also curious about a rumor that's been going around about some foreigner coming to take residence in that old, abandoned, western mansion. You'd think they'd be exited for some real news, but the atmosphere is a little—"
"Can't be helped. Besides the students, we do not often get permanent visitors." Jiraiya interrupted, stopping Kashima from asking too many questions. "Now, I hope those flowers are for me. I don't know if I have the will to go on if you got a girlfriend before me."
Asuma laughed, going to a vase by the window, putting the flowers in. "I'm married remember. I already had a girlfriend before you."
"Yeah, but I was dating someone at the time. If you managed to get another one while I'm still single," he sighed heavily, feigning disappointment, "then what is the handsome, mature bachelor to do."
"I could always set you up on a blind date," Asuma offered.
Jiraiya snorted. "Like I want to date those old hags you call friends."
"What did you say before, mature? The last time I checked, you're well on your way of becoming a senior citizen. Beggars can't be choosers."
Iruka motioned for Kakashi to leave while the two old friends talked. It was surreal to see someone so much younger than Jiraiya address him so informally. The hunter community respected him too much to get so close and others revered him as a well-accomplished author. Briefly, he wondered if Jiraiya found that distance a burden or a relief after Minato died.
Outside of the hallway, Usokawa stood, dressed casually as well but obviously waiting on his superior. Seeing them, he greeted them. "We seem to keep running into each other lately, Hatake-sensei. Did you find the ghoul you were looking for?"
"Yes, we did. I hope it didn't affect your report too much."
Usokawa shook his head. "No, of course not. I just fudged the documentation a bit. I just hope I wasn't in the way."
"Not at all," Iruka replied. "If you would excuse us."
"Of course, I just have one more question to ask you? Two days from now, it is the Uchiha family coming to the island correct?" At Kakashi's and Iruka's probing gazes on how he knew, he added, "It is the Uchiha mansion. I just assumed."
Seemed logical enough and there was no reason to hide it, he reasoned. "It is."
"I see. I see. I just wanted to tell you that I did some investigating. You shouldn't worry too much about Uchiha, Sasuke. His actions are inconsequential. I'd keep an eye on the butler. From what I hear, he has a shady past." Usokawa looked at Iruka. "At least, that's what Iruka-sensei, told me yesterday."
At Kakashi's questioning look, Iruka's face morphed into shock. "I did say that. How did I forget?" He was clearly upset with his lapse of memory. Iruka was so focused on finding something on the main vampire coming to the island, he forgot to follow up on the small leads of the minor one.
"We'll start looking into the butler as soon as we have a chance. If you spot anything strange, make sure to tell us."
"Will do. I'll try to keep the chief away from the docks and mansion for their arrival," Usokawa offered. "If it will help, that is."
"It would be a great help to us," Iruka said thankfully. It would actually help tremendously to keep the officers in the dark about Uchiha's return. As long as they thought it was a rumor, and they never found out when Uchiha was arriving the less trouble they would find themselves in.
They said goodbye to Usokawa and Iruka and Kakashi headed towards the doctor's lounge, where Tsunade was probably waiting for them.
"It's a shame Usokawa isn't a hunter like us," Iruka commented.
"Yeah, lucky bastard," Kakashi said wistfully, earning him a jab in the side by Iruka.
Iruka moved to the side, waiting for the people to pass by him. They greeted Iruka warmly which Iruka returned. Iruka knew everyone, was kind to everyone and tried to help everyone. If only Iruka could understand that not everyone could be saved, he would not have to carry that hatred with him as well. Once the people were passed, his face turned solemn. "I was told I would not be one of the people receiving Uchiha. They said I was too weak."
"It's for the best," Kakashi said.
Iruka didn't like what he said but accepted it without a word. It would be hard enough trying to adapt Uchiha into their class, putting all of them on edge while trying to act normal for Uzumaki Naruto. It wasn't going to be an easy task, and Iruka was going to have the hardest time trying to adapt. He needed time to get himself under control.
He let Iruka go through the door first, and Kakashi followed. Hopefully, everything that's happened so far was just a coincidence. If they could get through this intruder being here without incident, that would be for the best. Because if Kakashi was honest, in his opinion, he wasn't sure they could survive a full out war.
Gaara knew Hyuuga was sleeping beside him after the first night. When Hyuuga got up that morning to leave, Gaara had woken up. He was comfortable and he still clung to the edge of sleep, so he listened to Hyuuga move around as quietly as he could, trying not to wake him. Once Hyuuga left, the sleep had left Gaara and he was sitting up. He wouldn't say he was well-rested, but it was the best he had felt in a very long time.
The next three days, Hyuuga came into his room at night and slept beside him, still unaware that Gaara knew. He'd be on the verge of a nightmare, wake when he felt someone close to him, and within moments he would be in a deep dreamless sleep. It was unnatural for him to sleep where he was vulnerable. When he was in class, he slept lightly, able to wake if someone moved towards him, so he was vaguely aware even if he was out of it. He slept in front of Uzumaki too, but Uzumaki was practically the exception to everything, and often he didn't sleep well then either. For the first time, as long as he could remember, he slept nearly the entire night, not stirring until Hyuuga left in the mornings.
There was something about Hyuuga that quieted the lord inside of him. He didn't know what or how Hyuuga had done it, but Gaara anticipated Hyuuga coming into his room at night to sleep beside him. He trusted Hyuuga enough to let it continue.
Gaara slipped out of bed first this time, watching Hyuuga sleep as he did so. His long hair was braided, but frizzing from moving around in his sleep, he snored lightly, only disturbed temporarily when he moved towards the warmth of where Gaara's body had once laid. If he took a picture of him now, he wondered how much the girls at school would pay for it.
The thought brought a small smile to his face as he dressed and prepared, slipping weapons under his clothing and dressing in black. He left the apartment, went downstairs where Sai was waiting for him.
"Gaara-san," he greeted. He was much more well-mannered while on business than at school. Rather than rubbing everyone the wrong way, he kept his mouth shut as to not antagonize his partners. That and Sai was not a fan of Gaara. He had the habit of wanting to challenge him. He thought Gaara was dangerous. Sai was completely right of course, but Sai had stopped after two warnings from Tsunade-san. He would not get a third.
Sai smiled professionally at him, and Gaara wondered if Sai knew that Hyuuga was sleeping in his bed at that moment. Probably not as he wouldn't be smiling at all if he did. He felt satisfied to know something all these hunters did not because his people wouldn't tell them anything that happened on the premises without his or his brother's permission.
Sai and Gaara walked to the ferry docks where other hunters were waiting. Some were visible, like Tsunade, Jiraiya, and two other hunters who were quite powerful and representing their clan. At least 10 others were hiding in the shadows nearby. They weren't leaving things to chance.
Gaara could see the ferry approaching. A heavy atmosphere descended onto the hunters every second it came closer. By the time it docked, it felt like everyone was holding their breaths and wound up as tight as a spring.
Gaara had seen him once already, but even he admitted that it felt different as Uchiha Sasuke walked off the boat. Dressed in a black designer suit, dark black hair perfectly trimmed and combed, he walked off with confidence. There was no hint he was concerned with the security that came to greet him. It was clear he saw himself above them and at the most, they were a minor annoyance he had to deal with.
The vampire that walked off with him drew the eye even more. His long blond hair was in a ponytail that draped over his left shoulder. He was tall and dressed finely as well in his business suit. Gaara could not tell if he was dressed as a French model or a business executive. However, unlike the young man beside him, Gaara could not feel her chakra. He kept it well hidden, hiding his strength.
"Tsunade," the man said in a placating way. "I'm flattered you would send so many people to meet me, but really, it was unnecessary."
"It's not often we have someone from the council visiting our little island," Tsunade replied. She didn't give the pretense of being civil, letting the two of them know exactly how unwelcomed they were. "The blood oath?"
Deidara sighed. "Really? Isn't that a bit overkill? I'm an important person you know. I have to find a spot for my photoshoot. I'm delayed long enough coming to this piss poor excuse for civilization."
"Will you go back on your word?" Tsunade asked. Various hunters around them readied their weapons.
Deidara smiled cruelly, showing his fangs. "Of course not." He rolled up his sleeves and exposed his wrists. "Treat me gently now. Wouldn't want Sasori upset now, would we?"
"I refuse to be a part of this farce of civility," Uchiha said, stepping forward. While Deidara had been talking, he had scanned the area multiple times as if searching for someone. Not seeing who he had wanted, he walked past Tsunade. "Has a car been prepared for me?"
"Pein really didn't raise you right. Here I am doing a blood oath for you, and you're not even going to stay for it."
"I never asked for your assistance, nor do I desire it. Take responsibility for your own actions." Uchiha said indifferently.
A third vampire, the butler Gaara saw before, ran off the ferry, his arms carrying a mountain of suitcases that looked ready to topple over. With some agility, the butler managed to carry it all to a car that had been prepared for them.
Uchiha glanced at Gaara before getting into the car. The butler quickly put all the suitcases in the trunk before hurrying to the driver's seat to start the car.
A strong wave of chakra washed over the area, alerting every hunter nearby, some readying to attack until Tsunade put her hand up to stop them.
"Teenagers, what can you do with them," Deidara said lightly. His chakra had rescinded as quickly as she had unleashed it. He had regained everyone's attention back to him and stopped anyone from following Uchiha even if only temporarily. He easily reminded everyone present who the real threat was. "He's young even by our years. Be nice to him. He's my best-selling model. It'd be a shame to lose such a pretty face." Though his words were casual, the underlying threat was clear in his voice. It was unusual for vampires to care about those outside their coven or mates. Yet, Deidara had clearly directed the hunters toward him to shelter Uchiha.
It wasn't just Deidara though. Uchiha had a large backing with the council, being with no one's coven as far as Gaara knew. How had he managed that?
Tsunade pulled out a scroll and opened it. Deidara cut his wrist with a manicured nail, letting the blood drop onto the parchment. "I, Deidara, hereby follow the stipulations put upon me by the Godaime, Tsunade, under the conditions that were agreed upon on this scroll. Should I break it, I surrender my soul to eternal damnation, yadda, yadda, yadda, are we done?" Deidara managed to deliver the entire thing in the most bored tone Gaara had ever hear yet somehow maintain a certain dignity at the same time.
Reluctantly, Tsunade rolled up the scroll and Deidara put on a pair of sunglasses though it was the dead of night.
Gaara didn't wait to see what happened next. The arrival had gone as smoothly as they could have hoped if not better. Hunters were waiting to see if Uchiha went straight to the mansion. If he did, they would keep an eye on him for a short while until leaving him alone as agreed upon. The amount of freeway they were giving Uchiha on the island was dangerous but having gained a blood oath from Deidara in return was essentially having a member of the council in their hands. The risk that came along with Uchiha was worth it.
Gaara went home, turning on his cellphone in case there was an emergency. He slipped back inside the apartment and listened for Hyuuga's light snores. Once confirmed, he was still there, Gaara quietly removed his gear, stored them away, and slipped back into bed without stirring the sleeping teen at all. Putting Uchiha out of his mind, he closed his eyes, focusing on the steady pulse of the person next to him. As he drifted off, he rolled closer to Hyuuga, falling into another peaceful slumber.
