By the time the two returned home, the sun was peeking over the trees in spurts of pinks and orange. Someone he never saw before greeted Haku at the door, with a blank stare, and the palest skin Neji had ever saw. The person disappeared into the kitchen, and before long the room was filled with delicious aromas. Perhaps this was the individual who cooked their breakfast the previous morning.
"Come rest by the fire."
Neji stared past him to the sitting room, catching the faint flickering of the soft orange and yellow. He swallowed and looked up to Haku who was holding out a hand, brown eyes glowing, and staring, waiting patiently. Different from Gaara who would take the incentive to drag or threaten him should he move too slow. He took the demon's hand allowing himself to be guided to the chaise that had been draped with a fur blanket to warm him.
With the place smelling of cooking meat Neji could feel fatigue and hunger building within his gut. He looked about his eyes once again taking in the grandeur of Haku's home. A cozy place of stone and wood. Aside from the plush chaise he was resting on, there was also a chair, deep burgundy in color, and quite large. Haku was currently curled within it, eyes focused upon the fire, his slim figure dwarfed by its form. He was smiling, eyes shimmering with intense glee.
It made Neji's stomach quiver. From fright Neji wasn't sure. He never felt too afraid when Haku graced him with his presence.
Everytime he looked upon the demon his thoughts wandered to the night before. The question Haku posed, draped in the glow of the waxing moon would have seemed beautiful. Serene.
Heartfelt.
Neji knew better.
But thanks to the oath he swore, the words that fell from his lips were "yes". Even though every fiber of his being demanded he refuse, because it was wrong to wed a male in this land where the people praised some all forgiving god. Wrong to give in to a demon. Despite knowing this, Neji was complacent went Haku swept him into his arms like he did the first time, and bounded over trees back to the coasts.
His eyes wandered back to Haku, gulping when those eyes caught his holding him trapped as the demon stared unblinking. Neji, after some time, finally broke free and stared at his lap, his cheeks burning as hunger and fatigue was replaced by something else familiar. Sniffling Neji glanced up startled by how close Haku had gotten. They were never that far apart in such a fair sized room. Neji felt his heart jerk in quick beats, getting quicker and quicker as Haku lowered himself to his knees. He lifted Neji with ease into his lap, and began to pet him, not like one would an animal, but the way one would comfort a friend or family.
Or lover.
It felt good and Neji leaned into the touch admiring the softness of Haku's pale chest under his fingers. Then Haku lifted his chin, and Neji was trapped once again in the demon's stare. Even as he was kissed, the gaze remained locked as he began to sway, arousal building again jumping in his gut with every thump of his heart. When the kiss ended Haku rubbed his cheek and placed him back onto the chaise. The demon was turned toward the fire by the time Neji regained his sense his hands trembling with frustration. He wanted the demon to do more. He swallowed, shame sinking into his belly as the fatigue returned.
His hunger, not so much.
"Master?" Haku turned toward the voice regarding the male standing in the threshold. "Breakfast is ready."
"Come." The demon lured the Hyuuga into the eating area, pulling a chair for him to sit. The guest sat opposite him while Haku sat at the head of the table.
"This is Sai by the way." Haku began gesturing to the man. "He will be helping you prepare for the wedding ceremony."
"When will we be wed?" Neji inquired rolling his sausage around his plate.
"Tonight. We require a full moon for our union." The demon answered. "You will bathe, Sai will help you cleanse your body and help you dress. If there is anything wrong tell him okay?"
Neji fiddled with his plate mulling over those words. "I…" Neji began but he couldn't quite find the words. Every glance he passed to this, Sai, he wondered if the man was a demon as well. Two demons was more than he could handle. Three would be impossible. The man's black hair was cropped short, bangs hovering above barren eyes. He had to be a demon albeit more quiet than the two he knew of so far.
Abandoning the plate off yellow fluff and sausage for the bowl of oatmeal. Neji ate, his stomach's insisting growls increasing the bite of each spoonful of porridge and berries. When the bowl was clean Haku set another bowl in front of him taking the empty one for himself. Neji finished the second bowl much slower than the first but cleared it all the same. He could feel those eyes on him, gazing, making him gulp, his cheeks hot with embarrassment. Sai was staring as well, food sitting untouched on his plate.
It was unnerving. He thought back to the castle, and before that to the blood oath he swore upon first arriving to Haku's cottage home.
"Why?" Neji asked after some moments of the two staring at him. "Why a marriage between us?"
Haku smiled then, his eyes reflecting the same glee he saw before when he killed Orochimaru and when he asked for his hand in marriage.
Neji's sighed giving up on the hope of an honest answer.
"Like I said. You are promised to the heavens." The demon responded after sometime.
"Why?" Neji inquired as he was handed a cup of milk from Sai. The man's fingers were quite cold. A complete contrast to the Haku and the demon Gaara.
"Cause I want you."
A knot began to swell within his throat and he choked on the swallow of milk. Haku's right hand pushed over a second cup for Neji to take.
"Y-you are avoiding t-the question." Neji stuttered around a sip of water. Another surprising detail. After the death of Hidan, when residing in the cave each and every cup Gaara brought for him to drink was a potent wine. But after what happened with Chouji, Neji never touched another goblet.
"What will you accomplish by marrying me?"
"I answered that question already."
Neji scoffed pushing away his meal. Demons and riddles seemed to walk hand in hand. It was beginning to frustrate the Hyuuga to no end. Closing his eyes he tried to think back. Back to their last meal, back to the words Haku spoke then.
"Revenge?" Neji opened his eyes again to peer between the two at the table. "Against whom?"
"The heavens."
Neji's mouth fell open in surprise and confusion.
"H-Heavens?" Neji repeated with a gulping swallow. "What?"
"They robbed me. I am simply getting back what is rightfully mine." Haku took a sausage from the Hyuuga's abandoned plate and ate it.
"You mean me?" Neji's asked pushing away the empty bowl. Another horrid knot was beginning to settle in his gut.
"You are the only remaining key to unlocking what was stolen from me." Sai passed Haku a cup that he drank from daintily. "All of you were suppose to die that day when Orochimaru returned from the Song village. Make no mistake. The death of the Hyuuga line would have prevented the fall of the heavens."
"But I am alive."
"Yes. And the doors are closed to all but you." Haku smiled, pointed canines revealed in his glee. "They are waiting for you."
"But what will a marriage between us accomplish?" Neji could feel the unease filling his belly fighting the porridge and water that was his meal.
"Marriage is a union between souls Neji. I will get your soul."
"But you said demons can not have the soul of a Hyuuga."
"They can not."
Blinking rapidly Neji pushed away from the table and made his way back to the chaise in the sitting room. Haku wanted revenge against the heavens? His family the key to gain entry. The absurdity of it all. His family was cursed. Not blessed. And Haku chose now to lie about demons claiming his soul. That would mean that Haku was not saving him from Gaara, but stealing him away.
No that was not quite true.
Gaara was suppose to take him to Haku, the demon chose not to. Neji could not fathom why.
Would she not be in heaven?
Neji sat amongst the furs pondering this. Hinata gave her dying breath to save his life. She wanted him to live, not waste his life on revenge. And thanks to his foolishness, he may be destroying the peace his sister found in death.
Damn it all…
Neji smacked himself hatred bristling at the thought of his own ignorance. Of all the things he could have done, the life he could have lived. It was wasted now.
She died in vain...
"Neji?"
Haku pulled him closer and Neji bristled as he sat in those arms, warmth from the fire leaving him content and without protest. As if the demon was wiping away all worry and dark thoughts. With Gaara he felt dread but with Haku… Sighing Neji stared into the flickering flames. Of all things, but Neji supposed it made sense. For a demon to be at war with the heavens. Does this mean angels existed as well? If they do, why did they not help him? Save him from these demons? Neji frowned confused. He needed to understand, choosing another question, one filled with stupidity and curiosity as oppose to worry.
"If we are so important to heaven. Why did they not help?" Neji asked leaning back against the chaise. "Surely they know that I am here with you?"
Arms encircle his body as the demon pulled him tighter whispering a faint 'no' into his hair. A kiss subtle, touched his neck, then another to his shoulder where the tunic had dropped off. A third was pushed into his neck, just under his jaw; his head being turned by the demon' left hand as another kiss touched his jaw. His cheek. The corner of his mouth. He couldn't stop the pants escaping his mouth. Haku kissed him. A tongue swamped his own and Neji sat frozen as Haku ravished his mouth. His body felt weak, mind blank except the thought of something forbidden.
But he's a demon.
A demon.
Thoughts of heaven and angels and demons fell away when his legs were stretched and wrapped around Haku. The hand of the demon dropped to Neji's lap combing over the hair above his crotch, before rubbing over his growing arousal, taking him in hand leaving him completely at Haku's mercy. Everything is quiet save for breathing and panting, and Neji realized that he was panting, the sound getting louder with every stroke of Haku's soft hand.
"Don't…stop." Neji whispered.
The hand continued its steady push and pull and when Neji felt his stomach and bladder tighten he gasped. Haku continued soft and slow as Neji released, mouth open for Haku's tongue to steal what's left of his breath. Exhausted, Neji drooped laying his head on Haku's shoulder. Shifting just a bit, Neji watched as Haku brought his hand to his lips, sucking each finger. There was a noticeable bulge in the demon's trousers again, but like before the demon went no further.
"They do not know of me." The demon slid Neji from his lap gesturing to Sai behind him. "They still believe me to be imprisoned. Not that it matters."
Neji hoped with rising embarrasssment that Sai had not been watching this entire time. Whether he had or not, Haku took that moment to whisper into the man's ear. With a nod Sai took hold of Neji's hand gently urging him up onto wobbly knees, leading him toward the stairs.
"Do not worry about such things." Haku gave him a kind smile before heading for the door the fire extinguishing with his exit.
Fatigued Neji followed Sai up the stairs and into the bathing room gasping as the empty tub filled with steaming water on its own. The man proceeded to add oils from a short table under the set of windows overlooking the beach. The sound of waves crashing against the shore was soothing lulling Neji further toward sleep. He sat in the plush chaise by the window as well, unsure how to speak to such a quiet individual.
"Are you a demon too?" Neji finally asked curiosity outweighing his fatigue.
Sai turned to him eyes blank. He nodded waving a hand toward his tunic. He must have wanted him to take it off for the bath. For a demon he was a lot tamer, quieter compared to Gaara or Haku. With shaking hands Neji undid the top strings of his tunic, watching carefully as Sai opened the curtains over each of the three windows. Sunlight beamed into the room from all three windows, reflecting across the water, setting the porcelain aglow. When Neji made to stand, Sai stopped him.
"Not yet."
His voice was much softer than he expected. Timid even. Neji crossed his hands over himself hiding his body from view but Sai paid him no mind. He was back at the table opening a small wooden box with a latch but no lock. From it he removed a clear, short jar, intricately carved and filled with powder. Then an unusual round brush. It looked like a painters brush, but the hairs were bushier and held together with a string.
"What is that?" Neji questioned just as Sai pulled a short blade from the box. "Wh-what are you…?"
"Shaving." Sai answered. "Lay down. Arms up."
The man, demon, obviously was not one for conversation. Even so, Neji could feel his hands trembling, afraid to bare himself to a complete stranger. Especially one holding a blade.
"I do not want to be shaven." Neji responded turning away from the demon's intense stare.
"Haku insisted." Sai spoke taking some water from the bath into a carved glass bowl and mixing it with two scoops of the powder. The mixture began to foam doubling over like baking bread. Sai stepped closer kneeling before the long chair.
Neji gulped legs clenching as he curled into a ball. "Please, do not do this."
The demon stared at him for a long moment placing the bowl onto the floor. After some time he uttered, "You are uncomfortable."
Neji thought that was obvious but he knew better than to comment. From personal knowledge, a demon's anger was unmatched. Dangerous. He would not let this demon touch him. In that moment Sai stood throwing back a lingering glance before leaving the room, shutting the door behind him. With a shaky exhale Neji uncurled himself, shivers running up and down his spine as he entered the large tub, relishing the warmth it gave.
As he sat Neji's thoughts wandered. He still struggled to wrap his head around it. That Orochimaru was finally dead. Quick and simple with no time wasted. The beheading was fitting but he wanted the man to suffer. The chance lost to him now.
What troubled him more, that no more than hours later, after interrupting the consummation of his most hated enemy, Haku was prepared to marry him the night after. Him, married to a demon, at war with heaven. The thought was even more absurd than Gaara's insistence on him birthing a child.
Speaking of whom…
What became of the red demon? Did he know that Haku took him away? And if he did, what would he do to him? Neji trembled despite the warmth of the water, little bumps prickling over his flesh. The door creaked open and Neji watched timid as Sai reentered with Haku in tow.
"I-I...I" Neji stammered rising from the bath.
"It is alright." Haku consoled hands extended, caressing the Hyuuga's cheeks. "I understand." He lifts him from the bath while Sai placed a towel over the chair. "Do not worry. I am right here."
The demon laid him over the chair, arms raised as Sai stirred the concoction once more. It was slightly chunky and pastey.
"Hold still." Haku instructed crossing his legs with an arm over the Hyuuga's stomach. He looked to Sai. "Start under his arms, then work your way down."
"Yes Master."
Sai took the brush smeared with the foam and dabbed the cold mix under both arms. The room was warm but it did nothing for the cooling moisture settling over his shivering form. Neji could barely keep himself from jumping at the touch, whimpering as the cool swish of the blade scraped the short hairs away in one swipe. Haku ran his fingers over the skin smiling at the smoothness left behind.
"Perfect."
Sai nodded the skin of his cheeks turning pink. Neji swallowed as he maneuvered around Haku and repeated his actions to the opposite arm. A cool touch and even colder kiss of the blade later, Haku let his arms drop, running his hands over his arms and down his chest to the Hyuuga's stomach.
"Do not move." Haku insisted, his loose flowing hair tickling the Hyuuga's navel. "Open your legs."
The request only convinced Neji to hold his legs tighter shivering when that demon's hand touched his thigh.
"No." It fell from his mouth before he could stop it and the gaze Haku leveled him with brought on a wave of fear he felt once before. During their time at the market in Suna.
"I did not mean it." Neji whimpered. "I…"
"Ssshhhh." Haku cooed sliding his fingers down the Hyuuga's legs and between his thighs. He did not want to open them but when those fingers touched his most intimate place, he could not help himself. Neji gasped as he was stroked for the second time that day. When Haku released him he was hard, panting, needy. The cool foam was back stealing away his arousal, dabbing around his crotch, down in between the cheeks of his buttocks.
Haku was holding one leg while Sai held the other, the blade stripping hairs away. His body twitching with every tug at the base of his arousal and behind his sac. The sun was high in the sky when fingers prodded over him.
"It is finished Master."
"Well done." Haku giggled, rubbing his hands over the bare skin, eyes glinting. "See to the other preparations."
The demon left, bowing with his retreat.
"Come. I will reheat the bath." Haku helped the Hyuuga to his feet, knees wobbling.
He felt weird without the hair. It was not much, Neji was not quite a man like Kabuto or Hidan yet, but the small amount of hair covering his groin, and under his arms hinted at the little growth Neji experienced. But it was gone now and Neji felt like a fresh babe after birth. The leftover foam stuck his thighs and cheeks together uncomfortably. Haku touched the waters, watching as it began to steam, and when the water was hot to his liking, he helped Neji into the tub. The hot waters eased the the tension in the Hyuuga's limbs, the water slipping into places he did not know existed.
He felt so… bare.
"Lovely creature." Haku whispered into his hair. "I will bring you a robe, wear that until it is time. You may go outside if you like as well."
Neji's eyes widened mouth falling open. "Outside?" He repeated not believing what he just heard.
"Mmhmm. Wash thoroughly." Haku pecked him on the lips before rising.
Neji nodded as he was left alone. He breathed deep before letting it go if only to calm his racing thoughts. There was a washcloth hanging on the tub. He took it and the bar of soap sitting on a silver plate and washed like he was asked. He scrubbed at his hair, gathering up as much of it in his hands as he could. It felt good be rid of the grime from his hair, surprised that Haku would even touch him knowing how dirty he was. He washed as much as he could with the cold buckets Gaara brought to him. This bath seemed a blessing to such cruelty.
But freedom.
That was a gift Gaara never granted.
Cupping water into his palm several times, Neji rinsed his hair, noticing that the water turned murky when he finished scrubbing himself clean.
It felt good.
Satisfied Neji rose from the water grabbing the towel from the chair to dry off. He approached the window squeezing the water from his hair as he watched the clouds drift across the sky. He has never been to the coast. Seeing the sea was one thing, but to finally go out and touch it. The sand that Neji found in the cave felt odd, but new. Gritty. Neji wondered if the sand along the coast would feel the same.
Then the door opened, Sai standing in the doorway with a pair of felt short boots atop a folded white tunic. Neji was expecting Haku to return but it seemed the demon had other business. Sai handed the garments over without a word, leaving the room the same as he entered. Pulling the tunic over his head it fell close to his ankles. Neji sat against the tub and pulled on the short boots. It was an interesting mix of leather and bear skin. Nothing like the sandals and boots made of rabbit skin.
There was no fragility in it.
Humming to himself, Neji stood once more and headed to the door. He could let his hair finishing drying outside in the sun. On the other side, leaning against the wall was Sai, gaze turned toward the floor before settling on the Hyuuga.
"If you need anything I will be in the kitchen."
Neji nodded, disturbed as the demon left him alone once more. This demon drifted about as if he were a ghost, lone and forgotten. It was odd to see someone behaving in such a forlorn manner. He took a moment before following trailing down the stairs, head tilted as he spotted Sai in the kitchen like he said.
Will this demon be preparing the entire banquet alone?
But Sai seemed undisturbed by the request moving about the kitchen in a familiar manner. Knives on wood and bubbling soon took over the silence and Neji moved away. Taking a deep breath Neji proceeded to the door and with shaking hands on the latch opened it to the outside. The sunlight and breeze that met him was refreshing. Pulling the door shut from behind, Neji made for the shore, watching slack jawed as the waves moved against the sands, pushing and pulling in a hypnotic motion. The sun was overhead reflecting against the waters making it glitter like polished jewels. Upon reaching the water, Neji pulled up his tunic, kicked off the boots, and stepped into the water gasping at how cold it was. A complete contrast compared to the sunlight heating his skin.
Beautiful…
If only he could have lived this simply. If only he had met Haku first. Perhaps if Haku had gotten ahold of him and his sisters before hand, maybe they would not have suffered so much.
Maybe they could have lived…
Shaking the thoughts away Neji left the waters, instead choosing to sit on the beach. The sand was as gritty as the one he found in the cave. The difference was that it did not move with a life of its own. The breeze shifted it every moment or so, but it was lifeless. Neji combed his fingers through it marveling at the gritty, silky feel and sat watching the majestic shift of the waves fascinated by the glittering movement.
"Hey."
Neji turned toward the sound, spotting the demon Sai standing several steps away. Once he had Neji's attention he approached, a bowel in hand, extended towards Neji's person. Taking the bowel, Neji saw that it was filled with a mixture of roasted sausages and chopped potatoes. To see another meal so soon gave Neji pause, but he knew better than to waste food.
"Thank you." Neji murmured, surprised.
To think demons, of all things…. could be so kind.
Sai placed a cup of water by his side before taking his leave. Neji ate quietly content for the first time since watching the death of his sisters. What more could he do now? There was nothing left except perhaps a marriage to Haku. Perhaps he could join Haku on his quest against the heavens. It is not as if the angels sought to help him or his sisters. But if what Haku said was indeed correct, the angels wanted his entire family dead. Even as he thought this, Neji couldn't quite grasp the anger.
Malice all but snuffed out.
The sun began to set as he continued to eat, casting a yellow orange glow against the clouds and sea. After finishing every morsel, Neji reached for the cup Sai left behind.
It was gone.
Neji turned around only to find the cup sinking into the sand. Scrabbling, Neji grabbed ahold of the cup, pulling with all of his might to free it from the harsh grit. It refused to budge. Neji tugged again, instead a hand burst from the sand, spraying the Hyuuga in the face as it seized his wrist in a grip that made his bones creak with pain.
Panicked and afraid the Hyuuga tried desperately to snatch his hand away, but the more he pulled, the more the hand grew. Out of the sand came an arm, then a shoulder. Quaking in fear, Neji could not stop the piss soaking his thighs as the familiar crop of deep maroon hair emerged from the sand, followed by the bright glow of crossed amber.
It was Gaara.
Neji did not wish to think as to how the demon found him. He never wanted to think about it. Convinced that perhaps he could live away from this particular demon.
Soon Gaara towered over him, lips curled into a snarl, teeth long and glistening. When the demon fully emerged, sand traded for hot feverish flesh, Gaara tossed him away. Neji crashed into the grit, the cold waters hitting him in the face, sticking the sand there. It felt as if he were being poked by a thousand needles. Sputtering Neji pushed away from the waters just as Gaara began his approach.
"You would choose Haku over me? You would dare steal from me?" Gaara snarled.
With every three scoots the Hyuuga took backwards, the demon closed the distance in no more than a step. After the third step, another being began to form from the sand, the granules replaced with fur and two wildly twitching tails.
Shukaku?
"Gaara!" It growled. "Do not do this!"
Shukaku jumped in front of Neji's quivering form tail freezing in place.
"He stole Haku from me." Gaara spat glaring at the Hyuuga.
"You are jealous of the time they are spending together! Nothing more!" Shukaku bristled tails waving wildly again. "Quell your anger! Should Haku find out of this, he will kill you! Do not harm this boy!"
Upon hearing 'harm' Neji flinched. Understanding the level of danger he was now in he scrabbled further away, screaming, "Haku! Sai! Haku!"
Before he could get to his knees, Shukaku was smacked to the side, a crack was heard as it scaled the mass of sand to hit a tree on the far side where the woods stopped. It landed and fell limp. Neji could not get to his feet fast enough, the demon seized him by the throat, claws pinching skin hard enough to draw blood.
"Why do you call for them?!" He squeezed harder. "Was I not the one who saved you? Fed you? Clothed you?"
The most Neji could manage was a gurgled rasp. Gaara dragged him back to the sea, feet dragging and collecting brown dust. The demon dunked his head under. The shock of freezing cold registered for a split moment before Neji realized he couldn't breath. Bubbles surged from his mouth before he swallowed the salty waters. Gaara pulled him up again, relishing in the choked, sputtering sob that fell from the boys lips.
"And now you have stolen Haku from me." Gaara whispered against the Hyuuga's mane now sopping wet from the dunking. "Has he fucked you yet? I suspect you begged him to you traitorous slut!"
Gaara dunked him again. Neji could not stop the confused garble that fell from his mouth as he inhaled more water, eyes and throat burning as he struggled to breath. How did he steal Haku away? Before he could ponder further his vision swam as all air ceased.
"Gaara! Release him!" The voice boomed, sand and sea trembling with the force of it. The waters shifted against Neji's face before pulling away and Neji sobbed as he took desperate breaths of air through the tight grip on his throat. He could not believe what he was seeing past his blurry vision.
Is the water moving away?
The water sat further back, crashing against some invisible wall.
Haku stood some feet away, Sai standing behind him. Haku's eyes were glittering the same bright amber, but unlike Gaara, his eyes were smoldering. Other than the trembling force of his voice nothing portrayed the anger Neji felt from the demon just moments ago. Gaara's grip lessened and Neji took more greedy gulps of air, breath shaking uncontrollably.
"Do not make me repeat myself."
The red sand demon glanced at the struggling Hyuuga before tightening his grip once more, choking the boy again.
"He has stolen you from me." He turned toward the other demon eyes downcast. To Neji, it appeared as if he were afraid to face Haku.
"How?" Said demon placed a hand on his hip. "If anyone is stealing, it is you."
"Why are you so angry with me? Have I not done all you ask?" Gaara pulled the Hyuuga against him, arm taking the place where his hand had been. "Since I retrieved him, you have only shown interest in him. Do I mean nothing to you now?"
"Do not pretend to be unaware. You know how important the Hyuuga's are to me. I told you to bring them all to me. You failed. I told you to give me the Hyuuga boy, you refused. And now you stand here making assumptions?"
"You wanted the female." Gaara argued, voice shrinking.
"Did I say that?" Haku took a step closer but Gaara hastened away. "Or did you assume? What did Isay?!"
"Bring you the Hyuugas." Gaara muttered grip loosening again. "Surely you meant the females. To birth you a child. Why could I not keep this one? Why must you have him?"
"I have had enough of your disobedience Gaara. You did not ask me for him, therefore you do not get to keep him. Now give me the Hyuuga!" When Haku yelled, there was the flicker of sharp teeth.
Neji could feel Gaara trembling behind him. Then suddenly, Gaara's claws were against Neji's face, nails digging into the skin.
"You would choose this human over me?" Gaara whispered so low Neji barely heard him and the two were so close.
"Gaara." Haku warned taking another step only for Gaara to drag them both away.
"I will tear his face off. Then we shall see if you desire his presence more than mine."
Neji felt the nails dig further, blood welling up as the pain surged. Haku lunged, pushing the Hyuuga to the side. Neji felt the skin rip as he landed blood splattering against the sand like rain against hot stones. With a hand against his cheek Neji looked up to see Gaara held up by the throat, similar to how he was held.
"You chose him when you took him from me." Haku corrected squeezing the sand demons throat. "Your envy has blinded you. Turned you not only against your only companion," Haku gestured to Shukaku who was shaking dirt and sand from itself.
"You have now betrayed me," Haku continued. "And I will not stand for it."
Sai approached the three of them, grabbing Neji and lifting him away. Pulling Neji back towards the house, he sat Neji down observing the damage to his neck and cheek. But Neji's eyes were fixed on the pair left by the shore. Gaara was now on his knees, with both of Haku's hands gripping his face.
"Have you nothing to say?" Haku asked hands moving across Gaara's cheek as if to comfort him. For all Neji knew Haku was.
"I am sorry." Gaara tilted his head back eyes, dimmed by loss and regret, peering into Haku's bright ones. It was as if the light were dying in the sand demon's eyes.
Neji shuddered.
"Goodbye Gaara." Haku stated with finality, hands twisting sharply to the right. There was a snap as Gaara's head was turned backwards, skin pulling and ripping as it was torn clean from his shoulders. It fell to the sand, sitting for what seemed an eternity, the golden hue of his eyes fading to green before dimming to black. Along with his body, the head began to deteriorate into sand, granules rushing from the mound it became, blending with the shore itself.
"Goodbye friend." Haku whispered watching the remains fall away until nothing was left.
Neji felt a brush of fur at his side, realizing that Shukaku had laid itself by his legs. It appeared to Neji, undisturbed at what just played before them, like a tragic ending to a play. He thought the raccoon and Gaara were friends, like Haku said.
"Neji?" The Hyuuga peered up meeting Haku's gaze, the color now similar to honey mead. "Are you alright?"
Neji nodded slowly, unsure of what he just saw. Of what to say.
"I-I-." He stuttered tears brimming. "Why did you kill him?"
Why am I crying?
The Hyuuga could not fathom why he was asking such a peculiar question, or why he was crying. But the tears fell anyway.
"I do not tolerate betrayal, not even from a friend." Haku took a knee, wiping away the Hyuuga's tears. He pushed Neji's head back, examining the damage to his neck and then to his cheek. With a scoffing sigh he turned to Shukaku.
"What brought this about?" Haku asked the raccoon gesturing to what was left of Gaara, a hand against its jaw.
"He was flustered when you did not come back. Even when he called for you."
"I see." Haku tilted the Hyuuga's head again, frowning at the welts. "You may stay here or leave Shukaku, it is up to you."
The large demon did not move huffing in response.
"Sai take Neji inside and get him ready. The ceremony will begin soon."
Neji realized that nothing remained of the sun except for violet and dark blue rays across the sky. The darkest of orange sat just above the horizon. A moment longer and it will be night. Sai helped Neji rise to his feet, guiding him back inside as Haku stoop to pet the demon raccoon. Neji followed, quiet as he was taken back up the stairs to the bath. The tub again, filling itself with steaming water. Once Sai helped him out of the long tunic now covered in dust, he stepped away.
"I will return in a moment."
Settling into the bath, Neji stared at the wooden plank and stone that made up the ceiling. As gently as he could he removed his hand from his bleeding cheek. It was no longer bleeding but there were gashes in the flesh, the cheek numb and puffy. He felt numb. Tears welled again as Neji wondered for the second time why he was crying. Perhaps because he knew the demon, for sometime in fact, despite the cruelty he endured. Even so, watching everyone he knew, and came into contact with, all dying before his eyes. It was unnerving.
Frightening…
As if they were leaving him behind.
All of them, leaving him behind for the blessed relief of the afterlife.
He knew he should not cry for the demon though. Gaara betrayed Haku and because of him, Hinata and Hanabi were killed. Exhaling a long breath, Neji wiped away his tears, washing for the second time that day. Neji cleaned the cuts left behind by Gaara's claws, flinching at the small flares of pain from touching the open wound. Before he could give up on the matter, a lantern which had been hung over the chaise, lit up, as if struck from some unknown match. Checking outside, the sky was dark now, everything beyond the window blank due to the reflecting glow of the lantern.
Staring at the blood coating the towel Neji dropped it to the water. He made to rise just as the door opened.
It was Haku, eyes still glowing amber.
With a faint smile, he stripped to nothing nudging the Hyuuga forward. Blushing and turning away Neji curled his knees as Haku settled behind him, sighing as he rested his head against the tub. It was quiet for no more than a moment when Haku lifted his head to peer over the Hyuuga.
"Let me see."
Neji turned as much as he could as fingers touched his cheek near the welts, frowning when they smarted with pain. Then something wet and sticky was on his cheek, Haku's face so close Neji could see the gold flecks that made up the demons eyes. Haku was licking him, first across the cheek, before pulling his head back to reach his neck. Frozen, Neji sat, hands coming up but hesitating in their quest to grab something to hold onto as he processed the foreign feeling.
After several more licks Haku stopped, tilting the Hyuuga's head left and right and back again.
"There. All healed."
Neji touched his cheeks only to find the welts were gone as well as the ones on his neck.
"How?" Neji asked unsure how else to ask. Disbelief settled as he rubbed his cheeks, realizing that the wetness was indeed spit from the demon's mouth. "You licked me."
Haku chuckled.
"But you are healed no? Scars do not suit such a pretty face."
Neji nodded, cheeks tinged pink while he sat, unsure if he should turn away or face the demon in the tub. He settled for facing the demon, leaning against the opposite end of the oval porcelain.
"Thank you." Neji spoke after gazing at one another for some time.
"For?"
Neji's blush darkened as he replied. "Saving me."
"Hmm." Haku leaned forward pulling the Hyuuga against him. "Of course. Are you ready to be wed? Personally, I would hope so."
"I-I… Well I suppose." Neji murmured from Haku's chest. He could feel the demons warm groin pressed against his thigh.
Haku took the cloth from between Neji's legs where it slipped, and began washing over the Hyuuga. Then himself. When it came time to rinse a gentle knock sounded against the door.
"Come in Sai."
The door opened and Sai stepped into the room, holding a large bundle of cloth.
"When you are ready. The guest have begun to arrive."
Haku smiled, gesturing for the Hyuuga to rise. Neji rose, waiting as a towel was placed around him. Led from the bathing room, Neji followed both demons to the bedroom. Haku left him them, heading into the room he was warned away from.
"I will change and head down first. Follow when you hear the bell ring."
Sai nodded and pulled the Hyuuga into the bedroom closing the door behind him. On the bed were six different pieces, all in white save for the jeweled comb. That was coated in silver and embedded with sapphire and emeralds. For a fleeting moment Neji wondered who's soul created such a beautiful piece. And for a moment, he thought it might be Gaara's.
"Is this Gaara?" He asked tears brimming against his closed lids. He turned to Sai holding the comb in his hands. "Is this his soul?"
"Demons like myself and Gaara, no longer have a soul." Sai answered taking the comb and returning it to the bed.
"And Haku too you mean." Neji corrected as he was sat upon the bed.
"No. He is different."
Neji looked up to the demon, surprised. But he seemed to be ignoring him, focused on using the towel to dry his hair, his eyes, then his feet. Coaxing him to stand, Neji allowed himself to be pulled and tugged. Guiding him to a mirror, first was a tunic. Very thin and similar to the one he wore earlier, only this one stopped below his thigh, drawstrings pulled close. Then a second tunic, longer, and so white it was blinding. Once draped over his form, the sleeves trailed over his hand, billowing at his ankles.
A wedding gown?
Unlike the one he saw Ten-Ten in, this one stopped above his knees. Next was a belt, silver and decorated with sapphires and rubies, was fastened around his waist. Smoothing down any lingering wrinkles, Sai pulled a stool in front of the mirror and made him sit. Taking a brush, Neji watched as Sai brushed his hair, using the towel to catch and dry any lingering droplets. Pieces of hair were pulled atop his head, forming a small bun. The comb was then stuck in place. From the mirror it looked like a crown of jewels.
Last from the bed were stockings. Sai took each leg in his cold hands, resting the lacy end of the fabric near his thigh. Neji blushed in spite of himself, even though Sai seemed to possess no interest in him the way Gaara did. Once in place, Sai helped the Hyuuga to his feet. Smoothing out wrinkles again.
"You are done."
Neji eyed himself in the mirror another blush rising along his cheeks. He looked like himself, at the same time, he didn't. It would be odd to admit the clothing suited him, but he couldn't deny how beautiful he felt.
Bells?
He could hear bells ringing.
"Come. It is time."
Taking the demon's hand, Neji follow him from the room, feet feeling slippery as he walked.
"I will carry you." Sai spoke when they reached the stairs. He placed him along the elbow, carrying him down with ease, as if he were holding paper. Shukaku was waiting at the bottom, two tails waving about. Sai placed him on Shukaku's back, smoothing his clothes a final time.
"Do not step down until you reach Haku." Sai told him, petting stray pieces of hair from the Hyuuga's face.
"Hold on." Shukaku growled.
Neji swallowed as his fear returned. Sai then placed a veil over his head, obscuring Neji's view. Everything drowned in a white hazy fog. When Shukaku began to move, Neji clenched the soft fur in between his fingers. Reminding himself to take deep breaths, he resigned himself to wait. Bouncing with each step of Shukaku's haunches.
Soon whispers and murmurs filled his ears. Giggles and harsh breathing. Growling and huffing. Startled, Neji gripped tighter afraid he would be snatched from Shukaku's backside. It seemed forever before they would reach Haku, but as soon as he thought so, Shukaku stopped. A hand took hold of his, carefully guiding him from the security of Shukaku's fur. His feet touch hardened stone, a step and then another. He could feel a breeze, smell the refreshing scent of the sea.
The veil was lifted.
The stone beneath his feet was a hardened sand pedestal. The moon sat overhead, bathing everything in a silver glow. Haku stood before him, dressed in a much longer tunic of blue, over black boots. Around his waist was a belt of emeralds and gold. Hair pulled back from his face. There was no crown on his head, but when he turned to face the man in front of them, Neji spotted a golden clasp holding back a braid.
The man in front of him was familiar, but Neji could not point out what made him so. In the man's hand was a cup, a chalice. It too was decorated with the same green and blue jewels of the comb in his hair.
The man began to speak, the drawl similar to what he heard from the priest at Orochimaru's ceremony. He held the cup to the moon then to Neji. Haku took the blade from his side, seizing the Hyuuga's hand in a firm grip. Neji gasped as his finger was pricked, several droplets of blood dripping into what appeared to be wine. Then Haku pricked his own finger, and Neji watched with horror as the liquid darkened. The man took his leave, passing the chalice to Haku. Haku swirled the ingredients, his eyes taking on a golden zeal.
Whispering words Neji did not understand, he held the cup for the Hyuuga to drink.
"Drink Hyuuga."
His arms moved of their own accord, taking the cup and lifting it to his lips. With a sob Neji swallowed a gulp, then another before it was pulled from his lips. Haku dranked the remainder, and when the last gulp was swallowed, Neji felt a burning in his chest. He gasped, breath getting shallow as it hitched and seized.
Am I turning into one of them…
Neji choked as bile rose only to burn its way back down.
Haku grabbed his shoulders, pulling him close as his knees wobbled. Sweat began a trail from his brow to his jaw. When he thought he could take no more. Haku kissed him. Tongue sticking into the Hyuuga's mouth. The burning feeling began to fade, heart erratically beating against his chest. Left behind was the tingling sensation that made his legs clench with arousal.
"With that…." Haku kissed him again. "We are wed."
Neji fell against the demon.
No…. not demon...
Sai said that he…. Neji wasn't sure anymore.
Haku took his hand, guiding him down the two steps to a table filled with fruits and meats. They sat at the head of the table, Sai being the only familiar face he recognized in the darkness lit by moonlight and lanterns. Could they all be demons?
All of them?
Haku piled both of their plates with grapes and mutton coaxing the Hyuuga to eat. Taking another goblet from Sai, cheers and chatter took up most of the table, Haku speaking somewhat hushed towards Sai. And Neji curled into himself as best he could leaving the plate untouched. So many demons. He didn't want any of them touching him.
None at all.
Conscious of the lack of loincloth, Neji crossed his ankles burying his face into his knees. It went on for some moments, flashing eyes bright as their owners spoke with excitement. Teeth glistened as they chewed food, crunching bone, and slurping meat. He could see faces. Friends and family, enemies…
Consumed by demons.
It was all he could see. Tears welled in his eyes, falling unhindered to the knees of his dress and stockings. He smothered a hiccup and another until one slipped past, small and yet heard by everyone at the table. Haku turned his golden gaze to the Hyuuga and he froze. Neji chewed his lips, wiping his eyes on the silk of his sleeve. With a lofted brow, Haku rose from the chair, guiding the Hyuuga with a hand around his waist to a red cloth leading towards the cottage. Everyone else rose, shuffling along until they stood on each side of the red trail, baskets in hand, leering grins on each face. Faces of people, demons he never saw stood on each side. They started down the path, and petals, reds and whites and pinks were scattered over them.
Yes all were unfamiliar.
All except one. No two.
A head of blonde, split into two ponytails. On her arm was a brunette, with a bob of short brown hair, that Neji spoke to on two occasions and that was when his sisters fell sick.
"Tsunade? Shizune?"
They pair of women smiled bowing toward Haku and Neji draping them in a shower of petals. So they worked for Haku as well, more demons probably sent to get ahold of his family. At least she tried to help his family, offering work to help feed their mouths. Even though it would have meant making a whore of himself. When they were before the doorway, Haku turned to face everyone standing behind them.
"Begin the second stage."
All bowed and like smoke in the wind, they scattered, gone as if they were never there. Quivering, Neji squeaked as he was picked up, blushing as Haku's arm came under his legs and around his waist. Whimpering, Neji quieted down as he was carried up the stairs again, but instead of heading into the bedroom, Haku stopped before the room Neji wasn't allowed to enter.
"Now you finally get to see."
The door was opened, and past the door was another bed, a wide balcony with moonlight spilling inside, and a fire already burning. It was a bedroom. Neji frowned. He couldn't see what it was Haku did not want him to see in this room. Especially to have warned him away from it. Even so, the closer they got to the bed, the more Neji trembled. Haku crawled upon it, the Hyuuga still in hand, repositioning him until both legs were wrapped around Haku's waist.
Neji now sat tilted from Haku, while still managing to remain in his lap. Haku's arousal was so close, pressed against him through the robe and trousers. With no loincloth, it would take no time at all before Haku finally claimed him. Blood coated his tongue and Neji gasped, running his tongue along his lip only to find that he bit it.
He was terrified.
Even though he was sure about what would happen next, wanted it at some points while with this…
"What are you?" Neji asked with a quiver in his voice.
"You wait till now to ask?" Haku kissed his cheek, then the bobble of his throat.
"S-Sai." Neji blushed as Haku pulled off his trousers and boots, before switching to the wedding dress Neji wore.
"H-He said that…" He moaned, panting as Haku rubbed the space between his thigh and hardening sex. "He said y-you weren't like him."
"Oh?" Haku ran his fingers over the top of his thigh, just where the laced stockings ended. He then proceeded to undo the strings holding the short tunic together, exposing an erect nipple to moonlight.
"Or Gaara." Neji answered as he was pushed back against soft pillows.
From behind one of the pillows Haku pulled free a small vial, pulling the cork top with his teeth while he opened his robe. His organ fell forward, no loincloth to hide it from Neji's widening gaze. He was erect, and it wobbled as Haku crawled closer, pouring the contents of the vial over his fingers.
"I am…" Haku began, lifting the Hyuuga's leg, fingers touching the twitching bud that was the Hyuuga's rear. He pushed in a finger smiling as tears gathered in the Hyuuga's eyes. "I am not a demon Neji Hyuuga. Although…"
He pushed in a second and Neji jumped, the burning odd sensation of being filled left him feeling, weak.
Helpless.
What am I doing?
A third pushed into his body and Neji gasped, crying out as Haku splayed those fingers within. The urge he felt before, to spread his legs and let the demon touch all over himself, was fading, replaced with the urge to kick. As if hearing his thoughts, Haku pulled his fingers away, instead gripping the Hyuuga's softening member. With Haku's steady grip, Neji could feel himself tightening, shuddering as his body coiled once more.
"I do make demons." Haku whispered against his ear, the head of his sex pushing at the tight ring of flesh. "It's a special talent of mine."
Haku makes demons?
Neji choked as the hard flesh pushed into him, the harsh burning sensation returning as Haku continued until he was flush against him, long rod pushed deep inside. Every breath stuttered, and Neji whimpered. With tears blurring his vision Neji looked up into the deep purple canopy draped over the bed. The sensations that struck the Hyuuga when Haku started pushing, thrusting into him, made his thighs quiver, breath coming out in small, short pants.
Moans were getting louder, legs wrapping themselves around Haku, coaxing him deeper. A spot inside was touched, and touched again when Haku angled one of the Hyuuga's legs over his shoulder.
"Don't ssstop." Neji slurred, lost in the feeling of jolts blitzing through his body.
Haku touched the spot inside the Hyuuga over and over until Neji was yelling unrestrained, as some of the jolts went through his groin. Eyes rolled before shutting as several more thrusts sent the Hyuuga over the edge. He could feel his rear tightening, pulling on Haku's stiffness. After more thrusts into his trembling body, Haku stopped, head tilted back as he too, came into the Hyuuga.
"Uggh ow." Haku hissed, jerking, and Neji's eyes snapped open, flinching as Haku pushed into his sore body. "Been a while since…"
Flesh ripped, and for a moment Neji feared that it was himself. Haku gripped him tightly by the arms nails digging but not drawing blood. There was a tearing sound as feathers shot from Haku's back, extending along the top of the canopy. Neji's lip shook with disbelief, eyes wide as he tried to scamper away only to find himself pinned literally by Haku's cock. His rear clenched again, only to find Haku's member erect once more. The wings spread out, covering the expanse of the bed.
Loose silver feathers fluttered around them, tips dyed red from the blood running from Haku's back. Hands fell to both sides of Neji's face, Haku leaning in close to claim the Hyuuga's lips in a kiss.
"As you can see, I am much more horrible."
Haku kissed him again before thrusting, pushing in and out with a speed that left Neji breathless. He licked the shell of Neji's ear whispering in a faint airy voice.
"Angels are much worse."